Namibia can sometimes seem an inaccessible country (it’s actually not at all) because of its great sweeping deserts and vast landscapes – but really, that’s all part of the appeal! You might have heard of pricey flights to get you from place to place, and lodges fit for a millionaire but you can absolutely plan an affordable Namibia safari with the right know how. We’ve put together our list of top tips to navigate this beautiful country whilst saving yourself a buck or two along the way.
Rent a 4×4 and drive yourself
Not only one of the best ways to journey across Namibia but also one of the top tips to cut costs as well. You might have heard of self-driving adventures across this vast country before and they’re popular for a reason. Cross country flights can often be extremely expensive, pushing the cost of your trip up and moving further away from the affordable Namibia safari you’d been hoping for! By driving yourself you’ll have full control over your trip – choosing exactly where you want to go and how long you want to stay. We love using this Classic Namibian self-drive journey as a starting point. It takes in some of the country’s most incredible sights, from the great white ghosts of Etosha to the deep red dunes of Sossusvlei, and from the adventure playground of Swakopmund to Damaraland’s rugged and mountainous terrain. If you’re driving though, you can take yourself anywhere you fancy, we’re particularly taken with the wide open roads of Erongo (you can see some of the incredible landscape above!). Having your own car will also give you the option in some national parks to drive yourself around, saving costs on booking a game drive. Whilst it’s great to take safaris with knowledgeable guides, it can also be fun to drive yourself around and spot wildlife for yourself.
Pick and choose activities at your lodges
If you’ve been doing your Africa research, you’ll probably notice that most lodges include all activities and meals within their nightly rates and whilst this is extremely convenient, it can sometimes push the price up quite a lot. Namibia has an excellent loophole to this trend and for many lodges you can book a bed and breakfast rate and then pick and choose activities and dining options when you get to the camp. It’s a great solution for those looking to book an affordable Namibia safari as it gives better control over holiday costs. Some of our favourite lodges that offer different rate options and add-ons are Mowani Mountain Camp, Kalahari Red Dunes, Etosha Safari Lodge and Mushara Lodge. It’s always worth looking out for lodges where you can break the pricing down; it’ll mean you’re only doing the things you want to and you might save a few pennies along the way – win win!
Travel in green season for cheaper rates
One of the best ways to save money across the whole of Africa is to travel in the shoulder season and it absolutely applies when you’re looking to book an affordable Namibia safari as well. January to March is Namibia’s green season and whilst it means a slightly higher chance of rain in some areas, you’ll benefit from cheaper rates and have a greater choice of accommodation as the lodges have much better availability. The rain can also come as a welcome relief at this time of year, breaking up the hot and humid days with refreshing, short-lived showers. If you travel in January, you might also be lucky enough to witness a sensational thunderstorm as it crashes down on the dramatic desert landscape, there’s nothing quite like it! Read a bit more about the best time to visit in our handy guide.
Plan well in advance for peak season
Travelling in green season is an excellent option for those looking to plan an affordable Namibia safari but we do appreciate that some travellers might prefer to visit in peak season. We get it, peak season (June – October) brings with it the lowest temperatures (trust us, it’s something you’ll appreciate if you’ve ever experienced the heat of a Namibia summer’s day!) and barely any rainfall. This season also brings with it excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, especially in Etosha, where the dry weather and arid bush means animals will congregate together in their hundreds around waterholes. The clear skies also show off the country’s incredible landscapes (Sossusvlei forever has our hearts) and by night you’ll enjoy some of the most amazing star formations you might ever see. So, if you are looking to travel in peak season, we really recommend planning at least a year in advance as properties can book up extremely quickly (especially the more affordable ones). Planning in advance will give you lots more options and even if you are travelling on a budget, it’s always nice to have some choice!
Avoid the pricier activities
You might have seen photos of planes zooming over the Skeleton Coast or hot air balloons drifting above Sossusvlei but the reality is, these are all pretty pricey and perhaps not the best activities if you’re looking to plan an affordable Namibia safari. But fear not, there are plenty of other adventures to be had of all different shapes and sizes! Instead of flying over the dunes, make like a modern day Lawrence of Arabia and bolt across them on quad bikes. Head to the coast in Walvis Bay and take to the water in search of dolphins, seals, sea turtles and whales! You could even hike through Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world, marvelling at the sheer size of it as you make your way through (you do need your own camping equipment for this one but our consultants can help advise you through the process and help you out). So whilst a private flight over the dunes might be out of your price range, there are lots of other activities to keep you occupied.
