Fish River Canyon

A self-drive tour is ideal if you are an independent traveler comfortable with long-distance driving (4 to 6 hours daily), basic vehicle maintenance like changing a flat tire, and navigating remote terrain with limited cell service Gravel & Tar: Most major tourist routes (e.g., to Etosha National Park or Swakopmund) feature tarred roads and well-graded gravel, which can be easily traversed in a high-clearance 2WD during the dry season.4×4 Necessity: A 4×4 (often with a rooftop tent) is strongly recommended or required if you plan to visit Damaraland, Khaudum National Park, the Skeleton Coast, or the deep sand leading to Sossusvlei.Hazards: Unpaved roads can be corrugated and have loose gravel, requiring you to drive at steady, reduced speeds

No, you cannot bring meat into Namibia without a valid veterinary import permit. Namibia enforces incredibly strict biosecurity laws to protect its Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) free status. Previous personal exemptions (such as allowances for personal consumption or “padkos” from South Africa) are no longer valid. Border officials heavily monitor all land borders and airports, and any unpermitted meat products will be confiscated and destroyed. Forbidden Meat Items: Without an official permit, you cannot cross the Namibian border with: Raw red meat: Beef, lamb, mutton, goat, and pork. Poultry: Raw or cooked chicken and duck. Processed/Cured meats: Biltong, droëwors, salami, ham, bacon, and polonies. Cooked meals: Even fully cooked or frozen home meals containing meat are banned. What is Allowed? Commercially canned meats: Items like tinned braai relish with meat or canned corned beef are generally accepted, though subject to final border scrutiny. Permitted imports: If you absolutely must bring meat, you must apply for an official own-use import permit well in advance through the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) Import Office in Windhoek

It’s the second-largest canyon in the world, with dramatic scenic viewpoints accessible by 2WD. A demanding 5-day hiking trail is available for the more adventurous, but it’s only open May–September.

It’s a demanding 85km, 5-day trail from Hobas to Ai-Ais, physically challenging with no resupply along the way — the permit costs around N$540 per person. It’s only open 1 May to mid-September, capped at 30 hikers at a time, and typically requires a medical certificate plus a permit booked well in advance. NWR has occasionally postponed the season’s opening in years with high water levels, so confirm current status before finalising plans.

Not everywhere – major routes to Etosha, Sossusvlei and Swakopmund are manageable in a 2WD. A 4×4 is strongly recommended for Damaraland, Kaokoland, the Skeleton Coast, and any remote gravel routes.

We recommend allowing 2 nights for Fish River Canyon — at least 1 if your schedule is tight.