Top 11 Must-Visit Destinations in Namibia
Namibia is a land of superlatives and contrasts. It’s home to Africa’s largest canyon, its oldest desert, and some of its highest dunes, boasting a 1,500km (932mi) coastline along with a network of languid waterways. Despite being one of Africa’s driest countries, sun-baked tracts of desert are nourished by fog rolling in from the icy Atlantic, enabling these seemingly empty expanses to support a variety of mega- and microfauna.
Exploring Namibia is a delight, thanks to its good infrastructure and well-developed tourism industry. Here are the best places to visit for an unforgettable experience in Namibia.
1. Etosha National Park
Best Safari Destination
Etosha is Namibia’s premier safari destination, renowned for large herds of zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and other wildlife gathering around its many water holes during the dry season. Notably, Etosha hosts one of Africa’s largest populations of the critically endangered black rhino, with the floodlit water hole at Okakuejo being an excellent spot for sightings.
Planning tip: Etosha is ideal for self-drive exploration due to its well-spaced network of camps and good road access.
2. Skeleton Coast National Park
Best Place for Solitude and Raw Beauty
Skeleton Coast National Park stretches 500km (310mi) along Namibia’s northwestern shoreline, splendid in its desolation with barren sands once littered with the remains of whales and seals. Although permits are required for the park’s northern section, the lower portion is accessible and offers an excellent feel for the area.
3. Swakopmund
Best Spot for Adrenaline Activities
Dune boarding, skydiving, and surfing are some of the thrilling activities you can experience in Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia. The town’s chill vibe, German-influenced architecture, and array of adventure sport operators make it a favorite stop on the Namibian travel circuit.
Nearby is Walvis Bay, known for its flamingoes and wetlands, and the striking Dune 7, Namibia’s highest dune.
4. Damaraland
Best Region for Desert-Adapted Wildlife
Damaraland, nestled between Etosha National Park and the coast, is a breathtaking region where desert-adapted elephants and lions roam among craggy rock formations and dry riverbeds. This area is also famous for its extensive rock art collection, featuring over 2,500 engravings at Twyfelfontein.
5. Sossusvlei
Best Place for Photography
In the heart of the Namib Desert lies Sesriem, the gateway to the stunning dune panoramas around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These iconic sights are a photographer’s paradise, showcasing sharp lines of ochre dunes against clear blue skies. Consider overnighting at a campsite or lodge to catch breathtaking sunrises and explore the mesmerizing landscape.
6. Lüderitz
Best Place for Coastal Birds and Wildlife
Lüderitz, uniquely situated between sea and desert, features early 20th-century German architecture and a bustling port. About 20 km west are the Diaz Point cliffs, known for seabirds and seals, along with the ghost town of Kolmanskop, slowly being reclaimed by the desert.
7. Southern Namibia
Best Destination for a River Adventure
The Orange River, forming Namibia’s border with South Africa, offers multi-day canoe adventures where you can paddle by day and camp under the stars. It’s an ideal base for exploring picturesque river landscapes and enjoying the local nature.
8. Kunene Region (Kaokoland)
Best Place for Remoteness
In the remote Kunene region, visitors can explore isolated valleys, empty scrublands, and mountains. This area is home to the semi-nomadic Himba people, who maintain their traditional lifestyle. The Kunene River, with its beautiful landscapes, offers great opportunities for exploration.
9. Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)
Best Destination for Water-Based Wildlife Watching
Northeastern Namibia features lazily flowing waterways, offering a contrast to the arid desert landscapes of the south. With Bwabwata National Park nearby, this area is perfect for those looking to enjoy water-based wildlife experiences.
10. Northern Namibia
Best Place for Getting to Know Local Culture
Northern Namibia serves as the cultural heartland of the Owambo people, offering numerous opportunities to engage with local culture. Visitors can learn about the history of Namibian independence and sample traditional foods at local eateries.
11. Windhoek
Best Place to Delve into Namibia’s History
No visit is complete without a stop in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. Set atop an inland plateau, it’s the best place to shop for crafts and prepare for further exploration across the country.
