Things to do in Namibia • Travel Insights

A land of deserts, dunes and numerous delights, Namibia stuns guests with its dramatic landscapes, fascinating historical past and cultures. Namibia presents a kaleidoscope of experiences for any traveller who dares to enterprise to this iconic vacation spot in Southern Africa. Namibia is a playground for out of doors fans, with limitless issues to do. Whether or not it’s kayaking with seals alongside the Skeleton Coast or stargazing on the earth’s oldest desert, there’s no scarcity of journey right here. A number of the issues to do in Namibia embody sizzling air ballooning over the Namib Desert at dawn, offering a wide ranging perspective on one of many world’s most charming landscapes.

Kunene Area

Etosha Nationwide Park is Namibia’s premier wildlife sanctuary. The park teems with lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and plenty of different species. The park’s waterholes provide prime sport viewing alternatives. The hauntingly stunning Skeleton Coast is suffering from the stays of shipwrecks, a testomony to the treacherous seas. Discover deserted whaling stations and spot a wide range of marine life, together with seals, dolphins, and even whales relying on the season. The rugged Damaraland is dwelling to desert-adapted wildlife like black rhinos, desert elephants, and the elusive Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Discover the fascinating geological formations just like the Spitzkoppe, an enormous granite inselberg. Uncover historical rock artwork at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

Discover the otherworldly landscapes of the Skeleton Coast.

Go to the Himba villages to find out about their conventional lifestyle.

Take a guided tour to see the desert-adapted elephants within the Hoanib River space.

Go on a scenic flight over the Kunene area for aerial views of the desert and shoreline.

Go to the Epupa Falls on the border with Angola for gorgeous waterfalls and scenic magnificence.

Erongo Area

The charming coastal city of Swakopmund boasts a definite German colonial architectural type. Stroll alongside the scenic Swakopmund jetty, bask in recent seafood, and discover the quirky museums just like the Nationwide Marine Aquarium. Namib-Naukluft Nationwide Park encompasses a various desert panorama, together with towering dunes, deep canyons, and the Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant that may survive for hundreds of years in harsh desert circumstances. Hike by way of the dramatic surroundings or take a scenic sizzling air balloon experience for panoramic views. The colossal crimson dunes of Sossusvlei are a must-visit. Right here you may climb Large Daddy, the best dune within the park, for breathtaking desert views. Deadvlei is a stark panorama dotted with skeletal timber that are remnants of a long-vanished lake. Witnessing the dawn paint the dunes in fiery hues is an unforgettable expertise.

Climb Spitzkoppe, generally known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia,” for breathtaking views and rock formations.

Go on a scenic sizzling air balloon experience over the landscapes of Namib-Naukluft Nationwide Park, providing a novel perspective on one of the breathtaking issues to do in Namibia.

Discover the traditional rock engravings on the UNESCO World Heritage Web site of Twyfelfontein.

Take a scenic drive by way of the Erongo Mountains.

Go on a safari within the Erongo Wilderness Lodge.

Go to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve to see one of many largest colonies of Cape fur seals.

Karas Area

The Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon on the earth, presents dramatic surroundings, crystal clear pure swimming pools and peaceable tranquillity in a distant wilderness space. Discover the eerie ruins of Kolmanskop, a diamond-mining settlement deserted within the early twentieth century. The sand-blasted homes create a hauntingly stunning environment, providing a glimpse into Namibia’s colonial previous. The Caprivi Strip presents a stark distinction to the desert landscapes. Discover the luxurious wetlands teeming with wildlife, take a ship journey on the Chobe River, and spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of birdlife.

Wander by way of the deserted diamond mining city of Kolmanskop, now reclaimed by the desert.

Loosen up within the Ai-Ais Scorching Springs situated on the southern finish of the Fish River Canyon.

Discover the rugged shoreline of the Lüderitz Peninsula, go to historic websites like Diaz Level, and spot wildlife equivalent to seals and seabirds.

Discover the NamibRand Nature Reserve with gorgeous desert landscapes, wildlife viewing, and actions equivalent to sizzling air balloon rides and guided nature walks.

Go to the Fish River Canyon – one of many largest canyons on the earth, providing gorgeous views and mountain climbing alternatives.

Discover the historic coastal city of Lüderitz, identified for its German colonial structure, diamond mining historical past, and close by points of interest like Kolmanskop.

Uncover the distinctive wildlife of the Sperrgebiet Nationwide Park, which was traditionally closed to the general public resulting from diamond mining actions.

Go to the small city of Aus and close by points of interest just like the Wild Horses of the Namib, a gaggle of feral horses that roam the desert.

Expertise the distinctive flora of the Succulent Karoo biome at Goegap Nature Reserve, together with a wide range of endemic plant species.

Windhoek

Namibia’s capital metropolis presents a glimpse into the nation’s historical past and tradition. Go to the Alte Feste, a historic fort, and discover the colourful craft markets. Take a day journey to the township of Katutura to expertise genuine Namibian life.

Go to the Christuskirche in Windhoek, a historic German Lutheran church.

Discover the Nationwide Botanical Backyard of Namibia.

Take a cultural tour of the Katutura Township to study in regards to the native lifestyle.

Go to the Namibia Craft Centre for genuine Namibian arts and crafts.

Hike up the Auas Mountains for panoramic views of Windhoek and its environment.

Namibia boasts a number of the darkest skies on the earth, making it a stargazer’s paradise. Escape mild air pollution and witness a stunning show of stars, planets, and even the Milky Method. Delf into the Namibian tradition by collaborating in community-based tourism initiatives. Keep in conventional homesteads, find out about native crafts, and achieve a deeper understanding of the nation’s wealthy heritage.

Aside from the same old vacationer actions, Namibia can be a haven for thrill-seekers. Strive sandboarding down the long-lasting dunes of the Namib Desert, one of the exhilarating issues to do in Namibia, or kayak by way of the otherworldly landscapes of Sandwich Harbour, a lagoon nestled between towering dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.