Namibia Self-Drive Loop

A grand loop of Namibia starting and ending in Windhoek, linking Fish River Canyon, the Namib red dunes, the Atlantic coast, Damaraland, and Etosha.

The Namibia Self-Drive Loop is Africa's classic self-drive route, starting and ending in the capital, Windhoek. Most of it is C-grade gravel road, and the full loop covers about 4,000–4,500 km. The full loop runs counterclockwise: south via Keetmanshoop to the Fish River Canyon, then west past the Namib desert horses near Aus to Lüderitz and the Kolmanskop ghost town. Head north across the Namib-Naukluft to Sesriem, where you can climb Dune 45 at dawn in the Sossusvlei salt pan and see Deadvlei. Continue through the small town of Solitaire and over the Kuiseb Pass to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Then go via Spitzkoppe and the Brandberg into Damaraland, to see the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and desert elephants. Cross the Grootberg Pass and head north to Sesfontein and the Himba villages around Opuwo. Finally, enter Etosha National Park through the western gate, then pass Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni before returning to Windhoek. If time is limited, cover only the central-north section (Windhoek–Sossusvlei–Swakopmund–Damaraland–Etosha) in 10–14 days. Rent a 4x4 with two spare tires. Keep gravel roads under 80 km/h, since rollovers are the main cause of tourist accidents. Fuel stations can be 200–300 km apart, so fill up whenever you see one. Campsites and lodges need to be booked months ahead during peak season (July–October). The C34 along the Skeleton Coast and northern Kaokoland are in worse condition, so travel with a companion and carry plenty of water and fuel.

Namibia Self-Drive Loop

Along the route