Eerily photogenic ghost towns or the many shipwrecks dotting the coast - slowly being reclaimed by the ocean. Next search for the unique desert-dwelling elephant. Check out from your desert lodge and prepare for your departure to Swakopmund, a coastal city located in the west side of Namibia. A landscape that would leave anyone speechless for at least a few second. We chose to get up just before dawn and join the black rhino tracking. What to do in Namibia for a week? - TravelMagma Last week in partnership with Maestral International and UNICEF Namibia we ran a Safeguarding in Sport workshop with local coaches, administrators and athletes. It's one of Namibia's main points of interest. It has gained popularity with tourists over the years due to the fact that it is much safer than its neighbor to the south. Thanks. While South Africa is the most popular country in Africa, Namibia on the other hand, is an untamed beauty without the crowd of tourists, compared to its neighbors. Dinner in the lodge includes a dance by the kids from the local primary school. Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Namibia I will also remember the Kalahari for its unforgettablesunsets over the typically red dunes and acacia trees, making itone of the most fascinating places to visit in Namibia. Wildlife at Etosha National Park look amazing and you have taken good natural shots of giraffes and elephants. I was well aware that an overland camping trip is more physically demanding than a normal tour and its not everyones cup of tea, but I happen to love camping and even if they give you the opportunity to upgrade to a standard room near the campsite, I didnt even consider that option. Me on the tree, a super small lady in the background, and if you look carefully, you can see a tiny little person on top of the giant dune behind! The first part of the tour is kayaking with seals at Pelican Point. You take something with you. After the Fish River Canyon, my body completely gave up on me and I had to upgrade to a normal accommodation for 2 nights to recover. 30 Best Things to do in Namibia 1.) The scenery is phenomenal, the experience exhilarating, and the driving nothing short of expert. Sossusvlei, the Dead Vlei and Dune 45 definitely deserve a brand new blog post. People who know me well, are aware of how hard it is for me to write about Africa. Great recap with useful tips! Check current prices or see all our accommodation choices for this itinerary throughout the days above. NAMIBIA: The Beginning Of My 2 Months (Mostly) Camping Trip In Africa The Emotional Journey. ABOUT This makes September to October the optimal time to self-drive Namibia, but peak season means you must book well in advance. The conflict between the needs of wild animals and rural Namibians, the challenges of poaching, and the opportunity and costs of trophy hunting are issues with real impact on the lives of the community. The White Lady of Brandberg painting is thought to be 1,000 to 2,000 years old but some etchings are over 5,000. Have a picnic lunch staring at a giraffe or at the wide-open views of this remarkable landscape, before arriving at the lodge. During this time, the temperatures dip making it more comfortable to drive long distances through the desert. The skies in Namibia will leave you speechless. The picture with the sign is a rite of passage when visiting Namibia, almost like being baptised to Africa, or at least it was for me What a surreal place, besides our van, no one else was there, only the typical red soil meeting the bluest sky I have ever seen in my life and the Namibian endless horizons ahead! Ok, before I start digging into my emotions and memories, lets start with the basics questions I get all the times: Which countries I have visited and what I saw/experienced. 1:08. Not long after, as we approached the small outpost at Solitaire, the condition of the road started to worsen as we joined the many other tourists to the region. Grootberg Lodge offers a range of activities including elephant and black rhino tracking and a visit to a local community. Ill definitely save this post for when Im able to go ? Learn more. It is now a barren drive through grey and brown rock to the belching factories and unattractive town of Walvis Bay. After spending the first night in the tent, we woke up super early to admire a peaceful sunrise from the top of the Fish River Canyon, the second largest Canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. We made the obligatory fun pit stop at the Solitaire gas station, filling up our car with petrol (it is the only place for fuel for many miles! This classic weeklong itinerary balances wildlife spotting in Etosha National Park, architecture and culture in German-influenced Swakopmund, and desert canyons and dunes in Namib-Naukluft National Park. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. Physically Active Youth on Instagram: "Last week in partnership with Hopefully, you leave something good behind. On day 7 of your 2-week Namibia itinerary, leave the desolation of the Skeleton coast behind and head inland to Grootberg Lodge in Damaraland. GRACIAS! The local settlement of Sesriem gets its name from this canyon, which was named by the original settlers who needed Six ("Ses") leather cords ("rieme") tied together to reach the water in the canyon far below. Kolmanskop Ghost Town. Venture into Sossusvlei Sossusvlei is the one place in Namibia of which everyone has seen a photo. You'll cover the famous Etosha National Park for a wildlife-studded game drive and end your tour in the Namib Desert, all the while staying in luxury accommodations. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by. How Much Does it Cost to Travel Namibia in 2023? Ultimate Namibia Itinerary: Self-Drive Road Trip (+ Map & Tips) Check in to your chosen accommodation and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the restaurants in the Swakopmund Jetty. All the details for the day can be found on ourBig Daddy Dune article. Really! The desert temperature skyrockets once the sun is up, so make to get to the top of the ridge before that happens. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Anti-Malaria prescription medicine is highly advised if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. I also traveled to Namibia to safari through the sand dunes! Nevertheless, Naankuse is well located for the airport, and so on our final morning, and day 7 of our 1 week Namibian adventure, we took the short drive remaining to us, back to Windhoek airport for our quick flight to Johannesburg. Have you been to Namibia? Namibia 2 Week Itinerary: How To Have An Epic Namibia Road Trip In 2023 Namibia looks like what bucket lists are made of. At first thought, I felt that it may be dangerous hiring a car and travelling through Namibia but your article has helped. Climb the Highest Dune in the World's Oldest Desert At 80 million yearsby some estimates, the beautiful Namib is the world's oldest desert. So many incredible sights and so easy to travel around, yet it still very unvisited. Pretty soon we had left civilisation and most motorists behind, as we hit the gravel road just a few kilometers outside the city. Roads that are easily navigable criss-cross the park and government camps offer accommodation, food and petrol stations. Make a late stop at Solitaire to gather supplies for tomorrow. The Tropic Of Capricorn. We have a post about the whole day to Pelican Point and Sandwich Harbour coming out in the next 2 weeks. Nick R. California, United States "We just returned from one of the best trips of our life. Okonjima Activities// Morning drive begins at 6:30; afternoon drive begins at 15:30. Suggestion: west Etosha park- would have loved Etosha village lodge by the gate. Check it out and discover this hidden gem of Africa! This special ecological lodge, nestled into the surroundings and playing such a big part in the conservation efforts of the region, was a highlight of our trip and is well worth dedicating a night or 2 to, for sundowners with a view, delicious meals under the stars, and guided nature walks led by passionate locals. Unfortunately, we were slightly disappointed with our Naankuse lodge experience, which did not quite live up to the other amazing stays we had had thus far during our holiday. Easily one of our favourite travel destinations so far. It snow goes on my travel list. 3K Namibia is a country located on the west coast of Southern Africa. Travel 45-minute drive each way to Walvis Bay. Make sure to check out the waterhole at night as there is a high chance of seeing elephants, rhinos, Giraffes, and lions come to drink. Needless to say, the landscape is beautiful and one of the best ways to visit Namibia is on an overland trip that goes to both the north and the south of the country. It has little to offer and can easily be skipped. In Search of Incredible? This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Best Places to Visit in Namibia - Favorite Things to Do This is Pierre and Julien. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. Top 10 Things To Do in Namibia | Namibia Tours & Safaris Day 6-7 | Northern Damaraland. Well, of course I am, I loved Africa to death and this is my story, but I suspect that if you ask around youll find many other people who would completely agree with me. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei totally fantastic! 13 Fascinating Places to Visit in Namibia (Best Things to Do!) Mi hai fatto venire voglia di ritornare in Africa , Grazie Bella! THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA: Ideas For A One Week Itinerary! All rights reserved, Namibia Road Trip / 2-Week Namibia Itinerary, Agama River Camp, between Solitaire &Sasriem, best places to stop on the Skeleton Coast, challenges of trophy hunting and rhino poaching, Waterberg Wilderness Lodge, Waterberg Plateau, 10 of the most stunning campsites in Namibia, A Guide To Driving The Skeleton Coast In Namibia, Driving in Namibia / 15 useful car rental tips for Namibia, Have An Incredible Safari Experience At Etosha National Park. An amazing trip plan was put together by Lize and team to navigate us through 3 weeks of Safari, wil", Traveled to Namibia as a couple in August, 2022, "We had an amazing trip in Namibia. A 4WD will help you explore more of the area. Incredible landscapes ! Travel Being driven by your guide for as long as it takes to find the rhino. I actually missed that van for the rest of my African trip , 24th November our 7 day south tour gets to visit the second largest canyon in the world, Fish River Canyon. Yesterday I went through my facebook posts, looking for the hundreds of African Pictures and updates I had put up until now on my social media and a few of them still makes me tear up. In the wet season the roads are muddy and animals spread out over the wide plains. Its been a trip