Namib-Naukluft National Park

Getting There

Expert

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

Namib-Naukluft National Park consists of different sections with different entry points. The park can be visited on an organized tour or independently on a self-drive safari. The main routes to and within the park are open to normal 2WD cars. Permits are required for some minor roads and a 4WD vehicle is recommended for these areas.

Most people who visit Namib-Naukluft come to see the Sossusvlei area. Sossusvlei is about 360km/220mi from the capital, Windhoek, by car and accessed through the Sesriem entry point. The 310km/193mi drive from Windhoek to Sesriem (where many of the lodges are located) takes about 4 to 4½ hours*. From the coastal city of Swakopmund to Sesriem it’s 347km/216mi, which is a drive of about 4½ to 5 hours*. The 50km/31mi drive from Sesriem to Sossusvlei takes around 1 hour.

The main point of entry into Namibia is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 40km/25mi east of Windhoek. Both self-drive visitors and people who’ve booked an organized safari will usually start their trip by 4x4 vehicle in Windhoek.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

86 Namib-Naukluft Safaris