Has anyone been to Namibia on holiday?

[Rozendantz]

I'm wanting to take DS to Namibia on holiday next year. I'm very familiar with SA and Zimbabwe, but never been to Namibia. I want to fly to Windhoek then go to Walvis Bay so that we can see the dunes etc.

Where else should I go? How safe is it (I know driving at night is a bad idea due to the wildlife, and that Windhoek has a fair but of crime like smash and grabs at traffic lights etc). I want to go sleep catering by the sea.

Can anyone recommendations places to see/stay?

I went this year. But was with a small organised group. The big red dunes and Death Valley were amazing. We did a boat trip from Walvis bay and saw whales.

Oneof my day places was Spitzkoppe. We saw amazing sunsets and rises, and 4000 year old cave paintings.

Thank you, that sounds awesome. How long were you there for?

Yes went this summer with my 7 year old daughter. Just us.we were there roughly 15 days maybe. I was travelling around in shared transfers and some self drive. Spent a few days in Swakopmond although cut this section short as I didn’t want to be in a small town.

We didn’t spend any time in Windhoek to speak off. We bedded for a night on arrival and one night mid trip.

Ask me any questions and I’ll answer as best I can. I only passed through Walvis Bay to where the desert meets the sea and did Sand dining to Sandwich Bay. My daughter loved this .

I went this year too! Amazing place! We loved etosha national park and the dunes, all of it in fact. Windhoek is just a starting and end point. We were on a tour and I’d be wary of self driving unless v confident- we got a puncture on a remote road and our guide was able to sort it easily. He was also amazing at finding the wildlife and dealing with accommodation and eating out etc. I think we got a lot more out of it all with him.

Thanks all, this is really helpful.

I've definitely no intention of spending any time in Windhoek, it's the only realistic way of getting in and out of the country and to pick up a car etc.

I'm looking forward to it 😊

I definitely would not have driven the Windhoek / Kalahari:/ Namib Desert / Sossusvi on my own without another adult. For sure. But driving up to the Caprivi region was fine for self driving. Roads were good and busy.

We stayed here https://www.brandbergwllodge.com/a/34002/lodge and here https://hammersteinlodge.com.na/ and other places!

You’ll have a blast. The most beautiful country and experience. And busy but not too busy.

My daughter just said her favourite was Etosha NP, Leopard tracking at Okinjima, all the animal/safairs actually and sand duning to Sandwich Harbour.

Personally I rate naimbia higher then South Africa. Much safer, has all the big tick attractions at a fraction of the price of say Tanzania and SA. Have a look at Etosha, Skeleton Coast, Namib desert, Sossuvle, Fish river canyon Walvis Bay, okavango delta etc. If you are feeling brave hire a 4x4 with a rooftop tent and head out on your own. Camping facilities are excellent. PM me if you need more details.

Some great ideas here, thank you. I'm off to Google some of these!

We did a balloon ride of sossusvlie and it was amazing. We also went to stay near the san people and did a dessert experience.

We hired a 4x4 with roof tents. Didn’t stay in any towns and cities at all. There are some amazing campsites!

If self driving be aware tyres likely to need changing much more often given dirt roads (we had two - though that was unlucky - I’ve been to Namibia before and had no tyre problems)