How to plan a bike tour in Namibia

Part 1: Why go on a bike tour in Namibia?

Remote adventure

Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries on the planet (source).

This means one thing – space. Endless, open space and hardly any people.

Roads are quiet, landscapes are vast, and there is a real sense of freedom you simply do not get in more crowded destinations.

Be aware! This is not a place for café-hopping or ticking off mountain passes. It is all about connecting with nature, riding through raw wilderness and experiencing Africa at its most untamed.

African wildlife

What makes Namibia truly special is the feeling of stepping into old-world Africa.

It is one of the few places where elephants, black rhinos and lions still roam freely outside of national parks, living alongside local communities. This is an experience you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world.

In addition to the legendary Big Five, there is a lot more amazing wildlife to see on a Namibia bike tour. This includes:

• oryx (large antelopes with spear-like horns)
• cheetahs
• giraffe
• zebra
• springbok
• and a wide variety of birdlife, including ostriches, secretary birds and the dune lark.

All of the animals that live in Namibia have adapted to the extreme desert environment. The lack of water means that wildlife spotting opportunities are abundant at the watering holes, particularly in Etosha National Park.

Surreal, wild landscapes

Namibia is home to some of the most striking African landscapes.

From the towering red ochre sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the eerie Skeleton Coast and vast salt pans of Etosha, the scenery feels almost otherworldly. Wide-open spaces, bold colours and endless horizons create a powerful sense of scale and solitude.

At night, the skies come alive. With little light pollution, Namibia offers some of the best stargazing on the planet. The Milky Way stretches clearly overhead and is incredible to observe. Camping is one of the best ways to soak these magical starry skies in, and it is offered as part of NatureFriend Safaris Namibia bike tour itineraries. More on this below.

Ancient culture

Namibia’s indigenous culture and history are deeply rooted in its landscapes.

The Himba people, known for their red ochre body paint and traditional way of life, live mainly in the remote Kaokoland region. They are semi-nomadic cattle herders who have preserved many of their customs, including dress, hairstyles, and spiritual beliefs, despite modern pressures.

NatureFriend Safaris offers the opportunity to visit a Himba community in Damaraland on one of their Namibia bike tours and gain insight into a way of life that remains largely unchanged. The region is also home to Twyfelfontein, where you can see some of Africa’s most important rock engravings and paintings, dating back thousands of years.

Reliable and easy to reach

Namibia is widely considered to be one of the safest countries in Africa (source).

The infrastructure is reliable, crime levels are low, and there is very little traffic or pollution.

The country also offers some of the best value for money in Southern Africa.

Getting here is easy too, with daily flights from Europe, including direct services from Frankfurt and convenient connections via South Africa. More on this below.

 

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Considering a Namibia bike tour?

Naturefriend Safaris designs tailor-made cycling itineraries to suit your specific needs. This includes guided bike tours and self-drive tours.

Head to their website to find out more.

Part 2: How to plan a Namibia bike tour

What are the best places to cycle in Namibia?

When people think of Namibia, they often picture incredible sand dunes.

Whilst the Namib Desert is famous for its dune belt, particularly Sossusvlei, there is so much more to the country than sand!

From savannah and bushveld (sub tropical woodlands found in Southern Africa) to mountains, canyons, swamps and rivers, Namibia’s landscapes are more diverse than you might expect.

Below is a map of some of the key places mentioned in this article. Hover over the map pins to see the place names.

So, where should you go on a Namibia bike tour? Let us break it down by the key areas for cyclists.

Sossusvlei

Best for iconic desert landscapes

Sossusvlei is the best-known tourism destination in Namibia. Its red dunes, considered some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, are a magnet for visitors and a dream for photographers. In particular, the striking and surreal white pan of Deadvlei is a popular tourist attraction, home to atmospheric ancient camel thorn trees.

Be aware! Cycling on the dunes themselves is not practical unless you are on a fat bike. Fatbiking leaves a limited environmental impact as these bikes don’t sink into the sand. There is also limited vegetation on the dunes to disturb, plus any tracks created are often blown away quickly, thanks to regular prevailing winds.

