The Ultimate Namibia Roadtrip with African Overland Tours
Namibia has long been on my travel bucket list. With its surreal desert landscapes, endless skies, and otherworldly natural wonders, it’s a dream destination for anyone who craves wide open spaces and cinematic road trip vibes. And yet, planning a trip to Namibia, especially solo, can feel intimidating. I have found that the information can be quite limited, distances are vast, and renting a car to navigate the dusty roads on your own might not be everyone’s cup of tea, plus it can get really expensive real quick.
That’s why I joined a guided camping tour with African Overland Tours (AOT) and it turned out to be one of the best decisions ever!
Roaming Namibia
with African Overland Tours
Where is Namibia and Why Visit?
Namibia is a Southern African country located between Angola, Botswana, South Africa and the Atlantic Ocean. Its landscapes are among the most varied and dramatic on the continent: from the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park.
Capital: Windhoek
Official Language: English (though 13 ethnic groups each have their own languages)
Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD), but they also accept the South African Rand
Climate: Semi-arid to desert; dry winters (May–Sept) are the best time to visit
Population: approximately 2.5 million
Main Industries: Mining, tourism, agriculture
Colonial History: Colonised first by Germany, then controlled by South Africa until independence in 1990. The effects of segregation and colonisation are still visible today, particularly in the division between Windhoek’s city centre and its townships.
Despite these complexities, Namibia is one of Africa’s safest and most visually appealing countries to explore.
Why I Chose African Overland Tours
I can be quite a spontaneous and adventurous traveller, but Namibia’s size and remoteness made a group tour feel like the smartest option. After doing my research, African Overland Tours stood out for their transparency, itinerary variety and personal touch.
I filled out a short form online and was soon chatting with one of their travel agents over a video call. We talked about my travel style, the kinds of experiences I was craving, and how much driving I was willing to do (hint: not much). A few days later, they sent me a list of tailored itineraries, and I chose the 12-Day Namibia Overland Tour, which offered:
A smaller group size (more intimate, less bus-tour-y)
All the major Namibia bucket list stops I wanted to see
What to Expect: Camping Done Right
Yes, it was a camping trip, but not the kind where you're left fending for yourself. Our guides helped us pitch our tents, cooked delicious homemade meals over the fire, and made the whole experience seamless. I was pleasantly surprised by how well-maintained the campsites were too. Many had hot showers, clean facilities, and even pools!
12-Day Namibia Overland Tour Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Windhoek
I kicked things off with sunset drinks and dinner at the Hilton’s Skybar, which offers sweeping views over the capital city and that was the perfect way to ease into the journey ahead.
Sleep: Hilton Windhoek
Day 1: Windhoek → Mount Etjo
After a morning pick-up from my hotel, I met our two amazing guides, Taimi (our main guide) and Michael (our lovely driver) at the local tour company’s headquarters in downtown Windhoek. We then hit the road and made our way to Mount Etjo, where we enjoyed an afternoon game drive followed by a lion feeding session in the evening.
Sleep: Mount Etjo Campsite
Days 2 & 3: Etosha National Park
We made a short stop in Outjo before heading into the iconic Etosha National Park for two full days of thrilling game drives. Seeing elephants, giraffes, and lions in their natural habitat was sooo fun and easily one of the highlights of the trip.
Sleep: Okaukuejo Camping Area
Day 4: Palmwag Region
We began the day with another stop in Outjo and a visit to a Himba Village to learn about their unique culture and traditions. Then we drove through Grootberg Pass while enjoying panoramic desert views. In the afternoon, we settled into a dry region known for its population of desert elephants.
Sleep: Palmwag Campsite (Gondwana Collection)
Day 5: Skeleton Coast & Spitzkoppe
We stopped at a viewpoint showcasing a very deadly desert plant (the Damara milk bush) and then admired Namibia’s national plant (the Welwitschia mirabilis). Along the Skeleton Coast, we saw a rusting oil rig and a shipwreck before reaching Cape Cross to witness over 250,000 seals lounging on the beach. It was impressive, but also the worst smell I’ve ever experienced in my life. You can’t say I didn’t warn you! That evening, we arrived at the magical Spitzkoppe rocks just in time for a jaw-dropping sunset.
