How to plan a trip to Namibia: a complete guide

Encompassing towering dunes, dramatic mountains, landscapes populated by unique desert-adapted wildlife, and towns stacked with colonial German architecture, Namibia promises unique experiences and adventure at every turn. As a result, deciding how to configure your Namibia itinerary can take some time, which is where this guide to how to plan a trip to Namibia will come in very handy.

When to go to Namibia

How many days to spend in Namibia

Deciding how many days to spend in Namibia depends, of course, on how much you want to see and do during your Namibia itinerary, and how you plan to get around (more on that later).

On balance, following a well-curated 2-week Namibia itinerary is usually enough time to enjoy a diversity of experiences, and cover a remarkable range of landscapes. 

Traveling to with Namibia with kids? Consider a 10–14-day family-friendly itinerary that covers Etosha National Park, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei.

Or, if you have 12-16 days, you could embark on a classic self-drive safari loop of the country, taking in highlights like Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha at a relaxed pace.

Howoever long you have, you’ll need to hone in on the places you most want to see, and figure out how long each destination needs to do it justice after considering best places to visit in Namibia.

Need help planning your itinerary? Our local Namibia travel experts can curate your perfect itinerary for any duration.

Which areas of Namibia to visit

Deciding where to visit is, of course, an essential part of your how to plan a trip to Namibia process. In fact, you’ll probably devote most of your planning time to choosing where to go.

To help you do exactly that, here’s an overview of places to consider including in your vacation itinerary.

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, Namib Desert

Located in the heart of Namib-Naukluft National Park in the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes and eerie salt pans which are a joy for photographers. 

On that subject, be inspired by awesome pictures of Namibia.

After hiking Dune 45 or the iconic Big Daddy dune, visit the surreal Deadvlei — a white clay pan dotted with fossilized trees. 

Stay in Sesriem or inside the park gates for early access and the best light. Being one of the world’s top stargazing destinations, this area has plenty to love around the clock.

Etosha National Park

During the dry season, animals gather at waterholes, making it easy to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and more. 

The park’s excellent roads and infrastructure make it ideal for first-time safari-goers and self-drivers.

Keen to cover safari experiences? Read up on the best Namibia safaris and how to plan a Namibia self-drive safari.

Skeleton Coast

A hauntingly beautiful stretch of Namibia’s northern coastline, the Skeleton Coast is famous for shipwrecks, roaring Atlantic surf, and fog-shrouded shores. 

Other wildlife here includes desert-adapted lions and brown hyenas.

A popular way to explore this area is to take a fly-in safari for aerial views of shipwrecks and endless dunes. These are  typically organized by luxury lodges, which are among the best Namibia accommodation.

Damaraland

Damaraland is a dramatic, arid region of rocky mountains, petrified forests, and prehistoric rock art, with the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site among the area’s must-visit sites, thanks to its richness of ancient San engravings.

Also home to desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, Damaraland is a favorite for travelers seeking wildlife without crowds, and for those who appreciate geology and indigenous history. 

Swakopmund

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, this German-colonial beach town is Namibia’s adventure capital.

Think quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, and kayaking with seals within reach of a pretty town that also invites relaxation along its seaside promenade.

Don’t miss the nearby Moon Landscape and enjoying coastal activities at Walvis Bay Lagoon, which is just 30 minutes south of town.

How to get around Namibia

While getting around Namibia’s population centres is possible by bus (and even by train, in some cases), in order to reach most must-see attractions — including top national parks and reserves — you’ll need to book tours or rent a vehicle. 

In the case of the latter, for a road trip, you’ll need to rent a 4x4 vehicle, and be aware that while many major roads are paved, most are gravel or salt roads that can be dusty, or slippery.

How to connect to the internet in Namibia

While Namibia has reliable internet in cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund, and larger towns, access in remote areas is limited.

So, you might want to invest in buying a local SIM card from providers like MTC or TN Mobile at the airport or supermarkets. Mobile data is affordable and available in prepaid bundles. 

Most lodges and guesthouses offer free but slow fi-fi, which is often limited to reception areas. 

For self-drive travelers, consider a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot or an international SIM if coverage is critical, but expect no signal in deep desert regions like Sossusvlei or Damaraland.

Budgeting for a trip to Namibia

Namibia can suit both mid-range and luxury budgets, though distances and remote locations add to costs. 

For an example, budget travelers can camp or use guesthouses for around $60–$100 a day, while mid-range trips with car rental, park fees, and lodge stays average $150–$250 a day. 

At the other end of the scale, luxury fly-in safaris or high-end lodges can cost $400+ a night. 

Car rental, especially 4x4s, is a major expense but essential for accessing top attractions if you don’t go down the route of booking organised tours. 

Overall, food is reasonably priced, and self-catering is common as a result of self-drive safaris being a popular way of exploring the country. 

Packing for Namibia

When it comes to clothing, think light, practical breathable layers — desert temperatures can swing between hot days and chilly nights. 

Neutral-toned clothing is best for safaris, along with a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. 

Sturdy hiking shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, and a scarf or buff will also be useful across many types of environments. 

Bring binoculars, a headlamp, and extra camera batteries for wildlife viewing and spending nights in remote regions.

Insect repellent is essential, and it’s also a good idea to come armed with a basic first aid kit, reusable water bottle, and travel adapter (Type D or M plug).