From self drive safaris, thousand foot dunes, deep canyons and luxurious lodges, our bespoke holidays to Namibia have it all. Here are some holiday ideas...
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Namibia is found in south west Africa and shares a boarder with South Africa to the south, Botswana to the east and Angola and Zambia to the north. The Atlantic, Skeleton Coast, marks the western edge. With a population of just 2.5 million people, which is an average of just 3.1 people per square kilometer (compared to 259 in the UK!), it boasts one of the lowest population densities in the world and, with this, has a peaceful sense of wilderness it’s hard to find anywhere else.
Namibia is safe to explore independently and our tried and tested self-drive holidays can be tailored so you get to see all the best bits. In Namibia’s west you’ll climb towering thousand foot sand dunes and see 600 year old trees at Sossusvlei; while in the north, on the great plains of Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s best and most accessible game reserves, you’ll search for a great variety of wildlife, from leopard to lion.
To the east, you can explore magnificent walking trails across the red Kalahari desert; perhaps choosing to walk for several days with over night camps under romantic skies studded with a thousand stars. Everywhere you visit, you’ll be overwhelmed by the landscape – the colours, the mountains, the isolation, the flora – and enveloped in the warm, heartfelt Namibian hospitality of our hand picked safari lodges.
If taking to the open road isn’t for you, why not let our experts take you on our small guided group tours.
A self-drive wildife safari will be one of the most rewarding and memorable things you'll do Namibia, and it's completely safe. Namibia's Etosha National Park is one of the best places in southern Africa to see wildlife, and is world renowned for getting you up close to your favourites. Look out for everyone's favourite elephant and lion, as well as giraffe, zebra and much more.
Spend an unforgettable couple of hours with our Namibian guides as their quick eyes, experience and expert tracking skills show you all the animals and birds you've been waiting to see. Unlike other safari destinations, you'll probably find you are the only vehicle around, giving you upclose and undisturbed time with Namibia's incredible wildlife.
Head out with our experienced rangers to see Leopard...arguably the most elusive of the Big 5, there's nowhere better to see Leopard than with our guides at one of Namibia's most successful cat conservation projects, Okonjima. Your visit contributes towards long term carnivore conservation projects across Namibia too.
From easy, gentle strolls in the cool of the day, to half and full day walking adventures, our holidays to Namibia have it all. Namibia's spectacular scenery and be wide blue skies will inspire you to get out and explore on foot. You'll follow dusty antelope trails in search of wildlife, discover surprizing hidden green valleys packed with lush vegetation and walk up enormous sand dunes. Either with or without a guide, time exploring Namibia on foot will leave you with a story to tell.
Safe roads and stunning landscape make driving your 4WD through Namibia an exciting and independent experience. This is something everyone, young or old, should experience in a lifetime! You'll be fully equipped with roof tent, bedding and cooking utensils for a complete adventure on the open road.
Set sail with our friendly crew in search of groups of playful Cape fur seals, pods of lively dolphins, humpback and southern right whales (July - November), leather back turtles and magnificent sea birds such as pelican and Cape cormorant. Indulge in fresh oysters and sparking wine en-route...you're on holiday afterall!
With over 620 bird species native to Namibia, this is one of the best bird watching destinations in Africa. Unmissable sites are Walvis Bay, famous for its flamingo flocks; the sand dunes where you'll find the endemic Dune Lark and Etosha Pan in Etosha National Park which is home to around 340 species of wetland and migratory birds. Namibia has plenty to keep any keen ornithologist busy.
There's nothing more exciting than heading out into the secret world of the Namibian night on our guided night drives. Your hair will stand on end as you listen to thrilling nocturnal barks and cries, and your heart will beat faster as your guide skillfully lights up the animals of the night: shy sable antelope, energetic spring hare, fox-like aardwolf hunting for insects...and more!
Learn to recognise spoor - footprints, scat - dung and other signs of animals such as bushes broken by elephant as our experienced guides safely walk with you through the Namibian bush. The thrill of spotting wildlife on foot will stay with you forever.
