Namibia Itinerary: The Ultimate 2-Week Self-Drive Guide

Planning a 2-3 week Self-Drive Namibia road trip itinerary? You’ve come to the right place! Our 15-day adventure through Namibia turned out to be one of the best trips of our lives and I can’t help but smile every time I think back on it. Before going, we spent over 6 months thoroughly researching our trip to ensure every detail was perfect. From how to plan our itinerary, where to stay to the best activities, vehicle rentals, and selecting the right vehicle for this trip—there was a lot to consider. After experiencing it firsthand, we’ve compiled all our knowledge and insights into this comprehensive guide to help make your planning process effortless. 

Namibia is a land of awe-inspiring otherworldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and jaw-dropping night skies, and we can’t wait for you to experience it to the fullest. 

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Why do a Self-Drive Road Trip through Namibia

Embarking on a self-drive road trip through Namibia has been one of the most incredible travel experiences we’ve ever had—and we’ve explored over 40 countries worldwide!

Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world and being able to drive yourself and explore the landscapes in this way gives you a full appreciation of the pure beauty and tranquillity in this country. 

By doing a Self-drive Namibia itinerary, you have the opportunity to camp on top of your vehicle (or stay at amazing safari lodges), set in the midst of some of the most raw and dramatic landscapes. This unforgettable road trip takes you from encountering extraordinary African wildlife in Etosha to scaling the majestic sand dunes of Sossusvlei, kayaking among playful seals in Swakopmund, marvelling at the star-filled skies in Spitzkoppe, and countless other awe-inspiring moments. 

We have done several nature road trips in the past, including road-tripping through the national parks of Utah, through the Italian Dolomites, and Izu Peninsula in Japan, but our adventure through Namibia exceeded all of our expectations!

Independent Self-Drive Vs. Planned self-drive Vs. Guided tour

There are four primary ways that you can travel through Namibia.

1. Independent Self-Drive with 4×4 SUV Rooftop camper, sleeping at campsites
2. Independent Self-Drive with Sedan/SUV, sleeping in lodges
3. Planned Self-Drive Road Trip organized by a company
4. Fully Guided Group Tour 

The option you choose will depend on several factors, such as your comfort level with long-distance driving, whether you prefer camping or staying in lodges, your budget, whether you want to travel in a group, and how much effort you want to put into trip planning.

What we did: Self-planned, Self-drive, SUV Camping (Option 1)

Since we love organizing trips and the independent adventure, we opted for a self-planned, independent, self-drive experience in a 4×4 SUV with rooftop camping across Namibia. To mix things up, we included a few nights at lodges—not only to experience that side of travel but also to take a break from camping and enjoy a proper shower. As this guide is geared toward those interested in self-planning, our itinerary below focuses on the self-drive 4×4 camping experience.

Fully Guided Trip or Planned Self-Drive (Option 3 or 4)

If planning trips isn’t your thing, options 3 and 4 might be a better fit. These involve following an itinerary created by a travel company, which handles everything from vehicle bookings to accommodations and activities. Option 3 allows you to enjoy the flexibility of self-driving without worrying about logistics, while Option 4 offers a fully guided group tour, where you can relax and let someone else handle the driving.

For those who prefer to have their trip organized, we highly recommend Go2Africa. This local travel company specializes in African adventures and has first-hand experience with safaris. They offer tailored itineraries designed to meet your specific needs. We will also provide specific tour recommendations at the end of this guide.

Top Experiences in our Namibia Road Trip Itinerary

To get you excited about our ideal 14 day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary, we’ve outlined the top included experiences from our adventure below!

