Namibia - July 2023

[Shane]

So my BIL sent me a WA. He wants us to do Namibia next year in july . ..

Places he'd like to see are Sossusvlei, Swakop and Etosha.

Personally I think trying to do 5000km in 10 days might be a little rough - especially with 3 hefty teenagers on the back seat .

So here are my questions to those in the know:
1. Is july a suitable time of the year should we actually go ahead.

2. Any other recommendations for places to see - even if it means doing everything over two separate trips.

3. Any advice for touring Nam.

4. Should I swing past Woestyn Willem and show him the error of his ways ito anything the forum deems relevant? (might show him how good my spots are!)

We plan on camping as we would like to keep the costs as low as possible. Kids range from 8 - 15 years of age.

Any good advice would be greatly appreciated.

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[iandvl]

1: July is a fantastic time of the year. But because it is winter, it is also the popular touring time, so expect busy camps / similar. For example, you'll need to book pretty far in advance to get camping at Sossusvlei.

2: Nam is big. I'd probably not do Etosha as well within a ten day trip. I've toured Namibia three or four times, I think. I've got up as high as Ugab before, but that was madness as I just had nothing to do the one weekend whilst I was still in WHK for work and decided to drive about 1700km in two days... As said, I've done Nam four times now, and it is only now that I've decided that I'm done with the South and will be looking higher Northwards.

3: Not much. Take it slow and easy and enjoy.

4: I believe that Woestyn Willem may be a little closer next year than he is now.

Camping is great - spoiled for options in Namibia. Namibian Wildlife Resorts (https://www.nwr.com.na/) run the national parks and you can book directly with them.

It's very difficult to mention other things really, as you've not really mentioned anything in terms of routes / similar. However, I may see you in Nam next year as I am putting a trip together for the same +/- time period. But we're heading much further North this time.

My 2019 trip report: https://patrol4x4.co.za/viewtopic.php?t=8536
My 2021 trip report: https://patrol4x4.co.za/viewtopic.php?t=9358

[Bugjuic]

I saw this trip recently. Thought it may be a good option as a first timer? FYI

https://www.thecommonwanderer.com/blog/ ... -itinerary

[Shane]

Thanks guys !

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[Mad Manny]

Shane, you would have to stick to Southern Nam.
It's 2 days there & 2 days back for you.
Leaving only 6 days to tour.
So forget the north.

Oh, and 10 days is still too little - need 14...

[iandvl]

Yes Manny. This was what I was mentioning. The trip mentioned by Peet seems feasible, but the ten days start and end in Windhoek which is still of a meor of a long drive away for me. So unless one is flying in, it is a no go.

The folk who did that trip spent two days at several places during that trip, so one could cut it a little shorter, but then one is not going to have time to see anything. And they also missed a ton of things which are really fantastic to see in the south.

Off the top of my head:

1: Sesriem Canyon (not mentioned anywhere in their report)
2: Luderitz / Kulmanskuppe.
3: Helmeringhausen (which has the best apfel strudel in Namibia - not the crap they punted in Solitaire).
4: Duiseb.
5: Although their route headed back via Keetmanshoop, I see no mention of the Mesosaurus fossils, Giants playground, Quiver Tree forest etc.

I think the thing about Namibia one has to understand is that the place is huge. There is so much to see. And the last thing one wants to do when one is there is rush all over the place. One needs time to soak it up.

[Shane]

Shane, you would have to stick to Southern Nam.
It's 2 days there & 2 days back for you.
Leaving only 6 days to tour.
So forget the north.

Oh, and 10 days is still too little - need 14...

I agree.

We haven't made any formal plans yet - just chewing over the idea in principle.

No routes/formal interinary yet.

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[iandvl]

...
We haven't made any formal plans yet - just chewing over the idea in principle.

No routes/formal interinary yet.
...

Keep us up to date when you plan. Might be able to provide some input. And if our routes and dates intersect sometime next year, we can hook up for a beer. I am also morbidly curious to see your godlights...

[Shane]

will do so

Looking forward to the beer!

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[Ricof4e]

Shane, I agree - July is the probably the best time of year to consider doing a short Nam tour.

Give me a shout when you have committed to an itinerary.

On second thought, no need to give a shout - just switch on your godlights

On second second thought don't. You may escalate the situation in Ukraine.

[Bugger]

Some interesting info given