road trip from johannesburg to namibia

31 Best Stops Between Johannesburg and Windhoek

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How long is the drive from Johannesburg to Windhoek?

The direct drive from Johannesburg to Windhoek is 883 mi (1,421 km) , and should have a drive time of 16 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Johannesburg to Windhoek, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Madibeng , as well as top places to visit like Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre and Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort, or the ever-popular BON-AF BERRY FARM.

Top city between Johannesburg and Windhoek

Best stops along johannesburg to windhoek drive, bon-af berry farm.

Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort

Bothongo rhino & lion nature reserve, bothongo wondercave, hartbeespoort dam, real adventures, sterkfontein caves, monkey sanctuary, hartbeespoort in south africa, elephant sanctuary hartbeespoort, bill harrop's "original" balloon safaris, maropeng: official visitor centre for the cradle of humankind world heritage site, ukutula lodge & game reserve, johannesburg skydiving club, mountain sanctuary park, mooirivier mall, akwaaba lodge & predator park, paul kruger country house museum, crocodile sanctuary, sun city resort, valley of waves.

Pilanesberg National Park

Madikwe game reserve, mafikeng game reserve, avani gaborone resort & casino, the three dikgosi monument, lion park resort, mokolodi nature reserve, harnas wildlife foundation, other popular road trips from johannesburg, explore nearby places.

• the Skeleton Coast National Park
• Namib-Naukluft Park
• Gross Barmen
• Otjimbingwe
• Otjiwarongo
• Waterberg Plateau Park
• Hentiesbaai
• Grootfontein
• Etosha National Park
• Keetmanshoop

All related maps of Windhoek

• Map of Windhoek
• Map of the Skeleton Coast National Park
• Map of Namib-Naukluft Park
• Map of Gross Barmen
• Map of Okahandja
• Map of Otjimbingwe
• Map of Omaruru
• Map of Solitaire
• Map of Gobabis
• Map of Kalkfeld
• Map of Hardap
• Map of Gobabeb
• Map of Otjiwarongo
• Map of Waterberg Plateau Park
• Map of Mariental
• Map of Maltahohe
• Map of Swakopmund
• Map of Walvis Bay
• Map of Outjo
• Map of Hentiesbaai
• Map of Otavi
• Map of Khorixas
• Map of Grootfontein
• Map of Tsumeb
• Map of Okaukuejo
• Map of Halali
• Map of Kamanjab
• Map of Etosha National Park
• Map of Keetmanshoop

Windhoek throughout the year

• Windhoek in January
• Windhoek in February
• Windhoek in March
• Windhoek in April
• Windhoek in May
• Windhoek in June
• Windhoek in July
• Windhoek in August
• Windhoek in September
• Windhoek in October
• Windhoek in November
• Windhoek in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Windhoek?

Get inspired for your trip to Windhoek with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Windhoek Itinerary
• 2-Day Windhoek Itinerary
• 3-Day Windhoek Itinerary
• 4-Day Windhoek Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from johannesburg to windhoek.

Yes! You can drive from Johannesburg to Windhoek.

How far is Windhoek from Johannesburg by car?

The drive from Johannesburg to Windhoek is 883 miles (1,421 km).

How long does it take to drive from Johannesburg to Windhoek?

Driving from Johannesburg to Windhoek should take you 16 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Johannesburg to Windhoek?

Gas from Johannesburg to Windhoek would cost around $77 to $181 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Johannesburg to Windhoek?

You could check out Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre and Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort, or the always popular BON-AF BERRY FARM!

What are the best cities to visit between Johannesburg and Windhoek?

People love visiting Madibeng, among others.

What's the weather like in Johannesburg?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Johannesburg in January
• Weather in Johannesburg in February
• Weather in Johannesburg in March
• Weather in Johannesburg in April
• Weather in Johannesburg in May
• Weather in Johannesburg in June
• Weather in Johannesburg in July
• Weather in Johannesburg in August
• Weather in Johannesburg in September
• Weather in Johannesburg in October
• Weather in Johannesburg in November
• Weather in Johannesburg in December

What are some other road trips from Johannesburg?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Johannesburg.

• Johannesburg to Cape Town Central drive
• Johannesburg to Sun City drive
• Johannesburg to Durban drive
• Johannesburg to Madibeng drive
• Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay drive
• Johannesburg to Oudtshoorn drive
• Johannesburg to Nelspruit drive
• Johannesburg to Stellenbosch drive
• Johannesburg to Victoria Falls drive
• Johannesburg to Graskop drive
• Johannesburg to Tsitsikamma National Park drive
• Johannesburg to Hoedspruit drive
• Johannesburg to Bela Bela drive
• Johannesburg to Maputo drive
• Johannesburg to St Lucia drive
• Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth drive
• Johannesburg to Bloemfontein drive
• Johannesburg to Howick drive
• Johannesburg to Overstrand drive
• Johannesburg to Dullstroom drive
• Johannesburg to Kimberley drive
• Johannesburg to Rustenburg drive
• Johannesburg to Clarens drive
• Johannesburg to Gaborone drive
• Johannesburg to Knysna drive
• Johannesburg to Tofo drive
• Johannesburg to Storms River drive
• Johannesburg to Windhoek drive
• Johannesburg to Cathkin Park drive
• Johannesburg to Graaff-Reinet drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

An Incredible 10-Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary

September 5, 2021 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

If you follow me on Instagram , you’ll know I recently got back from a two-month trip to Namibia .

It was my second trip to the country this year, and my feed has been an explosion of desert landscapes, epic hot air balloon adventures, and ticking off some of Namibia’s top attractions.

And after doing a Namibia travel Q&A, I had an influx of people asking me two things:

• “Please make all this information a Story highlight.”
• “Hurry up and post your Namibia blog posts!”

So here it is.

All the tips, information, and destinations you need to know about to plan an unforgettable Namibia road trip itinerary!

Without further adieu, let’s dive into this behemoth.

Psst…Want more Namibia travel tips and road trip inspo? Check out these other posts:

• Staying at Desert Grace: A Top Luxury Eco Lodge in Namibia
• 20 Incredible Visa-Free Countries South Africans Need to Visit in 202 1
• The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)
• 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
• 10+ of the Cheapest African Countries You Need to Visit

Table of Contents

Keep an Eye on Your Fuel Tank

Don’t drive at night, road trip namibia solo or in a group, pick the right car, travel & car insurance , get a local sim card, covid travel requirements for namibia, the best time to visit namibia, where to stay in windhoek, things to do in windhoek, where to stay in luderitz, things to do in luderitz, where to stay in sossusvlei, things to do near swakopmund, where to stay in swakopmund, where to stay in spitzkoppe, where to stay in etosha, etosha to windhoek (1 day), even more bucket list namibia attractions, what to pack for a namibia road trip, cost of accommodation in namibia, car rental and petrol costs in namibia, entrance fees for national parks, food costs in namibia, flights to namibia from south africa, travelling to namibia faq, namibia road trip safety tips.

“Is it safe to drive in Namibia?”

That’s one of the top questions in my DMs.

The short answer? Yes! Namibia is a safe self-drive destination. Hopping in your car and driving into the arid desert is one of the best ways to explore the country.

However, there are a few things you do need to keep in mind.

Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world. With a population of only 2 million and an area of 825,400 square kilometres, you can drive for hours and not see another car.

When you couple this with the long drive times between attractions, and few and far petrol stations in between – you could run out of fuel in the middle of nowhere if you’re not careful.

Before you set out on your Namibia self-drive trip, go onto Google Maps and make a note of the petrol stations and where you’re going to fill up.

Tip: Work out your car’s fuel efficiency so you know exactly how many kilometres you’re going to get from one full tank of fuel.

Once you leave a big city like Windhoek, you won’t find a single street light until you reach the next town.

While no light pollution is music to any astrophotographer’s ears, it’s dangerous to anyone on the roads after dark.

You could hit big animals like Oryx or not see a pothole in time.

…And that’s a sure-fire way to spend your travel fund on insurance premiums.

Tip: Plan your Namibia road trip route to leave after sunrise and arrive before sunset.

Okay, hear me out.

You can self-drive Namibia alone, but only if you prepare for sh*t to the fan.

With how remote the country is and the lack of cell signal, if you get stuck or have an accident, you might have to wait hours for someone to drive past.

