Best places to visit in NAMIBIA
Curious about the best places to visit in Namibia? What are the best places to visit in Namibia? What activities should you add to your Namibia itinerary? Which regions not to miss?
Known for untamed wilderness and ancient deserts, Namibia is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. But it’s not only desert you’ll find in Namibia. Iconic salt pans, exotic wildlife, one of the world’s largest canyons and lovely colonial towns with rich German colonial architecture. All that and much more awaits you in Namibia.
If you are about to go to Namibia, then this article is for you. It’s a list of the best places to visit in Namibia.
6 best places to visit in Namibia
Etosha National Park
Established in 1907, Etosha National Park offers abundant wildlife, unique safari experience and various safari lodges.
With an area of 22 270 km2, Etosha National Park has a diverse range of landscapes including dolomite hills, savanna woodlands and grasslands. However, the most prominent landscape is a salt pan, and this is what makes this national park so unique.
The national park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including some endangered species such as the black rhinoceros.
Besides the endangered black rhinos, you can also spot elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, impalas and many more.
Fish River Canyon Park
The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and one of the largest canyons in the world.
Located in the south of Namibia, the canyon features a gigantic ravine which is about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide, and in some places even 550 meters deep.
The Fish River Canyon is formed by the Fish River, the longest interior river in Namibia.
If you are an avid hiker, you’d probably be interested in hiking the Fish River Canyon Trail. It is about 85 km long, and it takes 4-5 days to complete the route.
You can hike it unguided or book a guided tour. As the trail is tough, you must be fit to do it.
As there are no facilities available on the route, hikers must carry food, medicine and all the necessary equipment. Water is available at the canyon, but you must carry water purification tablets.
The trail can be conducted only from May to mid-September.
Thanks to the breathtaking views, the Fish River Canyon is one of the best places to visit in Namibia. And the Fish River Trail is one of the best places to do in Namibia for athletic people.
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Located in western Namibia, the Namib-Naukluft National Park is known for its unique, out-of-this-world landscapes and rust-red dunes.
A part of the national park is the Namib Desert. It is a coastal desert stretching for more than 2000 kilometres along the coast of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa.
Dating back at least 55 million years, the Namib Desert is considered the world’s oldest desert.
This desert is known for its almost completely uninhabited and pristine landscapes.
The best-known area of the Namib desert is Sossusvlei, a salt pan surrounded by sand dunes which can reach over 325 m in height.
Deadvlei (dead marsh) is a white clay pan located near the famous Sossusvlei. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Namibia. It is known for dead camel thorn trees which contrast against the white ground.
Another notable tourist attraction in the national park is Sesriem, a small canyon of the Tsauchab River.
Despite the fact that the Namib-Naukluft National Park area is very arid, a surprising collection of animals are living there. There you can spot snakes, geckos, hyenas, leopards, African wildcats, foxes, baboons, caracals, bat-eared foxes and jackals.
Sptizkoppe
The Spitzkoppe is a group of granite peaks that rise dramatically from the flat surrounding plains. Due to Sptizkoppe’s unique landscapes, it is voted one of the best places to visit in Namibia.
Often called the “Matterhorn of Namibia”, Sptizkoppe is comprised of granite which is more than 120 million years old. The highest peak is about 670 m above the floor of the desert.
Other interesting landmarks in the area include the Pontok Mountains and the Rock Arch with the Spitzkoppe in the background.
Swakopmund
If you are exploring the coast of Namibia and the Namib desert, do not miss Swakopmund. It is a city on the coast of western Namibia and the fourth-largest population centre in the country.
Enjoy the colonial feel in Swakopmund. As it was founded as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, the city still features marvellous examples of German colonial architecture.
Swakopmund is also known as a beach resort. Although not as luxurious as the ones in Maldives and Seychelles, the resort town has some nice hotels on the beach, where you can relax.
Cape Cross
Cape Cross is a small headland in western Namibia. It is known for Cape Cross Seal Reserve which is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world.
It was established in 1968 to protect the seals which are hunted commercially on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.
Now about 100 000 seals inhabit Cape Cross.
Namibia travel tips
- Citizens of many countries can enter Namibia without a visa for a maximum stay of 3 months within one calendar year. Nationals of some countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport or Walvis Bay Airport.
- The best time to visit Namibia is from June to October. These are the driest months, with clear sunny days with cooler temperatures. The temperatures can be freezing during the night, though. Be prepared — pack a sweater, warm jacket, trousers, warm socks and sturdy hiking shoes. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing.
- June — October is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit Namibia. We suggest you book your accommodation in advance, as it sells out.
- The distances are vast, and the roads aren’t great either. Be prepared for long travel times.
- A rental car is the most popular way to get around Namibia.
- Bus services are limited. Namibia has two luxury tourist trains.
- Namibia is relatively safe, but be careful when visiting its capital, Windhoek.
- Carry cash, as remote towns don’t accept cards and may not have ATMs.
- Malaria is a risk in some parts of Namibia. Malaria precautions are essential.