beyond words! Every night after dinner, I used to place a sarong in front of my tent, lay down and watch the stars, being fully aware of how lucky I was to be there. Last tours leave at 4 pm. |VIDEOS Thanks for your comment. Guess I got even more of a reason to check it out now apart form the other obvious reasons youve shared. After a delicious breakfast at the authentically local Village Cafe, and some traditional Southern African rusks with our coffee, we were on the road again. The hunt is over! Awesome blog. Rise early the following day for an excursion into the "sand sea," including the famous Sossusvlei dune belt. Click on the part you want to read and skip the rest if you want! But worry not, this is only my Bridget Jones side! From typically African exotic wildlife safaris to the world's second largest canyon. Be careful with road side stops as there were incidences of robberies. The Kimkim team and Pet", "A big thank you to the KimKim team for the planning, organisation and great communication that went into making our 5 weeks in Namibia a truly memorable trip", Traveled to Namibia as a couple in November, 2018, Pride of Namibia: Etosha, Swakopmund & Namib Desert - 7 Days. Your Namibia adventure starts today! This is another classic route option that swaps out the Skeleton Coast for remote Damaraland. In fact, I keep mentioning them to all my adventurous friends who ask me about booking a trip to Namibia, Okavango Delta and Vic Falls. Namibia is a large desolate country so despite being there over peak season, at no point did it feel crowded. Its a wet, wild, and fun experience. An amazing trip plan was put together by Lize and team to na." read more Traveled to Namibia as a couple in August, 2022 Read more reviews Itinerary #1: Pride of Namibia It went smooth all the way around " read more Traveled to Namibia as a couple in April, 2023 G Gurjit K. Ohio, United States Zambia Vs Tanzania.women'S International Friendly. Wouldnt it be better to just disregard my emotions and get straight to the facts? The distances to be covered are extensive, and made more so by the fact that they are rarely on paved roads. I couldnt have asked for more. In the afternoon, travel to Etosha Pan, a vast expanse of extremely flat salt pan located in northern part of Etosha National Park. On day 6, enjoy a game drive at Namutoni Camp, located at the eastern part of Etosha National Park. Towering shifting dunes and crashing oceans. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Namibian dinner on the deck of your chosen safari lodge. You need to see it for yourself to truly understand It. I was puzzled, in a good way, as I couldnt understand how a place this beautiful wasnt invaded by tourists. I have seen the pictures of sand dunes on one side and turquoise sea on the other. And there is no better way to see it all than on a Namibia road trip. This is the official itinerary for our 3 weeks camping around Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. In the afternoon take a stroll around the valley floor, soak up the relaxing atmosphere and let the pace drop. Thanks for stopping by Jyoti. Other highlights include Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop, Swakopmund, and Twyfelfontein. Begin by driving back through Solitaire, stopping again if you didnt have enough time to collect photos of the old burnt our cars. Grootberg Lodge, perched on top of a red rock basalt plateau, is run and owned by the local population. Youll realize how beautiful and magical a place can be. Find ideas for your next trip! All the Images are subjected to Copyright. What can you do in Namibia for a week? - 2023 As we hit the coast we turned briefly south, flanking the lagoon and towards the Walvis Bay Salt Refiners and the nature reserve it forms part of. Further along the coastal road we stopped off to see the Zeila Shipwreck, the most easily accessible of the ships marooned along this aptly named Skeleton Coast, which has famously claimed so many naval vessels. Love your pictures and yes, Namibia rocks. I cant imagine what an experience that mustve been playing with seals!!! Just carry a photocopy of your passport. An excellent dinner is included and the staff are friendly and helpful. Thank you, Your email address will not be published. An emotional encounter with one of the kids of the Himba tribe during my 7 days trip in Northern Namibia (check out my next post, coming soon). Ask the guides on the walk where they were seen last. Loved the lodge. It is safe to eat vegetables, fresh fruits and salads. Namibia for beginners - 7 days of breathtaking views - Where Would You Go Our preferred partner is RentalCars.com. Okonjima Nature Reserve - 1 night. It also explains why we recommend renting a 44. Should I divide my story across 8 countries in chapters and separate articles? Thanks Agy, Namibia is truly something else mars so to speak! For this itinerary, assuming you arrive on an international flight, we suggest you hire a car from Windhoek International Airport. Travel 1 hour, 40 minutes drive each way from Agama River Camp to Deadvlei parking. How can I explain Africa to you? Namibia is wide open spaces end endless horizons. Walvis Bay Tours Sandwich Harbour & Pelican Point. You see my dilemma. Amazing 2-week Namibia Itinerary (+ Map) | Anywhere We Roam Keep Calm And Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also providing the same service in Namibia. When I write a blog