With its distinctive natural beauty and unique landscapes, Namibia holds a special kind of magic.
Dramatic dunes, clear skies, world-class game-viewing… Namibia has it all. If you’re up for an adventure and are in the mood to explore, there’s plenty to keep you inspired. Here are some of the spots you won’t want to miss.
Visit Windhoek
Although Namibia is all about open spaces and wild beauty, there’s plenty to experience in the city of Windhoek. Rich in history, the capital boasts some worthwhile sights, including the Independence Memorial Museum, the Old Fortress, which dates back to 1890, and Christuskirche, the country’s oldest Lutheran church.
Explore the Skeleton Coast
Vast and isolated, the Skeleton Coast in the north of Namibia is a stretch of beach with an unusual, desolate beauty. It’s named for the shipwreck remains that can be found along the coastline, which extends 500 kilometres from the Kunene River to the Swakop River. The Skeleton Coast is a popular place for fishing and 4x4ing, as well as walking and star-gazing.
Tackle the dunes
One of the most well-known places in Namibia is Sossusvlei. Essentially a big pan, it’s surrounded by orange dunes, some of which are among the highest in the world. Their striking colour, along with their wind-formed shapes, make them a sight to behold. To really appreciate their scale, it’s best to climb them, but be sure to do so in the early morning when the temperatures are at their coolest. The tallest of the dunes is known as Big Daddy – at 325 metres, it offers spectacular views over Deadvlei, a nearby, smaller pan characterised by stark, dried-out trees.
Experience the Kalahari Desert
No trip to Namibia would be complete without seeing the Kalahari Desert for yourself. Seemingly desolate, this landscape is actually rich in wildlife, including leopards, black-maned lions, elephants and wild dogs. In the southern part of the desert is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a strikingly beautiful place ideal for game drives and birdwatching. It’s also possible to visit the area’s San communities and learn about Africa’s oldest culture.
Visit a ghost town
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a real-life ghost town, Kolmanskop is one to visit. Surrounded by desert, the town was once a successful diamond mining spot that the sand has gradually claimed. While many of the windows and doors have filled up with sand, it’s still possible to get inside some of the buildings and catch a glimpse of a bygone time.
Go on safari
To spot the best of Namibia’s wildlife, a trip to Etosha National Park in the northwest is well worth it. One of Africa’s largest national parks, well-known for its huge salt pan – Etosha translates to ‘great white area’. Thanks to a diverse landscape, the park is home to various animals, and it’s possible to see lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and more. The waterholes at all the main camps are floodlit, and there are also hides near some of the waterholes, making it a dream for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Soak up the dramatic views
With its red dunes, big skies and dramatic landscapes, this unique country has no shortage of breathtaking views. For something extraordinary, stop by Fish River Canyon – it’s the world’s second-largest canyon, dating back more than 500 million years and a truly incredible sight. While the canyon is closed for hiking in summer, it’s possible to explore the hiking trails in the cooler months.
Namibia is more than a destination; it’s an invitation to step into a land where adventure, tranquillity, and the untamed spirit of Africa converge in a celebration of nature’s most stunning extremes.