Hi everyone, We’re seriously considering a two-week trip in August 2026 with our kids, who’ll be 11 and 10 years old. That’s where we’re torn on the destination. For those who’ve been to both, could you share the main differences? I get the impression that in Botswana, the landscapes are a bit samey everywhere, while Namibia offers more diversity? We’re looking for an "off-the-beaten-path" adventure: safaris, meeting local communities, etc., and not too many touristy spots. Thanks for your help! Olivia

Hello everyone, We came back enchanted from our first trip to Namibia and we're already thinking of going back. We did the classics: Etosha, Twyfelfontein, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei... Our guide suggests doing the Caprivi Strip over 10 days, alternating 2 nights in a lodge and 2 nights in a tent. Given that we love landscapes but especially wildlife observation, I wonder if after spending 4 nights in Etosha and having visited Botswana twice, Caprivi offers different animals to see and if the wildlife is generally abundant. The videos I've seen online don't really captivate me. It seems quite similar to the Okavango Delta. What do you think? Are there other circuits we should prioritize? Both in our seventies, we prefer staying mainly in lodges. Thanks in advance to those who can give us advice

Bonjour Nous préparons un parcours Maun, Kazane, VF pour mai 2027 en Toyota Hilux 4*4 et en Lodge (nous ne campons pas), en mai/juin 2027 -Maun, arrivée à priori depuis Joburgh, 2 -Khwai, 2 -retour Maun -définir une halte entre Maun et Sepopa? -Sepopa, 2 -Passage Namibie, Bagani, 2 -Kongola, 2 -Katima Mulilo, 2 -Kasane,3 ou 4 -VF,1 ou 2 -retour France, depuis Kasane ou VF Quel état de la piste entre Maun et Khwai ? les noms des étapes sont approximatifs en fonction des hébergements. Merci pour vos retours sur ce projet. Ailleurs 64

Hi,

At the end of July, we’re heading to Namibia with a group of five for a three-week road trip and visit to the national parks. We’ve read conflicting info about buying entry tickets—either online (where?) or at the gate when we arrive?

Thanks in advance for your tips!!

Have a great day

Hey everyone! Heading to Namibia in a few days and I just read that the entry fees for all parks in Namibia have skyrocketed. Increases between 86 and 100%, and this has been in effect since April 1st (no joke). Have any of you heard about this, and if so, do you know if it’s actually being enforced? For example, the fee for Etosha has gone from 150 NAD to 280 NAD per day per person. Thanks in advance!

Namibia raises park fees by 86 to 100 percent

Good evening, I’m drawn to the siren call of Voy.. priv... offering a lovely Namibia itinerary, but I won’t hide that our last trip with this same "organization" left a bitter taste... though to be fair, the destination had lost all its charm—or maybe it was just too much so: Bali! I loved it in 2001, but when I went back in 2023, I hated it. Still, we let ourselves be convinced by an enticing price...

But that’s not the point. Now, we want to take this dream trip to Namibia. There are so many options, from the simplest to the most sophisticated: tourist buses, self-drive 4x4s, or private guides. Each has its pros and cons.

The bus: I hated Bali *because* of this—too many people, too touristy... On the other hand, you just let yourself be guided. No stress about driving.

4x4: Waking up in the middle of nature must be incredible—being self-sufficient with a travel journal, knowing every day is full of surprises. The downside? Only my partner drives. A former sales rep, he’s logged so many kilometers it’s wrecked his back...

With a guide: That’d be the dream... but we don’t have the budget.

So, I’m looking for a solution—contacts, advice—to make this trip match our tastes *and* our budget. For early April, of course!

Thanks for your input.

Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Namibia for the first time at the end of January 2026 for 12 nights as a couple, with a 4x4 rental (no tent). We’re planning to stay in lodges, hotels, or similar. Our goal is to explore Namibia and see as many animals as possible.

We were thinking of following this route:

Windhoek to Sesriem – 2 nights

Sesriem to Omaruru – 2 nights

Omaruru to Ongava (ETOSHA) – 2 nights

Ongava to Onguma (ETOSHA) – 2 nights

Onguma to Okonjima – 2 nights

Okonjima to Windhoek – 2 nights (these last two nights near Windhoek at a lodge like Our Habitas)

What do you think of this plan?

I know we’ll miss a lot of must-see spots, but we only have 12 nights, and the distances between the points of interest we’ve chosen are pretty long.

Also, since January/February is the "rainy season," do you think this itinerary is suitable?

Don’t hesitate to tell me if we’re completely off track or if you’d recommend something totally different—we’re open to any suggestions.