• Climbing the sand dunes at sunrise in Sossusvlei
• Witness the otherworldly landscape of Deadvlei
• Kayak with seals in Swakopmund
• Visit Sandwich Harbour, where towering sand dunes collide with the sea
• See the Milky Way surrounded by stunning mountains in Spitzkoppe
• Witness the incredible wildlife in Etosha National Park
• Experience guided game drives in Private Game reserves
• Come face to face with Leopards and Cheetahs at Okonjima’s AfriCat

Some experiences, like exploring the abandoned mining town of Kolmanskop, visiting Fish River Canyon, or discovering the Caprivi Delta, couldn’t be included in this itinerary due to their remote locations.

However, this itinerary is designed to cover Namibia’s main highlights and must-see destinations at a comfortable pace.

Namibia 14 Days Self Drive itinerary

Map of Road Trip in Namibia

2 Weeks Namibia Itinerary in Detail

This ideal 2-week Namibia itinerary is designed for a 4×4 SUV road trip, with most nights spent camping and a few nights staying at the lodges for variety. If ever you prefer staying exclusively at lodges, you can still follow this itinerary, as all the campsites we used also have excellent lodge options available.

For this reason, it is also possible to do this road trip in a sedan and staying at lodges, however, we will discuss the recommended rental vehicle further in the following section. 

This itinerary will be following a clockwise road trip direction. We have two primary reasons for choosing to do it this way. First, we wanted to tackle the more physically demanding activities and excursions at Sossusvlei early on, while we were still energized from our arrival. Second, starting in the south allowed us to gradually build up our wildlife encounters, culminating with the highlight safari experience of Etosha National Park.

For a full list of the best experiences in Namibia, check out our 18 unmissable things to do in Namibia!

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek, Rent Car, do Groceries

Arrival at Windhoek

When you arrive in Namibia, your flight will likely land at Hosea Kutako International Airport, located about a 42-minute drive from Windhoek. If you’re embarking on a 4×4 SUV road trip, most car rental companies offer a complimentary airport pickup to their office. 

The vehicle handover process typically takes about an hour, as they will guide you through the paperwork, demonstrate how to operate the 4×4, provide tips for driving on Namibian roads, show you how to set up the rooftop tents, and give a thorough overview of the camping gear and equipment. 

We rented from Kalahari Car Hire and had an amazing experience with them.

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Hotel Check-in

Once all done, the next thing we recommend doing is checking into your hotel. We would highly recommend staying at Tenbergen Pension Hotel. Not only are they centrally located, and have stunning rooms at affordable prices, but they also have a private guarded parking lot, and include breakfast at a charming little cafe next door. 

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Grocery Shopping

Your final task for the day is to do grocery shopping. I mean, a road trip is not a road trip without snacks right?

One of the highlights of our camping adventure in Namibia was cooking braai over a campfire beneath a star-filled sky, paired with a refreshing gin and tonic and some delicious biltong. We stocked up on enough groceries to last our three days in Sossusvlei, knowing we could easily replenish supplies once we reached Swakopmund. If ever you are not so interested in cooking, you can also dine at the lodges in Sossusvlei. 

For groceries in Windhoek, we recommend Checkers or SuperSpar, which is located a short drive from your hotel. 

Finally, spend the evening enjoying a dinner and getting excited for your upcoming road trip! If you are looking for a delicious restaurant, we went to Cassia Thai. 

🏨 Where to stay in Windhoek:Tenbergen Pension Hotel

Day 2: Windhoek to Sossusvlei

Windhoek to Solitaire

On your second day in Namibia, you will be driving from Windhoek to reach the stunning sand dunes of Sossusvlei. Make sure to start your day off early as the drive to Sesriem (the town right outside Sossusvlei) is quite long and it will be your first time experiencing the Namibian roads.

The drive should take around 4.5-5 hours, however you will also need to factor in a rest stop in Solitaire, and overall slower driving due to the bumpy roads. For this reason, we suggest allocating a good 6 hours. 

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Solitaire Rest Stop

About three-quarters of the way to your destination, be sure to stop at the charming town of Solitaire. Known for its delicious meat and apple pies, it’s also the perfect spot to refuel your vehicle and pick up any last-minute groceries.

