Take a holiday in Namibia; this is African travel at its most varied! A classic Namibia holiday might include sunrise on top of the world's highest dunes; a day relaxing in a hot mineral spring, at the bottom of the world's second deepest canyon; a wildlife safari watching lion stalk huge herds of antelope – and an evening observing wild black rhino by moonlight.

You can meet a cheetah at close quarters, stroll through a petrified forest, marvel at ancient rock paintings and see footprints as old as a dinosaur, or as fresh as a leopard outside your tent. Namibia is a real travel adventure; like nowhere else on earth.

Travel in Namibia is very easy – although how you travel around Namibia is at least as crucial as where you travel.

Where to go on holiday in Namibia

Here is a quick overview of Namibia's main areas; click o the 'Read more' links for much more information on each. See the bottom of the page for comments on deciding how to travel around Namibia.

Namib-Naukluft National Park

The area for Namibia's 'classic' desert scenery – huge curving, apricot dunes standing on dust-dry silvery pans! Come for adventurous walking and hiking in the mountains and desert, as well as the show-stopping scenery. (Read more about the Namib-Naukluft… )

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland

The vast, coastal wilderness of the Skeleton Coast, and the rugged mountains of semi-desert Kaokoland are Namibia at its most remote. Drive yourself to a corner of it, for a taste, or plump for an amazing 3-4 night fly-in safari here to explore. (Read more about the Skeleton Coast… )

Etosha National Park

Against stark salt pan, dense herds of big game make Etosha National Park one of Africa's top wildlife safari destinations. At its best during the dry season, it's unusual for the ease with which you can self drive here: a safari holiday at your own pace! Do book early to be sure of space! (Read more about Etosha… )

Damaraland

Come to this rugged, mountainous area for a classic Namibia adventure safari: tracking black rhino, elephant and other fascinating, desert-adapted wildlife. Expect friendly people, interesting animals and an exhilarating feeling of wilderness. (Read more about Damaraland… )

Bushmanland

You can't rush Bushmanland, but travel here for 3-4 days for a compelling insight into the fascinating San/Bushmen people. Those who visit and really get involved find this an amazing encounter. (Read more about Bushmanland… )

Caprivi Strip

Wetter and so more verdant than most of Namibia, the Caprivi Strip isn't usually top of the list for a Namibia holiday. But for a classic African safari – it's perfect! Come here on your second or third visit to Namibia, and maybe combine it with a visit to Victoria Falls. (Read more about the Caprivi… )

Central Highlands

Namibia's gently rolling hills, between Etosha and Windhoek, are divided into vast farms and ranches – many now sustain wildlife, rather than cattle. Some offer luxury, others are simpler; most are fascinating, one-off places. (Read more about Namibia's Central Highlands… )

Waterberg Plateau National Park

Much of this large plateau in the Central Highlands is a national park, and some is private land. Come here for laid-back safaris – and because it's an excellent place for scenic hiking trips. (Read more about Waterberg… )

Southern Namibia

Best explored on a self-drive holiday, Namibia's south is often offbeat and quirky. Come for ghost towns, desert horses, enormous canyons and yet more amazing scenery. (Read more about Southern Namibia… )

Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

A convenient stop on a self-drive around Namibia, Swakopmund is also a centre for various adrenaline sports, and some great excursions into the coastal area of the desert. Stay here for at least two nights – and ask us about kayaking trips on Walvis Bay, and the trips to Sandwich Harbour (Read more about this area… )

Windhoek

Namibia's capital city: a start and end point for many holidays in Namibia. No huge attractions here, but a pleasant city with a choice of good, individual hotels and guest houses. (Read more about Windhoek… )

How to travel on a Namibia holiday

There's a choice of different ways to travel around Namibia, and you should address the question of how to travel around early when you're planning a holiday to Namibia. Whilst styles can be 'mixed and matched', the choice boils down to driving yourself between different areas; being driven around everywhere by a guide; or being flown around.

Self-drive holidays in Namibia

Driving yourself is by far the most popular way to visit Namibia on holiday. This isn't intrepid exploration; we'll arrange normal 2WD car hire for you (4WD are available, but mostly unnecessary), a full itinerary for you, detailed route maps, and all the information that you'll need to drive yourself around. Driving yourself is the most economic way to travel around, and it gives you complete freedom to create your own Namibia adventure at your own pace.

Distances might appear daunting, but roads are usually good, straight and empty. Driving is a joy in Namibia; it's far easier than a self-drive trip around Europe. We will advise you from first-hand knowledge and prearrange your trip – you simply hop into your hire car and drive away! In more remote areas, you'll often stay at small camps and lodges. From there we'll arrange for specialist naturalist guides to walk with you, or guide you around difficult 4WD terrain in their vehicles.

Our self-drive trips are totally flexible, but it's best not to rush them; you'll enjoy them most of you stay at least 2-3 nights at most places.
(See a typical self-drive safari, or a full list of ideas for Namibia holidays.)

Fly-in safaris to Namibia

For those with limited time, or who don't want to drive themselves, flying around Namibia can be magical. It gives you a completely different perspective on Namibia's dramatic landscapes. You'll marvel at the size of the great Namib Desert, fly low over seal colonies and land at grass airstrips only a few miles from your camp.

Flying times vary from 30 minutes to a maximum of a few hours, and these trips can be almost as flexible as fly-drives. Choose where you stay from a selection of Namibia's top lodges, how long you stay at each, and then hop between them.

Flying around Namibia is the ultimate way to travel. You can cover a lot of ground in a very short time, so it's perfect if your time is limited. However, it's not the cheapest way to visit. (See a typical fly-in safari, or a full list of ideas for holidays to Namibia.)

Guided safaris around Namibia

If you don't want to self-drive holiday, but like the idea of travelling around Namibia by road, then you can opt to be driven around by an expert guide. The choice then is to join a small-group guided trip, or to have us organise a privately guided trip.

Small-group guided safaris are a great way to be travel around with a professional guide and other like-minded travellers. Many people are attracted to small-group trips because they're particularly good value and offer a simple, easy way to see the county – and they're also popular with single people. Our Wild about Africa programme has the widest range of these trips that you'll find anywhere; some taking trips using smart lodges, whilst others include time camping. (See example small-group trips… )

Private guided safaris are the ultimate in small-group guided trips: they're organised just for you. Families or friends often join together with us to design their own guided itinerary, which can be as adventurous as you like; they vary from simple camping trips to a luxurious guided safaris. Again, you'll find the widest choice under the banner of our Wild about Africa programme. (See examples of private guided trips… )


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