Thanks so much for your time and advice!

Joris

hi everyone, we’re itching to see the Namib Desert again, and looking at the Tracks4Africa map I notice there’s a track that reaches Saddle Hill Ghost Town and seems to be allowed. Has anyone done it? We’re used to dunes—on our first visit we went from Walvis Bay to Sandwich Harbour with our rental 4x4 but followed a licensed guide. Thanks for your replies! Brigitte

Hi there, We’re planning a trip to Namibia in the summer of 2026 and want to rent a 4x4 with a roof-top tent. After reading a lot of posts on the topic, I’m still not sure which rental companies are truly reliable these days... We found a vehicle at a reasonable price from Africa Camper, but the online reviews are mixed. Has anyone had a good or bad experience with this company? Thanks so much! Martine

Hi there, I’m looking for a driver who can take my 77-year-old parents on a classic 15-day road trip. Windhoek - Okonjima - Etosha - Khorixas - Swakopmund - Sesriem - Mariental Having done this route myself last year, I didn’t see the point of joining an organized tour, and my parents are seasoned travelers but no longer feel 100% comfortable driving on rough roads with the risk of a flat tire or sandstorm (we didn’t encounter either, but it’s a 50/50 chance). In Asia, this kind of arrangement is super easy to organize, but I get the feeling it’s less straightforward to find this type of service in Namibia. The 4x4 rental would be handled through an agency in Windhoek (Safari Car Rental—great experience). We’d book nights in lodges or hotels directly (no camping). Thanks in advance for any tips or recommendations!

Hi there, From Windhoek to Namaqualand, is it possible to take a route further east than the B1 national road, and are there any points of interest along that way? Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone,

Just sharing our experience from our wonderful trip for two, which we’ve just returned from. We decided to get help with the bookings from the agency Tourmaline Safaris, and everything was perfectly organized without any extra costs for the reservations. We chose to alternate nights in rooftop tents, Camping2Go (fitted tents), and guesthouses.

Flight from Paris to Windhoek with a layover in Johannesburg. 4x4 rented from Safari Car Rental—flawless. We had an official translation of our driver’s licenses, but no one asked for them during the trip. Mariental: 1 night in Camping2Go (Anib Lodge) Sersiem: 1 night in a rooftop tent (Oshana Campsite) Solitaire: 1 night in Camping2Go (Nabis Desert Lodge) Swakopmund: 2 nights in a guesthouse (The Stiltz) Spitzkoppe: 1 night in Camping2Go Omaruru: 2 nights in a rooftop tent (Omandumba Cave Camp) Etosha East: 1 night in a rooftop tent (Etosha Safari Village) Etosha West: 2 nights in a rooftop tent (Onguma Tamboti)—game drive and morning walk with them Okahandja: 1 night in Camping2Go Windhoek: 1 night at Londiningi Guesthouse Then... flight to Victoria Falls and transfer by car to Kasane for 2 nights (Water Lily Lodge), followed by a transfer to Victoria Falls for 2 nights at Phe Zulu. All transfers were arranged by Tourmaline, and they were all perfectly on time.

No logistical issues with Tourmaline Safaris, and given that our initial flight was delayed by a day, my checked luggage arrived a week late (Tourmaline arranged for the luggage to be transferred by taxi to Omaruru), and our initial Windhoek-Kasane flight was canceled by Air Botswana without explanation, we were really relieved to have the agency’s local contact to handle these unexpected issues! Delayed luggage seems to be common, but the agency had warned us, so we packed our carry-ons accordingly.

It was very cold at night (June), especially in Omaruru, but luckily we were prepared. Since it had rained a lot this season, Victoria Falls was flowing heavily! So much so that the water mist prevented us from seeing the eastern part of the falls. But a short helicopter tour gave us a better view. Be aware that the entrance fees for the falls are high (50 dollars per person) and only grant one entry—you can’t come in the morning and return in the late afternoon. We stayed from 6 AM to 3 PM in the park, taking breaks at the cafeteria, to see the falls at sunrise, at 11 AM (when the mist partially lifts), and at 3 PM (not much difference from the 11 AM view).

That’s it! A magnificent trip that left us with wonderful memories. Nothing disappointed us.

If you’d like more details, feel free to ask!

Hi there, I’m finalizing the itinerary for my trip to Namibia in October and would love to get it validated by you, the experts. I’ll be traveling by 4x4 with a rooftop tent.