Sleep: Spitzkoppe Campsite
Day 6: Swakopmund via Walvis Bay
After a beautiful sunrise at Spitzkoppe and a quick photo stop at the entrance sign, we visited another shipwreck near Henties Bay. We stopped for coffee at The Trading Post in Swakopmund before continuing to Walvis Bay. There, I opted in for the additional Pink Lake and Sandwich Harbour tour, which was totally worth it. We wrapped the day with a delicious dinner at The Tug, overlooking the ocean at sunset.
Sleep: Hotel A La Mer (yes, we slept in a hotel that night!)
Day 7: Swakopmund → Sesriem
I spent a lovely morning in Swakopmund — brunch at Wild Rocket, a stroll around town, some market shopping, and a peek at the town’s lighthouse and colonial architecture. Then we headed south, drove through Kuiseb Pass and Gaub River before pausing at the Tropic of Capricorn sign. We also stopped in Solitaire, where I tried their famous apple pie at McGregor’s Bakery. We ended the day with a golden sunset walk through the dunes of Sesriem.
Sleep: Sesriem Campsite
Day 8: Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
We woke up early to climb Dune 45 just in time for sunrise, then continued to the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, home to ancient camel thorn trees and towering red sand dunes. We wrapped the afternoon with a walk through the dramatic Sesriem Canyon and some downtime back at camp.
Sleep: Sesriem Campsite
Day 9: Sesriem → Aus
We departed early for Aus, made a quick pit stop at a petrol station, then checked into the gorgeous Klein Aus Vista. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and watching the nearby wild desert horses graze in the afternoon light.
Sleep: Klein Aus Vista
Day 10: Luderitz & Kolmanskop
The morning began with a guided tour of Kolmanskop, Namibia’s eery ghost town. We followed it up with a coastal drive to Diaz Point and lunch by the beach. We explored the charming town of Luderitz with its colourful houses, hilltop church, and old train station. On the way back, we stopped by a waterhole to spot more wild horses.
Sleep: Klein Aus Vista
Day 11: Fish River Canyon
We hit the road early to reach Fish River Canyon, where we had lunch while overlooking Africa’s largest canyon. That evening, we witnessed another breathtaking sunset, this time at the Quiver Tree Forest.
Sleep: Quiver Tree Forest Campsite
Day 12: Back to Windhoek
Our final morning started with a peaceful sunrise in the Quiver Tree Forest before the long drive back to Windhoek. I chose to close the trip with sunset drinks at the Sky Lounge and a final dinner at the Stellenbosch Tasting Room for some well needed treat.
Sleep: Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel
What’s Not Included
First and last hotel nights in Windhoek
Optional excursions (like Sandwich Harbour tour)
Drinks, snacks, and tips for guides
Book This Trip
If you want a stress-free, adventure-filled way to explore Namibia without the need to plan every detail, I highly recommend African Overland Tours.
Disclaimer: I received a discount in exchange for sharing this experience. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
-
Yes, it’s one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Just take standard precautions and avoid walking alone at night.
-
May to September (dry season) offers the best weather for road trips and wildlife viewing. However, please note that the temperature does get very cold at night, and a lot of coastal areas are also very windy.
-
Most countries now need a (very expensive) visa to enter Namibia, except a list of few exempt countries. You definitely want to organise this before your trip, although it is possible to get a visa on arrival at the airport too.
-
It can be, due to fuel costs and long distances, but overland tours help consolidate costs, especially if you share them with other people.
-
There are plenty of options, but here’s those I would recommend:
Restaurants:
The Stellenbosch Tasting Room
The Olive Nest
Butcher’s Block
Museum Restaurant
Joe’s Beerhouse
Rooftop Bars:
Avani
Sky Lounge
The Hilton
-
Layered clothing, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, headlamp, power bank, and a sense of adventure!
-
Delicious! Home-cooked meals over the fire at night; think grilled meats, stews, pasta and fresh veggies. Breakfasts and lunches are more simple, but with fresh ingredients. They can also accommodate for nearly all dietary requirements.
-
Fly into Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). Most major African and European hubs have connecting flights. Some airlines that fly directly into Namibia include Airlink (the most popular in the region), Fly Namibia, South African Airways, Qatar Airways, British Airways and more.