Our Namibia Trip: Everything You Need to Know
Namibia had been on our bucket list for a while, and we finally made it happen! We spent time in Windhoek, explored the famous dunes of Sossusvlei, enjoyed adventure activities in Swakopmund, camped under the stars in Spitzkoppe and we ended our trip in Windhoek again. If you’re planning a trip to Namibia, here’s everything you need to know, from flights and transport to costs and our full itinerary.
Things to Know Before Visiting Namibia
1. Language
Namibia’s official language is English, but many locals also speak Afrikaans, German, and indigenous languages like Oshiwambo, Damara, and Herero. We found that in cities and tourist areas, most people spoke English fluently, so communication wasn’t a problem.
2. Currency & Payment Methods
Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is equal in value to the South African Rand (ZAR). If you have South African Rands, you can use them in Namibia without any issues.
• Cash vs. Card – Major hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets accept cards, but if you’re traveling to remote areas like Sossusvlei or Spitzkoppe, carrying some cash is a good idea.
• ATMs – Available in cities and towns, but always withdraw before heading to remote areas.
3. The People of Namibia
During our visit, we met some of the most amazing humans. Namibians appreciate their visitors, and we were treated with kindness everywhere we went. Even when we started posting about Namibia, my social media inbox was flooded with messages from Namibians thanking us for showcasing their country. Whether in big cities or small towns, the hospitality was next level!
4. Best Time to Visit Namibia
• Dry Season (May – October): Best time for game viewing in Etosha National Park and for comfortable weather in the desert.
• Hot Season (November – April): Can be extremely hot, especially in the desert areas, but this is also when the landscapes turn greener in some regions.
5. Getting Around
• Renting a Car: A 4x4 is highly recommended for Namibia, as most roads are gravel. Car rental costs start from R1,000 per day for a good off-road vehicle.
• Public Transport: Limited outside of major cities, so self-driving is the best option.
Flights from Johannesburg to Windhoek
Flights from Johannesburg (OR Tambo) to Windhoek (Hosea Kutako International Airport) take about 2 hours, with return tickets costing between R5,500 – R6,500.
Once you arrive, Windhoek’s airport is 40km from the city center, and you’ll need transport to get to your hotel, here are your options:
• Shuttle Service – Available from most hotels for R350 – R500 per person.
• Car Rental – Highly recommended if you’re planning a road trip.
• Taxis or Ride-Hailing Apps – Available but not as common as in larger cities. inDrive is a great option according to many Namibians.
Our Namibia Itinerary
Stop 1: Windhoek
We started our trip in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. It’s a good place to spend a night or two before heading out on a road trip.
Things to do in Windhoek:
• Visit Christuskirche & Independence Memorial Museum – Great for history and city views.
• Try Kapana at Oshetu Market – This is Namibia’s famous street food: grilled meat served with spice and salsa. It’s a must-try!
Where we stayed: Tenbergen Pension Hotel and Town Lodge Windhoek – Comfortable and centrally located.
Stop 2: Sossusvlei
Next, we drove 5-6 hours to Sossusvlei, home to the world-famous red sand dunes.
Things to do in Sossusvlei:
• Climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy – Best done at sunrise for cooler weather and amazing views.
• Visit Deadvlei – A white clay pan with dead trees, one of Namibia’s most photographed spots.
• Explore Sesriem Canyon – A short but interesting hike through a natural canyon.
Where we stayed: Desert Hills Lodge – One of the best lodges in the area, with stunning desert views.
Stop 3: Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
From Sossusvlei, we drove 5 hours to Swakopmund, a coastal town with adventure activities and great seafood.
Things to do in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay:
• Quad Biking & Sandboarding (from R500pp) – A must if you enjoy adventure.
• Dolphin & Seal Cruise in Walvis Bay – You’ll see dolphins, seals, and flamingos while enjoying fresh oysters.
• Explore Swakopmund Town – It has a unique mix of African and German culture, with old colonial buildings and beachfront cafés.
• Visit the Pink Lake and Flamingo Lagoon in Walvis Bay (Free).
Where we stayed: Bay View Resort - A beautiful hotel with ocean views.
Stop 4: Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe was the camping stop and our favorite part of the trip! It’s a mountain range with incredible rock formations, and we camped under the stars in a camper van. We booked our camping site from www.spitzkoppe.com for only R200 a night per adult, I highly recommend booking on time especially when visiting during high season.
Things to do in Spitzkoppe:
• Hiking & Rock Climbing – Beautiful landscapes with trails for all levels.
• Seeing Ancient Rock Paintings – Some of these paintings are over 2,000 years old.
• Sunset & Stargazing – With no light pollution, the night sky was one of the best we’ve ever seen.
If you love nature and camping, Spitzkoppe is a must-visit.
Costs & Budgeting for Namibia
Here’s a rough idea of what to budget for a Namibia trip:
Expense Estimated Cost
Flights (JHB-WDH): R5,500 – R6,500
Car Rental (4x4): R1,000+ per day
Fuel: R20 – R25 per liter
Accommodation: R1,500 – R3,500 per night
Food: R150 – R400 per meal
Activities: R500 – R2,000 per person
Tips for Traveling in Namibia
1. Rent a 4x4 – Namibia’s roads are mostly gravel, so a small car won’t work unless you plan to remain in the cities.
2. Stock up on snacks & water – Towns are far apart, and supplies aren’t always available.
3. Book activities in advance – Swakopmund and Walvis Bay tours fill up quickly.
4. Bring cash – Some remote areas don’t accept cards.
5. Stick to the speed limits – Namibia has strict traffic rules, and fines can be expensive.
6. Make sure you have an international drivers license even if you are from South Africa, some car hiring companies require this.
Namibia is one of the most unique destinations we’ve visited. The landscapes are unreal, the road trip experience was unforgettable, and the people were so welcoming. If you’re considering a trip, we highly recommend it!
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments!