​Popular Routes – Namibia

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Popular Routes in Namibia

Popular Routes Where Wildlife Viewing Is a Major Part of the Tour

Namibia is a popular self-drive destination. Driving through the arid landscape adds to the experience and underlines what makes Namibia so special: the wide-open spaces. The circuits described below can be done as guided or self-drive packages. Most lodges have airstrips, and you can also choose to fly between any of the places described below.

Northern Namibia (1 to 2 weeks)

With a stopover in Johannesburg, you’ll arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. From there you’ll take off by car through the central highlands to Etosha National Park.

Destinations:

  • Etosha National Park (2 to 4 days) is best visited in the Dry season when animals congregate at the waterholes
  • Damaraland (3 to 5 days) is home to desert elephant
  • Cape Cross seal colony (1 day) is a sight to behold with up to 210,000 Cape fur seals present
  • Swakopmund (1 to 3 days) is a pretty town and a good base for a visit to Pelican Point to see the flamingos


Popular add-ons:

  • Kaokoland for amazing scenery in the most remote region of Namibia
  • Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park for a real desert experience and great photo opportunities

Southern Namibia (1.5 to 2.5 weeks)

With a stopover in Johannesburg, you’ll arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek. From there, you’ll take off by car to the Southern Kalahari.

Destinations:

  • Fish River Canyon (2 to 3 days) offers unforgettable views from the edge and hiking opportunities for the adventurous
  • Aus (1 to 2 days) is known as the place where wild horses roam
  • Luderitz (2 to 4 days) is a picturesque little town by the sea. You can take a day trip to the derelict, old mining town of Kolmanskop
  • Namib-Naukluft National Park (2 to 4 days) is incredibly scenic and photogenic. You’ll visit the giant dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
  • Naukluft Mountains (2 to 4 days) is a great hiking destination


Popular add-ons:

  • Swakopmund for adventure activities and visiting some amazing bird colonies

Want To Visit Namibia?

172 Namibia Safaris