NatureFriend Safaris offers cyclists the chance to experience riding through this spectacular landscape. From the entrance gate at Sesriem, there is a 60-kilometre asphalt road along the Tsauchab riverbed. It is a memorable ride, with dunes rising to your left and right all the way to Sossusvlei.

Swakopmund

Best for coastline and culture

Swakopmund is a small Atlantic coast town that offers a refreshing contrast to the desert. There is no rainfall along the coast, so vegetation is sparse. But the town itself is lively and full of character. There are several great restaurants, bars, cafés and shops.

Top tip! This is also Namibia’s adventure capital. There are plenty of outdoor activities you can find here, including skydiving, dune boarding, sea fishing, dolphin cruises and, of course, cycling.

There is a lot of excellent singletrack just outside town, and fat bike tours on the dunes are also available from here. You can hire a fat bike or join a guided ride – it is a great way to explore the coastal sand dunes found nearby.

Damaraland

Best for remote wilderness riding

Twyfelfontein is about halfway between Swakopmund and Etosha National Park. It sits in the heart of Damaraland, an area known for its rugged beauty and remote feel.

From the village of Uis north to the Kunene River, near the Angolan border, the land is wild and largely uninhabited.

This is where you may encounter elephants, lions and black rhinos roaming free. For this reason, it is not an area for solo riding. But on supported tours with mobile camps, it becomes a magical place to explore by bike. Days can be spent riding quiet trails, surrounded by vast horizons and raw nature.

When not cycling, there are comfortable lodges where you can relax. From here, you can take day trips to see wildlife, meet Himba communities or visit the famous rock engravings and paintings at Twyfelfontein.

Etosha National Park

Best for world-class wildlife watching

Etosha National Park is one of the top wildlife destinations in Africa. It always delivers!

Be aware! Cycling is not allowed inside the park for safety reasons, so Etosha is not a riding destination. But it is an ideal place to take a break from the bike and experience Namibia’s extraordinary wildlife.

Etosha is widely considered one of Southern Africa’s best game-viewing parks. Sparse vegetation and a network of waterholes make it easy to spot game year-round.

At the waterholes in Okaukuejo and Halali restcamps, you might see elephant, rhino, lion and a variety of other animals commonly found here.

Top tip! There are several government rest camps within the national park, as well as private lodges around the park’s gates, with options to suit all budgets.

Part 3: An overview of your Namibia bike tour

NatureFriend Safaris designs tailor-made cycling tours to suit your specific needs.

Travelling as a small group – around six people – opens up the possibility of exploring more remote regions. With a cycling guide and mobile camp support, you can get far beyond the usual tourist routes and into the wild.

For solo riders or couples, a self-drive cycling tour is a great option. This involves you renting a vehicle and navigating yourself independently without a guide. You can stay in carefully chosen lodges that work well for riding each day.

The key is having an itinerary that fits your plans, your budget and your riding style.

Below is an example itinerary for a seven-day self-drive fat bike tour. This is just to give a sense of what you could do within 7 days; we would adapt this to incorporate some of the other destinations mentioned above or to meet your specific requirements.

Top tip! If you wanted to hire a guide, your itinerary may look a little different as your guide could take you to more off-the-beaten-path locations, or places that require specific knowledge, or a permit to visit.

Day 1: Uis Elephant Guesthouse

Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport. Transfer to the NatureFriend Safaris office in Windhoek for a meet and greet and to collect rental vehicles and bikes, then you drive to Uis. Afternoon ride in the surrounding area.

Day 2: Uis sleep-out

Morning elephant tracking drive. Afternoon ride (around two to three hours) to a remote sleep-out location.

A sleep-out involves staying either at a lodge or camping (depending on your type of trip). Lodges typically include facilities such as a toilet and a shower. However, camping facilities can be a lot more basic!

Day 3: Swakopmund

You can enjoy an early cup of tea or coffee at camp before transferring or cycling back to the guesthouse for breakfast.

Afterwards, you will drive to the coastal town of Swakopmund. You can enjoy an afternoon ride in or around the town using the routes and tracks provided.

Day 4: Swakopmund

A free day to relax or explore the local trails by bike.

There are many optional activities available in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay (at an additional cost), including dolphin cruises and dune boarding.

Day 5: Sossusvlei area

Drive south to the area surrounding Sossusvlei.

