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How big is Namibia?

Namibia is vast! From Windhoek to the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the wild landscapes of Damaraland, the remote Kunene region and the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha, distances can add up quickly. And although the road is very much part of the adventure, knowing the distances and travel times helps you plan your days, and more importantly, enjoy the ride.

Why 100 km in Namibia can take more time than you think

In Namibia, drives easily take a little longer than Google promised. The main routes between towns are generally straightforward, but once you head into remote areas, dirt roads, corrugations, deep sand and sharp rocks can slow things down considerably. On the B1 highway, 100 kilometres is barely a blink, but on the gravel track to some remote outpost, it’s practically a day’s outing. And funny enough, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Common travel times in Namibia

Namibia is made for road trips, but nearby can be a fairly flexible concept. Some of the country’s most popular destinations are separated by several hundred kilometres, with journeys ranging from easy tar to slower gravel adventures. For instance, Windhoek to Sossusvlei or Windhoek to Etosha covers around 400 kilometres and takes 4 to 5 hours. But heading further north, Opuwo to Epupa Falls spans just 230 kilometres and also takes over 4 hours – a good reminder that in Namibia, kilometres and driving time don’t always travel at the same speed. For the actual travel times on your itinerary, always follow the drive information we provide you.

By car🚙

Route	Distance	Approx. travel time
Windhoek → Sossusvlei	344 km	4.5 hours
Windhoek → Etosha (and Ongava)	415 km	4.5 hours
Windhoek → Swakopmund	366 km	5 hours
Windhoek → Brandberg	368 km	4.5 hours
Windhoek → the Kalahari	270 km	3.5 hours
Swakopmund → Sossusvlei	418 km	6 hours
Swakopmund → Damaraland	334 km	4 hours
Damaraland → Etosha	326 km	3.5 hours
Damaraland → Brandberg	156 km	2.5 hours
Katima Mulilo Airport → Bwabwata	100 km	1.5 hours
Mahango Game Reserve → Rundu	220 km	2.5 hours
Rundu → Etosha	415 km	4.5 hours
Etosha → Okonjima	231 km	2.5 hours
Okonjima → Swakopmund	433 km	4.5 hours
Palmwag → Opuwo	233 km	3.5 hours
Opuwo → Epupa	230 km	4 hours
Epupa → Hobatere	370 km	5-6 hours

By road or by air?

In Namibia, the road is usually the star of the show. Most of the country’s highlights are connected by road, and self-driving is a great way to experience its iconic landscapes fully. That said, some remote areas are easily reachable by air, with domestic flights and small charter planes saving you a long overland journey.
Not sure whether to drive, fly or combine the two? Our travel consultants can help you find the right balance – whether that means taking the scenic route across the desert or swapping the dust for a quick flight (and extra time for a jump in the pool).

By light aircraft ✈️

Route	Approx. travel time
Windhoek → Zambezi (Katima Mulilo)	1 hour 30 min.
Windhoek → Sossusvlei	1 hour 10 min.
Windhoek → Ongava Airstrip (Etosha)	1 hour 45 min.
Windhoek → Walvis Bay	1 hour