post I certainly want it to be useful for you, and I will give as much info as I can, but its also important for me to pass you my emotions and feelings before the information. Passing through canyons and dry river beds, stop at Kuiseb Pass and take a short stroll up to the viewpoint over the national park. I am loving the idea of spending an extra day in Kunene and be able to visit the Himba village that sounds incredible. Namibia is such a captivating, beguiling country, that I feel changed by my time there - like I left a small part of my heart in that beautiful, brutal place and it has been calling me . Most accommodation in this area is conveniently located 60 km from the park gates and overlooking the beautiful dunes of Sossusvlei. Weve been providing free travel content on Anywhere We Roam since 2017. It is only about a 5 minute drive from the gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park (itself right next to the Sossusvlei Lodge), and large parts of the canyon are in the cool shade, making it a great way to spend some time out of the usual Namibian heat. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. As soon as you arrive in their 44 youll notice the large colony of cape fur seals mulling around the lighthouse. Explore its vast landscapes and marvel at the views of the abundant Namibian wildlife. Just write a recap of what I did, with useful tips for all the people who are still asking me non-stop- how to organise their trip to Africa? I thought a lot about the way I wanted to tell you about this trip. I cant think of any reason why going north from Windhoek first would be any better or worse, so its really just up to what you would prefer. For some helpful tips to get you started, read our article on all thingsdriving in Namibia. Aside from its spectacular sand dunes, Namibia provides diverse attractions peaks and desert, beaches, gigantic ravine, rivers, and national parks. It was the most amazing trip and we will share those memories with the Things forever. The vivid visuals of stunning Sossusvlei, or pink salt pans, pinker flamingos and the highest sand dunes in the world. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Namibia If you're not down for carrying camping gear around with you, there are close to no budget options. How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. The salt surfaces are incredibly smooth and are a pleasure to drive. Wow! It may take a little bit longer as this route offers great opportunity for photography. Unfortunately, if you already read my blog you know that I m rather delicate when it comes to my health (I caught the flu on my flight to Namibia). Known as the tallest dune in Sossusvlei, Big Daddy also offers spectacular desert scenery and overlooks the stunning landscape of Deadvlei. Though do bear in mind that they can get slippery when wet, after it rains in the area or mist rolls in from the ocean, so do take care in those situations. Hopefully that will entice you to go even more. It was perfect. P.Iva: 03938960923 | Planning 2 weeks in Namibia? Rainy months are from May to August and summer is from November to March. Live at Woodlands Stadium Lusaka. There is a lot of interesting information for you to know. We booked 7 months in advance and the camps inside Etosha were fully booked. So, make sure you have enough time to get to your hotel in Sossusvlei before it gets dark. And yes, I did make it to the Cheetah Conservation Fund on my second week exploring the Northern part of Namibia. It can be tough to spot animals but the guides are knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in the area. Thanks, Jen. When we get to Africa, Namibia is definitely on the schedule. The total distance of the trail is 86 km, the river itself is longer but due to many shortcuts, your walking distance is about 14 km less. This post was an eye opener. The drive to get to Etosha National Park is about 5 hours. During my first game drive in the Kalahari desert, I spotted my first giraffe accompanied by a cute baby one, as well as colourful birds and zebras. Damaraland StayGrootberg Lodge, Northern Damaraland, Travel 3-hour, 30-minute drive from Terrace Bay to Grootberg Lodge. ", Traveled to Namibia as a group in October, 2022, "Namibian Adventure Some time before arriving into Walvis Bay we hit the salt roads common in the area, and it was a relief after the bumpy gravel roads we'd been navigating thus far on our trip. Some you can fly along at 90km/h, others you are slowly bouncing over ruts. The real reward from the day was getting a genuine understanding of wildlife conservation in Namibia. Distance: 325 km from Spitzkoppe to Twyfelfontein. We need to go again armed with your wonderful itinerary. Also didnt know you could kayak there too. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps. Travel isnt always pretty. I mean, can you blame me?! The wet season runs from November to May and the dry season from June to October. Shortly after leaving the shore in your kayak youll be met by friendly seals playing all around you, eating your oar and trying to get into the boat. 14-Day Itineraries 2 Weeks in Namibia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas 2 Weeks in Namibia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas View Map With two weeks in Namibia, you can visit famous National Parks and desert landscapes on a classic highlights tour. I loved your road trip itinerary and I am saving it for my future travel. Afrikaans, the official language of its previous occupier, is also widely spoken. Do you have any tips or suggestions to share? "Organization was excellent - quality of lodges and activities. Grootberg Lodge Activities/ Rhino tracking (3/4 day) and elephant tracking (1/2 day) depart before sunrise; evening game drive departs 15:30 and lasts 3 hours |Prices: N$1,925 rhino; N$1,370 elephant, N$570 evening game drive |Bookings: can be made at the lodge. An overland tour of Namibia provides the opportunity to discover the best nature, wildlife and culture that the country has to offer. Cheetahs, at risk from farmers outside the park, have been brought here, looked after and reintroduced into the park. Also, assess your physical condition as climbing the massive dune is harder than most people would expect. 2 pairs long pants, can also be jeans, but light trekking pants are probably more convenient. Amazon Affiliate Disclosure Then you are in the right place! Wildlife at Etosha National Park and Kunene look incredible. The cost of postage stamps is going up by 3 cents on Sunday, the third price hike in the last 12 months.. Why it matters: It's the 17th rate change since 2000 and the shortest time between stamp increases in the Postal Service's history. Suitably awestruck, we hit the road again, making our way to our next accommodation - about an hour's drive north of Sesriem to what would be our favourite hotel of the entire trip - the brilliant Desert Grace Lodge. Enjoy their delicious BBQ breakfast, then spend a bit of time catching up with things on their very good WIFI, perusing a book from their collection, taking a dip in the pool, or just admiring the views from their comfy lounges. Rainy months are from May to August and summer is from November to March. Take your last morning drive in Etosha then have lunch at Kameldorn Garten inOtjiwarongoon your way to the Waterberg Wilderness Lodge. Gay and Normal is all about being gay nowadays. Namibia looks so amazing and surreal, wow! It could 1 to 2 hours to get through immigration and another 45 minutes to pick up the car. There are many great restaurants, delis and coffee shops, loads of great accommodation options, and a real holiday feel about the place, and it is a big contrast to the experience driving around the rest of the country. Proudly created with Wix.com. In the afternoon, begin your adventure in Etosha National Park in an open safari vehicle. Ok, let me start off by saying straight away: 1 week is not nearly enough time spent in Namibia! If you love adventure, nature, and culture you've come to the right place - There are plenty of things to do in Namibia. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, could appear over 17 U.S. states on July 13. Welcome to our blog! Road tripping is a popular way of experiencing Namibia's varied landscapes, from wetland to desert and coast to city. You'll visit some of the largest dunes in the world and the iconic Deadvlei trees. The struggle for life becomes a bit easier and springbok, oryx, giraffe and impala . At over 300m high they shimmer in the early morning light as they shift with the wind. While this country may seem like a vast and dry expanse of dusty plains with sparse pastures and trees, it's hiding some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the world. Namibia was already high on my travel list, but it has just risen higher. Wed love to go back as well; Namibia is one of our favourite countries. Learn more. No wonder its one of your favorite days! Definitely interested in visiting now! Millennia-old paintings adorn cave walls, homemade gin and beer quenches your thirst and there is a warmth and friendliness to all you meet. The best things to do in Namibia Sossusvlei StayAgama River Camp, between Solitaire &Sasriem, Travel 4-hour drive over Spreetshoogte Pass via C24, D1261 and D1275. Renting a car can be confusing with so many different providers offering so many different options. Everything in there is mystical <3, Spettacolari, le foto e i racconti! To improve your online experience, we use cookies for enhanced functionality and analytics. Because camping in Namibia is not only about how to do it, its about the journey, the feelings, the unforgettable emotions you will bring home with you. When it comes to this place, Im at loss of words. Just landed on Mars? 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It took me months of effort and a good amount of positive stress to put this trip together, from finding the right companies/Tour Operators for each country, to deciding the right itinerary, booking the internal flights and transfers, dealing with vaccinations, visas, and much more. Transfer to a private plane in Windhoek for your flight to Sossusvlei, where your adventure will begin. Travel 3-hour drive from Okonjima Plains Camp to Hosea Kutako Airport. It is very easy to get there, no hiking required, this magic sight is readily available and suitable foreveryone. David, a rather eccentric and funny English gentlemen and travel companion of two of our tours, was far fresher than I will ever be . Check in at one of the desert lodge near Sesriem Gate, the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft Park. The striking images of the desiccated camel thorn trees framed by the majestic sand dunes are memories that will stay with us forever, and we cannot recommend a visit to the region highly enough!