Namib Desert: Exploring the oldest desert in the world

The oldest desert in the world is calling you from Africa to drag you on an unforgettable journey to the world of heat and breathtaking dunes. Wish to make your trip perfect? Do not hesitate, and check out our guide! Learn how to travel, what to try, and where to stay in the Namib Desert down below.

How to travel around the Namib Desert

In a nutshell, the best ways to travel around the Namib desert are:

• Booking a car rental from Windhoek Airport;
• Kayaking;
• Using a light aircraft.

Scroll further to learn about each transport option and choose according to your preferences and needs.

© Namibia2Go

Rental vehicles

Cars for hire stay on top in terms of traveling around the desert (especially if you are an experienced driver). First, self-drive tends to be cheaper in Namibia, so if you find the best car rental prices, you will avoid overpaying for your trip. Second, vehicle hire grants privacy, so whether your goal is to relax with loved ones or on your own - rental cars will suit you perfectly. Another advantage is that it is possible to travel at your own pace (during daytime only), so stop whenever you need to and do not miss gas stations.

Our world is imperfect, so even self-drive has its disadvantages. The Namib Desert simply cannot boast of the best-paved roads, so be ready to say “Hi” to the gravel and occasionally inconvenient road trip experience. To avoid it, you will have to hire rental cars which are four-wheel drive, manual transmission, and high clearance. Also, remember about traveling at your own pace during the daytime only? It is not a life hack but a precaution - at night, the wild animals tend to roam the roads.

© Gondwana Collection

Kayaks

If you are into exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Namib Desert and you also love to travel by water - kayaking is your perfect option. It allows you to “dive” into the wildlife on the desert’s coastline, where you can spot flamingos, brown fur seals, or African penguins. Kayaks may also unlock some spectacular views of the dunes and brisk sunsets, which will surely captivate your photographer spirit, even though you will not put a foot on the sand yourself.

At least three companies are offering kayaking services:

• Namibia Kayak Tours;
• Pelican Point Kayaking;
• Charly’s Desert Tours.

Choose the one which suits your trip goals and before joining the program, make sure the company provides preparation with a guide and all safety measures.

Light aircraft

In Namibia, a flying safari is another option to get acquainted with the local desert treasures. You will not get closer to the wildlife, but you may get stunning panoramic views of the dunes and coastline! That is a great opportunity for photographers, by the way.

The companies offering air travel above the Namib desert include Namib Sky Balloon Safaris and Go2Africa. Unfortunately, this kind of desert exploration has a huge disadvantage - it might not be suitable for a limited budget. Still, once in a lifetime, you may afford it for a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, or graduation.

What activities to try

It is not every day when you visit one of the oldest deserts in the world, so your Namib Desert adventure must be perfect and memorable from start to finish. Check out our top essential activities you should not miss during your trip below!

© Mikkel Beiter

Photography

Awaken your inner photographer as you step into the world of golden waves of sand! Do not underestimate the landscape monotony - the beauty is in the simplicity and vibe you can transfer through the picture. Grab a camera and follow some of our tips for amazing pictures:

• Inspire from Pinterest;
• Snap pictures during golden hours - the last and the first hours before sunset and after sunrise, respectively;
• Avoid rainy weather at any cost;
• Pay with sunset shadows or capture the stars at night;
• Look for panoramic views.

© Mikkel Beiter

Stars observation

Drive far away from the polluted air of the city and enter the astronomer’s paradise - a title the Namib Desert bears with pride. Here you can find one of the darkest skies in the world, which allows you to appreciate the stars at their best. Plus, there are at least 2 great places to stay where you can stargaze - Kulala Camp and Damaraland Camp. Both offer convenient facilities and amazing venues for your night sky observation, during which you may spot Mars, Venus, or sometimes the International Space Station.

Climbing the dunes

Rock climbing? Forget about it! In the Namib Desert, you can appreciate another tough and challenging activity - dune climbing! Ascending to the top of the sandy “wave” and gazing upon the surroundings with triumph is truly a memorable moment you should not miss.

© Markus Frank-Schulz

The highest dunes in the Namib Desert are Dune 7 (1,256 feet) and Dune 45 (280 feet). If you plan to climb them but feel anxious, consider looking through these tips below:

• Attempt to climb in the early morning or evening to avoid extremely hot conditions (in summer, the temperature may rise above 40°);
• Bringing water and food supplies is a must;
• Use sturdy shoes and avoid climbing barefoot;
• Keep an eye on the surroundings, because you may encounter some wild animals;
• Always stay hydrated and make some stops while ascending.

Author: Elizabeth Smith