This is a quick post about how to 4X4 Namibia for a Month. I provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to additional details, photos and videos. This is a self-guided adventure on a shoestring. Follow the links to dig deeper into the adventure.
This is a hard adventure because it requires lots of 4×4 experience, local knowledge, map & GPS reading skills, car repair skills and the ability to be self-sufficient in dangerous environments with wild animals (lions and elephants). This is not a drive in a National Park or Reserve. This is the last of old Africa. Be prepared and travel with other vehicles.
Namibia the Country
Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife. The capital, Windhoek, and coastal town Swakopmund contain German colonial-era buildings such as Windhoek’s Christuskirche, built in 1907. In the north, Etosha National Park’s salt pan draws game including rhinos and giraffes.
The Namib Desert is one of the world’s oldest deserts with extreme arid conditions. Located in the western part of Namibia along the coast up to the southwestern part of Angola. The area receives no rainfall during some years and averages fewer than 100 mm per year.
4X4 Cost Details:
Total Cost Range of this Activity is: $$$
For more details about costs, visit the maps and fact page.
The Route
The route started from Windhoek, went west into the Namib Naukluft Park to the coast then up to Swakopmund. Then a short hop south towards Sandwich Harbor. Then north through the interior with a lot of in and out, up and down riverbeds and open expanses within 100km of the coast. We also went further inland to cross Etosha National Park at my request but it really was anti-climactic after all the real wilderness driving. We then headed back into the wild to confront more elephants in riverbeds before finally calling it quits and heading back to Windhoek. I was done. I had spent so many days in a tent that I had lost count. I was ready for a week of easy living in Windhoek before flying back to Europe.
To see more route details visit the maps and facts page or watch the video.
For those wishing a more tame 4×4 adventure download the Palmwag Guide and map.pdf However, please note that lions have been re-introduced to the area. So beware of waterholes with no wildlife. Also consult the maps&facts page for permit details.
For more details & permits visit the 4×4 Namibia Maps & Facts page.
Video Episodes in 3 minute Chunks
Note that one of the following video pages are published each week. So if the link doesn’t work, try again next week (or visit the YouTube playlist).
| 4X4 Namibia, Into Namib Naukluft Park, Episode 164 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Namibia, Out of Namib Naukluft Park, Episode 165 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Namibia, Sandwich Harbor, Episode 166 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Messum Crater to the Huab, Namibia, Episode 167 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Into the Huab & Hoanib Rivers, Namibia, Episode 168 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Epupa Falls past Okongwati, Namibia, Episode 169 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Zyles Pass to Marianfluss, Namibia, Episode 170 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Marienfluss to Serra Cafema, Namibia, Episode 171 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Hoarusib & Hoanib Rivers, Namibia, Episode 172 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Etosha National Park, Namibia, Episode 173 | Video Page |
| 4X4 San People – Quest for Fire, Namibia, Episode 174 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Omaruru & Ugab Elephants, Namibia, Episode 175 | Video Page |
| 4X4 Skeleton Coast, Namibia, Episode 176 | Video Page |
| YouTube 4X4 Namibia Playlist | YT Playlist |
Visit the 3 minute Adventure combined page for all the above merged into a single long run video.
To view the Rough Cut versions of these videos visit the new Livio’s Travel channel (and subscribe).
Legal Disclaimer: The events, characters and locations in this video may be fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, places, events or things is purely coincidental. Maps are not to scale and are not accurately depicted.
For more details & permits visit the 4×4 Namibia Maps & Facts page.
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