Solitaire is also popular for its cool vintage car graveyard, which makes for a fun and quirky photo opportunity. We also discovered their locally crafted Namibian gin at the small grocery store—and it turned out to be fantastic!

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Reaching Sossusvlei

Finally, continue the last 83km (about 1 hour) to reach Sesriem where you will find your accommodation. Do note that this section of the road is quite bumpy so you may need to drive slower.

Once there, you will have the option of staying inside Sossusvlei park, which grants exclusive access to the dunes, or staying outside the park.

🏨 We cover these options in detail, along with the best activities in Sossusvlei, in our comprehensive Sossusvlei guide.

If you have time after checking in, you can head straight into the park and watch the sunset from Dune 45.

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Where to Stay in Sossusvlei

If you are camping, we highly recommend staying at Sesriem Oshana campsite inside the park. If you prefer staying at a lodge, then Dead Valley Lodge would be our top pick! 

If you don’t mind staying outside the park, then we would recommend either Desert Quiver Camp or Desert Hills Lodge. 

You will be staying here for the next 3 nights. 

Day 3: Windhoek to Sossusvlei

During your three nights in Sossusvlei, you’ll have the chance to experience some of Namibia’s most breathtaking landscapes, including towering sand dunes, white clay pans, petrified trees, and unforgettable sunsets.

While you’ll have the flexibility to plan your excursions as you wish, we’ve outlined some recommendations to help you make the most of your time. For a detailed breakdown, be sure to check out our guide on the best things to do in Sossusvlei.

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Sunrise at Deadvlei

Experience your first Sossusvlei sunrise by heading straight to the incredible Deadvlei. This is one of the most surreal landscapes you’ll encounter in Sossusvlei and we recommend visiting as early as possible.

To get there, you will either need to drive 1 hour from the park gate or take the park shuttle (paid). Be aware though that if you do self-drive, you will need to traverse through a challenging stretch of sandy road. We provide detailed tips on navigating this section successfully in our Sossusvlei guide. 

Visiting Deadvlei, and the nearby Big Daddy Dune, should take around 2-3 hours of time. 

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Afternoon Relaxing

Afterward, return to your camp or lodge to relax for the afternoon. If you’re staying at Sesriem Oshana Camp or Dead Valley Lodge, take advantage of their incredible pools, which overlook a small waterhole that often attracts wildlife—a perfect way to unwind and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

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Sunset at Dune 45

Finally, once it is time for sunset, we recommend heading to Dune 45. It is about a 40-minute drive from the park gate and was one of our favourite spots for sunset. Even if you saw it already on the first night, we would recommend going back. Every sunset there is unique!

Day 4: Sossusvlei (Sunrise at Sossusvlei, sunset at Elim Dunes)

Today, you will get to experience a more off-the-beaten path side of the incredible Sossusvlei park. Most visitors only stay for 1 or 2 nights in Sossusvlei, so having this extra day allows you to see a less frequented area of the dunes. 

Sunrise at Sossusvlei Dunes

For sunrise, we recommend going to the Sossusvlei and Big Mama dunes, just a bit further than Deadvlei. Again, you will need to traverse through the challenging stretch of sandy road, or take the park shuttle.

When we visited Sossusvlei and Big Mama Dunes right at sunrise, we had the entire place all to ourselves. It was a remarkable experience walking on the white clay pan, surrounded by towering red dunes in absolute tranquillity! We ended up spending around 2 hours exploring the area.

Next, spend the afternoon at your lodge relaxing by the pool or enjoying the beautifully decorated lounge area overlooking the vast sandy plains. 

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Sunset at Elim Dunes

Finally, for sunset, we suggest heading over to Elim Dunes. These dunes are located only a short 5 minutes drive from the park gates so will allow you the most amount of time to fully appreciate the sunset before the gate closure time. 

