Our Destination Management Company (DMC) specialises in offering sustainable self-drive camping safaris in Namibia, putting Leave No Trace principles at the core of every adventure. We understand that exploring this pristine, fragile environment is a privilege, which is why we equip you with top-tier eco-friendly 4×4 safari vehicles and the knowledge to minimise your impact.
From responsible tourism in Namibia practices like careful waste disposal and sticking to durable surfaces, to supporting local conservation holidays through integrated fees and community partnerships, your journey is designed to protect what you’ve come to see. Choose us for a tailor-made self-drive Namibia experience that offers true freedom without compromising the future of this beautiful destination.
Principles of the Leave No Trace Ethos
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
In a vast, remote country like Namibia, thorough preparation is key to both safety and minimizing impact.
-
Know the Rules: Research regulations for National Parks (like Etosha) and Community Conservancies, noting specific rules on driving times, permits, and off-road driving (usually strictly prohibited).
-
Contingency Ready: Prepare for the unexpected. Your 4×4 should carry ample fuel (refuel at every opportunity), plenty of water (for both drinking and emergencies), two spare tyres, and essential repair tools.
-
Minimise Waste: Repackage food into reusable containers before your trip to reduce packaging, plastic, and disposable items that must be packed out.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Our Namibia Self-Drive Camping packages offer you unparalleled independence while ensuring your holiday contributes positively to the destination.
The Namibian desert crust and sparse vegetation are easily damaged. Driving or camping on them creates scars that can last for decades.
-
Stick to Designated Areas: Always drive and camp on established roads, tracks, and official campsites. Never create new roads or shortcuts.
-
Durable Surfaces: On foot, stick to rock, gravel, dry riverbeds (when safe), or compacted sand. Avoid stepping on living or dead vegetation, as this is critical to the desert food chain.
-
Use Existing Campsites: When camping, confine your activities to established, already-impacted sites. Never clear vegetation or level a new area for your tent or vehicle.
From the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei to the teeming waterholes of Etosha National Park, explore Namibia knowing you are part of the solution.
Contact us today to design your custom Responsible Tourism Namibia itinerary and embark on an unforgettable journey.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
Namibia has limited waste infrastructure, especially in remote areas. Everything you bring in must leave with you.
-
Pack Out All Trash: This includes every piece of food scrap, plastic, aluminium, glass, and micro-litter (bottle caps, cigarette butts, twist ties). Use sealed, wildlife-proof containers in your vehicle to store trash.
-
Human Waste: Whenever possible, use designated ablution facilities at campsites. Where facilities are not available, bury solid human waste in a “cathole” dug 6-8 inches deep, at least $\text{60 m}$ (200 feet) away from water sources, campsites, and roads.
-
Toilet Paper/Hygiene: All toilet paper, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products must be packed out in a sealed bag. They do not decompose quickly in the dry environment.
-
Gray Water: Dispose of dish and wash water (gray water) by scattering it $\text{60 m}$ (200 feet) away from water sources. Use minimal, biodegradable soap.
4. Leave What You Find
Preserve the sense of discovery for those who follow and respect the cultural integrity of the landscape.
-
Do Not Collect: Leave all natural objects where they are found—rocks, geological specimens, animal bones, feathers, or plants. These are vital parts of the ecosystem and local heritage.
-
Historical Sites: Observe, photograph, but do not touch any cultural or historical artifacts, structures, or engravings (e.g., rock art in Damaraland).
-
Avoid Altering the Site: Do not build structures, rock piles (cairns, unless for official navigation), or dig trenches around tents.
5. Minimise Campfire Impacts
Given Namibia’s dry, windy conditions, wildfires are a serious risk, and gathering firewood damages scarce vegetation.
-
Use Stoves: Use your portable gas stove for cooking. This is faster, cleaner, and greatly minimizes fire risk.
-
Existing Rings Only: If a fire is permitted and necessary, always use an existing fire ring or designated braai area at the campsite. Never create a new fire scar.
-
Fuel Source: Only use commercially purchased firewood or dead wood that can be broken by hand and is found on the ground. Do not cut or break limbs from living or standing dead trees.
-
Extinguish Completely: Ensure all coals are fully burned to ash, then soak them with water until cool to the touch. Scatter the cold ashes over a large area.
6. Respect Wildlife
You are a guest in the home of Namibia’s spectacular wildlife.
-
Observe from a Distance: Use binoculars and zoom lenses. Do not follow, approach, or corner animals. If an animal changes its behaviour due to your presence, you are too close.
-
Never Feed Wildlife: Feeding animals, even unintentionally, causes them to lose their fear of humans and can damage their health, often leading to them being put down.
-
Secure Food & Garbage: Store all food and trash securely inside your vehicle (or a sealed, wildlife-proof box) at all times to prevent attracting scavengers and large mammals to your camp.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Part of the Namibian experience is the solitude and peace of the vast landscapes. Your actions should not detract from the experience of others.
-
Silence & Solitude: Control noise levels, especially between dusk and dawn. Avoid loud music, loud generators, or shouting.
-
Driving Courtesy: On narrow gravel roads, slow down when passing other vehicles to reduce dust clouds and prevent damage to windscreens. Pull over completely to allow faster vehicles to pass safely.
-
Campsite Privacy: Choose a camp spot that respects the privacy and sense of wilderness of other campers.
World Nomads Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.
Why Consider World Nomads
Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers. They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel confidently.
World Nomads is backed by a suite of specialist travel insurers that provide 24/7 emergency assistance, customer service and claims support.
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation, World Nomads’ multi-lingual team is available 24/7 to connect you with medical treatment and transportation during your trip.
Had a change of plans? You can extend your period of cover or claim online at any point in your journey. You can even buy a World Nomads policy if you’re already traveling.
Designed by travellers, for travellers, World Nomads covers over 150 adventure sports and activities so you can explore your boundaries.
World Nomads provides useful and up-to-date travel insurance information and global travel safety advice to help you plan for your journey and navigate the risks.
When you buy travel insurance with World Nomads, you can make a micro-donation to a community development project to help change lives in the destinations that need it most.
Plan your trip with free destination guides, develop your travel storytelling skills and learn how you can be a more responsible traveler with World Nomads as your travel companion.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Eco-friendly campsites, reliable 4x4s, 24/7 support
Effortless Adventure and Peace of Mind.
