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Namibia Self-drive Safaris & Tours

4.6/5  –  263 Namibia Reviews

Namibia is perfectly suited to self-drive safaris and is one of the best and safest destinations in Africa, whether you’re self-driving or not. It’s a fantastic country for combining wonderful wildlife viewing with spectacular landscapes and fascinating cultural encounters. It also has one of the most professional safari industries, and the variety of places you can visit is extraordinary. Getting around in your own 4x4 vehicle adds a whole new dimension to your safari experience and is one of the best ways to get to know Africa.

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7 Questions About Namibia Self-drive Safaris

1. What are the pros and cons of a Namibia self-drive safari?
2. Where should I go on a self-drive trip in Namibia?
3. What are the road conditions like in Namibia?
4. What is the best time of year for a 4x4 safari in Namibia?
5. Do I need 4x4 experience for a self-drive trip in Namibia?
6. How much does a Namibia self-drive safari cost?
7. Is it safe to self-drive in Namibia?
 
 

7 Questions About Namibia Self-drive Safaris

Answered by Anthony Ham

What are the pros and cons of a Namibia self-drive safari?

“The biggest advantage of embarking on a self-drive safari is the freedom it will give you. Although your tour operator will probably provide you with an itinerary to follow, you’ll decide when to stop and when to move on. If you’re in Etosha National Park and you’ve found a lion on a kill, you can stay as long as you want. It’s entirely up to you. Or perhaps you want to watch the sunrise over the dunes of Sossusvlei. Again, it’s your call, and you won’t have to wait around for others to get out of bed. A self-drive safari is very much your safari. For some, myself included, there’s no better way to travel. The downside of a self-drive safari is that you’ll be driving through Namibia all by yourself. You won’t have a guide or other safari-goers as companions along the way. The latter may not be an issue: you’re sure to meet other travelers as you go. And for most who choose to travel on a self-drive tour, the freedom you enjoy more than makes up for it.”

1

Where should I go on a self-drive trip in Namibia?

“There are lots of choices for where to go on your 4x4 safari in Namibia. Etosha National Park is one of southern Africa’s best parks for seeing wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, lions, cheetahs and so much more. Other Namibia highlights include the sand dunes of Sossusvlei; the dramatic scenery in Fish River Canyon; the unusual wildlife possibilities (including desert-adapted lions, elephants and rhinos) of Damaraland; the rock art of Brandberg and Twyfelfontein; the shipwrecks, seals and sand dunes of the Skeleton Coast; and the opportunities to spend time with the Himba people in the northwest and the San in the Kalahari Desert in the country’s east. More remote options include the parks of the northeast, such as Khaudum, Bwabwata and Nkasa Rupara National Parks. The latter is especially good for birding. They’re all worthwhile experiences, and what you can see all depends on how much time you have to spare.”

2

What are the road conditions like in Namibia?

“Namibia’s paved road network is generally excellent, with the roads in good condition. This is great news in a country where distances between attractions can be vast. For the more popular off-road attractions in Namibia, the unpaved roads are usually in good condition. They are most often wide, regularly graded and well maintained. This is certainly true in Etosha National Park, along the central sections of the Skeleton Coast and around Sossusvlei. However, soft sand can be an issue in some areas of the latter. Trucks rarely travel these roads, so damage caused by heavy vehicles is usually not an issue. Some of these roads are gravel, while others are sand and/or dirt. In some of the more isolated places, the tracks can be quite rocky and you’ll need to drive slowly and carefully. In Namibia’s northwest, this includes areas away from the main trails through northern Damaraland. In Khaudum National Park in the northeast, you’ll need to travel in a group with at least one other vehicle. Many of the trails are soft sand, and it is really remote country.”

3

What is the best time of year for a 4x4 safari in Namibia?

“When it comes to the weather, the best time to go on safari in Namibia is during the Dry season from May to October. During these months, you can usually expect clear skies, dry conditions and cool nights, especially in desert regions. With the best weather conditions come the best road and track conditions. Many unpaved roads can be quite difficult after rains, but thankfully, rain is rare during these months. High season in Namibia runs from July to October. Roads, campsites and national parks can all get busy at this time. Prices are at their highest, and limited availability may mean you have less choice unless you book well in advance. The months of April, May and June can be a cheaper yet still good alternative. The Wet season months from November to April aren’t all bad. The rains are rarely constant or too disruptive, and the low season brings lower prices and fewer crowds. Other advantages of traveling at this time include the presence of migratory bird species and the chance to see newborn animals in the parks.”

