Overview: Scenic flights in Namibia
The options
Options are many and varied, depending on time, budget and interest, but include the following:Namib Sand Sea
Perhaps the most iconic landscape in Namibia is the Namib Sand Sea, the UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Namib-Naukluft National Park that is home to the world-famous pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. To see this from the air is to get a real sense of its scale and raw beauty. There are several ways to do this:Hot-air balloon Our favourite, and by far the most popular option, is a hot-air balloon flight over the Namib Desert, a truly magical experience.
Light aircraft Flights over the dunes in a fixed-wing light aircraft can be round trips or even one way:
Using an aircraft based in the Sesriem area, usually from Sossusvlei Lodge. Flights start and end at the lodge's airstrip and range from 40-minute trips over the dunes and Sesriem Canyon to longer excursions that also take in the Sperrgebiet, Conception Bay and a seal colony on the Skeleton Coast.
If you are on a guided trip, we can arrange a scenic one-way flight from the Sossusvlei area to Swakopmund, or vice versa. Your pilot will fly you over the dunes and up the Skeleton Coast to your next destination, where your guide will meet you later in the day.
Helicopter Sossusvlei Lodge also offers helicopter flights taking in the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Catering for up to three passengers per flight, these vary in length and price.
Further afield
Scenic flights are not limited to just the Namib-Naukluft National Park; indeed, much of the country is within your grasp.For travellers based in Swakopmund, the field widens, both in terms of time and distance. Options range from relatively short (2–3-hour) flights to the dunes and back to full-day trips over the dunes and beyond to areas such as Lüderitz, Fish River Canyon and/or the Kalahari in Southern Namibia. On some flights, you may even have time to land and get a ground-level perspective as well.
Other areas of interest that are easily accessed from the air include the Skeleton Coast National Park or Kaokoland, perhaps incorporating a visit to Epupa Falls and/or a Himba Community, or the Brandberg Massif in the south of Damaraland.
Outside Namibia
Our travellers often combine their time in Namibia with visits to other countries and many of these destinations also offer scenic flights. Perhaps the most popular is a flight over Victoria Falls to see what Livingstone himself described as ‘the most wonderful sight I had seen in Africa… scenes so lovely [they] must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.’ These flights are operated both from Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia. Equally, if you are staying in Botswana, there are several ways to take to the air, usually over the Okavango Delta.With so many options, it clearly isn't possible to do everything in one flight, so do give us a call; we can help you decide on the choice that is right for you.
Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange these varied scenic flights as part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary. See the Holiday ideas, below, for examples of such itineraries.
- Duration
- Variable, depending on the flight
Photo gallery
What to look forward to.
Take to the skies and enjoy some of Namibia's iconic landscapes from the air.
Be it in a small aeroplane...
...or a helicopter...
...you'll have the chance to enjoy some of Namibia's highlights...
...and perhaps even experience areas such as the Skeleton Coast, Lüderitz...
...Epupa Falls and Fish River Canyon that you would otherwise have missed.
Scenic flights in Namibia reviews
30 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.
Ideas for holidays which can include Scenic flights in Namibia
Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made holiday to Namibia.
Bateleur Fly-in Safari
7 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Classic fly-in Namibian safari staying at excellent camps. Explore Sossusvlei’s dunes and track Damaraland’s desert elephants before a safari in Etosha. Incredible scenery, good wildlife viewing and authentic cultural experiences.
US$5,550 - US$8,760 per person
Caracal Self-drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.
US$2,280 - US$3,850 per person
Brown Hyena Self-drive
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.
US$5,890 - US$7,530 per person
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.
US$3,150 - US$3,620 per person
Pelican Fly & Drive Safari
10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.
US$5,490 - US$7,300 per person
Goshawk Fly-in Safari
12 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Discover Namibia’s remarkable landscapes, fascinating wildlife and unique cultures on this luxury adventure flying between a selection of the very best camps and lodges in the country.
US$10,880 - US$16,680 per person
Flamingo Fly-in Safari
6 days • 3 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.
US$4,710 - US$6,430 per person
Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari
14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.
US$2,260 - US$3,120 per person
Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.
US$2,730 - US$4,360 per person
Rock Agama Self-drive Safari
9 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.
US$5,680 - US$12,260 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$5,050 - US$7,200 per person
Chongololo Self-drive Safari
21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.
US$5,740 - US$7,130 per person
Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.
US$4,320 - US$5,550 per person
Black-faced Impala Guided Safari
13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.
US$4,650 - US$6,130 per person
Cape Fox Guided Safari
13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.
US$8,000 - US$10,190 per person
Hoopoe Fly-in Safari
11 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.
US$5,840 - US$8,760 per person
Other excursions in Namibia
Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Namibia to include in your holiday.
Coast and Sandwich Harbour
Full day
Experience this usually inaccessible part of the Skeleton Coast, where the dunes of the Namib plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. One of our top recommendations, this is an adventurous 4WD trip, guided by experts. You'll explore the Kuiseb Delta and (tides permitting) traverse dunes and the beach to reach Sandwich Harbour, a remote freshwater lagoon with abundant birdlife.
More about Coastal tour
Kayaking with seals
Morning incl. tea, coffee & sandwiches
Get up close and personal with a colony of Cape fur seals on a kayaking excursion from Walvis Bay. Enjoy a gentle morning’s paddle in Walvis Bay Lagoon as seals surround and interact with you and your kayak. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of some Heaviside’s or bottlenose dolphins.
More about Kayaking with seals
Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion
Full day, including lunch
Escape the crowds and experience the iconic and beautiful Namib Sand Sea with an experienced guide from Hoodia Desert Lodge. The approach is personal and the guiding knowledgeable, making your introduction to the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, including Sesriem Canyon and the famous pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, both interesting and unhurried.
More about Hoodia excursion
Ballooning in the Namib Desert
Half day, including breakfast
Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.
More about Ballooning
Dolphin and seal cruise
Half-day inc brunch
A boat cruise around Walvis Bay lagoon is a must for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors. Seek out the ‘marine big five’ – from Cape fur seals to bottlenose dolphins – and marvel at the range of bird species for whom this haven on the Skeleton Coast is home. Then round off the morning with an oyster brunch.
More about Dolphin & seal cruise
Desert tour
Variable, depending on the tour
Discover the unexpected on a trip into the desert surrounding the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A must for wilderness lovers, this extraordinary landscape encompasses the Welwitschia Plains, sculpted dunes, the magic of the Kuiseb Delta – and much more. There are plenty of options, each with its own unique focus.
More about Desert tour
Halifax Island boat trip
2 hours
Climb aboard the comfortable catamaran Zeepaard in search of the marine life of Namibia’s wild coastline – among them Cape fur seals, Heaviside dolphins, African penguins and perhaps even humpback whales.
More about Halifax Island trip
Sperrgebiet tour
Full day, including lunch
Discover the hidden gems of the Sperrgebiet National Park on this exceptional all-day trip. There may no longer be diamonds for the taking, but in their place you’ll find ghost towns, the rusting relics of the diamond industry, geological formations, and extraordinary desert flora, largely untouched for generations.
More about Sperrgebiet tour
Fish River Canyon day trip
Half-full day (starting early morning)
An exhilarating descent down into the canyon, marvelling at the stunning geographical features of this vast canyon, followed by lunch and a dip in the natural rock pools – this day trip is exciting and enlightening!
More about Fish River Canyon tripNamibia fact file
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