Namibia

[Mattg]

I'm currently planning a visit to Namibia in November. I've never been and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions regarding places to visit, tours, things to do, etc.?

My plan is to fly from Johannesburg to somewhere in Namibia (probably either Windhoek or Walvis Bay) on 8 or 9 November. I have a flight booked on QR out of Windhoek on 13 November, so basically have 4-5 days to play with.

Would you fly straight to Windhoek and stay there for 4 days? Or should I fly to Walvis Bay first and visit Swakopmund? I see that Air Namibia, for example, is offering a JNB-WVB-WDH routing with a ~27 hour layover in Walvis Bay for a reasonable price.

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[LadyC]

The gentleman and I did a self drive tour in Namibia back in 2013. We were there about 8-9 days so longer than you are planning on staying. We travelled from Windhoek down to Sossusvlei, up to Swakopmund, Damaraland and a few nights in Etosha before heading back to Windhoek. Swakopmund, whilst nice enough, is just a little seaside town with German heritage.

With the time that you have, I would hire a car and either drive down to Sossusvlei or up to Etosha and spend a few nights at either. If you do decide to do some driving, I highly recommend hiring a 4wd as most of the roads outside the cities are not paved.

 

[Mattg]

Thanks for the reply. Sossusvlei does look nice.

To be honest, I'd prefer not to have to hire a car. Is it easy to get around using public transport (or other means)?

 

[LadyC]

I've never looked in to using public transport in Namibia so can't advise. What I can say is that outside the cities, the scenery for me was very like outback Australia. Lots of sand, corrugated roads, nothing in the distance. Most tourists either do self drive or join a tour. Although not your preference, it might be easier to do a short 3/4 day tour?

 

[bigjobs]

Skeleton Coast. Great place.