Namibia – 7 Things Not to Miss

Whether you currently have a holiday booked to Namibia or if you are looking for reasons to book then this is perfect reading for you. Namibia is a country situated on the south-west corner of Africa and is very sparsely populated despite it’s size.

It has a fascinating mix of cultures, from the traditional Himba tribes in the North, to the obvious German influence in the architecture in the larger cities and towns such as Swakopmund. It has been said that a trip to Namibia is quite different to any other African country.

Namibia boasts large parts of desert and the Kalahari Desert crosses Namibia’s borders with Botswana and South Africa. In the north of Namibia, you can find stunning and remote valleys as well as the huge saltpans of the Etosha National Park which is the countries main wildlife reserve. Namibia is probably most famous for the huge undulating sand dunes at Sossusvlei and this iconic area is a must see.

Fish River Canyon.

The Fish River Canyon is located in the far south of the country and is the second largest canyon in the world. It measures in at 100 miles long, 17 miles wide and more than 1,600 feet deep.

To reach the canyon, you can fly in or you can visit it as part of a wider self-drive itinerary. Although long, it is worth the journey as the immensity of this magnificent landscape is truly breathtaking. It’s towering rock faces and deep ravines have been formed by water erosion.

Dependent on the time of year that you visit the canyon, you could be looking out to a dry river bed or a rainy-season raging torrent.

As the environment here is so diverse, there are a number of habitats for a number of different species. Mammals, reptiles, insects and fish can all be found here.

If you enjoy hiking there are some exceptional and challenging organised hiking trails in the area.

Sossusvlei

In the Namib Naukluft Desert sits the towering sand-dune landscape of Sossusvlei. Some of these magnificent dunes including the famous “Big Daddy” are up to 1,000 feet tall. Arguably Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction it is an excellent destination for travellers all year round.

Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, you can find a wide variety of different plants and animals who have adapted in order to survive in these conditions.

This is a brilliant place to visit if you are looking for the ultimate safari experience. Scenic nature drives, dune walks and quad bike trips are all possible. A real highlight is to also take an early morning balloon flight over the ever-changing landscape. If you are looking to stay nearby, we recommend Little Kulala or &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. For self-drivers on a budget there are other options outside the reserve.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a fascinating Atlantic coastal town which is sandwiched between the ocean and the Namib Desert. It is full of personality and boasts half-timbered German architecture, seaside promenades and homely guesthouses.

Although the water is chilly which means that swimming is only for the brave there are many different activities to do here. It is a great base to explore the nearby dunes, with excursions including quad bikes, cycling and 4×4 nature tours.

Just to the south of Swakopmund is Walvis Bay, a bustling port offering Dolphin cruises and trips to the seal colony. For a spectacular view of the area, take a scenic flight over the dunes or down the dramatic coastline. A once in a lifetime memory.

The Skeleton Coast

Next up on our list is The Skeleton Coast. This is arguably the most unique area in Namibia and although the landscape is stark, it is truly stunning.

A fascinating combination of desert landscape and wild coastline. The area is home to a host of wildlife which has adapted to the dry and dusty desert environment. These include elephants, giraffes and brown hyenas. In addition, the coastline is famous for rough seas and is littered with the remains of old sailing vessels that have many stories to tell.

This is such an impressive piece of landscape that cannot be missed. It is worth the extra effort to travel to this remote part of Namibia. There are few lodges, but they offer top  luxury as well as experience. Take a look at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp or Shipwreck Lodge.