A visit to the Namib Desert is an absolute must when in Namibia.

Not sure if the Namib Desert is a suitable destination during your Namibia visit? Here are 5 activities that will change your mind!

We decided to end our road trip around Namibia with a stopover in the Namib Desert. And, whilst the desert might seem like an odd choice to some, to us it was an unmissable destination.

Being the oldest desert in the world should be enough of a reason to want to visit. But just in case, here are a few activities that might convince you to add this spot to your must-see list:

A Single Tree in the Namib Desert, Namibia.

1: Drive through Namib-Naukluft National Park.

The Namib-Naukluft National Park encompasses part of the Namib Desert, and the Naukluft mountain range. This park is the largest in Africa and the fourth largest in the world!

The Park is open from sunrise to sunset, about 7 am – 7 pm. But if you book to camp within the first gate/entrance within the Park, the internal gate opens at 6 am. Entrances fees vary from N$30 – N$80 depending on where in the world you are visiting from.

We enjoyed visits in the morning, as it was much cooler than in the afternoon. However, the late afternoon shadows give the dunes a rich contrast, which looks divine in photos.

2: Visit the Deadvlei, Sossusvlei.

This dried out oasis is only accessible via 4WD so arrive with the correct vehicle or be prepared to hike 6km in soft sand!

The Deadvlei is a highlight of the Namib Desert and draws hundreds of visitors. Our recommendation is to wake early and rive directly to the Sossusvlei parking. The Deadvlei is just a short 1km – 2 km walk from there.

The dried clay of the Deadvlei is highlighted by the richly colour dunes that surround it. This spot is famous for its hundreds of years old blackened, dead acacia trees that stand out in the stark nothingness of the Desert and Dunes.

3: Climb a Dune.

One of the most popular sand dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park is Big Daddy. If you are not an experienced climber or an exceptionally fit person, we recommend a smaller Dune. However, if you are up for the challenge, we have mapped out the best and most accessible route for you to get to the top.

It is best to arrive as early as possible. This way, you can do most of the uphill climb before the searing heat. Be sure to bring at least 1.5litres of water per climber.

4: Take a Helicopter Ride.

Yes, a 1-hour flight over the Desert is a bit extravagant. But the opportunity to see the National Park from above is extraordinary! We booked our flight via Sossusvlei Lodge. Whilst a helicopter ride can be quite pricey, it is honestly a once in a lifetime experience. The views of the Desert from the sky is unreal. You also get to see the famous “fairy circles” from the best vantage point!

We managed to capture some incredibly artistic images of the Desert from the sky. A limited number of images are for sale in our store. So grab one while you still can!

5: Enjoy the Wide Open Skies.

It is a freakish occurrence if it ever rains in the desert. That is why clear, star-filled skies are a nightly treat for visitors to the area.

This remote part of the world is one of the most sought after spot to photograph. So, if you are an avid photographer or videographer, you can setup your tripod for a time-laps in the evenings. You won’t believe the images that you can capture!

Trip tip:

Do not attempt the Namib Desert without sunscreen and water! It is absolutely crucial to keep properly hydrated in this extremely hot and dry environment.

Get inspired to plan your next adventure by viewing our Landscapes Gallery.