Day 6: Sossusvlei

Morning self-drive visit to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Afternoon ride on the lodge property.

Day 7: Departure

Drive back to Windhoek. Return your rental vehicle and bikes at the NatureFriend Safaris office. Transfer to Hosea Kutako International Airport for departure.

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Considering a Namibia bike tour?

Naturefriend Safaris designs tailor-made cycling itineraries to suit your specific needs. This includes guided bike tours and self-drive tours.

Head to their website to find out more.

Part 4: Practicalities of a Namibia bike tour

When to cycle?

Namibia is a year-round cycling destination. The weather is generally dry and sunny, with wide skies and minimal rainfall for most of the year.

December to February are the hottest months, and this is when there is the greatest chance of rain. But even then, rides can still go ahead – we simply adjust the timing.

For example, in January, NatureFriend Safaris might start as early as 06:00 to avoid the midday heat. In cooler months like July, a 09:00 start works well. Whatever the season, riding in Namibia is always possible with a bit of planning.

How challenging is the riding?

Cycling in Namibia can be as relaxed or as challenging as you want it to be. The terrain is varied – from smooth asphalt roads and hard-packed gravel to sandy riverbeds and rocky tracks. Fat bikes and mountain bikes handle these conditions well, but some routes require more effort than others.

Distances can feel tougher due to the remote setting and exposure to sun, heat and wind. However, early starts and flexible itineraries help to make these routes manageable for most riders with a reasonable level of fitness.

What is the food like in Namibia?

Food in Namibia is best described as international. With a mix of cultures and ethnic groups, there is no single traditional Namibian cuisine. Instead, you will find a wide range of dishes influenced by European and global styles.

Many lodges and restaurants offer high-quality meals, often using local ingredients such as game meats. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements are well catered for. Whether you are enjoying a relaxed dinner at a safari lodge or stopping for a bite in town, you can expect good food, friendly service and generous portions throughout your trip.

NatureFriend Safaris tours provide food and drinks on guided trips.

What is the accommodation like in Namibia?

Namibia offers some of the best value for money in Southern Africa, especially at the luxury end of the market. There is something for every budget, from simple tented camps and guesthouses to world-class lodges with outstanding service, cuisine and facilities.

Top tip! You could spend 100 euros per night for quality lodge accommodation. Or over 1,500 euros per person per night for top-tier luxury. The variety is impressive.

For many cyclists, camping off the grid in remote areas is a highlight.

However, camping in Namibia is anything but basic. You can expect luxury camping amenities – think spacious dome tents, stretcher beds, quality bedding, showers and hearty meals prepared for you. These comfortable safari camps help to bring you closer to Namibia’s natural beauty.

What is the most suitable bike for Namibia?

Fat bikes are especially well suited for Namibia bike tours. With their wide tyres, they can handle soft sand, dry riverbeds, beaches and other rugged terrain with ease. This gives you the freedom to explore places that would be out of reach on a standard bike.

However, fat biking is also very physically demanding, and many visitors are not familiar with them – which is why most tours still use mountain bikes.

Most serious cyclists prefer to bring their own bikes. But it is worth weighing up the pros and cons. Airlines often charge extra to transport bikes, unless you are flying business or premium class. Bringing your own bike can also mean dealing with potential damage in transit and the challenge of mechanical issues while on tour. Plus, if you’re bringing a mountain bike, do note you won’t be able to access the same experiences on a mountain bike as you would on a fat bike!

Be aware! Gravel bikes are possible to ride in Namibia. But they can restrict the rider’s ability to explore some of Namibia’s most exciting terrain.

Is bike rental available in Namibia?

Hiring a bike in Namibia is a very feasible option.

NatureFriend Safaris offer high-quality rental bikes on our Namibia bike tours, including full-suspension mountain bikes and fat bikes – with both standard and e-bike versions available.

In many cases, these rental bikes are better suited to the terrain than the bikes clients bring with them. This is something that can be discussed in advance, so you can decide what works best for your trip.

Can I find bike shops in Namibia?

If you do bring your own bike, it is important to consider maintenance.

In major towns such as Windhoek and Swakopmund, there are bike shops where you can find support and basic servicing.