⭐ If you want to see a full breakdown of those dunes, and get a better understanding of how their 2-gate system’s opening and closing times work, we covered it in detail in our Sossusvlei Guide.

Day 5: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

On Day 5, you’ll leave Sossusvlei and head to your next destination, the coastal town of Swakopmund. The drive should take between 4.5-5 hours. 

Known for its charming German-inspired architecture, Swakopmund offers a variety of exciting activities. You can kayak with playful seals, go dune bashing in the towering sands of Sandwich Harbour, enjoy ATV adventures, try skydiving, and so much more! We have a full guide on the best things to experience in Swakopmund including where to stay and where to eat! 

After the 4.5 hour drive from Sesriem, you can enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing and having a delicious seafood dinner at Ocean Cellar. 

Where to stay in Swakopmund

We would’ve loved to stay at Strand Hotel, and in any case, we were there everyday since our favourite restaurant Ocean Cellar was located right on the ground floor of that hotel!

Day 6: Swakopmund (Kayaking with Seals)

During the 3 nights spent in Swakopmund, you will have the chance to enjoy some of Swakopmund’s best activities. We have written a comprehensive guide on the top things to do in Swakopmund so make sure to head over and check that out. There are more than 10 awesome experiences to be had there but in this itinerary, we have chosen our 2 favourite adventures. 

Or you can download our free PDF guide on the top things to do in Swakopmund! That way you will always have it handy once you need it!

Morning – Kayaking with Seals

In the morning, head to Walvis Bay to embark on your Seal Kayaking adventure. This 3–4 hour experience takes you to Pelican Point, home to a massive colony of thousands of Cape fur seals. Once there, you’ll hop into your kayak and paddle closer to the seals, who are incredibly curious and often swim right up to your kayak to play. Along the way, you’ll also encounter a vibrant colony of flamingos and might even spot a few jackals roaming the area.

Following this experience, you can return to relax at your hotel. 

Evening – Dinner at Ocean Cellar

Before dinner, we recommend strolling along the waterfront of Swakopmund and then head over to Ocean Cellar Restaurant. Another great restaurant you can try is The Tug, but they tend to be booked over a week in advance.  

Day 7: Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour)

Sandwich Harbour is one of the most sought-after experiences near Swakopmund and a major draw for visitors.

Sandwich Harbour is a remote location along the Namibian coastline where the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert dramatically meet the Atlantic Ocean. You can go visit it as a half-day adventure or full day Sandwich Harbour trip, however we highly recommend the full day option as you will have a lot more time to enjoy the actual Sandwich Harbour. 

Alternatively, if you are really interested in animals, there is a great Living Deserts Eco-tour where you can venture out into the sand dunes of Swakopmund in search for all the hidden creatures!

Both are full-day tours so you will return to Swakopmund at around 4pm.

Day 8: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe

Today, you’ll leave Swakopmund and take a short 2-hour drive to reach Spitzkoppe, a destination that truly surprised us during our Namibia Road Trip Itinerary.

Here, you’ll have the chance to explore ancient rock paintings created by Namibian tribes, hike through the breathtaking rock formations, and witness an awe-inspiring view of the Milky Way under a sky filled with millions of stars.

We recommend spending 2 nights in Spitzkoppe in order to fully appreciate the experience here. However, if you’d prefer to dedicate more time to safari adventures, you can opt for just one night here and add an extra night to your stay in Etosha.

⭐ For a detailed guide on all the activities in Spitzkoppe, recommendations on where to stay, and tips to make the most of your visit, check out our Full Guide on Visiting Spitzkoppe.

As for today, spend your time freely exploring the rocky landscapes of Spitzkoppe and cap it off with one of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see!

Where to Stay in Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe Lodge if you want an exclusive nature Lodge experience, and Spitzkoppe community rest camp if you will be camping.

