- Ideal for a self-drive trip, with good gravel roads and long distances
- British visitors need a visa, available on arrival or online
- Sossusvlei and Etosha are the essential stops
- Book lodges and 4x4 hire months ahead for July to October
- Airports
- Windhoek Hosea Kutako (WDH), Walvis Bay (WVB)
- Flight time
- about 13h from London to Windhoek, usually with one stop
- Best time to go
- May-October for dry, cool weather and the best wildlife in Etosha
- Currency
- Namibian dollar (NAD); South African rand also accepted
Namibia is one of the world's least densely populated countries, and that emptiness is the point. Drive for hours across gravel plains, then reach the burnt-orange dunes of Sossusvlei, the shipwrecks of the Skeleton Coast or the waterholes of Etosha, where elephants, lions and rhino come to drink. It is safe, well organised and perfect for independent travellers.
For UK visitors, Namibia is two hours ahead of the UK in winter and one hour ahead in summer. Cars drive on the left, and sockets take South African type D or M plugs. It is cheaper than Botswana, especially if you self-drive. This guide, part of our Africa section, covers routes, timing and costs, and pairs well with Botswana or South Africa.
Entry requirements
Since April 2025 British passport holders have needed a visa to visit Namibia. It can usually be bought on arrival at Hosea Kutako airport and main border posts, or applied for online as an eVisa before travel, which can save time in the queue. Your passport should be valid for at least six months with blank pages, and you may be asked for a return ticket. Children travelling may need birth certificates. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Namibia
Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert
Some of the world's tallest sand dunes rise above the white clay pan of Deadvlei, dotted with ancient dead camelthorn trees. Stay inside or near Sesriem gate to reach the dunes at sunrise, when the colours and shadows are at their best. Climbing Big Daddy or Dune 45 is a rite of passage.
Etosha National Park
Etosha is built around a huge salt pan, and in the dry season animals gather at its waterholes. Floodlit waterholes at the rest camps make night viewing easy, and you can drive yourself on well-signposted roads. It is excellent for black rhino, elephants, lions and huge herds of zebra.
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
The coastal town of Swakopmund has German colonial architecture, cafés and adventure activities, from sandboarding and quad-biking to scenic flights. Walvis Bay is known for kayaking with seals, dolphin cruises and flamingos in the lagoon.
Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast
Damaraland has rugged scenery, the rock engravings of Twyfelfontein and desert-adapted elephants. The Skeleton Coast to the north is wild, foggy and littered with shipwrecks, with a huge seal colony at Cape Cross.
Fish River Canyon and the south
One of the largest canyons in the world, with dramatic viewpoints and a famous five-day hiking trail open in the cooler months. Nearby are the ghost town of Kolmanskop and the coastal town of Lüderitz.
The Zambezi Region
The green, watery Caprivi Strip in the north-east has rivers, hippos and birdlife, and is a handy link to Chobe and Victoria Falls.
Best time to visit Namibia
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May-August | Dry, sunny days and cold desert nights; superb game viewing begins |
| September-October | Hot and dry, the peak time for Etosha wildlife |
| November-April | Hot with some rain in the north and centre; green landscapes, fewer visitors, lower prices |
| December-January | South African and local holidays, so book popular lodges early |
Gravel roads cause most accidents. Keep to about 80 km/h, avoid driving at night and carry two spare tyres.
Getting to Namibia from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK. Most people connect via Johannesburg (on to Windhoek or Walvis Bay with Airlink), Frankfurt (seasonal flights with Discover Airlines), or Doha with Qatar Airways. Expect about 13 to 15 hours in total. Some itineraries fly into Cape Town and drive north, or arrive via Victoria Falls.
Getting around
Self-drive is the classic way to see Namibia. Hire a 4x4, often with a rooftop tent, and plan for long days: most main roads are gravel, and fuel stations can be far apart. Organised small-group or guided tours suit those who prefer not to drive, and fly-in safaris use light aircraft to cover the distances in comfort.
Money and costs
The Namibian dollar is pegged one-to-one with the South African rand, and rand notes are accepted everywhere. Cards work widely, but carry cash for fuel stations and remote campsites. A self-drive trip with mid-range lodges and a 4x4 typically costs around £150-250 per person per day, while camping brings it down to about £80-120. Luxury fly-in lodges cost much more. Park fees are modest by African standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is Namibia safe for self-drive holidays?
Yes, it is one of the safest places in Africa for self-drive. The main risks are road accidents on gravel, so drive slowly and avoid driving after dark.
How many days do I need in Namibia?
Around 14 days lets you cover Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha without rushing. Ten days is possible but involves long drives.
Do I need a 4x4 in Namibia?
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, especially for gravel roads and sandy areas such as the final stretch to Sossusvlei.
Do I need malaria tablets for Namibia?
Malaria is present in the north, including parts of Etosha and the Zambezi Region, mainly in the wetter months. Ask a travel clinic for advice before you go.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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