Namibia is hard to quantify, it’s one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with just over 3 people per square KM (this compares to around 286 in the UK), yet it’s full of contrasting natural beauty, wildlife and a sense of adventure, within a calm and safe environment, the well maintained roads, both hardtop and gravel are extensive yet quiet and make Namibia one of the very best African self drive destinations.
Sandwich Harbour
Sunset
Gravel Road
Damaraland
Etosha
Etosha
Roadside
Etosha
Sandwich Harbour
Car Hire
Etosha National Park is vast, so vast it’s almost beyond description. To put it into perspective, it’s larger than Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire combined. Its iconic salt pan was once a lake fed by the Kunene River, until tectonic shifts a few million years ago altered the river’s course; the intense heat then evaporated the water, leaving behind one of the planet’s great geographical features, visible even from space.
If you have ever wondered what a rotisserie chicken feels like, then step out of the shade and into the direct sunlight of Etosha in the early afternoon, the sensation is intense. The sun remorselessly bears down on you and each breath is arid. Wildlife centralises around natural waterholes dotted around the edge of the salt pan, giving options for viewing several different species all at once, with giraffe, zebra, gnu, springbok and kudu all gathering for a communal thirst-quenching slurp. The big cats are present, but a bit harder to spot and whilst you can freely self drive around the park during the day, your chances of lion or leopard spotting are greatly enhanced by taking a guided sunrise or sundown safari.
From the dusty pan of Etosha, Swakopmund was literally a breath of fresh coastal air, the temperature drops by over 10C to a balmy and very comfortable mid 20’s. Swakopmund combined with the neighbouring town and port of Walvis bay would be Namibia’s second largest population base after Windhoek, it was formed in 1892, by the German colonial authorities, as a harbour to rival the already ensconced British in Walvis Bay, over time all port traffic has moved to Walvis, however Swakopmund has retained a rustic and charming feel of a seaside town, still vibrant, with a sense of history.
Swakopmund is also the gateway to Sandwich Harbour, a photographer’s dream and one of Namibia’s most striking natural wonders. Here, 85 metre dunes plunge dramatically into the Atlantic, framing miles of pristine coastline and hosting an eclectic mix of wildlife, from sea lions to ostrich. Due to its remote location and the hazards of dune driving, the area is only accessible on a guided 4×4 excursion a thrilling journey featuring stunning vistas, wildlife encounters, snippets of history, and plenty of dune-bouncing fun. Our driver was the Namibian equivalent of Crocodile Dundee, armed with a wealth of knowledge and a treasure trove of stories that brought this dramatic wilderness vividly to life.
Damaraland offers yet another striking contrast. Rugged mountains frame the horizon above rust red plains scattered with giant boulders, creating a landscape that feels both ancient and dramatic. The region delivers picture perfect dawns and dusks: at sunrise, the rocks glow a warm gold, by sunset, they shift to deep, burnt copper, with the sky washing through an ever changing palette of colour. And once the light fades entirely, the darkness reveals a kaleidoscopic tapestry of stars.
Many of the boulders are adorned with ancient rock paintings, some believed to be as old as 6,000 years. These engravings often depict rhinos, giraffes and other game alongside human figures, offering a vivid and direct connection to the people who lived here millennia before us.
Namibia is an experience rather than just another destination. Its sheer scale can only be fully appreciated from the ground, where the vastness becomes part of the journey itself. The country is a lesson in contrasts, desert giving way to savannah, secluded coastlines transitioning into mountains and canyons, each landscape offering something entirely different yet equally captivating. Paired with exceptional accommodation and wonderful food, Namibia delivers a truly unique and unforgettable holiday.
At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
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At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
Make An Enquiry
Request A Callback
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