Day 9: Spitzkoppe, Chain bushman paintings

Today you will have a full day available to explore the attractions of Spitzkoppe. You can book a guided tour through the reception or head out on your own for an independent adventure. We especially enjoyed visiting the Chain Bushman paintings, which provided fascinating insights into the region’s history and culture.

For a full list of the activities in Spitzkoppe, check out our Things to do in Spitzkoppe Guide.

One of our favourite experiences, however, was simply savouring a campfire meal while surrounded by Spitzkoppe’s breathtaking landscapes. Be sure to stay up after dark to witness the most spectacular night sky imaginable. Namibia is recognized as one of the world’s Dark Sky reserves, with minimal light pollution, offering an unparalleled view of the stars.

I mean, just look at this photo and you’ll see what I mean. It was without a doubt one of the most incredible views we saw during our entire Namibia Road trip Itinerary.

Day 10: Spitzkoppe to Etosha

Sunrise at Natural Rock Arch

Make sure to wake up early to watch the sunrise at the Natural Rock Arch in Spitzkoppe. This experience reminded us a lot of the incredible rock arches we saw during our Utah Road Trip and at Cassidy Arch, and remains as one of those unforgettable views. 

Drive from Spitzkoppe to Etosha

After watching the sunrise, you will start your long 6 hour drive heading towards Etosha. For this itinerary, you will be heading towards Anderson Gate since your first night stay will be at the Okaukuejo Lodge. Once you have crossed Anderson Gate, and provided the right identifications at the checkpoint, it takes around another 30 minutes to get to Okaukuejo. 

Etosha – Okaukuejo

Once in Etosha, your days will be spent doing exciting independent or guided game drives as well as enjoying the in-lodge waterholes. 

📚 For a full guide on how to spend your time in Etosha, including the best waterholes, wildlife viewing tips, safety tips, and more, check out our Etosha Visitors Guide. 

With the time remaining after you have arrived at your Lodge, you can either go out for a short game drive (but make sure to be back before sunset), or simply enjoy the amazing wildlife views at the lodge’s waterhole.

Where To Stay in Etosha

When visiting Etosha, you can choose between staying inside the National Park or at private game lodges just outside the park gates.

The decision depends on several factors: your budget, game-viewing priorities, comfort level, whether you prefer self-drives or guided game drives, the range of activities offered, and more.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We’ve broken it all down with pros and cons for each option and lodge, so you can find the perfect stay that ticks all your boxes.

We personally stayed at Okaukuejo and would recommend it for your first night stay in Etosha.

Day 11: Okaukuejo towards Halali (Inside Etosha)

Today, you’ll spend the day exploring central Etosha on a game drive as you make your way to your next accommodation at Halali. Be sure to stop at the incredible waterholes along the route between Okaukuejo and Halali—they’re excellent spots for wildlife viewing!

If you want more details on the exact itinerary to follow for your days spent at the lodges inside Etosha, we describe it in detail in our Etosha Itinerary.

Expect to spend around 4-7 hours doing independent game drives through the park. The longer you stay out there, the higher the chances are of encountering amazing wildlife!

Where to stay in Etosha: Halali Camp or Lodge

Day 12: Halali towards Private Game Lodge (Outside Etosha)

Spend your morning and afternoon exploring more of Eastern Etosha before making your way to Von Lindequist Gate (Eastern Etosha Gate) to reach your next destination: the Private Game Lodges.

Private Game Lodges offer a more exclusive, personalized, and luxurious experience compared to the lodges within Etosha. In our experience, the quality of their game drives and wildlife encounters is often superior as well.

✅ For a detailed comparison between Etosha Lodges and Private Game Lodges, check out our comprehensive Where to Stay in Etosha guide.

If you’re short on time to read it, then our suggestion is to spend 2 nights at the lodges inside Etosha, and 2 nights in a Private Game Lodge outside Etosha for the best of both worlds.  

