Follow Us:  

Top
Image Alt

Namibia

Destination Guide Namibia

Namibia, a country of breathtaking landscapes and untamed wilderness, is an adventurer’s paradise. From the vast expanses of the Namib Desert to the abundant wildlife of Etosha National Park, Namibia offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts.

Highlights & Must-See Attractions

  • Etosha National Park: One of Africa’s best game reserves, Etosha is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including several endangered species like the black rhinoceros. The park’s numerous waterholes offer excellent game viewing opportunities.
  • Sossusvlei: Known for its high red sand dunes, Sossusvlei is a stunning landscape of vast deserts and salt pans. The iconic Deadvlei, with its dead acacia trees set against a backdrop of towering dunes, is a photographer’s dream.
  • Fish River Canyon: The second largest canyon in the world offers spectacular vistas. Hiking the Fish River Canyon provides a challenging yet rewarding experience, with incredible scenery and overnight camping under the stars.
  • Swakopmund: This coastal town is a blend of German colonial architecture and modern adventure sports. It’s the perfect base for activities like quad biking, sandboarding, and skydiving, along with exploring the town’s cultural attractions.
  • Skeleton Coast: Famous for its foggy conditions, shipwrecks, and bones scattered along the beach, the Skeleton Coast is eerily beautiful and offers a remote, otherworldly experience.

Our lesser-known favourites

  1. Kolmanskop: A ghost town in the Namib Desert, once a thriving diamond mining town. Now abandoned, it’s slowly being reclaimed by the sand, creating a hauntingly picturesque scene.
  2. Caprivi Strip: A narrow stretch of land rich in wildlife, offering a more lush and water-rich environment compared to the arid rest of Namibia. It’s great for safaris and bird watching.
  3. Twyfelfontein: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area has one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa, with over 2,500 figures dating back 6,000 years.
  4. Himba Village: Visit a Himba village to learn about the culture and traditions of the Himba people, who have maintained their traditional way of life.

Did you know?

Namibia was the first country in the world to incorporate environmental protection into its constitution. The Namib Desert is considered one of the oldest deserts in the world, with some parts having been arid for at least 55 million years.

Food and Cuisine

  • Biltong: Similar to jerky, this dried, cured meat is a popular snack throughout Namibia.
  • Potjiekos: A traditional South African stew that is also popular in Namibia, made in a cast-iron pot over an open fire.
  • Kapana: Grilled meat typically sold in open markets, a must-try street food experience.
  • Wild game: Namibia offers a variety of game meats, including kudu, oryx, and springbok, which are often served in restaurants.

Practical Information

  • Best Season to Visit: The dry season from May to October is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources. However, the landscape is most beautiful during the rainy season (November to April) when it’s lush and green.
  • Temperature: Temperatures vary widely, especially in the desert, where it can be extremely hot during the day and drop significantly at night.
  • Visa Requirements: Many visitors can enter Namibia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Always make sure you check the latest visa requirements on the official government website, or just give us a call.

Getting ready for departure

  • Local Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD), tied to the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also accepted.
  • Culture & Dress Code: Casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for most travel activities, with warmer attire needed for chilly mornings and evenings.
  • Language: English is the official language and is widely spoken, making communication generally easy for travelers.
  • Electronics: Namibia uses type D and M plugs, so a universal adapter may be necessary.
  • Local emergency numbers: Police: 10111; Ambulance: 211111.

Before you travel to Namibia, check out our Ultimate Packing List to ensure you have everything you need for an adventure in one of Africa’s most extraordinary destinations. Consider bringing back Namibian crafts like basketry, jewelry, or wood carvings as unique souvenirs.