Easily one of the most fun couple of hours you'll spend in Namibia is kayaking with Cape fur seals in Walvis Bay. The enormous colony of Cape Fur seals at Pelican Point are curious, playful and completely charming, enjoying their interaction with your kayak just as much as you do.
The hot air balloon flight of a lifetime lies ahead for you in Namibia. There's simply nowhere else on earth that you can soar silently across the world's oldest desert. From the immensity of the seemingly endless star shaped dunes, to the captivating detail of the deep red sand lightening as the day's sun ignites the earth, this is an unforgettable experience.
If you love horses (like we do!), we know just where you should stay in Namibia. At Bullsport they breed some of the best quality warmblood horses in the country; beautiful, kind and calm they'll be right on your door step and keen to go out for a ride. Each day, experienced guides lead trails through the spectacular Naukluft mountain range and you'll be able to take it all in at a pace you feel comfortable with.
With the sun setting dramatically each night and long warm evenings, there's lots of reason to celebrate the end of the day in Namibia. A refreshing sundowner (a g&t perhaps ...) at the most impressive view point around, followed by lighting a fire - braai - and cooking Namibia's favourite dish (anything cooked on an open fire!) is an essential part of any day.
Immerse yourself in Namibia's inviting wilderness on our two night guided bush walks. There are several options, our favourite is exploring Damaraland's boulder strewn landscape by day and camping in what must be Namibia's most specacularly located safari tents at night. Listen for the call of hyaena across the valley as you take a quick bucket shower, and open your tent roof to sleep under the stars for truly memorable and wild nights.
Namibia is THE place to see cheetah. Not only does Namibia have the largest population of cheetah worldwide, but we'll arrange for you to join guided walks and drives to see free-roaming cheetah under the care of successful conservation organisation, Africat, who are working hard to protect a number of big cats in Namibia.
Where is Namibia?
The spectacular and diverse country of Namibia is located on the southwestern side of West Africa. It borders Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean.
What are some of the best things I’ll do on my holiday to Namiba with Archipelago Choice?
Visiting the sand dunes : Namibia has the only true desert in Southern Africa – the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Namib‘, or ‘vast place’ stretches the entire length of the west coast, taking in the fabled Skeleton Coast. A highlight of any trip to Namibia is driving through and walking up the enormous 300m+ sand dunes at Sossusvlei, and spending time at Deadvlei, the incongruous white clay pan dotted with 900 year old camel thorn trees, hidden deep in the sand dunes.
Seeing wildlife : Namibia’s well-known Etosha National Park is one of the the best places to see wildlife in Southern Africa.
Learning about ancient cultures and seeing rock engravings : Namibia’s population is a blend of at least 11 major ethnic groups, including San Bushmen and Himba and you’ll notice a change in dress, language, art, music, sport, food and religion as you explore. At the UNESCO world hertiage site, Twyfelfontein , you’ll see one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa.
Is it easy to get to Namibia?
We include flights with all our tailor-made holidays to Namibia. We’ll find the best deal from your closest airport and include all the luggage you’ll need so there are no nasty surprises or extras to pay at the airport. We’ll select the best seats for you in advance and are here to help if there are any unexpected delays too.
What languages do they speak in Namibia?
English is the official language of Namibia which makes travelling around and getting to know people easy. Namibia is actually home to over 12 ethnic groups speaking 20 different languages and has the largest population of Khosian – click language – speakers.
What’s it like to do a self-drive holiday in Namibia?
Our self-drive holidays in Namibia are one of the best ways to see the incredible scenery and wildlife and we’ll make sure you’re properly prepared with maps and directions before you set off. You can drive as much or as little as you want to – just let your Namibian specialist know what you’re comfortable with. While you’re away you’ll be able to get in touch with our team in Namibia, and here in the UK, by phone 24 hours a day for support if you need it.
