"Namibia" Namibia by toonsarah

Namibia Travel Guide: 2,446 reviews and 5,650 photos

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In a lot of ways this is just about the perfect holiday destination. The scenery is spectacular, especially if like me you love deserts; the wildlife is interesting (though probably not on a par with the classic safari destinations); there are some truly wonderful places to stay, the food is good and the wine excellent, and everywhere you go the welcome is friendly

One of the joys of a holiday in Namibia is that you can drive yourself - perfect if, like us, you prefer to be able to stop when, where and for as long as you please. And you don't need a four-wheel drive for most of the main roads. Be careful though - most roads are gravel not tar and it's very easy to skid and spin the car, as we found out!

And if you want to get out of the car and see things from a different perspective, why not try ballooning over the Namib Desert?

Main road in the Namib Desert

There's a good choice of accommodation, and although camping is popular it isn't the only way to see this wonderful country. If you feel like a bit of luxury you can find it in the amazing lodges (Huab and Okonjima were our favourites), if you prefer something more simple there are little pensions or the state-run places in Etosha, and for "camping" with a difference you could try sleeping out under the stars at one of the desert lodges like Kulala!

Although it's not such an obvious destination for wildlife as maybe Kenya or Tanzania, there's still plenty to be found. Etosha National Park has elephants, rhino, wildebeeste and loads of zebra! If you're lucky (unfortunately we weren't!) you may see the elusive desert elephants further north, but for us the wildlife highlight was seeing the cheetahs at Okonjima.

In Sossusvlei

We met lots of great people on our travels - running hotels (like Jan and Susi at Huab, Sam in Swakopmund and others), our fellow tourists and also some really excellent guides.

This is Chris with Francis who works for Kulala Desert Lodge and took us on a great tour of Sossusvlei (see my Dead Vlei tip). Jan at Huab and the guides at Okonjima were also excellent.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Scenery, lodges, people and wildlife
Cons:Can't think of any!
In a nutshell:A visual feast: red sand, blue sky and the brightest stars you'll ever see

Last visit to Namibia: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Dec 24, 2011
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Reviews (35)

Porcupines and honey badgers Off The Beaten Path (8)

Another must-do activity when staying at Okonjima Lodge is a night time visit to a hide. After dinner everyone wraps... more travel advice

Bushman trail at Okonjima Off The Beaten Path (8)

One of the activities on offer at Okonjima Lodge is a bush walk, which I can definitely recommend. You set out early... more travel advice

Bottle tree Off The Beaten Path (8)

Driving around the farm at Huab with Jan we were thrilled to find this bottle tree in bloom. These striking trees are... more travel advice

Walvis Bay to Swakopmund – an... Things to Do (11)

Driving north from Walvis Bay you have high red dunes on your right and the grey Atlantic Ocean on your left. But this... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
Our route
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Watch out for wildlife!
Tourist Traps (1)
Parking in towns
Shopping (2)
See All Wooden masks

Transportation (1)
Drive yourself
What to Pack (1)
Chilly nights
Hotels (8)
See All Basic accommodation in Etosha
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Comments (43)

kenHuocj Jan 5, 2012 at 5:15 AM Report Abuse

a fine reminder that Namibia will be visited again on my next (?) down to the southern tip of the continent. Enjoyed your commentaries ;-)
ettiewyn Apr 2, 2011 at 2:20 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful page! Very well written and great tips, and I just love the pictures, especially of the wildlife! Thank you :-)
mircaskirca Aug 3, 2009 at 1:23 AM Report Abuse

What a fantastic trip, Sarah! The landscapes are absolutely stunning! Loved your accommodation tips, all the places you stayed looks very attractive! Jan seems to be a great host and guide of the nearby area. All in all, a very nice page :)
junecorlett Apr 22, 2009 at 3:07 AM Report Abuse

I enjoyed your Namibia tips. I used to live there.
robertgaz Nov 10, 2008 at 2:56 PM Report Abuse

Sand, sun and sky... I feel right at home here :~)
claude-andre Oct 5, 2008 at 7:48 AM Report Abuse

We will fly to Cpa Town next week and then travel - a tour, most of the night under tents - throug Namibia, Bostwana and ending in Livingstone (Zambia). Your pages are of great interest. We have been told that ballooning is very expensive. True ?
magor65 Jul 25, 2008 at 3:51 AM Report Abuse

Namibia is slowly changing from a dream stage to a plan for me and I hope that soon it'll become a reality. Your page is fantastic - I love all your descriptions of plants and animals you've encountered. And the photos are just stunning.
Nemorino May 11, 2008 at 12:58 PM Report Abuse

You certainly found some great places to stay in Namibia! We went to a wildlife preserve in Swaziland once, and it was fine, but Namibia seems to have a lot more to offer in that respect. And there are the fascinating deserts!
calcaf38 Apr 27, 2008 at 6:20 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful page, Sarah. I have never rented a car abroad myself (bus-addict). Please email directly if you have any Ecuador questions. You also can see the pictures better on my external page. Happy Travels.
sourbugger Nov 7, 2007 at 5:00 AM Report Abuse

this is an incredible page - great stuff. must get there one day