Namibia: Tips for a Great Trip

​​​​​​Magical Desert

Namibia: where the desert and ocean meet. This country is incredibly beautiful – a different kind of African beauty appreciated by people who truly value nature. I had the privilege of spending 12 days exploring Namibia – here are some tips to make the most of your time in this desert.

Tip 1: Drink SO much water

Listen, I have experienced heat in my lfe but Namibia in October was something else! You will drink so much water, your body is just never satiated…but it gets costly to keep buying bottled water at the fuel stations and in hotels. So I suggest you find a supermarket and stock up on a few 5l water bottles (if you have the space). Just about every town has a Spar or OK Foods – just keep your eyes open. When heading south to Sossusvlei your shopping options are limited so try buy a few bottles before making that journey.

Tip 2: Make peace with sand

Namibia is situated mostly in a desert…so there will be sand, lots of it, everywhere. Embrace it! It is all part of the experience. You will likely find sand in your bag when packing for your next trip! I have made it sound much worse than it is…but just know that there will be a constant ”crunch” under your feet.

Tip 3: The roads are bumpy

The road network is pretty good – the paved roads are in good condition. I was quite surprised though to find ”main roads” that are unpaved. These gravel roads create much work for graders! They can be very corrugated and as a consequence your journey may be slowed down. So add an hour to your expected travel time – just in case. The discomfort is worth it though – in Namibia it rings true that bumpy roads lead to beautiful destinations!

Tip 4: It’s all about sunrise & sunset

Dawn and dusk truly is the most spectacular time of the day regardless of where you are in Namibia. Make sure that at this time, you are sipping a cup of coffee (sunrise) or a glass of wine (sunset) and just embracing the natural beauty of your surroundings. There is something really magical about the desert – being immersed nature in general – it is grounding and somehow you gain perspective on things you thought were complex. When planning your itinerary, make sure that you arrive at your destination before sunset so you can order a ”sundowner” and watch the sun setting in Africa. Then wake up early to enjoy the sunrise – you don’t know who you may share it with!

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