What types of places will I stay in while I’m on holiday in Namibia?
There is a fantastic range of accommodation in Namibia – from beautiful luxurious safari lodges to small guest houses and family campsites. We test our hotels ourselves so we know everything will be just right for you. And all our holidays to Namibia are tailor-made so we make sure you get the mix of accommodation that suits you. Namibian’s must be some of the most hospitable people in the world and wherever you stay, you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Will I get wifi in Namibia?
In the big towns like Windhoek and Swakopmund your accommodation, cafes and restaurants will have wifi. Sometimes lodges outside towns provide wifi, but sometimes they don’t so take the wonderful the opportunity to unplug from digital and plug into nature!
What is the food like in Namibia?
Travelling around Namibia will give you lots of great opportunities to try new food and we’ll share plenty of our favourite restaurants, cafes and snack tips with you. We’ll make dinner reservations for you too so you don’t miss out. Namibian’s love a braai (bbq), especially at the weekends and if you’re camping, most campsites have bbqs so you’ll be able to enjoy the long warm evenings cooking outside, under hundreds of stars.
What about travelling to Namibia as a vegetarian or vegan?
Don’t worry, as long as you let us know about anything you can’t eat in advance, we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
What vaccinations do I require when visiting Namibia?
Namibia is a dry country so there aren’t too many bugs and creepy crawlies but you can find up to date travel advice for Namibia here; we recommend you talk to your doctor before you travel too, so you’re up to date with all your injections.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Namibia?
When you travel to Namibia with us you need to have travel insurance. Look for one that covers your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation. You’ll probaly have included some of our fantastic activities after talking to our Namibia specialists, so make sure your insurance cover includes these. Don’t forget to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing your insurance.
Do I need a visa for Namibia?
Good news, visitors from the UK, Ireland and the US can enter Namibia without a visa and stay for 90 days. As normal, your passport should be valid for six months beyond the date of your return, and you should have a couple of pages spare for your stamp.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Namibia with Archipelago Choice?
The best way to start planning your holiday to Namibia is to give us a call on 01768 721040. Our friendly, experienced Namibia specialists, Emma and Susanne, will be very happy to start planning the trip of a lifetime with you. We love Namibia, and we love to make you happy so we make sure we take the time to get your holiday right.
Another way to start the ball rolling is to fill out our enquiry form with as much information as you can and we’ll get back to you.
You’ll find some of our favourite holiday ideas here; these itineraries might be perfect for you, or you might like to tweak them, it’s up to you.
Can I book a last minute trip to Namibia?
Although it is possible to book a last minute trip with us to Namibia, we prefer to start planning your holiday at least 6 – 9 months before you’d like to travel. Great experiences are to be savoured afterall… On a practical note, planning in advance helps make sure we get you in all the best places, and helps us take advantage of better airfares too.
In our experience these are the best times of the year to visit Namibia:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
May through to September tends to be our favourite time to travel to Namibia, although all months offer an incredible experience.
Namibia’s central area is classified as an arid to semi-arid region; arid becoming semi-arid when rainfall exceeds evaporation. The climate is ‘sub-tropical’ desert, characterised by a wide range in temperature between day and night, and between summer and winter.
The Namibian ‘winter’ is from May to September and during these months the skies are clear and there is little rainfall. As the season progresses, daytime temperatures start to drop from an average of 25˚C in April and May to 15˚C during the day, and nights are cold. Between June and August there may be overnight frost in the desert and high areas so take some layers on evening and night game drives.
The drier months of June through to October are the best months to see wildlife, particularly in Etosha National Park, as the wildlife use waterholes – which have good access and are easy to watch – more frequently.
The Namibian ‘summer’ is between October and April. Daytime temperatures are high, sometimes reaching over 40˚C in the desert. There is little humidity between October and the end of the year so high temperatures feel pleasant.
From late December through to the end of March there tends to be localised afternoon rain showers which do bring humidity. Wildlife is less reliant on the waterholes at this time of year and so less easy to spot, especially as the vegetation also tends to be more green and leafy.
