6 Insider Tips for Namibia
Written by Nina van Schalkwyk
Excited for a trip to adventure-filled Namibia? Well, there are a ton of reasons to be. But before you pack your bags and head off into the sunset, take a quick read through our 6 insider tips for Namibia to make sure your trip is the best ever.
1. Pack a bikini and a jacket, because it will be hot...and cold!
Namibia is a desert country, and as such you can expect hot sunny days with little to no humidity. Come prepared with shades, a hat, loose scarf and an always-filled water bottle. In fact, it’s never a bad idea to have a canister of water in your car if you plan on venturing into the desert. But remember, nights in the desert can get extremely cold, and we’re warning you now: do not forget a warm jacket! December in Namibia can get very hot, which is why most of the country heads to the coast during this time for its lovely mild temperatures. Not a bad idea if you like live music concerts, local beer and beach parties.
2. Distances between destinations are fa-a-a-a-ar, so fuel up and start early
It’s easy to underestimate the time it will take to drive from one corner of Namibia to another. Before you leave your destination, have a look at the distance to your next destination and calculate your drive time, keeping in mind that gravel roads are slower to travel on and you might want to stop along the way. So before a long drive, get up a little earlier than usual so that you arrive at your next destination before sunset. On that same note, remember to fill up your car every chance you get because you don’t know if the next point on your map has a fuel station and you seriously don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere on an empty tank. Pro tip: Keep an extra fuel canister in your car for emergencies. For more tips and tricks on driving solo on your desert adventure, check out How to self-drive in Namibia.
3. The early bird gets the best photo opportunities
Get there early. That’s right, because no matter where in the world you are, there’s nothing that ruins a photo quite like another tourist. At some spots, like Sossusvlei, you have no choice but to enter the park with the rest of the herd, unless you sleep over in one of the lodges inside the park - bonus! At Namibia’s famous ghost town, Kolmanskop, you can purchase a special photographer’s ticket which gives you access to the site before and after it is open to the general public. This is a great option as it allows you to get those unforgettable photos of the houses without tracks in the sand.
4. Remember that wild animals are wild and treat them as such
If you see an animal like elephant or rhino in your path, get out of their way, back up, be quiet. Be very wary of rhinos as they have a short temper and are known to charge. Elephant males flap their ears and make eye contact when they are irritated and ready to charge. Popular campsites usually have a few tamed animals around but resist the urge to feed them. Plus, lock your food and snacks away as soon as you are not using them and always keep your car windows closed. Baboons are especially intelligent and a few have even figured out how to open car doors. They can get quite aggressive as well, so watch out and never interact with them. Especially on a game drive when the animals are right in front of you - don’t do it. Not exactly sure what a game drive is? Find out on Safaris vs. Game drives.
5. Stop and smell
When travelling, it’s easy to rush from one destination to the next in a flurry of dust. But the whole point of travelling through Namibia is to feel like an explorer. And as such, you need to explore. So make some time to stop along the way, have a coffee at a remote little restaurant like Conny’s outside Rehoboth. Enjoy a refreshing drink after experiencing the immense smell of one of the largest Cape seal colonies in the world. Nibble on the best apple crumble in Namibia at Solitaire. These little moments are what make a trip special, too.
6. Always stay safe
Every traveller knows to keep one eye out and on their surroundings. That’s always a good idea, but in a country as sparsely populated as Namibia, our safety tips relate more to nature. For instance, always wear closed shoes at night, because you never know when you might step close to a little critter with sharp pincers or fangs. If you enjoy the freedom of camping in the middle of nowhere, follow our advice and never, ever set up camp in a river valley. Even in a place as dry as Namibia, flash floods do occur and, as the name suggests, without warning. Treat the wilderness as a wild friend, with caution and common sense. And always let someone know where you are going.
With all that said, we’re sure you won’t have any trouble having one of the best experiences in your life in Namibia. Excited to book your trip with Viatu? Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know more.
