Part of our Namibia guide.
Places and guides from our Namibia coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Getting Around Arizona and The Best Time To Travel To Namibia.
Namib Desert's Welwitschia Drive
Have you ever wondered what makes the Namib Desert so unique? One of its hidden gems is the Welwitschia Drive, a route that showcases the ancient and bizarre Welwitschia plant. This plant, often called a "living fossil," can live for over a thousand years. The drive offers a chance to see these incredible plants up close, along with stunning desert landscapes and unique rock formations. If you're a fan of nature and adventure, this drive is a must-see. The route winds through gravel plains and dry riverbeds, where the Welwitschia mirabilis plants—some with leaves frayed by centuries of wind—stand scattered across the terrain. You will need a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the sandy tracks, and a permit from the Namibia Wildlife Resort is required before entering the designated area. Check at the Sesriem gate for current permit fees and operating hours, as these are subject to change. The drive typically takes half a day, so pack water, sun protection, and snacks. Along the way, keep an eye out for oryx and springbok that graze on the sparse vegetation, and stop at the viewpoint over the Kuiseb River canyon for a panoramic shot of the desert. For those interested in hiking and the outdoors in Namibia, this area also offers short walking trails near the campsites, though the drive itself is the main attraction. The stark beauty of the landscape, with its red sand dunes and granite inselbergs, makes every kilometer worth the effort. If you are planning a trip, consider combining the Welwitschia Drive with a visit to the nearby Sossusvlei dunes, where the famous Deadvlei pan awaits—a spot known for the mystery of Deadvlei's white clay and dead trees that have stood for centuries.
Our Epic Self-drive Safari Through Namibia
Welcome to the remarkable land of Namibia, a country located in southwestern Africa known for its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage. Embarking on a self-drive safari through Namibia is an unforgettable adventure, allowing you to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in the beauty of this diverse country. As you navigate the vast and rugged terrain of Namibia, you will encounter a myriad of breathtaking sights, from towering sand dunes to expansive national parks teeming with wildlife. This self-drive itinerary typically spans two to three weeks, covering over 2,000 kilometers of gravel roads and tarred highways. Start in Windhoek, where you can rent a 4x4 vehicle from operators like Bushlore or Safari Car Hire; expect to pay around 400 to 600 Namibian dollars per day for a fully equipped vehicle with a rooftop tent. Head north to Etosha National Park, where the entrance fee is 150 Namibian dollars per person per day, and stay at campsites like Okaukuejo or Halali, which offer floodlit waterholes for nighttime wildlife viewing. From there, drive west to the Skeleton Coast, a remote stretch of Atlantic shoreline known for shipwrecks and seal colonies. The road to the coast is rough, so carry extra fuel and water—petrol stations are sparse, with distances of up to 300 kilometers between them. Continue south to the Namib Desert, where you can tackle the dunes at Sossusvlei and climb Big Daddy, the tallest sand dune in the park, at 325 meters. Accommodation options range from budget campsites at 80 Namibian dollars per night to luxury lodges costing over 2,000 Namibian dollars. For those interested in tracking desert elephants on Namibia's Skeleton coast, the Huab River valley is a prime location, though sightings depend on the season and water availability. The ultimate Namibia road trip itinerary often includes a stop at Swakopmund for sandboarding or quad biking, then a final leg through the Fish River Canyon before returning to Windhoek. Pack layers for temperature swings—from 40°C days in the desert to near-freezing nights in the highlands—and always carry a spare tire and satellite phone for emergencies.