Namibia is found in south west Africa and shares a boarder with South Africa to the south, Botswana to the east and Angola and Zambia to the north. The Atlantic, Skeleton Coast, marks the western edge. With a population of just 2.5 million people, which is an average of just 3.1 people per square kilometer (compared to 259 in the UK!), it boasts one of the lowest population densities in the world and, with this, has a peaceful sense of wilderness it’s hard to find anywhere else.
Namibia is safe to explore independently and our tried and tested self-drive holidays can be tailored so you get to see all the best bits. In Namibia’s west you’ll climb towering thousand foot sand dunes and see 600 year old trees at Sossusvlei; while in the north, on the great plains of Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s best and most accessible game reserves, you’ll search for a great variety of wildlife, from leopard to lion.
To the east, you can explore magnificent walking trails across the red Kalahari desert; perhaps choosing to walk for several days with over night camps under romantic skies studded with a thousand stars. Everywhere you visit, you’ll be overwhelmed by the landscape – the colours, the mountains, the isolation, the flora – and enveloped in the warm, heartfelt Namibian hospitality of our hand picked safari lodges.
If taking to the open road isn’t for you, why not let our experts take you on our small guided group tours.
A self-drive wildife safari will be one of the most rewarding and memorable things you'll do Namibia, and it's completely safe. Namibia's Etosha National Park is one of the best places in southern Africa to see wildlife, and is world renowned for getting you up close to your favourites. Look out for everyone's favourite elephant and lion, as well as giraffe, zebra and much more.
Spend an unforgettable couple of hours with our Namibian guides as their quick eyes, experience and expert tracking skills show you all the animals and birds you've been waiting to see. Unlike other safari destinations, you'll probably find you are the only vehicle around, giving you upclose and undisturbed time with Namibia's incredible wildlife.
Head out with our experienced rangers to see Leopard...arguably the most elusive of the Big 5, there's nowhere better to see Leopard than with our guides at one of Namibia's most successful cat conservation projects, Okonjima. Your visit contributes towards long term carnivore conservation projects across Namibia too.
From easy, gentle strolls in the cool of the day, to half and full day walking adventures, our holidays to Namibia have it all. Namibia's spectacular scenery and be wide blue skies will inspire you to get out and explore on foot. You'll follow dusty antelope trails in search of wildlife, discover surprizing hidden green valleys packed with lush vegetation and walk up enormous sand dunes. Either with or without a guide, time exploring Namibia on foot will leave you with a story to tell.
Safe roads and stunning landscape make driving your 4WD through Namibia an exciting and independent experience. This is something everyone, young or old, should experience in a lifetime! You'll be fully equipped with roof tent, bedding and cooking utensils for a complete adventure on the open road.
Set sail with our friendly crew in search of groups of playful Cape fur seals, pods of lively dolphins, humpback and southern right whales (July - November), leather back turtles and magnificent sea birds such as pelican and Cape cormorant. Indulge in fresh oysters and sparking wine en-route...you're on holiday afterall!
With over 620 bird species native to Namibia, this is one of the best bird watching destinations in Africa. Unmissable sites are Walvis Bay, famous for its flamingo flocks; the sand dunes where you'll find the endemic Dune Lark and Etosha Pan in Etosha National Park which is home to around 340 species of wetland and migratory birds. Namibia has plenty to keep any keen ornithologist busy.
There's nothing more exciting than heading out into the secret world of the Namibian night on our guided night drives. Your hair will stand on end as you listen to thrilling nocturnal barks and cries, and your heart will beat faster as your guide skillfully lights up the animals of the night: shy sable antelope, energetic spring hare, fox-like aardwolf hunting for insects...and more!
Learn to recognise spoor - footprints, scat - dung and other signs of animals such as bushes broken by elephant as our experienced guides safely walk with you through the Namibian bush. The thrill of spotting wildlife on foot will stay with you forever.