Where to stay in Eastern Etosha: Private Lodges

The Private Game Lodges we would highly recommend near the Eastern Etosha Gate are:

Day 13: Private Game Lodge (Outside Etosha)

On your second day at the Private Game Lodge, we highly recommend booking both the sunrise and sundowner guided game drives. Having a knowledgeable guide to assist with spotting wildlife is invaluable and will greatly enrich your safari experience.

Also, during these sunrise and sundowner game drives, you will have the chance to stop during sunrise/sunset, and get out of the vehicle to enjoy a nice cocktail and snacks. It is one of the rare opportunities where you can actually set foot on the African Safari soil. 

Between game drives, take some time to relax by the stunning pool or unwind in the lounge areas of the Private Lodge. Among all the accommodations we experienced in Namibia, the amenities at these private lodges impressed us the most.

Also, one of the things we particularly appreciated about the guided drives was the break from dismantling and reassembling our rooftop tent each day. Typically, when doing independent game drives, we’d have to take down the tent in the morning and set it back up in the evening. After two weeks of camping, not having to go through this hassle felt like a huge relief!

Day 14: Private Lodge to Okonjima Cheetah Camp or Frans Indongo Lodge 

On your second to last day in Namibia, you can wake up early and do one final guided game drive at your Private Game lodge. Otherwise, you can simply relax and then head out at checkout time. 

Next you will be heading south (353km, around 4 hours) to reach the renowned Okonjima Camp. Home to the AfriCat Foundation, they are dedicated to conservation research to help protect the Namibian ecosystem, including large carnivores like cheetahs and leopards. Here, guests can enjoy luxury accommodations ranging from campsites to elegant safari lodges, set against the wild African bush. 

The highlight however is participating in their included game drives, leopard tracking, bush walks, or learning more about their conservation efforts at the Carnivore Care Center. If you’re more interested in other safari animals, they even have a Pangolin or Rhino tracking experience. 

You have the option of camping here but since this will be one of your final nights, I highly suggest checking out their beautiful Okonjima Plains Camp. 

Alternatively, if Okonjima is a bit out of your budget, another great option is staying at the Frans Indongo Lodge.

Where to stay:Okonjima Plains Camp or Frans Indongo Lodge

Day 15: Back to Windhoek and return the car, departure

On your final day, you will drive around 2 hours (219 km) back to Windhoek to return your rental vehicle. Spend the day relaxing in Windhoek or head to the airport for your flight. With our Vehicle rental, we also had included a complimentary drop-off either at the airport or at our hotel. 

If you are staying one final night in Windhoek, then once again we would recommend staying at Tenbergen Pension Hotel.

Other Best Places to See in Namibia (if you have 3 weeks)

If you have 1 additional week to explore Namibia, here are some of the other famous landmarks that you can explore. With one additional week, we believe you will have time to possibly include 2 of these experiences.

• Kolmanskop (south): Explore the hauntingly beautiful ghost town of Kolmanskop, where abandoned buildings are dramatically reclaimed by the Namib Desert’s shifting sands.
• Fish River Canyon (south): Marvel at the breathtaking Fish River Canyon, Africa’s largest canyon, with its dramatic cliffs and rugged landscape carved by millennia of erosion.
• Damaraland (north): Discover Damaraland’s stunning landscapes, featuring ancient rock engravings, towering granite mountains, and tracking the elusive desert-adapted elephants.
• Quiver Tree Forest (south): Wander through the enchanting Quiver Tree Forest, a surreal collection of aloe trees set against a backdrop of rocky outcrops and star-filled night skies. This is another amazing spot for star photography.
• Caprivi Delta (far north east): Immerse yourself in the lush Caprivi Delta, a verdant oasis of wetlands and rivers teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, offering a unique contrast to Namibia’s arid landscapes.

How Much Time do you need for a Namibia Road Trip?

Namibia is a vast country, with significant distances between its major attractions. To fully enjoy your time in Namibia, we recommend a minimum of 2 weeks. 

