​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 many of the places mentioned.

Northern Namibia (1 to 2 weeks)

After a stopover in Johannesburg (South Africa), you’ll arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city. 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 gather at the waterholes
  • Damaraland (3 to 5 days) is home to desert-adapted elephant, rhino and lion
  • Cape Cross seal colony (1 day) is a sight to behold with up to 200,000 Cape fur seals present
  • Swakopmund (1 to 3 days) is a pretty coastal town and a good base for a visit to Pelican Point or Sandwich Harbour


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)

After a stopover in Johannesburg, you’ll arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. From there you’ll take off by car to the southern Kalahari Desert.

Destinations:

  • Fish River Canyon (2 to 3 days) offers unforgettable views from the rim and hiking opportunities for the adventurous
  • Aus (1 to 2 days) is a tiny desert settlement where wild horses roam
  • Lüderitz (2 to 4 days) is a picturesque little town by the sea, from where 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, and home to 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 on the coast and visiting some amazing bird colonies

Want To Visit Namibia?

253 Namibia Safaris