Namibia Quick Guide: How to Plan a Self-Drive Honeymoon

A Namibia honeymoon isn’t your typical post-nuptial escape. It tugs at your heartstrings if you love wide-open gravel roads, dramatic landscapes, and intimate wildlife encounters in the world’s most ancient desert.

With this in mind, let’s help you plan your unforgettable self-drive honeymoon experience, featuring adrenaline-inducing Namib desert dunes alongside its mystical Skeleton Coast.

The Best Time to Visit Namibia

Sunrise on Dune 45 near Sossusvlei

Dry Season: June to October

The southern hemisphere’s winter is ideal for visiting Namibia’s top attractions. Wildlife congregates around waterholes, and the temperature is pleasant. This period offers crystal-clear night skies for stargazing, especially in the Namib Desert.  

Wet Season: December to March

Some days will be humid, with afternoon showers and possible thunderstorms. Namibia is easily a year-round destination, even if summertime temperatures can get quite hot. 

Getting to Namibia

A quiver tree forest in the Richtersveld

International Flight Routes Development:

International travelers will find it easiest to fly into Namibia’s main air travel hub, Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, the country’s capital. 

Direct flights from major European hubs are available, though from other continents, a connecting flight, often through Johannesburg, South Africa, might be required. 

Namibia’s Airports Company has been working to grow new route connectivity to its capital city, with plans underway to draw carriers from the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Qatar, Ethiopia, and Turkey. 

Walvis Bay International Airport is the only other international airport in the country. It provides daily flights to Windhoek, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, with convenient access to the Namibian coast, including Swakopmund and the area’s iconic dunes.  

Self-Driving Your Honeymoon in Namibia: Renting a 4×4

You could enjoy a Namibia honeymoon in a self-drive 4×4 rental

Namibia is a vast country with long distances between attractions. Renting a 4×4 in Namibia is a popular option for adventurous travelers who want to explore the country’s top natural attractions.  

Drive South Africa offers Namibia car rental directly at the airport in Windhoek. Choosing a long-haul destination for your honeymoon requires spending as much time in the destination as possible for it to be a rewarding experience.

And the most popular mode of transport? While Drive South Africa has a range of 4×4 rental options to help you conquer the most challenging terrain – there’s one that puts self-drive experiences across Namibia in a class of its own.Read all about the Africa on Wheels: Toyota Land Cruiser HJ 76

What to Budget for Your Namibia Honeymoon

Your honeymoon costs will also vary based on the level of luxury, travel style, and activities chosen.

For a comfortable, mid-range honeymoon, expect to spend around $300-$500 per person per day. This includes accommodation, meals, and activities but excludes international flights. Luxury options can push your budget higher, up to $800 – $1000+ per person per day. 

Estimated costs are based on 2024 values. These cost estimates exclude international flights and 4×4 car rental. Rates for 4×4 hire in Namibia will depend on peak and low season, but you can compare pricing for your Namibia 4×4 hire on Drive South Africa. 

Where to Stay during Your Namibia Honeymoon:

Namibia is anything but boring or predictable. Play your stays around its Namib Desert, Big Five, spotting and experiencing the power of the Atlantic Ocean in Walvis Bay. Here are our five favourite luxury destinations in Namibia to plan your Namibia road trip around. 

• Desert Whisper Gondwana Collection Namibia – this two-sleeper pod is an architectural masterpiece, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape. 
• Ohorongo Safari Lodge – is set in a private wilderness reserve dedicated to conserving the endangered black rhinoceros and 40 other protected species.
• Onduli Ridge – located just 20 minutes from Twyfelfontein (/Ui-//aes), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of Africa’s largest collection of rock engravings dating back 2,000 years.  
• Pelican Point Lodge  – a remote peninsula near Walvis Bay, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Walvis Bay lagoon on the other 
• Zannier Hotels Sonop – a plush tented camp overlooking vast stretches of the Namib Desert, pairs impeccable service with supreme comfort for your “old-world adventure”. 

 Read more about these luxury stay experiences to add to your Namibia Self-Drive trip planning. 

Romantic Experiences to Add to Your Namibia Honeymoon Itinerary

Namibia offers up some spectacularly romantic sunsets

• Sossusvlei Dunes at Sunrise: Witness the sun casting its first light on the iconic red dunes. A hot air balloon ride adds an extra touch of romance. 
• Etosha National Park Safari: Explore this vast salt pan turned wildlife haven. For a more intimate experience, opt for a private guided tour. 
• Stargazing in the Namib Desert: Experience some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. Consider a night in a luxury desert lodge with a skylight over the bed.
• Dinner under the stars in Damaraland: Savour a romantic dinner in the wilderness, surrounded by ancient landscapes and possibly the distant calls of desert-adapted wildlife. 
• Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight: Witness the haunting beauty of shipwrecks and the stark coastline from above. 
• Cultural Himba Village tour: Visit a Himba village for an authentic cultural experience and to understand the traditions and lifestyle of one of Namibia’s indigenous tribes.

Travel Advice and Tips for Namibia

• Driving: Namibia is a vast country with long distances between attractions. Renting a 4×4 is popular for the adventurous, but be prepared for mostly gravel roads.
• Safety: Namibia is one of Africa’s safest countries, but standard precautions apply. Keep valuables secure and be cautious in isolated areas.
• Health: Consult a travel clinic for recommended vaccinations and consider malaria prophylaxis for certain areas.
• Sustainability: Respect wildlife and natural habitats. Choose eco-friendly lodges and tours to support conservation.

READ: How Far From Home Q&A: Top Road Trip Car Hire Tips

Tried and Tested Namibia Road Trip Routes to Try:

Namibia is a much-loved self-drive experience with our Road Trip Explorer community – Take a look at this selection below or  explore more Namibia road trip itineraries.

The Perfect 10 Day Self Drive Through Namibia

10 Day Camping Road Trip in Namibia

10 Day Namibia Road Trip With a Pop-Up Tent

Extend Your Stay: Namibia, Cape Town, or Vic Falls

Namibia offers plenty of hiking trails for adventurers

Depending on your chosen flights, adding Cape Town to your itinerary is a fantastic way to make your bucket-list Africa journey more memorable. 

As one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, offering a beautiful blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, it is perfect for rounding off your honeymoon. Spend a few days exploring Table Mountain, the vibrant V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and the Cape Winelands for world-class wine tasting.  

Direct flights from Windhoek to Cape Town are available, making this add-on convenient and worthwhile. As an Airlink affiliate partner, this new scheduled flight will allow travelers to fly directly between Cape Town, central Namibia, Victoria Falls, and Kruger Park, all booked on a single ticket.  

If you’re ready to explore Namibia, speak to one of our expert car hire Namibia agents today or view our selection of vehicles here.