If you want to road trip Namibia solo, make sure you have:

• Satellite phone
• Emergency service numbers
• Tools for changing a tyre
• Knowledge to get your car unstuck from a sand dune

For everyone else, I’d recommend going in a group for safety. 

And if you want to go up to the Skeleton Coast, go in a convoy (not one car), so you have another vehicle to help in case you get stuck.

Do you need a 4×4 in Namibia? Yes and no.

You can reach some destinations with a normal vehicle. The road to Sossusvlei has been upgraded in recent years, and there is a tar road from the park gates until the first Dead Vlei parking lot.

But due to the conditions of the gravel roads, it’s better to use a 4×4. Plus, if you want to explore more remote regions and tackle the dunes, you’ll need an off-road vehicle. 

World Nomads Travel Insurance offers some of the best coverage for travellers. No matter where in the world you go, you’ll have cover for over 150 adventure activities and travel hiccups like unplanned hospital and doctor visits.

If you’re a digital nomad and travel to Namibia for a month or more, I recommend Safety Wing . It’s travel insurance for long-term travellers and has remote health care insurance as well.

For car insurance, you shouldn’t skimp on this option. We got caught in a sandstorm en route to Luderitz that stripped the paint off the car and pockmarked the entire windscreen.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Grab an MTC sim card and sign up for the Supa Aweh package. It has the best value for money in terms of the amount of data and talk time you’ll get.

The only catch? It expires after a week.

If you plan to stay in Namibia for longer as I did, I topped up my data bundles as I ran out.

Namibia’s borders are open to international travellers, but there are a few travel requirements you’ll need to meet.

• 72-hour negative PCR test on arrival.
• 72-hour negative PCR test on departure.

You do not need to self-isolate or go into a mandatory government quarantine .

To get your negative COVID test to leave Namibia, you can go to Pathcare testing stations. Pathcare has depots in Walvis Bay and Windhoek, and you do need to pre-book a timeslot.

Cost: NAD 850

If you want to go private, I highly recommend NamibTest. There is no waiting in lines, you’ll have your tests back in 7 to 24-hours, and you can book your appointment online.

Note: There are only testing stations or home visits in Windhoek and Swakopmund.

Cost: From NAD 950

When is the best time of year to visit Namibia? October.

The heat of summer hasn’t arrived yet, the chill of winter has melted away, and the wildflowers are in bloom. 

And if that’s not enough to tempt you, this will. October is a shoulder season for Namibia. It’s coming right off the heels of the country’s busiest months (June to August) which means you can scoop up incredible accommodation deals, and the crowds at Dead Vlei are minimal.

But if you want to avoid melting like a popsicle, the winter months (June to August) are a firm favourite for a reason. You won’t have a rain cloud in sight, temperatures are cool, and you’ll have incredible wildlife sightings in Etosha National Park.

Namibia Road Trip Itinerary

Special thanks to Mat-Travel Safaris and Tours for helping me plan both my Namibia road trips, organising all the logistics, and driving me around!

I’ve only flown into Namibia for a road trip. However, it’s totally possible to drive up from Cape Town or elsewhere in South Africa .

There is a main road you can follow, and it’s in good condition. If you decide to drive, remember to read up on what you’ll need to present at the border (i.e. car paperwork) and what food you can and cannot take across into Namibia.

Here is my Namibia road trip itinerary starting from Windhoek!

Windhoek (1 Day)

Fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) and spend one night in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city.

Trust me. You’ll want a bit of a breather before the madness of the road trip kicks into full gear. It will also give you time to grab a local sim card and check out the food scene.

After a good night’s rest, buckle up and get ready to start driving towards Luderitz in the morning.

• Chameleon Backpackers
• Windhoek Country Club Resort
• Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel
• Have dinner at Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro (not vegan friendly)
• Visit Christuskirche (a gingerbread looking church)

Windhoek to Luderitz (1-2 Days)

• Distance: 684 km
• Time: 7-hours 35 min

From Windhoek, you can drive straight through to Luderitz, BUT that’s a hectic 8-hour drive.

Instead, break up your trip with a stop in Keetmanshoop . It’s home to Namibia’s famous quiver tree forest! We originally planned to stay on the farm where these trees are found, but a COVID break at the accommodation meant we had to cancel our booking.

If you have more time, you can opt-in for a more popular route to Luderitz: Windhoek – Kalahari – Fish River Canyon – Luderitz.  

Once you get to Luderitz, you can spend one or two days exploring the Kolmanskop Ghost Town. Once a thriving diamond mining town, it was abandoned to the elements in the 1950s. Over the decades, the desert has slowly taken over the buildings.

I would recommend spending two days here if you’re a photographer. It will give you time to scope out your shots and two opportunities to shoot at sunrise.

An extra day also means you have a buffer day in case the weather is bad.

Cost: Permits for sunrise and sunset are NAD 300 or NAD150 if you go in during daytime hours.

• The Cormorant House

Lüderitz to Sossusvlei (2 Days)

• Distance: 498 km
• Time: 6-hours 27 min

Next, you’re off to one of my favourite places in Namibia – Sossusvlei! Here, you’ll find the petrified Dead Vlei and the famous Dune 45 (the most photographed dune in the world!)

There are so many incredible ways to experience the desert while you’re here:

• Go on a hot air balloon ride with Namib Sky
• Sign up for a sunset nature drive into the dunes (available at Le Mirage)
• Climb Big Momma and Big Daddy dunes
• See Deadvlei and Sossusvlei
• Take photos at the dunes lining the road up to Deadvlei
• Keep an eye out for the Oryx!

Tip: Come inside the park for one sunset and one sunrise to experience the dunes in a different light! And don’t forget water if you plan on climbing any of the dunes.

• Kulala Desert Lodge (private access to Sossusvlei)
• Sesriem Campsite (campsite inside the park)
• Le Mirage (an hour drive to Sossusvlei)
• Gondwana Desert Grace Lodge

Read More: Staying at Desert Grace: A Top Luxury Eco Lodge in Namibia

Sossusvlei to Swakopmund (2 Days)

• Distance: 403 km
• Time: 5-hours

After an incredible two days in Sossusvlei, drive up the coast to Swakopmund. This little town is an excellent spot to have a breather and experience more of Namibia’s top attractions.

But before you pull into town, add Solitaire to your GPS and stop by for the famous apple crumble pie. 😍

Feast your heart out! It’s 100% worth it!

If you’re short on time, you can end your Namibia road trip itinerary here and fly out of Walvis Bay Airport. It’s a 35-minute drive away, or you could drive back to Windhoek (3-hours away) and depart from Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Read More: How To Book Cheap Flights From South Africa To Your Dream Destination

• Sandwich Harbour: Sign up for a half-day tour with Mola Mola Safaris and experience the size of the dunes first-hand. You drive next to the waves breaking on the beach and go on a roller coaster ride into the dunes. 12/10 would recommend – just make sure you sit in the front if you get car sick.
• Seal Kayaking Tour: This takes place in Walvis Bay, but you can easily organise a pick up with the tour company.
• Quad Biking: Dune 7 Adventures has an amazing quad biking sunset tour! It’s one of the best things I did in Namibia, and the views were incredible!
• Flamingoes: Walvis Bay (a short 30-minute drive from Swakopmund) is famous for its gigantic flamingo population. Walk along the promenade, and you’ll see a sea of pink -heart eyes-
• Architecture: Walk around Swakopmund and explore the town’s beautiful German architecture. My favourite building is the old railway station. 
• Skeleton Coast: If you have an extra day, book a day trip up to the Skeleton Coast. You can see the shipwrecks that litter Namibia’s coast. Or, if you want to save time, you can book a scenic flight and see the wrecks from above.

Tip: The Skeleton Coast is super remote and has no cell signal. It’s best to go with someone who knows the area and can help if your car gets stuck.

• All African Colours
• Hansa Hotel
• Strand Hotel

Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe (1-2 Days)

• Distance: 152 km
• Time: 1-hour 38 min

Only a 3-hour drive from Swakopmund lies another firm favourite – Spitzkoppe. Located in Damaraland, a breathtaking mountainous region where you’ll find locals selling crystals, desert lions, elephants and zebras. 

With so much epicness going on, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the most photographed places in Namibia!

And the star of the show? The famous “arch”.

For photographers, shoot the arch at sunrise. Sunset works as well, but I find that the sunrise photos look better.

