 So, how do you plan to travel on your Namibian Safari? You have the choice of road, air or rail.
If traveling by road – you can either have a self-drive vacation (where we rent you one of the variety of motor vehicles based in Windhoek or Swakopmund), or you can enjoy a guided safari where your Tour Guide will drive you and your family in their comfortable vehicle, or you might like to join a budget camping tour where the transport is in a customized safari vehicle and can transport from 6 to 20 clients to virtually any destination, and then we also have scheduled coach tours which only a few of our clients would prefer. If you are short of time and not on a tight budget, then to fly from one destination to the next, is the best choice. It is extremely scenic and your pilot shall ensure your flight includes some awesome scenery. Some destinations are only accessible by air and you have to enjoy 3 or 4 nights at such destinations before the plane returns.
The Desert Express Train is a luxury train that travels overnight between Windhoek and Swakopmund and occasionally does other routes in Namibia. A memorable experience.
SELF-DRIVE – if you decide to be totally independent and prefer to drive your family around Namibia, please remember the following important facts:
- The majority of the roads are gravel (unsealed) roads and the stone/sand damage to your vehicle will be visible,
- Gravel roads can be badly corrugated in some regions,
especially on the mountain passes – extreme care
and driving skill needs to be enforced,
- The traveling time between destinations when using gravel roads is MUCH longer than you will predict, as you have to drive slower and with more care,
- Rescue & medical services are few and far between,
and some roads will only encounter a few vehicles per
day, so drive carefully!
- Certain remote areas of Namibia require a 4x4 vehicle, due to the deep sand or extremely rocky and steep terrain.
 GUIDED – Your Tour Guide will normally drive one of the following vehicles – a VW Microbus or similar, a Toyota Venture or Condor, a Landrover or a customized 4x4 safari vehicle. The Guides are experienced at driving on their roads and so know what conditions to expect and how to ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey. The Guides look after their vehicles, and whilst driving, will share their knowledge and love for their country with you, telling you about your surroundings as you pass through this beautiful country. The majority of our Guided safaris use established lodges, guesthouses and hotels where the meals are supplied and you sleep in clean and comfortable en-suite bedrooms. Be prepared for long distances and gravel, dusty roads.
 BUDGET OR OVERLAND – Our overland or budget safaris will have a group size between 6 and 20 people. Transport is normally in a customized large vehicle, providing a high ground clearance and better visibility from your seats. These vehicles are not normally air-conditioned so expect to experience the ambient temperature of the region you are traveling through. To keep the safaris priced in the budget category requires the vehicles seats to be filled and less frills on the safari that you would get on a smaller group or private safari.
FLYING – this is the ultimate safari – an experienced pilot, a super plane, the skies and you! As I have mentioned before, Namibia is a vast country and what might take 3 or 4 hours to drive, will take about an hour to fly there. You will arrive relaxed, without the dust, having enjoyed the wonderful scenery from the air, and ready to enjoy the Namibian hospitality. There are a variety of plane used in Namibia – from the 6 seater to the larger 14 seaters – all well maintained and flown by experienced pilots.
 TRAIN – The Desert Express train is a luxury train that travels regularly between Windhoek and the coastal town of Swakopmund. The itinerary includes a visit to a wildlife farm in the afternoon, sleeping on the train in the desert, visiting the Namib Sand dunes for an hour and then arrival at the coast in the morning. A few times a year, there is a train journey south to visit Luderitz and another one north to visit Etosha Game Reserve.
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Namibia is a very large country with very few large towns and lots of small towns, all having one common factor. The nearest town is far away! The majority of roads in Namibia are gravel roads and the more important gravel roads are generally well maintained. Nearly all the towns and most of the wildlife reserves have their own airstrips, for travelers wishing to use air charters to get from one destination to the next quickly, scenically and safely. There are a few railway lines in Namibia and only one tourist graded train that does regular scheduled journeys. We never recommend long distance public coach travel, as it is not graded for international travelers.