Windhoek
The start of a road trip, not the destination itself
Almost nobody flies to Windhoek to see Windhoek. It is the arrival point for a self-drive country, and the trip that follows — Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha — is what you are actually planning. That makes vehicle availability, not airfare, the binding constraint on this journey, particularly in the dry season.
May to October — dry roads, concentrated game, and clear skies
The year, season by season
Dry season
May to OctoberNamibia at its best and busiest. Game concentrates around waterholes in Etosha, gravel roads are at their most reliable, and skies are clear. Vehicles and lodges book out well ahead.
Hot and dry
November to DecemberBuilding heat before the rains, with daytime temperatures becoming severe in the interior. Quieter and cheaper than the peak months.
Wet season
January to MarchGreen, dramatic and largely empty of other travellers. Some gravel roads become difficult or impassable after rain, and game disperses away from waterholes, making sightings harder.
Where to base yourself
Getting around
A vehicle is not optional. Distances are vast, public transport between the sights effectively does not exist, and most of the road network is gravel. A 4x4 with two spare wheels is the standard recommendation for anything beyond the tarred routes.
Compare car hire →Worth knowing
- 01Book the vehicle before the flight if travelling May to October. Suitable 4x4s sell out earlier than airline seats do.
- 02Hosea Kutako International is about 45 km outside Windhoek, so the transfer is a real leg of the trip.
- 03Gravel-road punctures are common enough that two spares is the norm rather than excessive caution. Confirm what your rental includes.
- 04Fuel stops are far apart. Plan refuelling around the map rather than the fuel gauge.
Getting to Windhoek
Current fares and availability are shown on Travelstart, our booking partner.
Search flights to WindhoekPlanning the flight? Read the Johannesburg to Windhoek route guide for when to book.
Common questions
When is the best time to visit Namibia?
May to October, the dry season. Game viewing is at its best and the roads are most reliable, which is also why it is the busiest and priciest window.
Do I need a 4x4 in Namibia?
For the standard Sossusvlei–Swakopmund–Etosha circuit, a high-clearance vehicle is strongly advised and a 4x4 is the norm. Most of the network is gravel.