Driving Through Namibia’s Empty Beauty with Our Baby

Julie

2025-03-31

Driving Through Namibia’s Empty Beauty with Our Baby

On Day 81 of our world trip with a baby, we crossed Dorob National Park and reached Walvis Bay,navigating Namibia’s surreal desert roads.

Main Journey

It was Day 81 of our world travel with Sweetie, and the three of us were still driving endlessly through Namibia—truly endlessly.

Leaving the green patches behind, the landscape started turning stark and bare again. Trees disappeared, and we were suddenly surrounded by a vast emptiness—no dunes, no bushes, no signs of life for miles. We had entered Dorob National Park, and it looked like a sci-fi version of a desert plain.

Despite the distance left to cover, we had to stop.
Sweetie needed a break—and honestly, so did we.

The ground here was mesmerizing. It looked soft and fine from far away, but up close, it was packed clay dotted with sparkling bits of quartz. You couldn’t see much growing—just a few thick, succulent-looking plants scattered around like ornaments placed far apart.

Sweetie ran across the flat land, laughing and jumping, soaking in the freedom. She played with a lone tuft of grass, touched the shimmering stones, and kept giggling with each new discovery. In the middle of this quiet desert, her joy echoed.

Events

The Sparkle of the Desert

As the sun moved across the sky, the landscape transformed again. Golden light washed over everything, and the quartz in the soil lit up like scattered gems. It was breathtaking.

I picked up a small piece and gave it to Sweetie, telling her it was a desert jewel. She held onto it tightly, rubbing it in her car seat like a treasure the entire drive.

Entering Walvis Bay

Eventually, the road smoothed out. Not quite a paved highway, but not pure gravel either—somewhere in between. It felt like an old tar road that had been left alone, with wind-blown sand forming a soft top layer.

It felt stable enough to pick up the pace a bit. The sun was starting to dip, and we needed to find a place to stay before dark.

For almost 100 kilometers, the scenery didn’t change—a wide-open nothingness stretching on and on. Then finally, a sign for the Walvis Bay airport. We had made it to the coast.

Guesthouse Hunt

The first guesthouse we tried was already full. No rooms. No chance.

Luckily, the second stop—Spindrift Guesthouse—had a room. The outside looked clean and well-kept, and we decided to check the price before seeing the room.

The initial quote was 850 Namibian dollars (about 75,000 won). A bit much for us. I told the owner our budget was closer to 500, and after a pause, he agreed to 600—including breakfast.

Deal.

What we didn’t expect was how good the room would be. Spacious, clean, with a large bathroom. It felt luxurious.

The owner, an older Dutch man, had filled the place with an air of quiet wealth. Everything about the guesthouse had a personal, warm touch. We felt lucky to have found it.

Dinner Misadventures

We didn’t have time or energy to cook, so we found a nearby Spur (a chain restaurant).
But once again—Namibian beef got us.

Unlike South Africa, where cattle are bred on open pastures, Namibia relies more on game meat—wild animals that are hunted for meat. It’s cheaper but also gamier, tougher, and not always pleasant.

I ordered steak. Again. And regretted it. Again.
Note to self: No more steak in Namibia.

At least the ribs were good!

Sweetie’s Playtime

After being in the car all day, Sweetie exploded with energy in Spur’s little kids’ playroom. She climbed, ran, explored—she even followed an older boy up a structure she had been too scared of at first.

Watching her play, I realized something:
Being with us is great, but Sweetie needs other kids, too. She needs the chaos, the joy, the lessons that come from bumping into another little human.

And we need to give her that—on the road, in the world.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Let the Baby Run When You Stop

Keyword: travel breaks with baby
Whenever we pulled over, we gave Sweetie time to move. A few minutes of free exploration resets her mood and helps release all the energy stored up in the car seat.

Don’t Rush the Road

Keyword: slow travel Namibia
The desert is deceptive. It looks flat and empty, but there’s beauty in every stretch. Stopping often made the trip longer—but much richer, especially for our baby.

Be Flexible with Lodging

Keyword: baby-friendly accommodation Namibia
We didn’t book ahead. But when you have a baby, you need to secure a place before nightfall. Aim to reach towns early and have a backup plan if the first option is full.

Food Surprises Aren’t Always Fun

Keyword: Namibian food with kids
Namibian meats might not be baby-friendly—or parent-friendly, either. Opt for safer dishes like chicken or ribs if you’re unsure. Sweetie’s favorite? Simple toast and fruit.

Local Travel Tips

Dorob National Park Is Vast and Beautiful

Keyword: Dorob National Park Namibia
It’s not filled with wildlife like Etosha, but its raw, minimal beauty is unforgettable. If you’re doing a self-drive trip, take time to explore—it feels like another planet.

Negotiate Guesthouse Prices

Keyword: budget travel Namibia
Many guesthouses are willing to negotiate, especially if you arrive in person and it’s not peak season. Mention your budget politely—you might get a better rate than expected.

Expect Repetition, Then Surprise

Keyword: Namibia road scenery
The roads feel like they go on forever—but every few hours, something shifts. New light, a new texture in the soil, or suddenly, a whole city like Walvis Bay appears on the horizon.

Travel Reflections

1. Namibia stretches your patience and rewards it.
Every hour we drove felt like a meditation. The quiet, the monotony, and then—suddenly—an explosion of color or sparkle or emotion.

2. Sweetie reminds us that wonder is everywhere.
A piece of quartz was a jewel to her. A tuft of grass, an adventure. Kids see what we forget to look for.

3. The road teaches you to bend.
No plans go perfectly. You bargain for a room, you get the wrong steak, and your baby finds joy in a stranger’s playroom. You adapt. And it’s all worth it.