But once you are in remote areas, you need to be self-sufficient or, if you’re on a bike tour, rely on your guide. A good discussion before your trip will help you decide whether bringing your own or hiring locally is the best option.

What to pack?

If you are bringing your own bike, you likely have most of what you need. However, if you are planning to travel self-supported, make sure you include a multitool, tyre levers, pump and at least one spare tyre.

If you plan to hire a bike, we suggest bringing your own saddle, helmet and cleats for comfort and familiarity.

Be aware! Mornings can be cool, so bring a jacket, arm warmers or a long-sleeved jersey. You can also expect cooler camping temperatures at night, so make sure to pack some warm layers, such as a fleece.

During the day, the Namibian sun is also strong year-round. A good sunscreen, sunglasses and some light long-sleeved layers. You might also want to consider a cycling scarf to cover your face from any dust.

A small pair of lightweight binoculars is also worth considering for safaris.

Note the tips on water and food. For more useful packing tips don’t miss this article.

What is the best duration for a cycling holiday in Namibia?

Most dedicated cycling tours in Namibia last around 12 nights, with two or more non-riding days built in. These rest days are often used to visit places like Etosha National Park, where cycling is not allowed for safety reasons.

For the cycling itself, four to five consecutive days of riding is a good amount for most people, especially if you are doing longer rides of four to five hours a day.

A popular option is to spend a week on a proper cycling tour and then add a few days before or after for sightseeing. Many travellers combine riding with time in iconic destinations such as Sossusvlei or Etosha, making the most of their trip to Namibia.

Guided or self-drive cycling tours – which are best?

Namibia is well suited to self-drive tourism. Many travellers choose to rent a vehicle and explore independently. For these trips, we provide a detailed information pack, including GPS units, maps, route notes and practical tips to help you get around with confidence.

Be aware! For cycling safaris – especially those in remote areas – we strongly suggest going with a guide. Local knowledge opens up riding opportunities that are simply not possible otherwise. It also adds safety, comfort and mechanical support. You can focus on enjoying the ride, while your guide handles everything else.

Top tip! If budget is a concern, self-drive cycling holidays are a good option. A standard 4×4 double cab can carry two bikes and gear easily. We design these itineraries carefully, using lodges that work well for riding. In places like Swakopmund or Windhoek, we can even arrange for local riders to join you. You will need an extra level of self-reliance and independence as compared with a guided trip.

NatureFriend Safaris offers both guided Namibia bike tours and self-drive itineraries, depending on your personal preferences.

How to choose the right tour operator in Namibia

There are only a few companies offering proper cycling holidays in Namibia, so it is important to know what to look for when choosing the right one for you.

Check their cycling experience

Not all tour operators understand what makes a great cycling holiday. Look for companies with a genuine passion for riding and detailed local knowledge. Ask whether the team has actually cycled the routes they offer, and whether they understand the needs of cyclists – from bike choice and terrain to distances and support.

Ask how flexible the trips are

Your ideal holiday will depend on your interests, fitness level, time available and budget. A good operator will tailor the trip to match your needs. That might mean a fully guided fat bike safari, a self-drive tour with day rides from lodge bases, or something in between.

Understand what’s included

Check whether hire bikes are available and what type they are. Full-suspension mountain bikes and fat bikes (including e-bike options) are ideal. Confirm whether support vehicles, guides, spares and logistics are provided – especially if you plan to ride in remote areas.

Make sure the focus is on experience, not distance

Some tours prioritise covering long distances on public roads, riding between overnight stops. This often means cyclists riding in dust and traffic – not ideal.

NatureFriend Safaris believe the experience is far more important than the mileage. That is why our trips aim to take you off the beaten track, into wild places that few get to ride.

Highway code and travel information

As always, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Namibia are here.

You should also read and follow Namibia’s highway code.

Travel vaccinations and insurance

Make sure you have all the recommended travel vaccinations and consider whether malaria precautions are necessary.

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers all the activities you plan on undertaking.

How to get to Namibia

Namibia is easy to reach from Europe and other major hubs. The main international gateway is Hosea Kutako International Airport, located about 45 kilometres east of Windhoek, the capital.