Easily one of the most fun couple of hours you'll spend in Namibia is kayaking with Cape fur seals in Walvis Bay. The enormous colony of Cape Fur seals at Pelican Point are curious, playful and completely charming, enjoying their interaction with your kayak just as much as you do.
The hot air balloon flight of a lifetime lies ahead for you in Namibia. There's simply nowhere else on earth that you can soar silently across the world's oldest desert. From the immensity of the seemingly endless star shaped dunes, to the captivating detail of the deep red sand lightening as the day's sun ignites the earth, this is an unforgettable experience.
If you love horses (like we do!), we know just where you should stay in Namibia. At Bullsport they breed some of the best quality warmblood horses in the country; beautiful, kind and calm they'll be right on your door step and keen to go out for a ride. Each day, experienced guides lead trails through the spectacular Naukluft mountain range and you'll be able to take it all in at a pace you feel comfortable with.
With the sun setting dramatically each night and long warm evenings, there's lots of reason to celebrate the end of the day in Namibia. A refreshing sundowner (a g&t perhaps ...) at the most impressive view point around, followed by lighting a fire - braai - and cooking Namibia's favourite dish (anything cooked on an open fire!) is an essential part of any day.
Immerse yourself in Namibia's inviting wilderness on our two night guided bush walks. There are several options, our favourite is exploring Damaraland's boulder strewn landscape by day and camping in what must be Namibia's most specacularly located safari tents at night. Listen for the call of hyaena across the valley as you take a quick bucket shower, and open your tent roof to sleep under the stars for truly memorable and wild nights.
Namibia is THE place to see cheetah. Not only does Namibia have the largest population of cheetah worldwide, but we'll arrange for you to join guided walks and drives to see free-roaming cheetah under the care of successful conservation organisation, Africat, who are working hard to protect a number of big cats in Namibia.
Where is Namibia?
The spectacular and diverse country of Namibia is located on the southwestern side of West Africa. It borders Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean.
What are some of the best things I’ll do on my holiday to Namiba with Archipelago Choice?
Visiting the sand dunes : Namibia has the only true desert in Southern Africa – the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Namib‘, or ‘vast place’ stretches the entire length of the west coast, taking in the fabled Skeleton Coast. A highlight of any trip to Namibia is driving through and walking up the enormous 300m+ sand dunes at Sossusvlei, and spending time at Deadvlei, the incongruous white clay pan dotted with 900 year old camel thorn trees, hidden deep in the sand dunes.
Seeing wildlife : Namibia’s well-known Etosha National Park is one of the the best places to see wildlife in Southern Africa.
Learning about ancient cultures and seeing rock engravings : Namibia’s population is a blend of at least 11 major ethnic groups, including San Bushmen and Himba and you’ll notice a change in dress, language, art, music, sport, food and religion as you explore. At the UNESCO world hertiage site, Twyfelfontein , you’ll see one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa.
Is it easy to get to Namibia?
We include flights with all our tailor-made holidays to Namibia. We’ll find the best deal from your closest airport and include all the luggage you’ll need so there are no nasty surprises or extras to pay at the airport. We’ll select the best seats for you in advance and are here to help if there are any unexpected delays too.
What languages do they speak in Namibia?
English is the official language of Namibia which makes travelling around and getting to know people easy. Namibia is actually home to over 12 ethnic groups speaking 20 different languages and has the largest population of Khosian – click language – speakers.
What’s it like to do a self-drive holiday in Namibia?
Our self-drive holidays in Namibia are one of the best ways to see the incredible scenery and wildlife and we’ll make sure you’re properly prepared with maps and directions before you set off. You can drive as much or as little as you want to – just let your Namibian specialist know what you’re comfortable with. While you’re away you’ll be able to get in touch with our team in Namibia, and here in the UK, by phone 24 hours a day for support if you need it.
What types of places will I stay in while I’m on holiday in Namibia?