The country’s top highlights including the iconic safaris in Etosha National Park and the stunning Sossusvlei sand dunes, are quite spaced out in terms of distance. For example, Etosha and Sossusvlei are 770 km apart—roughly a 9-10 hour drive. Travel between each individual landmark will typically take 3 to 6 hours, due to the rugged terrain of Namibia’s roads. 

Given these long driving distances, having at least two weeks allows you to properly pace your journey, fully enjoy each destination, and avoid feeling rushed as you explore this incredible country.

With 2 weeks, you will have enough time to visit Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe (or Damaraland), and Etosha. 

If ever you have 3 weeks, you will be able to enjoy this itinerary at an even more comfortable pace, spending more time in the safaris, or add on some additional landmarks such as Fish River Canyon or Caprivi Game Park. 

With this in mind, we’ve designed what we believe to be the ultimate 2-3 week Namibia road trip itinerary for you in this guide!

Should you rent a 4×4 SUV or a Regular Sedan

One of the big questions we see asked often by travelers intending to explore Namibia is if they need to rent a 4×4 SUV or can they manage with a sedan. The quick answer is that we would strongly recommend booking a 4×4 SUV over a regular sedan, and we will explain why.

SUV Camping or Not

First, if you are going to be camping through Namibia, then naturally you will be renting a 4×4 SUV with a rooftop tent. However, if you are not camping through the country, then you will have the option of renting a normal 4×4 SUV, or a sedan. 

Total Driving Time

As highlighted on our itinerary map, your total driving time over two weeks in Namibia will exceed 24 hours—that’s a significant amount of time on the road! And this doesn’t even account for the driving during local day trips. With so much time behind the wheel, the comfort of an SUV is invaluable. 

Not only do SUVs offer more spacious and comfortable seating, but their superior suspension and handling make a huge difference on Namibia’s notoriously rough and bumpy roads. While some may jokingly call it a “Namibian massage,” we’d say it feels more like a mini earthquake!

Deadvlei Sandy Road

Secondly, if you want to drive yourself to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, you will need to cross that stretch of sandy road. The only way you will be able to achieve that is with a 4×4 SUV.

Double Fuel Tank

Thirdly, a less mentioned reason is the fact that the SUVs often have double fuel tanks. In our case, we were able to drive almost 1000km before we needed to refuel. Since gas stations are very sparse throughout Namibia, we feel going with the small single fuel tank of a sedan would be very stressful. 

Where to Rent your Vehicle

If you will be renting a 4×4 SUV Camper, we highly recommend Kalahari Car Hire. We used them and had an excellent experience.

If you don’t need the camper, then you can checkout RentalCars Namibia. I checked and they have both Sedan and SUV options, in automatic transmission, including Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Hilux 4×4 (what we drove), and Toyota Corolla Cross. 

Is Namibia Safe to Travel

Namibia is an incredibly safe country to travel through. The only time we felt the need to exercise extra caution was during our two days in Windhoek, primarily at night. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the vast, serene emptiness of Namibia or enjoying the hospitality of its excellent lodges and campsites. 

Given that Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world, most of your time will be spent in remote areas with little to no crowds. 

However, when you do need to stop in larger towns, for example to pick up some groceries, we suggest going to the larger supermarkets that have parking attendants. The parking guards are there to watch over your car and then before leaving, you will give them a small tip.

This made us feel safer since our SUV Camper was filled with our personal belongings as well as all our food. 

Do you need a Visa to visit Namibia

Most countries do not need a Visa to visit Namibia, however this will be changing as of April 01, 2025.

As a Canadian, we were able to visit Namibia in 2024 without a Visa, but the government has decided to change the requirements and regulations for most of the Western Countries. The exact requirements and process is still not fully confirmed, so make sure to check this VisitNamibia website for updates on the Visa Requirements.