Here’s the itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek Night in REHOBOTH or nearby

Day 2: Rehoboth to Stampriet

Day 3: Road to Sesriem

Day 4: Head to Sossusvlei/Sesriem Canyon

Day 5: Road to Walvis Bay

Day 6: Day in Walvis Bay

Day 7: Head to Spitzkoppe

Day 8: Direction Cape Cross then Brandberg

Day 9: Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Palmwag

Day 10: Palmwag

Day 11: Head to Etosha Day 12: Etosha

Day 13: Head to Waterberg after morning safari

Day 14: Full day at Waterberg

Day 15: Return to Windhoek for flight at 8:30 PM

What do you think? I’m open to all suggestions!

Thanks

Hi there, I’m planning a trip with my three teens in a 4x4 with rooftop tents in July 2025 and would love your thoughts on my itinerary (still a draft). Day 1: Windhoek Day 2: Keetmanshoop Day 3-5: Fish River Canyon Day 6: FRC stop in Mariental Day 7: Mariental to Sesriem Day 8-10: Sesriem, then depart for Swakopmund Day 11-12: Swakopmund Day 13-14: Spitzkoppe Day 15-16: Twyfelfontein Day 17: Stop in Outjo Day 18-20: Etosha Day 21: Waterberg Day 22: Waterberg to Windhoek Day 23: Afternoon flight

Thanks so much for your help! Anne Claire

Hi there, Could you give me an idea of the price for a taxi from Windhoek International Airport to Windhoek for two people? Is it necessary to book in advance, or are there enough taxis available at the airport? Thanks! !

I'm looking for a local guide to visit a Himba village near Opuwo in a respectful way. There’ll be two of us (my wife and I) with a car starting from Opuwo. If anyone has a contact—or even better, several contacts—for local guides to arrange this visit, thanks a million! Bernard

Hi there, we’re planning a trip to Namibia this summer and we’d love to know if it’s possible to get around without our own vehicle? Thanks.

Hello, Namibia in April for 11 days from the 10th to the 21st with 2 adults and 3 (our son from the 16th to the 21st). We’re looking to combine 2 short circuits for this brief stay. Should we book a vehicle and accommodation through an agency?

We’re used to traveling independently, but we’re hesitant about Namibia! Any recommendations for vehicle rental sites? And agencies?

We’re planning two short circuits—partly with accommodation and partly with camping. Thanks for sharing your experience!

We’re flying from Cape Town to Windhoek on the 10th and returning on the 21st or 22nd. Marie

Hi there, I’m sharing my itinerary for your expert eyes and feedback. Quick question: Is it worth cutting a few nights to visit Epupa Falls? Would it be interesting to stop by Aus before Sesriem? Thanks everyone!

Day 1: Windhoek Day 2: Mariental Day 3: Sesriem Day 4: Sesriem Day 5: Gecko Camp Day 6: Walvis Bay / Swakopmund Day 7: Walvis Bay / Swakopmund Day 8: Spitzkoppe Day 9: Twyfelfontein Day 10: Twyfelfontein Day 11: Grootberg Day 12: Grootberg Day 13: Etosha West Day 14: Etosha West Day 15: Etosha East Day 16: Etosha East Day 17: Weaver’s Rock Guest Farm (CCF & Waterberg, rhinos) Day 18: Weaver’s Rock Guest Farm Day 19: Okonjima Day 20: Windhoek – evening departure

Hi everyone, I’m planning to do the Sesriem–Etosha trip via Windhoek in a single day. I know... it’s really long... I plan to leave early in the morning... before 8 a.m. at any rate... I know the Sesriem–Windhoek stretch via Solitaire is entirely on dirt roads... What do you think? Have a great day

Vous achetez vos billets aux portes des parcs.

Bonjour,

Je prépare un éventuel voyage en Namibie, circuit classique, en avril 2027.

Je suis étonnée par les prix des hébergements dans les parcs qui sont vraiment très élevés. Est-il possible de dormir en dehors des parcs, mais pas trop loin et de profiter des games drives des parcs ?

Avez-vous des adresses de logements à prix plus raisonnables ? Je veux bien mettre 200 à 250 € par nuit.

Pas de camping, l'amie qui m'accompagnera refuse catégoriquement 😉, mais peut-être des tentes aménagéés.

Merci d'avance et bonne soirée !

C'est dommage de dormir en dehors d'Etosha . Peut-être le budget est ok pour au moins une nuit dans le parc ? Pour le reste, ça pose moins de problèmes.

La Namibie n'est pas une destination bon marché en logement en dur. Contrairement à l'Afrique du Sud.

