Namibia

Namibia is a self-drive country: vast distances on gravel roads between red dunes, a desert coast, canyons and a salt pan that concentrates wildlife around waterholes. Density of people is among the lowest on earth, and lodges are far apart, so routes need planning. A 4x4 with two spare tyres is standard advice.

Cities

Lüderitz

Lüderitz is an isolated Art Nouveau town on the southern Atlantic, surrounded by the restricted diamond area. Kolmanskop, a diamond settlement abandoned to the sand, is ten minutes away and the reason most people come. Wind is constant and the water is very cold.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a German colonial-era town on the Atlantic where the dunes meet the cold Benguela current, usually cool and foggy. It is the adventure hub — quad biking, skydiving, sandboarding — and the base for the Walvis Bay lagoon and its flamingos and pelicans. Seafood is the local strength.

Windhoek

Windhoek is the compact highland capital where almost every trip starts, with German colonial buildings, a craft market and the vehicle hire depots. A day is enough before driving out. Provision here; supermarkets are scarce on the routes south and west.

When to go

See all seasons

• Green season: Short intense rains, green desert, newborn animals, some gravel roads washed out.
• Dry season: Cool nights, no rain, wildlife concentrated at waterholes — the main season.
• Hot season: Very hot before the rains, fewer visitors, dramatic skies.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.