This post is part of our series about Namibia. If you want to learn more about Namibia, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Spitzkoppe in Namibia (2024)

13 Unforgettable Things to do in Swakopmund, Namibia

Complete Guide to Visiting the Sossusvlei Dunes in Namibia (2025)

Complete Guide to Visiting Etosha National Park (2025)

Where to Stay in Etosha National Park: Top Lodge Comparisons

18 Unforgettable Things to do in Namibia (2025)

Best Tours Through Namibia

Renting a car in Windhoek and planning every hotel and activity throughout your Namibia Road Trip itinerary can be quite overwhelming. If you prefer to have all the rough work planned out for you, so you can focus more on the incredible experiences, we have highlighted some great tour options below.

As previously mentioned, you can do this as a self-drive planned itinerary, or a fully guided tour where you don’t drive and go with a group. 

Fully Guided Group Organized Tours

There are many incredible tours that take you through Namibia. This 21 days Southern African Southbound: Dunes, Deltas, & Falls tour, for example, will bring you through the best highlights of Namibia, as well as going through the Kalahari in Botswana and ending in Victoria Falls.

For a 21 day trip, this G Adventures tour is incredibly well-priced 

If a 21 day trip is too long, and you would prefer to focus more on just Namibia, then you can check out this 14-day Overland Namibia Tour! It will bring you to all the highlights in Namibia including Etosha National Park.

Fully Organized Self-Drive Tour: Go2Africa

If you would prefer to organize your trip with a Tour operator that specializes in all things Africa, then we would highly recommend Go2Africa. They are Safari experts with first-hand experience of all the safaris and lodges, they support local conservation projects, and even provide 24/7 support once you are on your trip. This is especially important as you can encounter many obstacles while traveling through Africa and having a local to guide you can save you from a lot of stress.

They have a perfect 10-Day Self-Driving Namibia Tour that visits all the highlights that we personally visited, including Etosha National Park. However, on this tour, you will be staying at some stunning lodges rather than camping. Also note that oftentimes, tour operators can get better rates than what you can find online.

We compared booking our trip independently vs. with a tour operator and the difference was often negligible. Also, keep in mind that all their tours are customizable so if you want anything changed or added, they will be happy to help!

Cost of our Namibia Road Trip (Self-Drive)

During our 15 days road trip through Namibia, we spent a total of 5,922 CAD, the equivalent of 4200 USD, for the both of us, excluding the international flight. Your largest expenses will be the accommodation costs, vehicle rental costs, and some of the activities. 

To give you an idea, here are a few examples of our expenses during our trip in late 2024:

• 4×4 SUV Camper rental for 15 days: 27,416 NAD (1975 CAD)
• Car rental maximum insurance, no excess: 5,474 NAD (394 CAD)
• Sesriem Oshana Campsite, 3 nights: 3,000 NAD (216 CAD)
• Sesriem park entrance fee, 3 days: 1,050 NAD (75 CAD)
• Secret Garden Guesthouse in Swakopmund, 3 nights: 3,780 NAD (272 CAD)
• Kayaking with seals in Swakopmund: 140 CAD for the two of us
• Sandwich Harbour tour: 5,590 NAD (402 CAD) for the two of us
• Onguma campsite:, 2 nights: 1,740 NAD (125 CAD)
• Sundowner at Private Lodge: 1,260 NAD (90 CAD) for the two of us
• Total in car fuel (3 times refuelling): 6,710 NAD (518 CAD)

Using WISE card in Namibia

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Recap: Self-Drive Namibia Itinerary

This Self-Drive Namibia road trip itinerary remains as one of our best travel experiences ever! While the planning process may take some effort, this guide has everything you need—from a detailed itinerary to recommendations on where to stay, how long to spend in each destination, and what to do.

Namibia truly has it all: breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife safaris, delicious cuisine, a mix of camping and luxury lodging, thrilling hikes, and those unforgettable star-filled night skies. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime—it’s a journey you’ll never forget!

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