Namibia Hiking Trips

There are different ways to go on trekking holidays in Namibia: you can go on a self-drive trip and incorporate full-day or half-day hikes into your itinerary. In many locations you can walk by yourself without a guide. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour and be joined by a professional guide who is also your driver and enjoy all the advantages that a guided tour brings. On private guided as well as self-drive trips, you are flexible to create a tailor-made itinerary and focus exclusively on hiking or mix and match with other activities.

Along the way, you will have the perfect balance of staying active on plenty of hikes, as well as sitting back and relaxing in comfortable surroundings. With a trained guide by your side, sharing their local knowledge with you each step of the way, you will find a new appreciation for Namibia.

On most hiking trips, you spend the day on hikes lasting several hours and return to your lodge or campsite in the evening. Here, you can have a shower, relax, and enjoy a delicious dinner. There are certain hikes – such as the 3-day Tok Tokkie Trail or seasonal 5-day Fish River Canyon hike – where you spend multiple days and nights in the great outdoors. Instead of returning to your accommodation, you overnight under the open sky or in a tent. Your luggage is waiting for you at the starting point or being driven to an agreed location.

Where to go and what to see on Namibia hiking trips?

In a country as vast and wide and sparsely populated as Namibia, there is plenty of space to stretch your legs on idyllic and remote hiking trails. The 3-day Tok Tokkie trail takes you to the Namib Desert, while the 5-day Fish River Canyon hike takes you to the second largest canyon in the world. The ruggedness of the Damaraland, the green landscapes of the Waterberg, the desolation of the moon landscape and the deep ravines of the Namib-Naukluft are just some of the further possible highlights which await you on a Namibian hiking tour. Hiking tours are also offered in the Palmwag Concession closer to the mystic Skeleton Coast. The Erongo Mountains in the heart of Namibia are another popular area for hikers.

You can look forward to amazing views as far as your eyes can see. If you’re interested in geology, the rock formations and granite boulders will tell you the story of thousands of years gone by. In certain areas, you can even walk to sites of ancient rock art paintings, learning more about the life of the San/Bushmen. Not only can you expect to marvel at beautiful landscapes, but you will also encounter wildlife on our hiking tours. Namibia’s wildlife is never far away and its ability to survive in even the harshest conditions can fascinate. Look out for mountain zebras, oryx antelopes or kudus.

Of course, you can also add classic activities to your Namibia hiking trip: spend a few days in Etosha National Park and join guided game drives looking for elephants and lions or spend time by the Atlantic Coast in Swakopmund enjoying the many adventure activities and fresh ocean breeze.

Who should go on a trekking holiday in Namibia?

You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy a hiking tour in Namibia. If you book a private guided tour or self-drive trip, we can tailor your hikes to your fitness level. Hiking trips are also great fun for children and the whole family as there is always something to discover along the way. If you’re travelling as a couple or in a group with different interests, note that you can add hikes to any regular Namibia itinerary as well. You don’t have to book a designated hiking tour, if some in your group prefer to spend time looking for wildlife in the national parks or just sit back and enjoy the view. Instead, mix and match and enjoy all that Namibia has to offer!

For a hiking holiday in Namibia, you should be surefooted and be aware that it can get quite warm during the day. Always bring well broken-in hiking boots, a sunhat, and sunglasses (also for the kids!), sunscreen and large water bottles. As a nice extra bring a pair of binoculars and swimwear – you never know. If you go on a multi-day hike or start your day’s hike in the early morning hours, do bring warm layers as well.