4

Do I need 4x4 experience for a self-drive trip in Namibia?

“Prior experience driving a 4x4 vehicle is not necessary for going on a self-drive safari in Namibia, as long as you’re not too ambitious about where you go. And if you don’t have much 4x4 experience, you should drive with great care in the unfamiliar conditions. For most destinations, including Etosha and Sossusvlei, the roads are easy to drive and you shouldn’t have any difficulties. In national parks, speed limit maximums are usually 40km per hour (25mi per hour). This is a safe speed well suited to those not accustomed to driving off-road. If you’ve never before driven a 4x4 vehicle off-road, it’s probably best if you avoid more challenging destinations such as northern Damaraland and Khaudum National Park. If you’re concerned about your lack of experience, consider taking a 4x4 familiarization course. This can be done before arriving in Namibia or before setting out once you arrive in the country. Regardless of whether you take a course, you should spend time asking questions and getting to know your vehicle when you first pick it up.”

5

How much does a Namibia self-drive safari cost?

“Prices for a 4x4 safari in Namibia vary greatly, depending on a number of factors. One of these is the time of year that you travel (high-season prices apply from July to October). Another is the type of vehicle you choose. Prices can also differ depending on whether you’ll be camping (which is cheaper) or staying in lodges or tented camps (which are more expensive). And, of course, some self-drive safari operators are simply more expensive than others. The per-person cost will vary considerably based on how many people are traveling in the vehicle. If you’re traveling alone, the cost per person could be very high. It will be much lower if there are four people in the vehicle. As a general guide, and without factoring in any of the above, expect a Namibia self-drive safari to start at US$200 to US$250 per person per day.”

6

Is it safe to self-drive in Namibia?

“Namibia is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa, and this is certainly true for those going on a self-drive safari in the country. Crime rates and the number of traffic accidents are generally lower than in some other African countries. And Namibia’s low population density usually means that you’ll share the road with relatively few other vehicles. As long as you drive carefully, and take particular care when driving off-road, you should have a safe safari experience driving through Namibia. Tips for ensuring that you stay safe on gravel, dirt or sandy roads include driving extra slowly, because it’s very easy to lose control if you have to brake suddenly. Avoid driving at night. And always be vigilant for animals crossing the road without warning.”

7

Namibia Reviews

4.6/5 263 Reviews
Expert
Christopher Clark  –  
United Kingdom UK

Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines.

Sand, salt pans and stars: Southern Africa’s wild west
5/5

With the exception of the verdant Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it staggeringly beautiful. Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa; I’ve been back...

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Expert
Ariadne van Zandbergen  –  
South Africa ZA

Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.

The stark beauty of Namibia
4/5

Most of Namibia’s environment is arid and harsh, and yet there are few people who wouldn’t call this country beautiful. The desolate landscapes of the Namib Desert are picture perfect. Photographers, myself included, love to get...

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Eileen Blignaut  –  
South Africa ZA
Reviewed: Jan 15, 2025
Beautiful and desolate landscape
5/5

We spent three weeks in Namibia, which Lilly from Great Explorations in Windhoek arranged for us. This was my husband's 60th birthday present and we drove over 9 000 kilometres during the road trip. Sossus Vlei and Sesriem were very hot...

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Maria  –  
Germany DE
Reviewed: Dec 25, 2024
We had a wonderful time in Namibia.
5/5

The organization, handling and support of our vacation by Nature Travel Namibia was perfect and left no room for improvement. Our guide Delano pointed out many special features and animals that we would never have noticed without him and...

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JC  –  
Switzerland CH
Reviewed: Dec 11, 2024
fabulous landscapes and spaces
5/5

Secret Namibia tour was very nice. A few advices: 1. take a plaque (iron ?) in the car for sand or jack ! and 10 l of water 2. use google maps not the garmin of your car...you ll get lost 3, book your activities in advance !!! at least...

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John Halliday  –  
Australia AU
Reviewed: Nov 21, 2024
Namibia Camping Safari
5/5

The 6 day camping safari in the Namib Desert was brilliant. Excellent value for money. Organised through Chameleon Safaris. Our guide and driver Simon really made a difference. His knowledge of the environment and animals was very good, as...

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All 263 Namibia Reviews