Je ne suis pas sûre qu'avril soit la meilleure saison pour Etosha. Si il reste de l'eau dans le parc, les animaux seront dispersés.

Enfin, les safaris s'accomplissent très facilement seul au volant de son véhicule. 4x4 non nécessaire, les pistes sont conçues pour tous les véhicules.

Bonjour

Tu as tout à fait raison... J'ai déjà abandonné deux fois l'idée d'un trip en Namibie... Entre les logements, le parc et la location de voiture... aïe ! ça pique. Seul le sud reste un peu abordable...

Ravi d'avoir échangé ne serait-ce qu'un bref message

Bonjour Martine,

Je suis une habituée de la Namibie, parfois en version camping, parfois lodges ou guest houses ou farms.

Il existe des hébergements qui rentrent dans vos critères, même dans les parcs (Etosha) ou à proximité immédiate ( Sesriem). Voici un site très pratique où vous trouverez de nombreux hébergements et leurs prix, je l’ai souvent utilisé pour prospecter ou pour réserver notamment pour Etosha.

https://www.africanreservations.com/Namibia-Accommodation

Par exemple, pour Etosha il y a Halali avec des Bush chalets qui sont très sympas. Pour Okaukuejo et son fameux trou d’eau, c’est un peu plus cher, mais vous pouvez faire une moyenne avec d’autres logements moins chers.

Pour Sesriem. Regardez le Quiver Desert Camp, avec des petits chalets en self catering à 4 km de l’entrée du parc (couplé avec le Sossusvlei lodge pour les breakfasts - dîner buffet sous les étoiles à recommander aussi!)-.

Ailleurs, de nombreuses solutions sur Booking et sur Air Bnb.

Je peux vous faire des suggestions sur des régions qui vous intéresseraient, en fonction de votre itinéraire.

Cependant, il faut signaler que depuis 3 ou 4 ans les prix augmentent de 10 à 15 % par an! La Namibie étant devenue à la mode…

Bonne préparation et à bientôt?

Chris

Merci Titaille pour ces bons conseils. Le site internet a l'air intéressant, je vais analyser tout ça. Je sais que c'est un voyage cher, mais il faudra faire quelques concessions. J'espère quand même pouvoir passer deux nuits dans des parcs.

Bonne soirée.

Bonjour, Oui j'espère quand même passer 1 ou 2 nuits dans Etosha. Le voyage devrait se faire en avril de préférence, éventuellement en mai.

Bonne soirée

Hi everyone, We're heading out again for a little road trip through South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Quick question: we're leaving from Midrand, taking the N14 to Vryburg, then heading toward the McCarthy's Border crossing. After that, we want to reach the Mabuasehube Gate. The question is, how long does it take to get from Midrand to the Mabuasehube Gate? We plan to make one stop near Vryburg to fill up on drinks and snacks. Thanks in advance for your replies, especially if anyone's done this route before! JP M

Hi everyone, I’m just back from my first overland trip with a vehicle + tent, covering northern Namibia all the way to the Okavango Delta (18 days). In short: - The road between Shakawe and Sehithwa is no longer really a road—it’s more like a gravel and sand track (a very long, exhausting stretch) for over 100 km. - Info about the planned route, i.e., from South Gate to Third Bridge campsite, is scarce and unreliable. First Bridge is in good condition, a detour has been set up for Second Bridge, but you quickly end up facing a pretty impressive ford, especially if it’s your first time driving in the area. We found ourselves with several vehicles testing the possibilities and diving into a rather deep “pond” (around 60-70 cm). When we arrived at Third Bridge campsite, we were strongly advised against continuing as planned to Xakanaxa to reach Khwai, where we had a reservation for several nights. Many travelers have gotten stuck—some even at night (?!)—and had to be towed out. So, we had to retrace our steps the next morning along the same sandy track, sometimes with very deep sand, and it took quite a while (about 4 hours one way, a little less on the return since we’d gotten the hang of it). Everything went well in the end: no damage, no getting stuck, but some intense moments crossing the fords. I’ll admit I’m pretty proud of how I handled it—it’s still quite intimidating. But the cherry on top? We were greeted by lions almost every day. Ortense

Hello everyone, I’m in the planning stages for a trip to Botswana in October 2025. This will be an extension of my trip to Namibia in January 2025. Of course, I have a lot of questions!

First one: For day trips visiting Botswana’s parks in a self-drive setup, do I need accommodation *inside* the parks? Is it possible to visit them on a day-trip basis, like in Kruger Park or Etosha?

Thanks in advance for your answers! Have a great day!