There are direct flights from Frankfurt several times a week, making it a convenient option for European travellers. Other common routes connect through Johannesburg, Cape Town or Addis Ababa, with onward connections to Windhoek.

Most visitors hire a vehicle on arrival, either for a self-drive trip or as part of a guided tour. Airport transfers, bike hire and meet-and-greet services are also widely available and easy to arrange in advance.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Considering a Namibia bike tour?

Naturefriend Safaris designs tailor-made cycling itineraries to suit your specific needs. This includes guided bike tours and self-drive tours.

Head to their website to find out more.

Part 5: Tips for taking on a Namibia bike tour

Self-driving

Be aware! Public transport doesn’t really exist in Namibia, so self-driving in Namibia is one of the best ways to explore the country at your own pace.

Roads are generally quiet and well-maintained, especially the main routes. A 4×4 is useful but not always essential, depending on where you plan to go.

Be aware! Driving is on the left, and distances between towns can be long, so planning ahead is important. Fuel stations are reliable, but always fill up when you can.

With a detailed itinerary, GPS, and a good map, self-driving gives you the freedom to reach remote cycling areas, stop when you want, and truly experience Namibia’s wide-open spaces.

NatureFriend Safaris offer self-drive cycling itineraries as part of our services.

Stay hydrated

Don’t forget to drink regularly on your Namibia bike tour, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Always carry more water than you think you will need, especially in remote routes. Bring hydration tablets to help your body refuel on lost salts too.

The amount of water you will need to carry each day will really depend on the final itinerary you choose! NatureFriend Safaris will discuss this with you as part of your bike tour and advise accordingly.

Start early to beat the heat

Temperatures can rise quickly, especially in the summer.

Top tip! Plan early-morning rides – around 06:00 or 07:00 – to make the most of the cooler part of the day.

Bike set up

If you plan to bring your own bike on a Namibia bike tour, make sure it is set up tubeless (otherwise, punctures can quickly become a problem, especially on gravel or sandy routes). And make sure you have a proper toolkit and know how to use it.

Respect the environment

Namibia’s wild spaces are part of what makes riding here so special.

Stick to established tracks where possible and give wildlife plenty of space. Leave no trace and take only photos.

Wi-fi

All of the lodges used by NatureFriend Safaris have wi-fi signal. However,  some remote locations can have a patchy signal, or none.

Top tip! You should download your maps in advance to be able to use them offline.

Rental vehicles supplied by NatureFriend Safaris also come with GPS.

Cash

This is really necessary for travelling in Namibia. ATMs are widely available at petrol stations and credit cards work almost everywhere.

Part 6: Your Namibia bike tours

NatureFriend Safaris are a fully licensed Namibian tour operator that has been operating regular safaris since 1996. They have also been delivering bike adventure tours in Namibia for over 20 years.

Tailored cycling itineraries

Our passionate, experienced team designs tailor-made cycling holidays based on your ideas, interests and riding level.

We also run guided tours across Namibia by vehicle, plane or foot, and have explored the country by bike for decades.

Our job is to create the best possible cycling holiday for you – including cycling and other activities that we know you will love!

Passionate, local experts

We have ridden through dry riverbeds, crossed dune fields, explored deep into Damaraland and followed the Skeleton Coast all the way to the Kunene River.

We know what it takes to cycle here, and our guides do too – they are experienced, adventurous and share a love for nature and the sport.

Whether you want a fully supported cycling safari or a self-drive holiday with great riding along the way, we will help create a route that works for you.

How should someone find out more?

Check out our website for sample itineraries and videos of past trips.

All our tours are tailor-made, so the best way to get started is to send an email to leander@naturefriendsafaris.com and let us know what you are looking for. We will take it from there.

What’s next?

A huge thanks to Leander for sharing these fascinating Namibia cycling insights with us.

This beautiful country in Africa boasts many treasures, from the boundless Namibian desert to the variety of wildlife and the rugged African coast. If you are looking for an exciting adventure by bike, we think this is worth checking out!

If you love the idea of remote cycling in amazing landscapes, you might like the following articles:

• Guide to planning a cycling tour in South Africa
• Best destinations for cycling safaris
• Best gravel bike adventures
• Cycling in Chile
• Cycling in Sarawak