Bikepacking in Namibia is not just a journey; it’s an odyssey through one of the most untamed landscapes on Earth.
Towering dunes, desolate plains, and ancient mountains unfold across a land stitched together by endless gravel tracks. It’s a place where every pedal stroke pushes you deeper into the wild, and every night under the stars feels like a reward earned in dust and sweat.
What sets Namibia apart from many other sub-Saharan African countries is the sheer remoteness, with vast stretches of road and no towns in sight for miles.
Over three months, we cycled 3,000 km from Windhoek, to the north to near the Angolan border, before doing a 180 turn and heading back south to South Africa.
Along the way, we experienced our first African safari in Etosha National Park, tackled rugged 4×4 trails, met people living in traditional Himba villages, and cautiously watched wildlife cross our path.
Namibia was tough, hot, and filled with relentless corrugations, but it still stole our hearts.
Namibia: At A Glance
Namibia is situated on the southwestern coast of Africa, sharing borders with Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia.
Comparable in size to Alaska, it ranks among Africa’s largest countries and boasts a largely untouched 1,500-kilometre coastline, parts of which are famously known as the Skeleton Coast.
Namibia ranks among the world’s least densely populated countries with its large territory and population of about three million. English is commonly spoken as a first or second language, which makes getting around and connecting with people relatively easy. Combined with its reputation for safety and political stability, Namibia is an ideal entry point for those exploring Africa for the first time.
Namibia’s cultural landscape is both rich and varied, shaped by a mosaic of ethnic groups including the Himba, Herero, San, Damara, and Ovambo. In the northwest, the ochre-covered Himba continue their traditional pastoral way of life, while in the south, the ancient rock art of the San people speaks to a deep-rooted heritage. Each group preserves its own distinct language, customs, and identity, contributing to the country’s vibrant cultural fabric.
Nature & Animals
Namibia is also a top-tier safari destination, home to renowned national parks like Etosha and Namib-Naukluft. Many European visitors opt for upmarket 4×4 self-drive tours, which contributes to the relatively high cost of travel in the country.
Thanks to its vast, sparsely populated terrain, Namibia is one of the few places in Africa where wildlife can be seen well beyond the borders of national parks – sometimes even from a bicycle. In remote areas like Kaokoland, desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, and oryx can be spotted navigating dry riverbeds and rocky landscapes.
The landscape is divided into five distinct regions: the stark, arid Namib Desert along the Atlantic coast; the central and southern areas marked by rugged rock formations and red dunes; the lush, wildlife-rich Zambezi Region in the northeast; the semi-arid savannas of Kaokoland and iconic Etosha National Park in the north; and the expansive open plains of the south.
Namibia’s desert climate brings hot days and cool nights, especially inland. Rain is rare and mostly falls in short bursts during the summer months (November to March). The rest of the year is dominated by clear skies, strong sun, and low humidity.
History
Despite the natural beauty, the legacy of colonialism is still evident, especially in rural areas. German colonial rule in the early 20th century led to the Herero and Nama genocide, during which tens of thousands were killed through forced displacement into the desert.
Following World War I, Namibia came under South African control and remained under apartheid rule until gaining independence in 1990. The enduring effects of this history are visible today, particularly in land ownership patterns in the south, where large commercial farms remain a legacy of the apartheid era.
Top Places To Visit In Namibia
Kaokoland & Damaraland
Kaokoland is Namibia’s wildest and least populated area, with a population density of one person every 2 km2 (1/4 of the national average).
This is the land of the Himba people, a semi-nomadic tribe that primarily raises livestock. You can see many Himba walking the streets around Opuwo in traditional dress – men in loincloths and women adorned with ornate jewellery.
The Himba people are famous for covering themselves with ‘otijze’ paste, which is a mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment. This paste protects their skin from the hot and dry climate and is said to prevent insect bites. It’s also textured into their hair, often in thick plaits – sometimes even covering their faces like a veil.
Kaokoland and Damaraland feature some of the finest dirt roads in Namibia. We were awestruck by the scenery, as these remote tracks wound their way through stark, dramatic landscapes.
Etosha National Park
It’s hard to believe the image above is not photoshopped.
With water being so scarce, hundreds and hundreds of animals patiently wait in line to drink at the watering holes at Etosha National Park. Stay long enough and you can see rhinos, lions, elephants, oryx, and ostriches – all at once!
There is no place like Etosha, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Brandberg Mountain, boasts one of the largest collections of ancient rock engravings in Africa.
This vast open-air gallery features more than 2,500 carvings that offer a glimpse into Stone Age life. It’s a stop that’s worth making.
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Namib-Naukluft National Park is home to two of Namibia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Sossusvlei features some of the tallest red dunes on Earth, while nearby Deadvlei offers a striking contrast – white salt flats scattered with the dark, skeletal remains of trees preserved for over 600 years by the arid climate.
For the most spectacular views, hike to the top of the dunes. It’s a truly awe-inspiring destination.
Where Did We Go Bikepacking in Namibia?