If you’re not into boulders or landscape photography, Spitzkoppe is an incredible star-gazing destination in Namibia. Pack your tripod and plan your trip in line with the new moon for spectacular Milky Way shots !

On my first Namibia road trip, this was our final stop before driving back to Windhoek to fly back home. You can do the same or continue further north.

• Spitzkoppe Tented Camp : 12/10 would recommend staying here. It’s only a short drive to the entrance.
• Spitzkoppe Campsites : You can camp inside the park, but it’s wild camping, and you’ll need to bring everything with you.
• Spitzkoppen Lodge : A more luxurious option.

Spitzkoppe to Etosha (3 Days)

• Distance: 460 km

Got the time to explore more of Namibia? Head up to Etosha National Park.

You can start in Swakopmund, skip Spitzkoppe and spend one night at Madisa Camp in Damaraland (3-hour drive) before driving at Anderson’s Gate on the C38 (4-hour drive).

If you’re coming from Spitzkoppe, the drive is 5-hours to the gate.

Once you’re inside, I’d recommend spending at least three days in Etosha. It will give you more than enough time to explore the park, and if you book accommodation within Etosha, you’ll have extra time for spotting the famous ghost elephants, big cats, and all the other wildlife.

The downside? The chalets inside the park are government-owned and aren’t in the best condition. My rooms at different camps had cockroaches, I didn’t always have hot water, and you can hear other people showering.

Plus, if you book the breakfast and dinner option, it’s not super vegetarian or vegan friendly . Learn from my mistakes and pack your own food if you don’t like eating meat.

What are ghost elephants? Regular ol’ African elephants that bathe in the park’s white clay and calcite sand, turning their grey skin white.

• Okaukuejo Camp : Book the premium waterhole chalets if you can.
• Halali Camp : My favourite Etosha camp that was in a better condition than Okaukuejo and near to the one leopard’s local hangout.
• Mushara Lodge : A luxury camp outside of Etosha on the Eastern side of the park.
• Little Ongava : A luxury lodge 5 minutes from Etosha’s gates.

• Distance: 457 km
• Time:  4-hours 37 min

If you don’t want to spend a night in Windhoek, book an afternoon flight out. Etosha is only a 4-hour drive away, and if you leave early enough, you can make it in time for your final leg back home.

We did this on our first Namibia road trip.

There are a few other destinations you can check out for those that have more time for a longer Namibia road trip itinerary:

• Caprivi Strip
• Fish River Canyon
• Twyfelfontein
• Waterberg Plateau National Park
• Epupa Falls
• Hoba Meteorite
• Welwitschia Drive
• Sesriem Canyon
• Quiver Tree Forest

Before you start your Namibia road trip, there are a few essentials that you’ll want to make sure are in your car:

• Spare tyre, spanner, and jack
• Tyre repair spray for punctures
• A cell phone charger for the car and a power bank
• Credit card and cash (don’t forget to unlock your card for international travel)
• Downloaded Spotify road trip playlist (you won’t have signal the entire time for online streaming)
• Offline version of Google Maps, Garmin, or old school map book
• A torch or headlamp
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Soy milk if you don’t drink dairy (pick this up in Windhoek or Walvis Bay)
• Snacks for the car

Read More: The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)

Namibia Road Trip Cost

Your Namibia road trip budget will vary depending on your travelling style, how far you drive, and how many days you spend in the country. 

Here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay in Namibia:

Camping: Camping is the cheapest accommodation option in Namibia. You can bring your camping gear, hire some from an overland company, or stay in tented camps. Prices for campsites in Namibia average around NAD 200.

Lodges: Staying in a lodge or guesthouse in Namibia varies widely. You can book at mid-range places for NAD 800 per person per night or splurge on an ultra-luxe lodge starting at NAD 7000 per person.

The cost of renting a car in Namibia depends on the type of car you choose and if you’re travelling during high or low season. On average, a 4×4 rental (without camping gear) for 7-days will start at NAD 1020 per day for a 7-day trip, and if you want camping included, it can go up to NAD 2500 during peak season.

Next, you’ll need to budget for petrol. Luckily, it’s cheaper than South Africa. The price per litre is usually around NAD 13. To give you an example, my trip from Walvis Bay to Etosha cost NAD 2,400 for three tanks of fuel. 

The entrance fees in Namibia aren’t crazy expensive.

SADC nationals will pay around NAD 50 – NAD 70 and everyone else NAD 100 to NAD 150. Car fees are between NAD 20 to NAD 50, depending on your nationality.

If you’re staying at self-catering places, you can keep your food costs pretty low. The prices for some food items are slightly more expensive in Spar or at petrol stations as many things are imported.

Eating out at restaurants is on par with South African prices. You can expect main meal dishes to be average around R80 to R150. Non-vegetarian meals do cost more.

I paid R3500 for a return flight from Cape Town to Walvis Bay and around the same amount for my flights from Johannesburg to Windhoek.

To get the best flight prices, use Skyscanner . You can quickly see what months are the cheapest to fly to Namibia and what days airlines hike up the prices.

• What injections do I need for Namibia? There are no required vaccines for Namibia. However, always double-check with your doctor what shots you should get before travelling to Namibia. Some of the advised vaccines are Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, and Cholera.
• Do I need malaria tablets for Namibia? There are some areas in Namibia where malaria is a high risk, especially during the rainy season. Again, speak to your doctor to get up-to-date medical advice and get malaria tablets that work best for you.
• Can I drink the water in Namibia? Yes, you can drink tap water in Namibia. However, always double-check when you are staying at lodges and campsites outside of the main cities.
• How many days should I spend in Namibia? With huge distances to cover between Namibia attractions, you should aim to spend between 10 to 14 days or more in Namibia.

Woo hoo! Congrats on making it to the end of this gigantic but EPIC Namibia road trip itinerary! Got any questions I didn’t answer? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below.

If you like it, then you should put a pin on it! 

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

September 6, 2021 at 6:22 am

Love this! So helpful. Did you visit the skeleton coast? Will it be part of the trip you’re organizing next year? Also how’s the covid situation in Namibia?

September 6, 2021 at 8:26 am

I went as far as Henties Bay and saw one shipwreck. But I didn’t technically go into Skeleton Coast NP. For the trip, we are probably not going to do it just because of time and wanting to keep things at a specific price point.

Covid situation is more or less the same as SA and the rest of the world. You just need to wear a mask etc. like we do here.

December 24, 2021 at 11:05 am

Hello Lauren, its been my dream to visit Namibia with my family- we are 5 in total. however, after having looked at costs it seems to be an unreachable dream. I would love to road trip and would have to hire a 4*4 to do this, so that is definitely an additional cost as I don’t own one currently. Then its accommodation for 5 people, which I dont really mind rouging it out a bit, I’m not sure camping is an option for us though (but if it comes down to it we may have to) Then there’s the cost of all the covid tests. What would you recommend is best route for a family of 5 who wants to do a road trip (but preferably not alone as we are not too experienced). it must be the kinda trip youv’e described with the opportunity to take in all the key destinations and basically following your itinerary? we would have mx 10 days available to us to do this. tough question, but what should a trip like this cost me?

December 24, 2021 at 1:15 pm

Hey! I think the best option for you would be to sign up for a group tour of Namibia. You won’t be alone and you’ll have a clear idea of the costs upfront x

March 29, 2022 at 5:31 am

Hello Lauren, this is so helpful, thank you! Namibia sounds so magical – we’d like to book a road trip in May. Could you suggest any affordable group tour? We will fly from Joburg.

March 29, 2022 at 10:48 am

Hey Lara! I’m hosting a group trip to Namibia in May. You can see the trip itinerary and all the costs here: https://wandertohere.com/trips/namibia-7-day-overland-tour/

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Ultimate Namibia Itinerary: Self-Drive Road Trip (+ Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 28, 2024

Namibia is a beautiful country that requires some slow traveling to truly appreciate it. It’s also a place that requires quite some advance research in order to make the most of your trip.

Planning a self-drive road trip in Namibia might look overwhelming at first. Distances are big, the roads aren’t great, and the accommodations are scarce and expensive…

So you are absolutely right looking for ideas for the Namibia itinerary and suggestions on how to best plan your road trip in advance!

We also struggled with the same questions before our trip. After a lot of research, we created an amazing itinerary and spent 4 weeks road-tripping in Namibia. It was the best road trip ever!

