Turning 50 on the road less travelled
When I turned 50 in 2023, I gave myself the best gift imaginable time. Five weeks off, one for every decade of life, dedicated to something I’d always wanted to do: a self-drive adventure through Namibia and South Africa.
It turned into almost 4,000 kilometres of open road, wild beauty, laughter, and freedom. I wasn’t entirely alone — one of my best friends joined me in Namibia, another in South Africa — but for all if it (Namibia at least), I drove, my friends managed the sound tracks, pod casts and e books and we admired Africa’s horizons!
Why Namibia is perfect for self-driving
Namibia is a dream for those who love the open road. Wide, empty landscapes, dramatic scenery, and surprisingly good roads make it one of the safest and most enjoyable countries in Africa for independent travel.
The distances are long, yes, some days were six or more hours behind the wheel, but every stretch of road offers new perspectives: the deep red sands of the Namib Desert, the eerie beauty of the Skeleton Coast, the rugged rock formations of Damaraland, and the wildlife-filled plains of Etosha National Park.
Best of all? Not a single blown tyre, not one fright, not one moment of doubt. Just pure, effortless adventure, Thelma and Louise style (but without the cliff).
My Namibia self-drive route
Here’s how the route unfolded:
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Windhoek to the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei: Leaving Windhoek, the capital, we headed south into the heart of the Namib, one of the world’s oldest deserts. Driving through vast, empty landscapes that seem to stretch forever is both humbling and exhilarating. Sossusvlei’s towering dunes are the highlight, especially Dune 45 and Deadvlei at sunrise, where the orange sand glows under a deep blue sky.
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Sossusvlei to Swakopmund: From the desert, the road winds west toward the coast, through mountain passes and arid plains that feel almost lunar. Swakopmund, with its German colonial charm and cool Atlantic breeze, is a refreshing stop, a place to recharge with good food, dune boarding, or a marine cruise.
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Up the Skeleton Coast: The Skeleton Coast feels like the edge of the earth, a hauntingly beautiful stretch of desert meeting sea. Shipwrecks line the coast, and the fog rolls in like something from another world. It’s remote, raw and utterly unforgettable.
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Across to Damaraland: Heading inland, the scenery shifts again, rocky outcrops, petrified forests, and herds of desert-adapted elephants. This is one of the most scenic and rewarding parts of Namibia, especially for those who love photography and geology.
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Etosha National Park: Ending the journey in Etosha brings it all together, wildlife, wilderness, and wonder. Driving through the park at your own pace, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras against the backdrop of the Etosha Pan, is the essence of self-drive safari freedom.
And then, back to Windhoek a full circle of adventure, confidence, and deep connection with Africa’s wild heart.
Is self-driving in Namibia safe?
Absolutely, with the right preparation. Most of Namibia’s main routes are well-maintained gravel roads, and traffic is minimal outside major towns. You don’t need to be an expert off-roader, just a confident driver with a sense of adventure.
The key is to go slowly, plan fuel stops in advance, and always have plenty of water, snacks, and a good playlist. Travelling with friends adds fun and reassurance, but solo travellers thrive here too, thanks to friendly locals and clear infrastructure.
At Encompass Africa, we ensure your route, vehicle, and accommodation are tailored to your comfort level, so you can focus on the joy of the journey, not the logistics.
Tips for an unforgettable Namibia self-drive holiday
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Choose the right vehicle: A 4WD is best for flexibility, comfort, and safety on gravel roads.
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Don’t rush: Namibia’s beauty lies in the details, sunrises, starry nights, roadside stops.
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Fuel up often: Petrol stations can be far apart, so top up whenever you can.
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Pack smart: Sunscreen, hats, snacks, a good camera, and a sense of humour are essential.
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Stay connected: GPS and offline maps help, but trust your instincts and enjoy the detours.
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Embrace the silence: Some stretches feel like the middle of nowhere, and that’s the magic.
The joy of the open road
There’s something deeply freeing about driving through Namibia. It’s not just a holiday, it’s a reconnection with space, time, and self. Long drives invite reflection, laughter, and conversation. The landscapes shift, but the feeling remains: pure, unfiltered adventure.
For me, this journey wasn’t just a celebration of 50 years, it was a reminder of how alive travel makes us feel. Namibia offers that rare combination of safety, solitude, and soul-stirring scenery. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll want everyone you love to do the same.
Plan your Namibia self-drive with Encompass Africa
If this story sparks something in you, that itch for freedom, the thrill of discovery.. it’s time to plan your own Namibia self-drive holiday. Whether you want to explore the classic route like I took or something completely unique, we’ll design it around you.
From vehicle hire to handpicked camps and lodges, from route planning to insider tips, we’ll make sure your trip runs smoothly and safely, leaving you free to enjoy every kilometre of the journey.
Let’s create your Namibia self-drive adventure. Get in touch today to start mapping out your road to freedom.