There is a fantastic range of accommodation in Namibia – from beautiful luxurious safari lodges to small guest houses and family campsites. We test our hotels ourselves so we know everything will be just right for you. And all our holidays to Namibia are tailor-made so we make sure you get the mix of accommodation that suits you. Namibian’s must be some of the most hospitable people in the world and wherever you stay, you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Will I get wifi in Namibia?
In the big towns like Windhoek and Swakopmund your accommodation, cafes and restaurants will have wifi. Sometimes lodges outside towns provide wifi, but sometimes they don’t so take the wonderful the opportunity to unplug from digital and plug into nature!
What is the food like in Namibia?
Travelling around Namibia will give you lots of great opportunities to try new food and we’ll share plenty of our favourite restaurants, cafes and snack tips with you. We’ll make dinner reservations for you too so you don’t miss out. Namibian’s love a braai (bbq), especially at the weekends and if you’re camping, most campsites have bbqs so you’ll be able to enjoy the long warm evenings cooking outside, under hundreds of stars.
What about travelling to Namibia as a vegetarian or vegan?
Don’t worry, as long as you let us know about anything you can’t eat in advance, we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
What vaccinations do I require when visiting Namibia?
Namibia is a dry country so there aren’t too many bugs and creepy crawlies but you can find up to date travel advice for Namibia here; we recommend you talk to your doctor before you travel too, so you’re up to date with all your injections.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Namibia?
When you travel to Namibia with us you need to have travel insurance. Look for one that covers your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation. You’ll probaly have included some of our fantastic activities after talking to our Namibia specialists, so make sure your insurance cover includes these. Don’t forget to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing your insurance.
Do I need a visa for Namibia?
Good news, visitors from the UK, Ireland and the US can enter Namibia without a visa and stay for 90 days. As normal, your passport should be valid for six months beyond the date of your return, and you should have a couple of pages spare for your stamp.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Namibia with Archipelago Choice?
The best way to start planning your holiday to Namibia is to give us a call on 01768 721040. Our friendly, experienced Namibia specialists, Emma and Susanne, will be very happy to start planning the trip of a lifetime with you. We love Namibia, and we love to make you happy so we make sure we take the time to get your holiday right.
Another way to start the ball rolling is to fill out our enquiry form with as much information as you can and we’ll get back to you.
You’ll find some of our favourite holiday ideas here; these itineraries might be perfect for you, or you might like to tweak them, it’s up to you.
Can I book a last minute trip to Namibia?
Although it is possible to book a last minute trip with us to Namibia, we prefer to start planning your holiday at least 6 – 9 months before you’d like to travel. Great experiences are to be savoured afterall… On a practical note, planning in advance helps make sure we get you in all the best places, and helps us take advantage of better airfares too.
In our experience these are the best times of the year to visit Namibia:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
May through to September tends to be our favourite time to travel to Namibia, although all months offer an incredible experience.
Namibia’s central area is classified as an arid to semi-arid region; arid becoming semi-arid when rainfall exceeds evaporation. The climate is ‘sub-tropical’ desert, characterised by a wide range in temperature between day and night, and between summer and winter.
The Namibian ‘winter’ is from May to September and during these months the skies are clear and there is little rainfall. As the season progresses, daytime temperatures start to drop from an average of 25˚C in April and May to 15˚C during the day, and nights are cold. Between June and August there may be overnight frost in the desert and high areas so take some layers on evening and night game drives.
The drier months of June through to October are the best months to see wildlife, particularly in Etosha National Park, as the wildlife use waterholes – which have good access and are easy to watch – more frequently.
The Namibian ‘summer’ is between October and April. Daytime temperatures are high, sometimes reaching over 40˚C in the desert. There is little humidity between October and the end of the year so high temperatures feel pleasant.
From late December through to the end of March there tends to be localised afternoon rain showers which do bring humidity. Wildlife is less reliant on the waterholes at this time of year and so less easy to spot, especially as the vegetation also tends to be more green and leafy.