Below, you can find our detailed day-to-day Namibia road trip itinerary that covers all the must-see places and so much more. Our trip was very easy-going, so we also included suggestions for how you can see just as much in less time. You can also find Namibia itinerary tips for shorter trips. Find out!

Things to Consider When Preparing Namibia Itinerary

No matter how much time you have in Namibia, you will have to make choices when preparing your itinerary.

Here are a few things to consider:

• There are very few highways in Namibia and most other roads are gravel. So you will – literally – need to slow down. That being said, it doesn’t mean that you need a month to see Namibia. In fact, many ‘standard’ Namibia trip itineraries are no longer than 10 or 14 days.
• The distances between the main highlights are very big, so you cannot just visit the ‘top’ places and skip all the rest unless you opt for a fly-in safari.
• When planning your trip , you’ll have to decide if you want to visit more places at a fast pace or travel slower and see more at fewer locations.
• Before preparing your itinerary, consider if you also want to visit the South (Fish River Canyon) and/or the North (Caprivi Strip) of the country. Both these destinations are so far from all the rest that just driving there and back will add at least a few days to your trip.
• Another possibility is to combine your Namibian road trip with Botswana and Victoria Falls. But only do this by car if you have a lot of time.
• Or maybe you decide to just stick to the main highlights of Namibia and skip the less known locations… In that case, you can even see ‘the musts’ in a week.

The choice is completely yours to make depending on your interests, time, budget, and some other factors, like malaria risk, for example.

There are two main highlights that you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Namibia and that is Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei . Other highlights include Fish River Canyon , Kolmanskop , Swakopmund , and Twyfelfontein . But there are many other amazing places.

Having said all that, some of the very best, memorable experiences from our trip to Namibia had nothing to do with the most famous places… In our itinerary below, you can read all about it.

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Visit in Namibia

Our Namibia itinerary for 4 weeks

Before we continue with our Namibia road trip itinerary, you should know that this is a custom-made 4-week road trip itinerary that covers all of Namibia except the north. We prepared this Namibia itinerary for our family based on our interests and taking into account the fact that we were traveling to Namibia with three young children under 6.

Of course, we included all the landmarks and made sure to visit all the best places in Namibia! But we opted for multiple nights at several locations and for shorter driving days when we could. Also, we didn’t go to the Caprivi Strip in order to avoid malaria risk.

TIP: You could easily shorten this Namibia itinerary and still see about just as much as we did in about 3 weeks. And certainly, if you are camping and are less dependent on the location of accommodations. You can find some itinerary suggestions for 2 or 3 weeks in Namibia at the bottom of this article. Read on!

Here’s our Namibia road trip itinerary exactly as we did it:

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek. Windhoek – Kalahari Desert. Eningu Clayhouse Lodge for 1 night. 110 km – 2hrs.

After picking up the rental car where we also got a short instruction video about driving on gravel, we headed to Windhoek for a short city walk and to stack on supplies of food and drinks for the next few days.

TIP: Check this website for an overview of some of the best options for car rental. We recommend getting a 4×4 for your Namibia trip.

We opted to spend our first night outside of the city. We stayed at Eningu Clayhouse Lodge in the Kalahari desert and I would recommend this to everyone. Not necessarily this specific lodge, but staying outside of the city.

We felt that we were in Africa the moment we left the highway. We saw wild animals next to the road and we spent our first afternoon in the hot tub. We saw an amazing sunset and spent our first evening dining under the stars.

TIP: Don’t stay in Windhoek. Choose one of the many lodges outside the city. If you decide to go straight down to the south and rather stay closer to the main road to Mariental, I recommend checking Auas Safari Lodge . It’s not too far from Windhoek and has great reviews! 

Day 2: Kalahari desert. Drive to Mariental. Gondwana Kalahari Anib Lodge for 1 night. 270 km, 4-5hrs.

Long drive through the Kalahari desert today. The scenery is nice, but there are no major points of interest along the way here, so we drove straight to our next accommodation.

We arrived at our next lodge, Gondwana Kalahari Anib Lodge , just in time for a late afternoon safari ride and a sundowner. It was the first one during this trip and we loved it! We got bitten by a sundowner bug and tried to go on as many sundowners as possible during the rest of our trip.

TIP: Don’t miss Namibian sundowners, do at least one! All lodges in Namibia organize sundowner/safari rides, so make sure you get to your lodge in time for the late afternoon ride.

Day 3 : Mariental – Fish River Canyon. Canyon Lodge for 2 nights. 410 km – 6hrs.

Long drive from Mariental to Fish River Canyon, but luckily the first part was on a tarmac road.

We stopped at the Quiver Tree Forest and made a short walk around the Giant’s Playground before continuing South towards the Fish River Canyon. The last couple of hours we were driving through the desolate and very uninspiring landscape, but the surroundings of our next lodge were so beautiful that we quickly forgot the long drive.

Our accommodation for two nights was a beautiful Gondwana Canyon Lodge – one of the nicest places we stayed during this trip!

A bit cheaper accommodation located in a similar spectacular setting is the nearby Gondwana Canyon Village .

TIP: If you are looking for accommodation with views over the Fish River Canyon, take a look at Fish River Lodge . It has an amazing location!

Day 4 : Fish River Canyon

There are many possibilities to explore the Fish River Canyon . You can also opt for some other excursions in the area. We simply chose to drive to the canyon and explore several viewpoints.

In the morning, we drove to a couple of lookouts and made a walk on the rim of the canyon.

TIP for families traveling with children: In the afternoon we headed to a nearby Canyon Roadhouse for lunch.

We chose this place because we knew our kids would love it there. They have a big collection of all kinds of old vehicles. A paradise for our boys!

In the evening, we opted for a sundowner walk at our lodge and enjoyed the most beautiful Namibian sunset in style.

Day 5 : Fish River Canyon – Klein Aus Vista. Desert Horse Inn for 2 nights. 290 km – 4hrs.

A long drive again with some beautiful landscapes along the way. Our lodge, Desert Horse Inn , was not half as nice as the previous one, but there wasn’t anything better available in this area when we traveled. Now I’d recommend staying at the highly-rated Bahnhof Hotel Aus .

There are lots of hiking trails in the area and so we spent the afternoon hiking. The walk was much nicer than we had expected.

TIP:   Go hiking in the area around Klein Aus Vista.

Day 6 : Klein Aus Vista – Luderitz/ Kolmanskop – Klein Aus Vista. 115 km – 1,5 hrs in one direction.

The highlight of the day was our visit to Kolmanskop . It’s a ghost town that was once the home to German diamond miners seeking to make their fortune in the Namibian desert.

Nowadays, Kolmansop is a real paradise for photographers. Our kids loved it too!

TIP: Go to Kolmanskop early in the morning for better pictures and fewer people.

We also paid a short visit to Luderitz , but found it a rather uninspiring little town. We also spent some time hoping to find the wild horses of Namib in Garub . No luck for us, but this place is known for that, so check it out if passing by.

Day 7 : Klein Aus Vista – Sossusvlei. Sossus Dune Lodge for 2 nights. 350 km – 5hrs.

Long ride from Aus to Sossusvlei, but it didn’t feel that long since we took the scenic route and drove through the most amazing landscape. Red sand roads, oryx antelopes, ostriches, and all kinds of other wild animals added plenty of distraction for the kids along the way.

TIP: Take route C27 and not C14+C19 – it might be slower, but it’s really worth it.

We opted to stay at the Sossus Dune Lodge as it’s the only lodge that is inside the park allowing the guests to get to the Sossusvlei before sunrise and after sunset. We went to Elim dune to watch the sunset. 

TIP:   Sossusvlei Lodge,  located just outside the park gates, is actually nicer accommodation and it’s cheaper too. The only disadvantage is that you can’t enter the park before sunrise.

Day 8 : Sossusvlei

Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Dune 45, and the Sesriem canyon were the highlights today. Top day for the kids as well. They loved climbing the sand dunes and they loved rolling down the dunes even more…

We woke up very early and drove to Sossusvlei before sunrise. We then walked to Deadvlei in the dark and stayed there until sunrise. It was freezing cold, but an amazing experience. We had the popular Deadvlei all to ourselves.

