We can confirm what you can often read in travellers' accounts: getting your visa on arrival at the airport is sometimes faster than going through the procedure for people who obtained their visa online beforehand. Of course, the situation may change, but many confirm that the queue at the "Visa on Arrival" counter is noticeably shorter.
If your flight schedule allows it, it is worth staying the first night in Windhoek. Pick up the car, do your shopping, withdraw cash and prepare for your first camp without rushing. It is a good moment to get familiar with the car and the equipment before you set off.
Do not be surprised if the ATM dispenses South African rand (ZAR) instead of Namibian dollars (NAD). Both currencies operate side by side in Namibia, and their exchange rate is exactly 1:1. In most places you can pay by card without any problem, but it is worth carrying some cash - if only for tips, which many Namibians truly deserve.
Whichever route variant you choose, Swakopmund and the surrounding area are the perfect place for a breather after long drives. There are so many attractions here that you could easily spend an entire holiday by the ocean - from Sandwich Harbour and Pelican Point, through lagoon cruises, to desert sports and great restaurants.
If you want to try sandboarding, you do not have to spend a fortune on organised attractions. The local way is far simpler: buy a hardboard sheet and some polishing paste at a hardware store, grease the underside and head for the nearest dune. The fun is just as good, and the cost incomparably lower.
If you care about the best light for photography and want to avoid the crowds, book a stay at one of the camps located between the outer and inner gates of the park. This way you can reach Deadvlei up to an hour before most tourists and stay after sunset longer than people sleeping outside the park.
In Etosha and other national parks, bringing in single-use plastic bags is prohibited. It is best to repack your shopping into paper bags, cloth bags or reusable containers before you enter.
If you are planning to barbecue, remember the veterinary regulations in force in Namibia. When crossing some veterinary zone borders, you may be asked to leave behind raw red meat. The simplest approach is to buy it as you go and not stock up before entering Etosha.
It is one of the most common questions we hear - and we had exactly the same worries before our very first trip.
Having driven across Namibia by car, we can say one thing: for travellers who are sensible and well prepared, Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa for a self-drive trip.
The vast majority of the journey takes you through quiet, sparsely populated areas, and the tourist infrastructure is very well set up for 4x4 road-trippers.
Of course, as anywhere in the world, common sense goes a long way - especially in larger cities or when stopping on the road. The biggest challenges in Namibia tend to be… long distances, animals on the road or driving on gravel, rather than safety issues.
This is not a destination for those looking for a luxury, organised all-inclusive holiday. But for families and independent travellers who enjoy discovering the world on their own, Namibia can be surprisingly calm, safe and comfortable.
Before our first trip, we also felt Namibia would be far more demanding.
In practice it turned out to be one of the best countries for a first self-drive trip in Africa. Roads are well maintained, traffic is light, and travelling gives an enormous sense of freedom.
Good preparation and the right vehicle make a huge difference.
You do not need to be an experienced off-roader.
Most routes in Namibia run along gravel roads rather than through challenging terrain. A 4x4 primarily provides comfort, safety and greater freedom during your trip.
Most roads in Namibia are gravel roads, but they are generally well maintained and passable.
There are also plenty of tarmac roads of very good quality with no potholes.
Bear in mind that distances are large and average speeds are lower than in Europe. Planning your route and driving times is therefore very important.
Absolutely - we have travelled in Namibia with our own children.
It is a destination for families who enjoy independent travel, nature and a more relaxed pace. Safari, desert landscapes and sleeping under the stars can be an incredible experience for children too.
The cost depends on the length of the trip, the standard of accommodation and the type of vehicle.
For a family, a typical self-drive trip in Namibia usually requires a budget of around €5,000 or more, covering the car, accommodation, fuel and flights.
It depends primarily on the number of people, the planned route and your travel style.
For most families, 4x4s with a rooftop tent or classic 4x4s combined with lodge accommodation work best.
If you are unsure, we are happy to help you choose the right option.
Not always.
A rooftop tent offers great freedom and lets you stay in remarkable places, but Namibia works very well combined with lodges and guesthouses too.
It depends a lot on the style of travel you enjoy most.
Namibia is a year-round destination, but there are differences depending on the time of year:
May - October - dry season and 'winter', best for a first trip
✔️ comfortable temperatures
✔️ best time for safari
✔️ little rain and good road conditions
❌ nights can be cold
❌ higher prices and more tourists
The best choice for a first trip and for families with children.
November - April - summer and rainy season, greener and quieter
✔️ fewer tourists
✔️ warmer nights
✔️ greener landscapes
✔️ often lower prices
❌ higher temperatures
❌ possible rain and more difficult road conditions
❌ safari can be less predictable
A good choice for those who enjoy quieter, less obvious travel.
The minimum sensible time is around 10-14 days.
Namibia is a vast country and driving takes more time than it may appear on a map.
In cities and most lodges internet usually works fine, though often slower than in Europe.
On more remote routes coverage may be limited or disappear entirely.
We equip our vehicles with a mobile router that automatically picks up signal and shares it with your phones.
Yes - especially in high season.
The most popular places and campsites can be fully booked well in advance, so it is worth planning your trip early.
In most places yes, especially in cities, lodges and larger petrol stations.
Even so, it is always worth having some cash on you.
Yes - especially after dark.
We strongly advise against driving at night outside towns. Most travellers plan their journeys during daylight hours only.
Most rental companies, including those we work with, exclude long-distance travel after sunset.
You can pop to a shop or restaurant, but longer journeys are out of the question.
In practice many rental companies accept a regular driving licence; an international driving licence is recommended, though we did not use one in Africa ourselves.
If you would like to be fully covered, an international driving licence costs PLN 35 per document. For two document types (Geneva and Vienna Convention), the total is PLN 70, plus the cost of a current passport photo (1 or 2 photos).
Yes - when travelling to Namibia with children it is worth carrying several additional documents.
Most importantly, a valid passport for each child.
Documents confirming parental responsibility are also required, so it is worth checking the current requirements before departure and bringing:
• a copy of the child's birth certificate,
• written consent from the other parent (if travelling with only one guardian),
Regulations can change, so we always recommend checking the latest information before you travel.
