A first-time guide to Namibia

27.09.2024 - 14:31 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 27, 2024 • 7 min read

Take some of the world’s clearest skies, oldest desert, highest dunes and most desolate coastline, and add in a world-class collection of wild animals, open landscapes, empty roads and excellent campgrounds: Namibia – a firm favorite on the southern African self-drive and adventure travel circuit – has all these things.

In the country’s flagship Etosha National Park, herds of elephants roam the vast expanses, accompanied by lions, zebras, giraffes and rhinos. West of here, the Skeleton Coast is the stuff of legend, with hyenas prowling in the mist and bleached whale bones littering the sands. In between is Damaraland, with dramatic rock formations, gnarled, centuries-old Welwitschia mirabilis plants and elusive, desert-adapted wildlife, while to the south are the soaring ochre dunes around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

While Namibia’s singular landscapes and abundant wildlife are major draws, the country also has a rich cultural heritage readily accessible thanks to its network of "living museums." Whether you’re seeking solitude and desert adventure, a more traditional wildlife safari, cultural immersion or a mix of all these, Namibia is sure to deliver. Here’s all you need to know to plan the perfect first visit.

Although Namibia is a year-round destination, the most comfortable time to visit is during the cooler, dry months from late June to September. This is also high travel season, and the best time for wildlife watching, as thirsty animals seek out dwindling water sources. Namibia’s short springtime shoulder season is over almost before it begins but offers still-moderate temperatures, flowering camelthorn trees and blooming jacaranda. Temperatures soar towards the end of the year, with December to February generally the hottest months. This is peak vacation time along the coast, as families enjoy school holidays and fog-free days. The summer heat is broken by Namibia’s rains, which generally fall between January and March, especially in the north, where mud and flash-flooding can make travel in some areas difficult. By late April and into May, temperatures begin to drop and things dry out, making this another pleasant time to travel.

A good minimum length is ten to 14 days, which will allow time to sample the main highlights. After a day or two in Windhoek stocking up, head to Etosha National Park for a wildlife safari. Spend the remainder of your first week making your way towards the Skeleton Coast via Damaraland, including a stop to see the rock art at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein. Once at the coast, don’t miss Cape Cross, with its thousands-strong seal colony, followed by a few days in Swakopmund. Finish with a visit to Sossusvlei before returning to