TIP: If you are up for it, you can climb one of the dunes for sunrise views. Dune 45 along the way to Sossusvlei is a good place for that if you can’t make it to Sossusvlei or Deadvlei before sunrise.

Day 9 : Sossusvlei – Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge for 1 night. 140 km, 2 hrs.

TIP:   When driving from Sossusvlei to the north, stop at Solitaire petrol station/restaurant for some of their famous apple pie.

Most people drive from Sossusvlei all the way to Swakopmund in one day. We opted to break the long drive between Sossuvlei to Swakopmund and spend a night in Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge .

The lodge itself is not very special, but there are lots of excursion possibilities in the area and they have a meerkat encounter , which was again one of the highlights for the kids.

We ended the day with another beautiful sundowner ride and some incredibly delicious food. The restaurant at this lodge was probably the best of our entire 4-weeks trip in Namibia!

Day 10 : Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge – Swakopmund for 3 nights. 230 km – 3,5 hrs.

After 10 days in the desert, we were so glad to be back in the living world again! We stopped in Walvis Bay for lunch. We could even choose from more than one restaurant! What a luxury.

TIP: Walvis Bay Lagoon with thousands of wild flamingos was absolutely the highlight of the day. Don’t miss it!

We stayed in Swakopmund, alternatively, you can stay in Walvis Bay. The two towns are not far from each other, but we found that Swakopmund has a much nicer atmosphere, more hotel and restaurant choices, and more activities and day trips that leave from there.

We stayed at the Atlantic Sicht Apartment in Swakopmund and absolutely loved it. It was like a home away from home. 

Here you can find the best deals for Swakopmund accommodation  or Walvis Bay accommodation . This area is the only place in Namibia where you can find a big choice of quality accommodation for any budget.

Days 11 – 12 : Swakopmund and the area

Swakopmund is a nice little town with many shops, restaurants, and cafés. It’s definitely the nicest town in Namibia and 3 nights is certainly not too much for a stay here. In fact, you could easily stay here longer and find plenty of things to see and do.

TIP: Have lunch or dinner at the Village Café (Sam Nujoma Avenue).

There are many excursion possibilities in and around Swakopmund , so you will have no difficulties finding something that interests you. Here you can find some of the most popular tours from Swakopmund .

The most popular tours are the dolphin- and whale-watching catamaran tour from Walvis Bay, Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive , and 4×4 tour to Sandwich Harbour  (or this amazing kayaking and Sandwich Harbour combo tour ). There are many more possibilities too, but the above are worth your time the most.

TIP (just for our readers – don’t tell anyone ;)): Even though Spitzkoppe is not included in most Namibia trip itineraries, it’s one of our absolute favorite places in Namibia. It’s only 1,5 hrs drive from Swakopmund and you can make a nice half day-day trip to the area.

Take water, picnic lunch, and walking shoes with you and explore this beautiful area. If you are camping, Spitzkoppe has the most amazing campsites you could imagine. Don’t miss it!

You can drive there or take a tour to Spitzkoppe if you want a more relaxing day or don’t have a 4×4.

Day 13 : Swakopmund – Twyfelfontein via Cape Cross. 411 km – 6+hrs. Twyfelfontein Country Lodge for 1 night.

TIP: Leave Swakopmund early in the morning if you want to go to Cape Cross first. It’s a long drive to Twyfelfontein and Cape Cross is a bit out of the way. But it’s absolutely worth it!

Cape Cross is home to a huge seal colony (tens of thousands of seals live here) and you can get amazingly close to them. An experience like no other!

If you have time left, you can visit Petrified Forest on the road to Twyfelfntein or drive to the Burnt Mountain for sunset.

We stayed at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge – one of the very few lodging options in this area. Alternatively, check out Malansrus or  Madisa Camp  – both very unique tented accommodations, but Malansrus is a bit closer to Twyfelfontein.

Day 14 : Twyfelfontein – Palmwag. Palmwag Lodge for 2 nights. 115 km – 1h45.

Twyfelfontein UNESCO Heritage Site  is absolutely worth the visit. You will be assigned a guide who will take you to the cavemen’s paintings and will tell you all you want to know about ancient rock art.

TIP:  Go to Twyfelfontein early in the morning before it gets busy. The most recommended walk is the Lion Man Route . Take water with you.

If you are interested in the local culture, pay a short visit to the Damara Living Museum . It’s not an authentic experience as it’s not a real village you are visiting, but one with paid actors, but it’s still interesting to see how people used to live in the area.

We stayed 2 nights at Palmwag Lodge . A really nice alternative in this area is Grootberg Lodge , or otherwise a more simple accommodation – Etendeka Mountain Camp . 

Day 15 : Palmwag

Free day in the Palmwag area. There are several excursion and safari ride possibilities at the lodge.

We opted for the safari and Himba village tour and had the most amazing day. The Himba village we visited was not comparable to the Damara ‘living museum’ we saw the other day. We met a real Himba family, saw the way they really live, and the interaction with the people was real.

Our kids went to play with their children, they were chasing the goats and the chicken and seemed to be having the time of their lives. Safari in the Palmwag area was also one of the best ones of our whole trip.

TIP: Visit a local Himba village.

LEARN MORE: Visiting Namibia’s Indigenous Tribes

Days 16 – 19 : Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is one of the best places to see in Namibia. So make sure to plan at least 2-3 days here. Here’s what our time in Etosha looked like:

Day 16 – Palmwag – Etosha. Dolomite Camp for 1 night. 230 km – 3.5hrs Day 17 – Dolomite Camp – Okaukuejo. 180 km – 4hrs. Okaukuejo Rest Camp for 2 nights. Day 18 – Etosha. Day 19 – Etosha: Okaukuejo – Mushara. 153 km – 2h15

There are plenty of possibilities to see wild animals in Etosha. The best times are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and the best places are around the waterholes. The very best place to see lots of animals without much effort is the Okaukuejo waterhole.

READ ALSO: Safari Tips & Safari with Kids

We stayed at three hotels in Etosha NP: Dolomite Camp and Okaukuejo Rest Camp – government-run properties inside Etosha, and a beautiful Mushara Lodge outside the park. 

Etosha is absolutely the highlight of any Namibian trip, but I cannot say the same about the Dolomite Camp. It’s a beautiful but completely mismanaged place.

Okaukuejo Rest Camp  offers simple accommodation, but it has an amazing location that makes up for the simple rooms. 

Mushara Lodge  was absolutely incredible and we wished we had stayed longer there. 

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Stay in Etosha National Park

TIP: If you are looking for the best location for Etosha, stay at Okaukuejo Rest Camp or at one of the beautiful hotels just outside the park gates at Okaukuejo . If you want to stay at the eastern side of Etosha as well, I cannot recommend Mushara Lodge highly enough.

Day 20 : Mushara – Otjiwarongo area. 300 km – 4hrs. Frans Indongo Lodge for 2 nights.

The only place that was somewhat worth a visit on this day was Lake Otjikoto. It’s more of a place to stretch your legs a bit than anything else.

We stayed at the  Frans Indongo Lodge  for 2 nights. The area around Frans Indongo was not very spectacular, but it was well located for a day trip to see cheetahs next day.

There are several walking trails next to the lodge, but if I were to go to Namibia again, I would only stay here for one night (or find an alternative hotel).

Day 21 : Cheetah Conservation Fund and Crocodile Farm

Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is a place you shouldn’t miss when planning Namibia road trip. It’s a serious honest project helping the animals and you have several possibilities to see cheetahs from close by. Count half a day for the visit.

TIP: If you are traveling without kids, try to get there for the Cheetah Run early in the morning. With children, we could go on a jeep ride and saw plenty of cheetahs from the safety of the car.

We also visited the Crocodile Ranch  in Otjiwarongo. You can see lots of crocodiles and even pet one so the kids liked it, but it’s not something you absolutely have to do. A good stop for half an hour for families passing by, but not more.

Days 22 – 23 : Erindi Private Game Reserve. Old Traders Lodge for 2 nights.

These two days were among the most memorable of the entire trip of 4 weeks in Namibia! Erindi is an amazing all-in safari lodge that truly has it all.

Day 22 : Otjiwarongo – Erindi Private Game Reserve. 270 km – 4 hrs. We drove to Erindi as early as we could so that we could join some of the activities on the first day already.

Day 23 : Erindi.  If there is one lodge I would love to go back to in Namibia, it’s Erindi Old Traders Lodge !