We spent three unforgettable months cycling 3,000 km across Namibia, starting in Windhoek and heading north to Etosha National Park. From there, we rode up to the remote northern reaches of the country near the Angolan border, where the Himba people continue their pastoral way of life.
We tackled the legendary Van Zyl’s Pass, a gruelling 4×4 track, and passed the eerie Men of Kaokoland statues standing alone in the vast desert.
Heading south, we cycled through multiple community conservancies, where wildlife roamed freely, making every ride feel like a safari on two wheels. We explored the ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein and rode past Namibia’s tallest peak, Brandberg. One of our most memorable nights was camping beneath the surreal granite formations of Spitzkoppe, watching the sky explode with stars.
Reaching Swakopmund, we took a well-earned break, enjoying the cool coastal air, lively hostels, and an endless selection of international restaurants. From there, we continued south toward Sossusvlei, where we stood in awe of its towering red dunes before pedalling along the stunning D707 – often called Namibia’s most beautiful road, and for good reason.
Finally, we crossed into South Africa via ferry at Ai-Ais Transfrontier Park, closing out an adventure that left us sunburnt, dust-covered, and completely in love with Namibia.
You can get the GPX file of our route HERE.
What Bikepacking Routes Do We Recommend in Namibia?
30+ Days
Our friends Johan and Jana pieced together a stunning bikepacking route from South Africa to Angola via Namibia. It’s broken up into five sections, with the latter two taking you through Namibia. You can see Part 4 HERE and Part 5 HERE.
We followed a route similar to this on our way south with a few differences here or there. We can recommend adding the wild and rocky Otjitheka 4×4 Trail and the backway between Twyfelfontein and Uis on D2303.
15-30 Days
For those seeking a shorter off-road bikepacking trip, we think the best of Namibia is between Opuwo and Uis. This 1,000-kilometre stretch connects all the highlights of northern Namibia and will let you experience the vast landscapes that have made Namibia legendary.
The majority of the route is very remote and follows some of the more challenging 4×4 trails in the country. Starting in Opuwo, enjoy lots of vegetables and load up on enough food to get to Sesfontein (5+ days), and enough cash to get you to Uis (10+ days).
Route Highlights:
- Experience the Himba culture in the north
- Ride up or down the infamous Van Zyl Pass
- Skirt the edge of the vast and mysterious Skeleton Coast
- Look out for the mysterious Lone Men of Kaokoland statues
- See and experience wildlife roaming free in community conservancies
- Visit Tweylfontein for the UNESCO World Heritage rock art
- See Brandberg Mountain, the tallest in Namibia
- Admire a sunset at Spitzkoppe to experience a landscape that looks like a 3D rendering
Best Time To Travel In Namibia
Namibia has a very short period when the temperatures are most favourable for riding.
The cold season is when temperatures are most ideal for cycling. It runs between May and September. It can be as cold as -10C (14F) in Windhoek, but most of the country experiences temperatures between 10 and 38C (50-100F). Winter is also the dry season and peak season for tourism, so some hotels can be a bit more expensive.
November to March are the hottest times of the year, and with almost no shade and sparse water resupply, cycling can be brutal and downright dangerous. If you plan to go during this time, stay on the busier roads to the south.
In contrast, coastal areas such as Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are often shrouded in cool sea mists. Even during peak summer, these towns rarely reach above 22C/72F.
What Bike Is Best For Namibia?
You rarely need to worry about whether you have low enough gear ratios for the hills, as the Namib desert has long, slow climbs and very gradual descents.
Instead, tire width and suspension are the most important considerations when bikepacking in Namibia.
Road conditions vary widely and range between extreme corrugations, 4×4 tracks, sandy, deep gravel and freshly graded bliss. The wider your tire, the more comfortable your ride will be. In our three months and 3,000 km of riding, only about 200 km was on pavement.
We recommend a minimum of 2.2″ wide tires to ride across Namibia. But if your focus is crossing the country on a mix of dirt and sand roads, you will want to do it comfortably on tires between 2.6” and 4.8”.
We rode 2.8” tires and occasionally pushed our bikes through the sand. In addition, there are some 4×4 tracks with grades that exceeded 25% (the routes linked above do go down all of these grades). These were our favourite parts of Namibia, and a wider tire would help you enjoy them more.
What To Bring To Namibia
What you need will depend on where you want to cycle in Namibia.
In the wild northwest of the country (Kaokoland & Damaraland), you will need a LOT of room for food and water. At times, we carried 12 litres of water per person plus an entire week’s food!
If you plan on taking a direct line from Windhoek to Sossusvlei and south to South Africa, you can expect food resupply at least every four days.
Food In Namibia
Namibia is the second-least densely populated country in the world, and only 2% of the land receives enough rainfall to grow crops. In small towns, it can be hard to find even simple vegetables.
You can expect excellent grocery stores and restaurants in the major towns like Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Windhoek. Major tourist destinations like Sossusvlei, Aus, or Uis will also have well-stocked small stores. In addition, tourist hotels always have a good restaurant with fresh food that you can eat at even if you’re not a guest.
