Namibia has everything. It’s stunningly beautiful, the locals are lovely, the landscapes are diverse, the wildlife is exciting, and there’s just so much space and so few tourists. This, a land of big sky and big adventures. Small wonder then that almost every returning traveller is full of heartfelt praise.

It’s all down to the surreal landscapes, roadside cafes, unusual wildlife and the sense of exploration that comes with a road trip into that vast and beautiful wilderness.

Did you know that Namibia is twice the size of Germany but home to only 2.1 million people? Which means it has the world’s second-lowest population density (after Mongolia).

Most of Namibia’s population lives on the relatively fertile central plateau but it’s the Kalahari and Namib Desert environments that define the country. Running all the way to the icy Atlantic Ocean, the red-sand Namib is the world’s oldest desert and home to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.

Environmental protection is constitutionally guaranteed, 15% of the country is given over to parks and reserves. Wildlife is prolific, even in Namibia’s deserts where familiar species such as elephants and lions have adapted to the demanding conditions, but it’s the country’s flagship Etosha National Park that delivers the country’s best game viewing. Home to a mix of both savannah and desert species, Etosha is particularly famous for its floodlit waterholes and as a stronghold for endangered creatures such as cheetahs and black rhinos.

Here are seven of Nambia’s must-see delights.

1. Sossusvlei & Namib Desert

This is iconic Namibia and what many visitors come to see – the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, Deadvlei’s stark beauty and Sesriem Canyon’s geological wonder. Hiking to the top of some of the world’s biggest dunes can be a slog but the view from the top is worth it. The nearby Deadvlei – a big cracked mud plain dotted with dead trees – is just as captivating.

2. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is one of the most unique reserves in Africa. Everything revolves around the watering holes bringing all animals close together to drink. At dusk, you’ll find elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and even lions making their way to the waterhole for a drink. 

3. Skeleton Coast

The name evokes a sense of despair mixed with wonder and the dramatic shipwrecks and desolate beauty only add to this aura. A major highlight here is a visit to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, where you can come and see hundreds and hundreds of Cape Fur Seals.

Together with Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, on the opposite side of the Zambezi River, Lower Zambezi forms an extraordinarily wildlife-rich region that offers a first-class safari experience.

4. Swakopmund

This charming coastal town with German architecture, laidback architecture, sea views and delightful eateries is the ideal place to base yourself while heading off on desert adventures such as quad bike tours and aerial flights.

5. Damaraland

This unique desert landscape in the north of Namibia is home to haunting landscapes, detailed rock paintings and desert-adapted wildlife such as lions, rhinos and elephants. It’s as enchanting as it is sparse.

Kafue’s terrain ranges from lush riverine forest to vast grasslands to wetlands to miombo woodlands. It’s due to its diversity of ecosystems that it has such a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and numerous antelope species.

6. Fish River Canyon

7. Caprivi Strip

A much-loved corner of Africa that is celebrated by hardened wildlife aficionados, Caprivi offers a lush contrast of ecosystems, boat cruises, intense wildlife encounters and cultural experiences.

The best time to visit Namibia

The most popular time to visit Namibia is during the cooler dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is not nearly as hot as summer and there is little to no rainfall, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

The peak tourist season in Namibia is from June to August, when temperatures are milder and wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot them in national parks such as Etosha. However, this also means that popular attractions can be more crowded and accommodation may be more expensive, so it’s advisable to book in advance.

If you’re interested in seeing the landscapes of Namibia at their greenest, the best time to visit is during the brief rainy season, which typically occurs from November to April. This period brings higher temperatures and occasional rainfall, but it also transforms the desert landscapes into lush, green scenery, especially in the northern regions.

Different travel styles

Luxury lodges

Namibia boasts some truly extraordinary lodges that seamlessly merge with their surrounding landscapes. They offer unique experiences such as tracking desert-adapted rhinos, desert walks and dark-sky stargazing while also boasting world-class food and comfort.

Guided Trips

Due to Namibia’s size and unique wonders, travelling with a specialist guide can really elevate your travels. You travel comfortably in specially modified private vehicles under the expert guidance of a dedicated naturalist guide, who will elevate your experience of Namibia through their storytelling and local knowledge.

Camping Adventures

Self-guided road trips are very popular as the scale of Namibia’s landscape just begs to be explored. With train and bus travel basically non-existent it’s left up to independent travellers to explore for themselves, which often casts a spell on those intrepid adventurers.

If you’d like to find out more about a specialist-guided safari in Namibia or understand what the different lodges in Namibia offer, then please get in touch with our travel specialists today and we’ll explain more about the best ways to experience this captivating southern African country