It was also the most expensive lodge on our Namibia itinerary, but absolutely worth it. We had an all-in package with two safari rides per day and all the meals included. There are many other activities that you can do in Erindi. Visiting the local San tribe was one of them, and also various safari rides, etc.

What we loved the most about our stay in Erindi was the restaurant terrace at the Old Traders Lodge. It overlooks a waterhole where we spent many relaxing hours eating cake, sipping cold drinks, and watching wild animals come and go.

If Erindi is above your budget, you can also just visit here for a day. The restaurant with the terrace overlooking a waterhole is accessible to everyone and they also offer safari rides and other activities to visitors who aren’t staying at the lodge. Erindi is a bit out of the way when driving from Etosha to Windhoek, but you’ll absolutely love it.

Day 24: Erindi – Windhoek. 220 km – 3hrs. Na’ankuse Lodge for 1 night.

Depending on your flight schedule, you could drive straight to the airport and skip Windhoek altogether on the last day.

We opted to stay at Erindi a bit longer and drove to Na’ankuse Lodge close to the airport towards the evening. The lodge proudly displays pictures of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who visited here back when they were a couple.

This lodge also has all kinds of activities including wildlife watching and they also have cheetahs. But we only arrived here in the evening, too late for any rides. So we only had dinner at the lodge and I cannot comment on the activities, however, customer reviews are excellent.

Day 25: Windhoek and departure

Since we had plenty of time before our flight, we headed back to the center of Windhoek. It was a bit livelier than on the first day of our trip and we enjoyed walking around the Post Street Mall . It’s a pedestrian mall lined with shops, restaurants, office buildings, and craft sellers and is probably the liveliest place in town.

We had a quiet late lunch at the famous Joe’s Beer House in Windhoek and headed to the airport for the flight home.

As you can see, our Namibia trip itinerary was a mix of seeing a lot and a more relaxing vacation. As I said, you could easily visit all the same places in Namibia in less time. 

What could you skip or shorten? See our suggestions for a shorter Namibia itinerary below!

Namibia Trip Itinerary Suggestions for 2 or 3 weeks

Following our 4-week itinerary above, here’s how you could adjust it to make it shorter:

• If Kolmanskop is not of much interest to you, you could skip day 6 of the itinerary.
• You could visit Sossusvlei in the morning and leave the area that same afternoon. If you don’t mind driving a lot (and I mean a lot), you could go straight to Swakopmund and skip days 9 and 10. In any case, you can easily skip one day here.
• If you have limited time, you could stay just 2 nights in Swakopmund instead of 3, skip Palmwag altogether (it’s a bit out of the way if you don’t go to the Dolomite Camp), and spend less time in Etosha.
• You could also stay just one night in the Otjiwarongo area, see cheetahs in the morning and drive straight to Windhoek.
• If you opt to stay at Erindi or one of the many other private reserves in the area, you can stay there till the last day of your trip and go straight to the airport from there.

I know that planning the Namibia itinerary can be overwhelming and this is a lot of information to digest, so feel free to ask questions. You can leave a reply below.

TIP: When planning your trip, make sure to also take a look at our essential travel tips for Namibia via the link below. That article has all the information about driving in Namibia, what kind of car you need, and other tips for touring Namibia on a self drive trip. Check it out!

READ ALSO: Namibia Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Namibia? Get the most out of your trip with these tips:

• Best Places to See in Namibia
• Namibia Packing List
• Etosha Hotels
• Namibia with Kids
• Our Favorite Pictures from Namibia
• Best Camera Equipment for Safari

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

Dear Jurga, Thank you for your article, it helped a lot with our planning. We will visit Namibia this summer with our 4 years old daughter and we had everything planned but unfortunately today we received an email from Erindi that they perform renovations which will last longer than expected and they had to cancel our reservation (beginning of August). So now i am looking for an alternative for 2 nights (we would have already spend 4 nights in Etosha and we want to spend two nights somewhere between Etosha and Windhoek). In your article you mention other private reserves in the area. Can you suggest any? Thank you Zafeira

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thank you, indeed i have checked some and either have 2 persons rooms or do not accept children below 6 years old - i will have a look to the ones you suggested as well and hopefully i will find something.

Once again thank you for the information.

Hi Zafeira, take a look at Okonjima Plains Camp or Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp. On a more affordable side, check out Ondudu Safari Lodge or Omurenga. On a lower budget, Omaruru Game Lodge looks great too. I'm just not sure how it works with 3 people sharing the room, so see what's possible for your family. I don't get it why so many lodges only have rooms for 2 people :(, but we found that most of them were accommodating enough to add an extra bed or mattress for a young child. It gets so much more complicated when your kids get older though... Anyway, hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Karin Eckhardt

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

Dear Jurga, I am so happy to came across your blog and have been reading it a lot. Very inspiring and love the pictures. I am planning my trip to Namibia in August with my son (will be driving by myself) and am struggling to make some final decisions. Would be great to hear your experience/suggestions. See day 7, 9 and Etosha. I can still change my depart from Windhoek 1 day later.

Day 1 Arrival Windhoek 11.00 / 1 night Day 2 >Sesriem / 1 night Day 3 > Solitaire / 1 night Day 4,5,6 > Swakopmund / 3 night Day 7 > Brandberg White lady lodge / 1 night However after booking I read about Spitzkoppe(which I don't want to visit as 1/2 day tour from Swakopmund as other activities planned) + San Living Museum Erongo/Omandumba. Wondering if it's realistic to visit both on our way to Brandberg? We wouldn't go hiking at Spitzkoppe, but do like to do a tour at San Museum. What do you think? If it's too much, I will try to move our whole schedule/bookings(challenging), and stay overnight around Spitzkoppe if it's worth it. But in case if I have to choose what do you think is nicer Brandberg or Spitzkoppe? Alternatively we could also stay 2 nights at Twyfelfontein country lodge. Day 8> Twyfelfontein country lodge Day 9, 10, 11 > Opuwo/ 3 nights Trying to visit Himba for the first time. Wondering if 3 nights is too much? Day 12 > Ondangwa Ongula homestead / 1 night Day 13> Namutoni NWR - 4 nights Etosho wondering if we should do 3 nights? if so which location should we skip? Or would you recommend to do 4 nights and rather stay 2 night at Okaukeujo and skip Namutoni NWR? Day 14 Namutoni Mushara lodge Day 15 Halali NWR Day 16 Okaukeujo Day 17 eod flighty to J'burg Hope to hear your thoughts, thank you Karin

Thursday 7th of March 2024

@Karin Eckhardt, Thanks again! Already postponed my flight to make it all happen. Reached out to Erindi, unfortunately they are closed due to big renovations. But will find an alternative. Enjoy all your future travels.

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thanks for your quick answer, really appreciated! Will take your advice on Etosha and Erindi. If we have to choose between Brandberg or Spitzkoppe, which one should we skip? Thanks

Hi Karin, first, I really have no time to look into your itinerary in detail or how it fits together, so just a few thoughts as you asked. Day 7, if you drive from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe and San Living Museum to Brandberg, it's at least 6 hours of pure driving time. Plus, you'll need time to visit both places, even if just for half an hour or an hour. So it's a full day. Theoretically, it could work, but I would start very very early to make sure you don't have to drive in the dark. If all goes well, it's doable, but if you get any kind of delays, you won't have much daylight time to spare. Also, since you are the only driver, only you can feel what you are comfortable with. Days 9-11, two nights/one day could probably be sufficient depending on what you can actually do there. Etosha - If you can stay at Okaukuejo even for a night or two, it's well worth it. The rest depends on how much animal viewing you want to do. Some people see hundreds of zebras at one waterhole and are happy and others go on two safari rides for several days in a row and still don't have enough. So it's really up to you how much time you want to spend there. As for the lodges, it's good to have a mix of some simpler and nicer ones in between - some of our best memories from Namibia are from the nicest lodges we stayed at. Mushara is way nicer than Okaukuejo, but location wise, Okaukuejo would be my top choice over anything else in the area. Last day - I would stay somewhat closer to the airport and not do it from Etosha in one go. It's a long drive. We loved our stay at Erindi which is about halfway between the two. It was by far our favorite lodge in Namibia. Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning!