The food situation outside these areas is limited, especially in small villages. It was common for stores to be waiting for the next delivery and have nothing left on the shelves. The crazy part is that shop owners never knew if the delivery would come in a day, week or month!
In the north of Namibia, it was sometimes a week or two before seeing fresh produce. Our advice is to stock up on good food at any and every opportunity!
Water Resupply In Namibia
Water is potable from the tap all across Namibia. In small villages, you can drink the water from deep boreholes (aka wells). Sometimes the water can have an odd mineral taste; if this bothers you, bring plenty of electrolyte drink tabs.
There are some very long stretches in Namibia without water. In the northern regions of Kaokoland, you can’t rely on passing cars for water. It’s best to have capacity for 12 litres of water per person, at a minimum, even if you never need to use it.
South of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund (southern Namibia), there are also long stretches without water, however, there are lots of passing cars. We found that we could wave down cars easily, and everyone happily shared water. It’s a good rule of thumb to wave down cars by 3 pm to get your water for the night. Most tourists drive early and avoid being on the road around sunset.
The app Tracks4Africa can be vital for identifying the location of water pumps. It has POIs for water pumps and small shops that won’t be on Google Maps.
Accommodation & Camping In Namibia
Namibia is better known as a safari destination than a budget traveller’s hotspot, mainly due to its limited public transportation and fewer hostels or budget hotels. However, some budget accommodations can be found in larger towns, typically costing around 400 NAD (about US $20) per person. The app iOverlander is an excellent tool for finding affordable places to stay.
Campsites are widespread across the country, even in small villages, and are often listed on platforms like iOverlander or Tracks4Africa. Many communities have developed local campsites to benefit from tourism and support their economies.
While Namibia has numerous upscale lodges and hotels, many of these also offer campsites for overlanders. Camping at these locations is often worth the extra cost, as you gain access to hotel amenities like restaurants, pools, and Wi-Fi. Prices usually hover around 200 NAD (US $10) per person, but can rise near national parks.
Thanks to Namibia’s low population density, wild camping is easy and popular. On our trip, we often tucked ourselves off the roadside at sunset and went the entire night without hearing another vehicle.
That said, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. In northern Namibia, wildlife is present, and while encounters are rare, it’s crucial to take basic safety measures. These include cooking and disposing of food away from your tent, staying inside your tent after dark, and always practising leave-no-trace principles.
Best and Worst Roads In Namibia
With so many unpaved roads, the paved ones can be really narrow and busy! The paved roads are rideable, but we found them pretty miserable. So, if you can avoid them, you’ll make your cycling experience better.
#1 Off-Road Track: Van Zyl’s Pass
This road is Namibia’s most infamous 4×4 trail. It’s a 15 km mountain pass that’s steep, rocky, and incredibly scenic. This remote and challenging route offers a thrilling ride with a mix of technical sections that will have you riding and sometimes walking.
Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Himba villages and stunning landscapes, truly feeling like you’re deep in the wilderness (we spent four days without seeing a single car!).
However, be cautious if you descend via Van Zyl. The 19 km stretch after the pass is very sandy and slow going. This remote section demands thorough preparation, especially plenty of water.
#2 Favourite Off-Road Track: Otjitheka 4×4 Trail
Located near Etosha National Park, this rarely travelled 4×4 track features a man-made waterhole and is teeming with wildlife.
We didn’t encounter a single vehicle all day but crossed paths with traditional Himba communities, spotted hundreds of zebras and dozens of giraffes, and rode along rugged trails that truly made us feel off the beaten path.
#3 Favourite Off-Road Track: D2303
Starting at Twyfelfontein, riding past the Rhino Trust Camp and circling around the Brandberg to Uis, this route offers scenic backcountry riding at its finest. The rugged terrain is dotted with the rare and ancient Welwitschia plants, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Brandberg mountains.
Least Favourite Road: C14
The stretch between Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei was our least favourite.
There’s no shade to be found, and the road is filled with deep gravel, rough corrugations, and a steady flow of dust kicked up by passing tourists. Water is scarce until you reach Solitaire, though you can usually catch a ride by flagging down passing cars.
If your tires are narrower than 2.0 inches, hitchhiking might be a smarter option given the sometimes deep sections of gravel and rough corrugations.
Additional Considerations
- Namibia is incredibly sparsely populated and cell service is limited. Don’t count on having coverage outside of towns.
- Plan to carry cash for extended stretches, especially in the north. ATMs are only available in larger towns, and credit or debit cards are typically accepted only in mid-sized towns and up.
- Mannie’s Bike Mecca, with locations in Windhoek and Swakopmund, is well-stocked and can help with repairs, spare parts, or replacements if needed.
- Cycling isn’t allowed in Etosha National Park, so book a safari instead! There are budget-friendly campgrounds near the park that offer half and full-day tours. We went with Gondwana (and really enjoyed the all-you-can-eat dinner buffet at their campground).
- Sossusvlei National Park also doesn’t allow cycling. To visit the dunes, arrive at the gate about 15 minutes before opening and ask a car already in line for a lift. It’s a bit awkward but this is the best way to get in!
