If you want to experience wilderness, incredible wildlife and some of the most stunning scenery in the world, then look no further than a trip to Namibia.
Once a colony of Germany, Namibia is situated on the southwestern coast of Africa; it borders Angola and Zambia in the north, South Africa in the south and Botswana in the east. One of the least densely populated countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, it has a small population of just over two million people. It is rich with culture and indigenous tribes, such as Himba, Damara, San Bushmen and Hero, that live in various places throughout the country. At 824,000 square kilometres, Namibia is immense even by African standards.
Places to See Namibia
Part of the allure of Namibia is that it has four distinctive landscapes, each with its own characteristics and attractions. The most significant is the Namib, a long coastal desert that runs the length of the country. The central plateau is divided between rugged mountain ranges and sand-filled valleys. Next is the vast Kalahari Desert with its ancient red sand and sparse vegetation. Finally, Kavango and Caprivi, blessed with tropical forests, perennial rivers and woodland savannahs. Namibia also has some of the least polluted skies in the world – fantastic for star gazing!
For wildlife lovers, you can spot the Big Five in Namibia, although Buffalo can only be found in the Caprivi strip, as it has an abundance of National Parks, as well as Private Game Reserves. Also, Namibia has the largest cheetah population and is one of only two countries in the world which have the desert elephants.
If you’re looking to visit Africa for the first time and want to experience an African safari, Namibia is perhaps the perfect introduction. Check out our suggestions for the best places to see in this country and don’t be surprised that it may inspire you to book a holiday to Namibia!
Best Places to Visit in Namibia
Sossusvlei
Located in the heart of Namib Naukluft Park and the biggest conservation area in the country, Sossusvlei aka the ‘Dune Sea’ is possibly Namibia's most famous landmark. It has some of the biggest red dunes on the planet and here you will also find the world’s most photographed dune, Dune 45. If you’re feeling active you can climb the highest Dune in the area, ‘Big Daddy’, at 325 metres!
Deadvlei
Next to Sossusvlei is a dry clay pan called “Deadvlei”. It is home to several dead Kamelthorn trees dating back 300 – 400 years. The name Deadvlei means "dead marsh" and is now a dried white clay pan. As it is so dry, the wood doesn't decompose and the trees are now black as the strong sunlight has scorched them.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is the biggest park in Namibia with its main characteristic being the white salt pan that can be seen from space. There are endless wildlife opportunities, as the park is the size of Holland, and is home to some of the biggest elephants in Africa. Other wildlife includes the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards and cheetahs.
Damaraland
Damaraland is a region in central Namibia renowned for its rugged and harsh environment. It has more than 40,000 Bushmen rock art and the famous desert adapted elephants and rhinos can be found here. The desert elephants have adapted to this harsh environment throughout the years by having smaller bodies and larger feet to cover more land in search of water. All mammals in Damaraland are free roaming. Also, the biggest mountain in Namibia is located in Damaraland.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a coastal town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert. Swakopmund is famous for its colonial German architecture, streets lined with palm trees, pleasant weather throughout the year and of course it offers endless adventure activities. On our Namibia holidays, we offer optional excursions in Swakopmund, such as the Sandwich Harbour tour, where you can take a four-wheel drive through the lower Kuiseb Delta hummock into Naukluft Park. Swakopmund is also known for its delicious food, wines and beer.
Namib Desert
The Namib Desert is one of the oldest and largest deserts in the world. It stretches for 2000 km along the Atlantic Ocean. The dunes closer to the coast are called the sand sea and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Being one of the oldest deserts, several mammals, snakes, spiders and bird species have adapted to the hot and dry environment.
Okonjima
Nestled among the “Omboroko Mountains” lies Okonjima – a Herero name meaning “Place of the Baboons”. This is much more than just a lodge; Okonjima is also home to The AfriCat Foundation. Namibia has the world’s largest wild/free-ranging cheetah population; the majority of the country’s cheetahs and leopards can be found on approximately 7000 commercial farms. AfriCat has had to take on a large number of captive cats no longer wanted by other establishments. Among the animals being rescued, researched and rehabilitated by AfriCat are cheetah, leopard, lion, caracal, wild dog and hyena. AfriCat has saved more than 1080 creatures since 1993 and 86% have been released back into the wild. Here you can have close encounters with these magnificent animals.
Discover the highlights of Namibia with us on this small group guided holiday and enjoy one of the top safari destinations in Africa. Places are limited as a smaller group will enable a better experience for the safari excursions.
A guided tour of Namibia would be the best and easiest way to explore this incredible country; plus flights, accommodation, transfers and guided excursions all included.