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Hi Jurga, Great article, I’m taking some inspo here! Would you recommend driving to Mariental area and spend the first night there? I and my boyfriend are planning a trip in late March to South Namibia. Our flight would arrive at 1:20pm and I was wondering if we have enough time to pick up the car and drive a couple of hours to get there. Thank you, Laura

Monday 22nd of January 2024

@Jurga, thanks for your feedback! After some evaluation I think we’ll definitely spend the first night close to the airport and begin our road trip the day after. Thanks again! Laura

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Hi Laura, taking into account that your flight arrives in the afternoon and that the drive to Mariental is over 3 hours, I think I'd stay much closer to the airport on the first night. You have to foresee extra time to get out of the airport (luggage, rental car, etc.), not even to mention possible flight delays. I just checked and see that the sunset time at the end of March is around 7 pm, so ideally, you get wherever you have to be no later than that. While theoretically, it could work, I personally would opt to stay closer and not have to stress about having to drive in the dark. Better start earlier the next morning. Have a great trip and stay safe!

Charles Pringle

Monday 6th of November 2023

Great article, thank you, very useful how old is your youngest and how did her/she enjoy the trip. Our little girl will be nearly 2 and a half - is this too young? My feeling is it is given especially significant amount of driving - thoughts?

Friday 10th of November 2023

Hi Charles, our twins were 3.5 when we made this trip, and the oldest was 5.5. They don't remember much of it anymore, but they sure had fun during the trip. Having a 2-year old will not make things easier for you, definitely on longer rides, but if you know what to expect and prepare for long hours in a car, it might even be easier with a younger kid since they (hopefully) can sleep a bit in between the places/activities. Another issue is that often, you won't be able to do (m)any organized safari rides with a young child (usually at least up to 5-6 years, in some cases even 8). I can't really help you decide whether it's a right trip for your family. We are glad that we did it when we did it, but I'm sure it would be a totally different experience with older kids. Good luck!

Saturday 16th of September 2023

How old were your kids when you visited Twyfelfontain? I'm contacting a few lodges and they said that the walking tour to the paintings are not available for children under 5. Do you have recommendations for a tour guide that can take smaller children? Thanks!

Sunday 17th of September 2023

Hi Kevin, all our kids were under 5 at that time and it wasn't a problem. We didn't book any tours through the lodges, just drove there and asked for a private guided tour and that was it. They had guides available and we could start immediately. I'm not sure if something has changed in the meantime, but I'd just go there and figure it out on the spot.

• Mar 22, 2020

Namibia road trip itineraries: 7, 14, and 21 days

Updated: Jan 15

Are you planning a road trip around Namibia but you don't know where to go? In this blog post, you will find the ideal adventure road trip itineraries for your 7, 14, or 21 day trip around Namibia.

Namibia is located in the southwest of Africa and considered one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However, despite its drought, it is home to a variety of wildlife and unique landscapes. From the Namib desert to rugged mountains, deep canyons, and endless savannas, it's no surprise that Namibia is becoming a hot destination on the international traveler's bucket list .

However, travelers often underestimate Namibia's immense size as well as the vast distances between each highlight. If you have limited time to travel around Namibia, you will have to make some difficult choices of where to go. You can't fit it all in unless you are comfortable with spending most of your time in the car.

We were in the same boat when we visited Namibia in January 2020. There were many destinations we wanted to fit in, which were in the extreme north or south of the country. As we only had 16 days, we decided to stay around the central part of the country. Below you will find our suggested routes for a 7, 14, or 21-day road trip across Namibia, connecting the highlights while not rushing through.

Click here for our complete guide to Namibia .

Namibia itinerary: 7 days

Start: windhoek.

If you are coming from abroad, you will most likely be arriving in the capital city of Windhoek, which is located in the center of Namibia. It is also the most convenient location as the majority of car rental companies are located here . Pick up your rental car and start your adventure!

If you arrive in the morning, it is possible to drive to Sossusvlei on the same day. If not, don't worry. You can decide to:

Stay in Windhoek and go for a game drive in the nearby Daan Viljoen Game Reserve as this itinerary does not include any other specific game drives. You will find giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, ostriches, and baboons, among other mammals.

Leave Windhoek and drive towards Sossusvlei. As this is the longest drive on your 7 day-trip, it is not a bad idea to break up the journey. We recommend taking a break near Spreetshoogte Pass , about two hours from Windhoek. It is not only a gorgeous area but also has a variety of accommodation options.

Day 1-3: Sossusvlei & Deadvlei

Distance: 365 km (226.8 mi) from Windhoek

Travel time: 5 hours

Along the way: Spreetshoogte Pass, Solitaire

Sossusvlei is Namibia's #1 highlight and cannot be missed. It is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and is surrounded by some of the world's highest sand dunes, reaching almost 400 meters. What makes this place truly unique is its blend of sand dune colors: from the white clay salt pans to the golden dunes that turn warm red in the evening and morning light.

Spend at least 2 full days in this area to truly take in this unique landscape. Combine the following highlights:

Deadvlei - located right next to Sossusvlei and famous for its dead camel thorn trees

Big Daddy Dune - the highest sand dune in the area offering spectacular views of the dunes (hiking to summit: approx. 2.5 hours)

Dune 45 - most scenic but busy sand dune, perfect for sunrise (hike to summit: 30 mins)

Elim Dune - a hidden gem perfect for the sunset (hiking to summit: 1 hour)

Sesriem Canyon - the only shaded attraction in the area

Day 4-5: Walvis Bay & Swakopmund

Distance: 315 km (195.7 mi) from Sesriem (entrance gate to Sossusvlei)

Travel time: 4 hours

Along the way: Kuiseb Canyon, Solitaire

As the drive to Walvis Bay or Swakopmund is quite long, it is best to leave Sossusvlei late on day 3 or early on day 4.

Walvis Bay and Swakopmund are two vibrant coastal towns half an hour away from each other. With easy access to lots of outdoor activities, they are also called the adventure capital of Namibia. Both the bordering Namib Desert as well as the Atlantic Ocean offer plenty of adrenaline. From quad biking deep in the desert dunes to spotting dolphins, whales, and seals on a boat tour. Find here more adventure activities in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay .

Highlights in the area of Swakopmund and Walvis bay include:

Dune 7 - the highest sand dune in Namibia, perfect for sandboarding!

Desert Moon Valley - a hidden valley full of eroded hills making incredible pictures (approx. 30 km or 18.6 mi from Swakopmund)

Desert Quad Biking - exploring the magnificent sand dunes in a thrilling and unique way!

Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours

Flamingos in the Lagoon of Walvis Bay - only from September to May

Pink Lake in Walvis Bay - A lagoon used for large-scale salt production

Day 6-7: Spitzkoppe

Distance: direct route via B2 is 152 km (94 mi) from Swakopmund

Travel time: 1 hour 45 mins

Along the way: desert landscapes

As the drive from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe is not very long or scenic, it is also possible to take an alternative route via Henties Bay . Henties Bay is just another small coastal town, but it is near the stinky seals at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve (about 60 km / 37.2 mi north) as well as various shipwrecks (tip: See shipwreck " the Zeila "!) along the coast. This alternative route up to the seal colony and back via Henties Bay and the D1918 takes approximately 3 hours 45 mins (300 km / 186 mi).

Spitzkoppe is located in the scenic but dry Damaraland region. It is an impressive rock formation of 1,728 meters (5669 ft) that towers above the surrounding desert landscape. Hence it is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and watching the sunset. On top of that, you can also find rock paintings that tell an interesting history. Watch this video to learn more about Spitzkoppe!

Highlights:

Bushmen's Paradise guided walk - a guide will explain the history of the Bushmen as well as bring you to the rock paintings

Rock arch - Perfect to watch the sunset from

Rockpools - currently dry due to the drought, still a nicely shaped rock to hike on (possible to hike to the top)

END: Windhoek

Distance: 277 km (172 mi) from Spitzkoppe

Travel time: 3 hours

Along the way: Usakos

Your trip ends in Windhoek as here you will need to drop off your rental car and (possibly) fly out. Other highlights that were not included in this Namibia itinerary for 7 days are for your next trip!

Namibia itinerary: 14 days

The start of this 14-day Namibia itinerary is no different than the 7-day one. As Windhoek is the hub of international travel, you are most likely going to arrive here. Having carefully pre-arranged your car rental , it is time to start your 14-day road trip!

