Every epic adventure begins with a spreadsheet.
Before we even stepped foot on Namibian soil, there were months of meticulous planning. From refining routes to estimating costs, figuring out internal logistics, and obsessively scanning satellite views of sand dunes—this was a trip that came together layer by layer.
Much of the credit goes to Nausherwan, who took on the role of chief architect. He scoured maps, pinned spots, and drafted multiple versions of our route like a man on a mission. Each version of the itinerary had a purpose—one optimized for time, one for budget, one for the most scenic routes—and eventually, we landed on a hybrid that gave us the best of everything.
We debated:
- How many days in the desert vs the coast vs safari
- Which car to rent for the self-drive
- Which areas had accommodation inside the park vs outside
- What gear we needed to rent vs bring from home
- And of course, how to balance comfort with adventure
The planning wasn’t just logistics—it was full of excitement and anticipation. Sharing gear lists, travel hacks, and flight alerts over WhatsApp. Settling up Splitwise. Prepping playlists. Reading blogs. Watching documentaries. Getting giddy about sunsets we hadn’t seen yet.
Primary Considerations
Mode of Travel
For me, every great adventure begins behind the wheel. I’ve always found that the best way to experience a country is to drive through it—windows down, playlist on, and no set schedule. There’s something about navigating unfamiliar roads that makes you feel more connected to a place. It pushes you out of your comfort zone while giving you front-row access to the heart of the country: its landscapes, its people, and all the surprises in between.
Namibia was no exception. For this trip, we rented a Toyota Fortuner—easily the most common (and possibly most reliable) species roaming the roads of Africa. Spacious, right-hand drive, automatic transmission, and a beast on gravel, it was perfect for the four of us—and all our camera and video gear that somehow doubled in size every morning.
Over two weeks, we clocked in more than 1,500 miles, mostly on gravel roads that crisscrossed the northwest of the country. Having our own vehicle meant we could chase sunsets, pause for roadside wildlife sightings, brave the occasional sandstorm, and take detours—all without a tour guide tapping their watch.
If you’re thinking of exploring Namibia, or really anywhere with wide open landscapes and hidden gems off the beaten path—I can’t recommend self-driving enough. Though it may not be for everyone, self-driving provides a level of flexibility that you cannot replicate when traveling with strangers in a group.
Accommodation
One of the biggest misconceptions about traveling in Africa—especially places like Namibia—is that your only options are either luxury lodges or rugged camping in the middle of nowhere. The truth? There’s a whole spectrum, from budget-friendly campsites to five-star oases tucked away in the desert.
African travel isn’t exactly cheap, so where you land on that scale depends entirely on your budget and your appetite for roughing it. Overlanders (those adventuring with rooftop tents and self-sufficient gear) are basically pros at DIY travel. They set up their own tents, cook their own meals, and sleep under the stars—come blazing heat or freezing nights. On the other end, luxury lodges offer the full package: restaurant meals, hot showers, swimming pools, and air-conditioned rooms that feel like a slice of paradise after a long day on dusty roads.
We went for something comfortably in-between. Throughout the trip, we stayed at lodges I’d peg as somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars by U.S. standards. Each place had two rooms with double beds, giving the four of us plenty of space to spread out. The beds were comfy, the bathrooms were surprisingly spacious with reliably hot showers, and yes—air conditioning was very much appreciated during the dry season (aka the best time to visit).
Most of the lodges had on-site restaurants, and we leaned fully into the local cuisine—trying everything from oryx to kudu. If you’re a fan of red meat, Namibia will absolutely spoil you.
Cost of the Trip
Let’s get one thing out of the way—traveling to Africa isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s probably one of the more expensive adventures you’ll take. But for us, it was worth every penny.
The two biggest chunks of our budget went toward the car rental (our trusty Toyota Fortuner) and our accommodation, both arranged through KimKim, a travel service we’d absolutely recommend. Their process was seamless—great communication throughout, and we were even greeted at the airport by their local partner when we arrived in Windhoek. That kind of service really takes the edge off landing in a new country.
Other costs added up in the usual ways—fuel (we drove over 1,500 miles, after all), meals, a few local experiences, and the long-haul flights from the U.S.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what it cost per person, based on sharing rooms:
- Total: ~$4,500 before flights
- KimKim – $2,750 (car and accommodation).
- Activities – $700
- Gas – $75
- Food – $250
- Miscellaneous – $725
If you’re looking to trim the budget, you could save around $1,000 by camping instead of staying in lodges. On the flip side, if you’re dreaming of luxury tented camps with infinity pools and sundowner cocktails, be ready to tack on another $5,000 or more. Flights, from the U.S. and regional trips in economy class, will cost you ~$2,500.
Africa has a way of adjusting to your travel style—just be clear on what kind of experience you’re after, and budget accordingly.
🧭 Before You Go: Tips for Planning a Namibia Trip
Here are some of the key things we learned (and others we wish we knew) before we went. Click to learn more.
Plan Ahead
Namibia gets booked fast. Campsites, lodges, even park permits can fill up months in advance. We started planning 6–7 months out, and it still felt tight at times—especially for places like Etosha, Sossusvlei, and Swakopmund.
✅ Pro tip: If you’re traveling in peak dry season (June–October), aim to book at least 6–8 months ahead.
Self-Drive is the Way to Go
Namibia is one of the few African countries where it’s safe and common to self-drive. But be prepared—distances are long, roads can be rough, and gas stations are few and far between.
✅ Pro tip: Get a 4×4, even if you’re not planning to go “off-roading.” And always, always top off your fuel.
Build in Buffer Time
Things take longer than they look on the map. A 300 km drive in Namibia can take 5+ hours due to gravel roads, photo stops, or animal sightings. You don’t want to be racing the sunset in the middle of nowhere.
✅ Pro tip: Try not to move camps every single night—stay 2+ nights in key areas to really soak it in.
Download Everything Offline
Cell signal is patchy, Wi-Fi is spotty, and Google Maps doesn’t always know the terrain. Offline maps, saved routes, and printed confirmations are lifesavers.
✅ Pro tip: Download Maps.me or organic maps, and bring physical copies of permits or bookings just in case.
Expect to Pay More Than You Think
Namibia is not cheap. You’re paying for remoteness, fuel, national park fees, and that once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s worth every penny—but don’t expect “budget backpacker” prices across the board.
✅ Pro tip: Split costs with travel buddies, stock up on snacks early, and budget extra for fuel, activities and tips.
Pack for Extremes
You’ll go from freezing mornings in the desert to 100°F midday heat. Layering is everything. Also bring: lots of sunscreen, zoom lens, car fast chargers, extra memory cards, power adapters and extension cords.
The Travel Chapters 