Why Visit Namibia?
Namibia one of the world’s newest countries. Having gained official independence in 1990, it was previously under South African rule. The country is named after the Namib Desert, which stretches along the Namibian coastline and is the oldest desert on Earth.
The red, sandy dunes of the Namibian desert are quite distinct and can easily feel like another world. This unique characteristic has made the Namib the perfect setting for many Hollywood productions where a striking atmosphere was integral. Large portions of the 2015 box office hit Mad Max: Fury Road were filmed in this red desert. Opening scenes from the timeless classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey were also captured in the Namib.
Various national parks across the country boast an impressive variety of wildlife, together with stunning natural landscapes to boot. Approximately 40% of Namibia is conserved territory, where the natural plant and animal life is under strict protection. Wildlife in Namibia includes various species of antelope, as well as buffalos, zebras, wildebeest and even wild dogs. The cheetah population is especially prominent – no other country in Africa has as many cheetahs as Namibia.
With conservation of wildlife as one of the top priorities in the country, it comes as no surprise that Namibia’s main attraction is wildlife safaris.
The best time to visit Namibia is in the Dry season from June to October, although it can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife viewing in all parks, but especially in Etosha, is best in the Dry season. The climate is generally dry and pleasant. Between December and March, some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. In the Wet season, animals move away from the waterholes and scatter around the park.
Best Time
June to October
High Season
July to October (will not feel too crowded, except possibly in Etosha)
Low Season
December to April
Best Weather
April and May (moderate temperatures, little to no rainfall, green landscape)
24 nights Epic, Luxury Namibia Self-Drive
Windhoek, Hardap, Fish River Canyon, Karas, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
Interested in Namibia?
Please contact us now to speak to a consultant.
What to See in Namibia
Windhoek
Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries worldwide, ranking among the top 10 countries for low population density. Despite this, Windhoek (which serves as the capital city) is a thriving metropolis with interesting places to see.
Previously German territory, Windhoek still has a strong cultural presence stemming from its German history. A lot of elements such as architecture, food and beer have a uniquely European feel to them.
All tourists will pass through Windhoek when visiting Namibia, but it’s worthwhile to take some time to explore the culture, food and people of this beautiful city in the desert dryland.
Activities: golf, bowling, shopping, dining, city tour
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Situated close to the eastern border, the Okonjima Nature Reserve is one of the best travel destinations to view Africa’s rarest predators such as cheetah, leopard, wild dog and hyena.
The reserve is the home of the AfriCat Foundation, a conservation organisation dedicated to protecting Africa’s large carnivores. Leopards are notoriously difficult to spot – it’s not unusual for tourists visiting Africa to never see a leopard in the wild. Because leopards are so timid Okonjima Nature Reserve is a must to visit if you’re eager to see Africa’s largest cat.
Activities: cheetah safaris, game drives, star gazing, guided bush walks, bird watching, nocturnal game drives, AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre Experience
Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park derives its name from the large Etosha salt pan, which is mostly contained within the park’s perimeter. This large, white salt pan occupies approximately 4,800 square kilometres of the park’s total land area of 22,270km2. The salt pan is in fact so large, it can be seen even from space!
With a broad variety of scenic views and animal life, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Namibia. Large waterholes attract animals, creating prime areas to view game and appreciate the park’s impressive biodiversity.
Activities: game drives, bushmen experience, bird watching, swimming, star gazing, spa treatments, guided walks, hot air ballooning
Skeleton Coast / Kaokoveld
The Skeleton Coast features some of Namibia’s most dramatic nature scenes, with the harsh desert meeting the crystal blue ocean in a stark contrast of terrain. A sight only to be seen in Namibia, the skeleton coast is one of the most quintessentially Namibian touring experiences to be had.
Kaokoveld was formerly a homeland for the native Himba people. The homelands are no longer relevant, as Namibia gained independence in 1990, but many still refer to this area on the northern border as Kaokoveld. Visitors can expect to sense the remoteness of this area, as it’s one of the least populated places in an already sparsely populated country. This heightens the sense of true African adventure and creates the perfect atmosphere to relax and feel closer to nature.
Activities: game drives, nature walks, full day scenic flight excursions, bird watching, picnicking, wildlife presentation, excursions to the seal colony, shipwreck viewing, sundowner dune drives. Huarusib river excursion, beach lunch, quad biking, dune boarding
Damaraland
The breath-taking mountainous region of Damaraland is home to an assortment of desert-adapted wildlife such as elephant, rhino, zebra and lion, which eke out an existence in this near-barren landscape.
A not-to-be-missed attraction is the picturesque Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, which is home to thousands of ancient rock paintings – most notably the White Lady.
The rocky outcrops of Twyfelfontein feature exceptional Bushmen engravings, which are considered to be some of the best-preserved etchings on the continent. Visit the Petrified Forest, which dates back millions of years and offers a haunting landscape of gigantic fossilised trees.
Activities: game drives (day and night), guided walks, star bad sleep outs, cultural experiences.
Swakopmund / Walvis Bay
Swakopmund is a town on Namibia’s north coast especially known for its strong German culture. Cobbled streets set the scene for this town’s European charm, while distinctly German architecture and pubs transform Swakopmund into somewhat of a mini Germany in the African desert. The town is an architectural highlight in Africa, as it has stunning historical colonial buildings that will make any European visitor feel right at home.
Activities: cycling, dining, excursions to Walvis Bay, spa treatments, swimming, city tour, kayaking, dunes experience/dune tour, sand boarding, Spitzkoppie guided tour, quad biking, welwitschia tour, 4×4 desert excursion to Sandwich Harbour Bay, Tandem Skydiving Experience
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is a perfect specimen of Namibia’s unspoilt desert beauty. It is a salt and clay pan situated in the largest conservation area in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This photogenic area is famous for its large, red sand dunes, which are some of the tallest sand dunes in the world and is one of Namibia’s most visited attractions.
Strictly, Sossusvlei refers specifically to the salt and clay pan at the end of the Tsauchab River’s course; however, often the entire area including Dune 45, Deadvlei and Hiddenvlei is referred to as Sossusvlei.
At Sossusvlei, the dunes meet preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, hence its name meaning “dead-end marsh”. The sand dunes in the Namib are dynamic and change shape with the wind. The dunes around the Sossusvlei area are known as “star dunes” due to the wind shaping them from all directions.
Activities: quad bike excursion, nature drives, star gazing, desert activities, 4×4 drives, hot air ballooning, massages, swimming, al carte desert lunches
Perfectly tailored luxury travel itineraries
Speak to our friendly team about your next trip to Africa.