Namibia, known as the Land of the Brave, has a powerful history — and breathtaking landscapes to match. Huge thanks to @NamibiaTours&Safaris for helping us curate the perfect itinerary, including car rental and hotel bookings. The package cost us around SGD 3,500 per person. Honestly, Namibia has become one of my absolute favourite places to visit.
Driving in Namibia was surprisingly easy. We used our Singapore driving licenses (since they’re in English) and didn’t get asked for an international driving permit, even by the rental company. That said, we were stopped by the police once — no fine, but a good reminder that it’s safer to bring an international driving permit just in case.
Day 1 – Arrival in Windhoek and car rental collection
Upon arrival at the airport, we were warmly greeted by Namibia Tours, who then brought us to their office to collect our car. We were pleased with the vehicle provided — a Fortuner SUV — which was perfect for our road trip. The staff gave us a thorough briefing to ensure we were well-prepared. Unlike driving in the city, it’s crucial to know how to check tyre pressure and change a tyre if needed, especially since we’d be heading to remote areas where help might not be readily available.
Check in at Olive Grove Guesthouse
Day 2 – Driving to Sossuvlei [6 hours drive]
The drive to Sossusvlei was incredibly scenic — we even spotted a few animals along the way! Desert Hills Lodge was one of the few places that truly lived up to expectations. What you see in the pictures is exactly what you get. I was in awe watching the sunset and gazing at a sky full of stars at night. It does get quite cold in the evenings and early mornings, with strong winds blowing through — so pack warm!
Check in at Desert Hills Lodge
Day 3 – Day tour in Sossusvlei
Be prepared to walk a lot on this day! We visited the famous dunes — though I didn’t manage to complete the hike as it was an especially windy day. Climbing the dunes with your feet sinking into the sand was incredibly exhausting. Still, the Deadvlei (Dead Pan) is one of the absolute highlights of Namibia that you must experience — it’s surreal and unforgettable.
Day 4 – Driving to Swakopmund [6 hours drive]
Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we geared up for an ATV ride through the dunes. While it wasn’t the most thrilling ATV experience I’ve had, it’s a great option for beginners or anyone trying it for the first time. The views made up for the mellow ride — vast sand dunes as far as the eye can see, with the ocean on the horizon. Truly a unique landscape!
Check in at Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse
Day 5 – Exploring Swakopmund in the dunes and sea
I was really looking forward to visiting Swakopmund to see the flamingos — and there were plenty of them! We also joined a boat tour to spot marine life, followed by a thrilling 4×4 adventure exploring the towering dunes. It was the perfect mix of wildlife and adrenaline in one day!
Day 6 – Driving to Etosha National Park [6 hours drive]
While waiting for our night game drive, we spotted giraffes and impalas right from our lodge — which was pretty cool! The night game drive itself, however, wasn’t as exciting as we had hoped… to be honest, I even dozed off for a little while.
Check in at Epacha Game Lodge & Spa
Day 7 – Game Drive at Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is home to a massive salt pan so large it can be seen from space! The Etosha Pan spans over 4,800 km² and transforms into a shallow lake during the rainy season, attracting flamingos and other birdlife in huge numbers.
Day 8 – Driving back to Windhoek [6 hours drive]
Driving back to the city with a heavy heart, but so grateful for the incredible memories we’ve made on this trip. I’d love to do it all over again someday!
Memories in the making 