An ambitious 12-day roadtrip around Namibia
Filmed on : May 2024
Filmed in : Namibia
Namibia is one of the best destinations in the world for a road trip, with its stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, and unique experiences. From walking through the red dunes of Deadvlei to exploring the abandoned diamond town of Kolmanskop or spotting animals at Etosha National Park, this country has so much to offer for adventure lovers.
When we planned a 12-day road trip with my parents, we wanted to see all the highlights while sticking to a reasonable budget. We organized everything ourselves—renting a 4x4 with rooftop tents, choosing campsites, and mapping out the route. The best part? You don’t need a travel agency to plan an unforgettable trip to Namibia.
In this guide, we’ll share our full itinerary, budget tips, advice for first-time visitors, and lots of photos to inspire your own trip. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already getting ready to go, this is the perfect guide to help you prepare!
Why Namibia is Perfect for a Road Trip
Namibia is one of the easiest and most rewarding countries in Africa for a self-drive adventure. Here are some of the top reasons why it’s a road trip paradise:
• Diverse Landscapes in One Country
Namibia is home to some of the most unique and varied scenery on the planet. In just one trip, you can go from the towering red sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the rugged Skeleton Coast, the wildlife-rich savannas of Etosha, and the dramatic mountains of Spitzkoppe. Every day feels like a completely new adventure.
• Well-Maintained Roads and Safe Travel
Namibia’s road network is surprisingly good for such a remote country. The main routes are gravel but well-maintained, and with a sturdy vehicle, you can explore almost anywhere. It’s also one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists, making it an ideal destination for independent travelers.
• Freedom and Flexibility
Renting a 4x4 with rooftop tents gives you complete freedom to explore Namibia at your own pace. You can camp in some of the most incredible locations, like right under the stars at Spitzkoppe or next to a waterhole in Etosha. It’s an adventure that feels truly personal.
• Incredible Wildlife and National Parks
Namibia is home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, and you don’t need to spend a fortune on guided safaris to see them. Etosha National Park is a self-drive haven where you can spot elephants, rhinos, lions, and more from your own vehicle.
• Adventure Without the Crowds
Unlike other popular destinations, Namibia still feels wild and uncrowded. Even in famous spots like Deadvlei or Kolmanskop, you’ll often have moments where it feels like you’re the only one there.
Whether you’re an experienced traveler or planning your first big road trip, Namibia offers the perfect mix of adventure, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Windhoek
Day 2: Duwisib Castle
Day 3: Aus
Day 4: Lüderitz
Day 5: Kolmanskop and Sesriem
Day 6: Deadvlei and Sossusvlei
Day 7-8: Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
Day 9: Spitzkoppe
Day 10: Etosha National Park
Day 11: Waterberg Plateau
Day 12: Back to Windhoek
Budget Breakdown
Car rental: ~100€/day with ASCO Car Hire, with insurance. 2 roof tents and the complete camping equipment. We really recommend the company, everything was super smooth, the car extremely well equipped and the service very professional. They can arrange a free pickup from the airport on demand.
Accommodation: Between 8€ to 20€ per person per night, camping. There is usually access to electricity, hot showers and a fire pit. An amazing Airbnb in Swakopmund for 4 adults costed us 78€/night. An average 2-bedroom in Windhoek around 55€.
Activities: Pretty reasonably priced. Etosha is less than 10€/day. Kayaking with seals in Walvis Bay is 50€. Entry to protected areas is around 10€/person in general.
Taxis: We used Yango to order taxis and it worked pretty well in the capital and in Swakopmund; quite inexpensive with rides between 1.50€ to 3€ for up to 20 minutes.
Food: We didn't visit too many restaurants in the country as we took every chance we had to cook by ourselves. The prices in cafes and restaurants are reasonable, and very affordable if you're heading for local places. Upon getting the car we headed to the giant SuperSpar The Grove and did 12-days worth of groceries (normal prices). Everything can be bought there. Buy enough water and fire wood, but remember that no meat can enter Etosha!
Top Tips for Traveling in Namibia
About the car: Fill up your tank whenever you pass a fuel station, even if it’s half-full. Fuel stations can be spaced far apart, especially in remote regions like the Namib Desert. Make sure to book your car well in advance, especially in high season, it's the most important element of your trip! Also, pay attention to the instructions given by the rental agency, and maybe watch some tutorials about how to use the 4*4 modes if you're not so confident, it can save you some money (we got stuck in Deadvlei ...).
General Must-Haves: A first-aid kit, multi-purpose tool, and a detailed map of Namibia (offline GPS maps work great as well) are crucial for a safe and smooth trip.
Accommodations: Book popular campsites like Sesriem or Etosha’s rest camps well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (June to October). This avoids the need for last-minute wild camping. The booking system is pretty uniform across the accommodations in the country, so once you've got one figured out, booking the others become very easy. There is often a deposit to be paid upfront.
Tours: Certain activities, such as kayaking in Walvis Bay, should also be booked ahead to secure a spot. Try to aim for a good weather day, there is usually fog in the morning but quickly fades away as soon as the temperature rises.
Ready to explore Namibia like never before? Watch our YouTube video for an immersive look at our road trip, featuring stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Planning more African adventures? Check out our other blogposts and consider joining our mailing list if you'd like to be notified when we'll organize our next group trip.