Day 1-2: Waterberg Plateau National Park

Distance: 304 km (188.9 mi) from Windhoek

Travel time: 3 hours 10 mins

Along the way: Okonjima Nature Reserve

"Only" a 3-hour drive from Windhoek, we recommend driving to Waterberg Plateau on your first day (yes, even if you arrive at Windhoek in the afternoon). The first part of the drive, which is the majority of the way, will be on a tarred road. Considering that most of the Namibian roads are made of gravel, this is a true luxury!

Waterberg Plateau National Park is named after its prominent table mountain. It is a truly natural destination with magnificent landscapes and plenty of animals, such as rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, roan antelopes, baboons, Damara dik-diks, and a variety of reptiles!

Highlights include:

Rhino drives and walks

Hiking the Waterberg Wilderness Plateau Trail - A short, guided hike to the summit of the Waterberg Plateau. Being 150m above the plains, the views of the Kalahari savannah are rewarding. During these 2 hours of walking, you will learn about the various plants, animals, and Herero people living in the area.

Day 3-5: Etosha National Park

Distance: 322 km (200 mi) from Waterberg Plateau to the Namutoni Gate

Along the way: Tsumeb

Etosha National Park is the must-see game reserve in Namibia. It is home to the largest salt pan in Africa as well as an abundance of wildlife. Here you can find over 100 large and small mammal species including giraffes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, among others.

With a surface of 22,270 km², Etosha National Park is immense. It is therefore recommended to stay at least a few days. Coming from Waterberg Plateau, it is best to enter the park via the Namutoni Gate early on day 3 . Go for a game drive up to Stinkwater and spot elephants near Okevi. On day 4 , drive from Namutoni to Okaukuejo via Halali, while spotting a lot of other animals (rhinos are often spotted here!). On your last game drive, on day 5 , make your way up to Dolomite.

Day 6-7: Twyfelfontein

Distance: 344 km (213.7 mi) from the Okaukejo Camp in Etosha National Park

Travel time: 3 hours 50 mins

Along the way: Fingerklippe

Drive through the spectacular Damaraland region, home to the Damara people and unique landscapes that are formed by rocky mountains and arid valleys. Break up the drive and visit Fingerklippe , which is situated halfway to Twyfelfontein. Also, make several photo stops along the way to breathe in this spectacular landscape and culture.

Twyfelfontein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the middle of nowhere. It is a truly unique place with several highlights :

Namibia's finest rock engravings - an interesting guided tour

Damara Living Museum - learn about the Damara's culture and traditions

Home to free-roaming desert elephants and lions - ask around where you can spot them!

WEEK 2 / Day 8-14

The second week in Namibia follows the same route as the 7-day itinerary in part 1 of this article, but in the opposite direction. This means that Sossusvlei will be the last stop before heading back to Windhoek, so it keeps the best for last!

A short overview of the destinations (see more information in the 7-day itinerary above):

Day 8-9: Spitzkoppe

Distance: 235 km (146 mi) from Twyfelfontein

Along the way: Brandberg (the tallest mountain in Namibia!)

Day 10-11 Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

Distance: 300 km (186 mi) from Spitzkoppe via Henties Bay on the D1918 (including a stop at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve to the north)

Travel time: 3 hours 45 mins

Along the way: Henties Bay and Cape Cross Seal Reserve

Day 12-14: Sossusvlei

Distance: 315 km (195.7 mi) from Walvis Bay to the Sesriem entrance gate

Distance: 365 km (226.8 mi) from Sossusvlei

Namibia itinerary: 21 days

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Namibia for 3 weeks, there are a few highlights that you can add to your itinerary! Building on the 14-day itinerary above, we suggest exploring the extreme south of Namibia.

Alternatively, you could opt to explore northern Namibia, and in particular Koakoveld. This area is home to some of the most diverse wildlife, wildest landscapes, and most remote areas. Unfortunately, it is also incredibly hard to reach and plan. As such, this route is only for the true adventurous soul who is especially interested in learning about Namibia's culture and wildlife! As we have little knowledge about this area, we excluded this from the 21 days itinerary.

WEEK 1-2 / Day 1-14: Windhoek to Sossusvlei

Follow the same route as the 14 days itinerary. SEE ABOVE FOR DETAILS.

Day 1-2: Waterberg Plateau

Day 10-11: Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

Day 15-16: Lüderitz

Distance: 465 km (289 mi)

Travel time: 6 hours

Along the way: Drive through the NamibRand Nature Reserve, ghost town of Kolmanskop

Start early because day 15 promises to be a very long and exhausting day of driving. Take the scenic C27 that passes through the NamibRand Nature Reserve where you can spot animals like oryx and ostriches.

Lüderitz is a colorful coastal town that is known for its German colonial buildings. However, the real draw is the nature and wildlife that can be found here, such as flamingos and African penguin colonies!

Highlights of the area include:

Tour to the African penguin colony

Sperrgebiet National Park - one of Namibia's newest National Parks filled with unique landscapes and sweeping vistas.

Kolmanskop - the picturesque ghost town nearby

Day 17-19: Fish River Canyon

Distance: 430 km (300.7 mi)

Travel time: 4 hours 45 mins

Along the way: spot wild horses in Garub

With a 160 km (99.4 mi) ravine that is up to 27 km (16.7 mi) wide and up to 550 meters (1804 ft) deep, the Fish River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA. The Canyon belongs to the Ais-Ais Richterveld Transfrontier Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by unique rock formations, many succulents, exotic trees, and a shimmering sky.

Hell's Bend viewpoint  - world-class viewpoint near the Hobas Restcamp

Adventure activities: hiking, horseback riding, or biking along the rim of the canyon

Day 20: Mariental

Distance: 408 km (253.5 mi)

Travel time: 6 hours 40 mins

Along the way: Quiver Tree Forest

As it is a long way back to Windhoek, you will need to use day 20 to drive towards the capital city. Make a stop in the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop. You can find over 250 beautiful trees here, which were traditionally used by bushmen to make quivers. Do a short hike in the forest, before continuing the drive to the small city of Mariental.

END / Day 21: Windhoek

Distance: 268 km (166.5 mi)

Travel time: 2 hours 35 mins

Along the way: Rehoboth for a quick break

Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Namibia Trip

Booking.com for places to stay

Skyscanner for cheap flights

GetYourGuide for local tours

Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Namibia? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.  

Learn more about Namibia

The complete Namibia Adventure Travel Guide - find more information on traveling around Namibia, such as when to go, what to pack, how to get around, and where to stay!

Learn how to explore Namibia by a 4x4 jeep with roof tent

Top 5 Activities in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

20 Adventure Things to Do in Namibia

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COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL PLANNER

The driving distance from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia is:

864 miles / 1 390 km.

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Map of driving directions from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to get the full driving distance from Johannesburg to Windhoek with directions.

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Driving distance from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia

The total driving distance from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia is 864 miles or 1 390 kilometers .

Your trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa. It ends in Windhoek, Namibia.

If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination.

You can also calculate the cost of driving from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia based on current local fuel prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Johannesburg, South Africa and Windhoek, Namibia .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the straight line distance to fly from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia .

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Namibia Tours Starting From Johannesburg

Below is a selection of Budget Namibia Tours from Johannesburg , South Africa and budget adventure safaris from Johannesburg. Namibia is situated between the large Kalahari Desert and the South Atlantic coastline, known for its incredibly vast and varying landscapes. It is made up of four main regions and home to some of the world’s largest, and oldest, national parks.

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Johannesburg to Windhoek via Botswana

Johannesburg to windhoek road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Johannesburg to Windhoek. If you're planning a road trip to Windhoek, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in Johannesburg drive for about 3.5 hours

12:16 pm   Vaalwater stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:16 pm drive for about 5.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 9 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Botswana drive for about 7 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 7 hours

11:00 am  leave from Buitepos drive for about 1.5 hours

12:43 pm   Gobabis stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:43 pm drive for about 2 hours

3:44 pm  arrive in Windhoek

day 3 driving ≈ 3.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Vaalwater Botswana   (18 mentions)     questions about Botswana:         Is Botswana worth a visit? Buitepos Gobabis

What are some things to do in Windhoek?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Windhoek.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Windhoek to Johannesburg drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Johannesburg to Windhoek . Or get a full Johannesburg to Windhoek flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Johannesburg well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Johannesburg!

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