An epic self-drive Safari through Namibia
Namibia is known for being best travelled by 4×4. It’s the most effective way to travel here, allowing you to see every view as it comes. Namibia also lends itself to adventure with an incredible selection of stunning campsites and exciting lodges. Furthermore, the country has an excellent road infrastructure and is a very safe place to travel.
The perfect destination for your first self-drive safari in Africa.
The country is massive, so we carefully plan your itinerary to avoid you covering huge distances, and to make sure you have plenty of time for relaxation and activities (from rhino tracking to hot air ballooning) before your exciting journey continues.
If this is your first-time self-driving in Africa, do not fear, Namibia will welcome you warmly. Or, if you’re an adventurer wanting to go into the unknown, be careful what you asked for, as some remote corners of Namibia are off-world.
WHAT DOES A SELF-DRIVE HOLIDAY IN NAMIBIA ENTAIL?
Namibia’s vast landscapes do take some time to traverse, but while distances can be lengthy a tour operator will plan your itinerary to allow you to travel at a relaxed pace, making sure you spend more time out exploring than sitting behind the wheel.
Windhoek, Namibia’s sleepy, German-influenced capital is the typical starting point for self-drive holidays. Forget the chaotic, traffic-choked streets of other African cities; Windhoek is a pleasantly clean and orderly place to get your adventure underway. Most holidays will give you a chance to unwind after your international flight and arrange for you to pick up your hire car at your hotel, rather than enforce a frazzled drive from the airport. You’ll be provided with a quality sat nav and detailed instructions, and will have a chance to discuss the route, and your car, with a local representative before you set off. Additionally, many hire companies in Namibia equip their cars with a system that allows them to track your journey – so while this epic road trip is all yours, you’re never really on your own.
You won’t need technical 4×4 skills to negotiate a safari in Etosha National Park either, so most self-drive holidays will leave you free to seek out its enormous bull elephants, lions, rhinos, and cheetahs independently. Roads through the park are in good condition and are well mapped out meaning self-drive safaris are a popular option here. However, guided game drives in the company of an expert naturalist can be arranged at your lodge (typically at extra cost) if you prefer, leaving you free to relax and give your full attention to the spectacular wildlife around you.
WHAT IS IT LIKE DRIVING IN NAMIBIA?
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A 4×4 car is driving through sand dunes in Namibia
Can I Take the Family?
Unlimited (natural) loo stops and frequent snack breaks – there’s no doubt that self-drive adventures give families much-needed freedom. However, the romance of Namibia’s endless deserts, which will captivate parents, maybe a little lost on younger minds. To stave off boredom and “are we nearly there yet?” families need to plan routes carefully to minimize driving time and maximize fun. Teenagers are going to find more to appreciate in Namibia than tiny tots; however, kids of all ages will be enchanted by Etosha’s wildlife, and all the family will have a ball in the towering sand dunes at Sossusvlei and with the wealth of adventurous activities around Swakopmund.
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4×4 self-drive in Namibia
How long are the journeys?
GALLERY
WHAT TO SEE
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