Best 4x4 trails in Namibia

by Alexandre on 11 February 2011

[Photo by Marko Samastur}

Namibia’s 4x4 routes and trails are a veritable utopian playground of 4x4 adventures for off-road enthusiasts and lovers alike. From the insanely steep rocky plateau climbs of the Namib Naukluft Park to the monstrously fun sand dunes of the Kalahari and the slip-sliding mud tracks through the wildlife infested Etosha National Park there is literally a trail for every 4x4 driver skill level and interest. Here are Drive South Africa’s 5 top 4x4 off-roading trails in Namibia.

Namib Naukluft Park Trail

The gem of the Namibian 4x4 trail and off-roading routes is the Namib Naukluft 4x4 Adventure Trail. Blazed by the early pioneers the trail is designed to push your off-roading skills to the maximum and is said to be one of the most difficult unguided 4x4 routes in the world. The 73 km, 2 day Namibian adventure stretches from Luderitz transporting you through the spectacular beauty of the National Namib Naukluft Park whilst traversing some seriously steep mountain terrain on the narrowest of rocky tracks. The overnight campsite, Tjeriktit is a welcomed sight at the end of the day and a rest for weary bones and bruised buttocks.

[Photo by Tamzyn Degoumois]

ISABIS 4x 4 Trail

Aptly named ‘beautiful to the eye’ by the Nama people, the ISABIS 4x4 trail is Namibia’s most scenic off-roading route. Situated in the rugged Gamsberg region the tour traverses the steep plateau with views of the spectacular mountain expanses, sheer gorges and uninterrupted Namibian panorama’s. The off-road trail is 130 km spanning the farms of ISABIS and Hornkranz near the beautiful Gaub River and includes a beautiful natural rock pool. It is an easy beginner 4x4 adventure route with optional black routes for those off-roaders up for more of a challenge. Only one 4x4 car is allowed on the trail at a time so you have to book in advance.

Topnaar 4x4 Trail

If sliding down the steep slip faces and sharp dune crescents of some of Namibia’s epic sand dunes sounds like more of your kind of off-road safari then the Topnaar 4x4 trail will be a blast. The 6 day off-roading adventure takes you from Luderitz winding up and over monstrous dunes and past the dramatic wrecks of the gorgeous Namibian Skeleton Coast and eventually delivering you to Walvis Bay. Unfortunately the challenge of Namibia’s dunes can only be enjoyed joining a guided tour, but the good company just adds to the hilarity of the ride.

[Photo by Tamzyn Degoumois]

Kalahari-Namib Eco 4x4 Route

The Kalahari-Namib Eco off-road trail is a dream for the crazier 4x4 adventurers. The tour is an open route which can last anything from 2 to 10 days with many 4x4 trails to choose from depending on the level of terrain difficulty you want to conquer. The route spans two of the most beautiful deserts in the world, the Kalahari and the Namib, covering the awe-inspiring Great and Small Karas Mountains, the Fish River Canyon, Ai-Ais and Tiras Mountains in between. The 4x4 tour offers up a host of different wildlife and environments with the great campsite facilities providing the perfect opportunity to share the days experiences round the campfire. More details on the Kalahari-Namib Eco 4x4 Tour after the jump.

[Photo by Tamzyn Degoumois]

Dorsland Trek 4x4 Route

The longest and most insane of Namibia’s 4x4 trails or off-road adventures is the monstrous Dorsland (roughly translated to thirsty land) Trek. The 2000 km route stretches from the Marico region of the Transvaal in South Africa up through South Western Namibia and ending in Humpata Angola. Tracing the historical 1878 route of the Dorsland Voortrekkers, the off-road trail navigates through Namibia’s most dramatic landscapes and culturally vibrant villages and towns. A 4x4 trip takes a minimum of eight days and the staggered tour passes through the dramatic Epupa Falls, Mahango Game Reserve, Omuramba Omatako and the gorgeous Etosha National Park before ending Kaokoland.

There are plenty more Namibian off-road trails and 4x4 routes for the avid off-roader to choose from. So whether you are looking for a quick 4x4 adventure into the desert to hold your wanderlust at bay for a little longer or are looking to set out on an epic 4x4 safari Namibia is the 2011 4x4 off-roading holiday hotspot. For all accomodation, a list of destinations and activities or more information about Namibia visit Namibia Tourism.

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Related articles:

Namibia 4x4 Hire
Namibia Self-Drive
Driving in Namibia: Information and Tips
Windhoek 4x4 Hire

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4 Responses on this page.Add your own

GAVIN DANIEL says:

04 Mar 2011

I WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE 4X4 KALAHARI ECO TRAIL - NAMIBIAN SIDE FISH RIVER CANYON.

PLEASE ADVISE HOW I SHOULD GO ABOUT BOOKING THIS TRAIL
Drive South Africa says:

04 Mar 2011

Hi Gavin,

To book this trail you can contact:

Namibian Tourism Board
Windhoek
1st Floor
Channel Life Towers
39 Post Street Mall
Private Bag 13244
Windhoek, Namibia
Tel.: +264 61 2906000
Fax: +264 61 254848

or Submit a query here: http://www.namibiatourism.com.na/contact-us/

Enjoy, it’s a fantastic trail.
charmaine says:

05 May 2012

Hi we have a 4 x 4 prado 3 door and are very interested in doing a 4 x 4 trail. What do you suggest we start with?
corlia-goosen says:

07 May 2012

Hi Charmaine,

Your vehicle has the ability to tackle all the trails in comfort. Your decision will depend on your experience and sense of adventure. If you are new to trails then its best to choose a guided trail or travel with other vehicles.
Do as much research as possible on the trail you choose. Not only will you be familiar with the trail but it will also help in your preparation.
I suggest choosing a shorter trail as your first trail, unless your decision is more destination specific. Your packing space will be limited in a 3 door vehicle so a shorter trail will mean less supplies needed.

Safe Travel!

The Drive South Africa Team