Top Attractions to Explore in Namibia

Unique Experiences for Watching the Game

In Namibia’s dry season (May to October), the temporary water holes surrounding Etosha Pan draw in an astonishing array of wildlife, creating a scene of epic proportions. Etosha National Park features a massive mineral pan that rivals the size of Holland, while the adjacent grasslands serve as vibrant feeding grounds for abundant herds of plains game and the diverse wildlife of Namibia, including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and giraffes.

Damaraland boasts small populations of desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, oryx, and springboks (gazelles). Desert-adapted elephants can journey up to 70 kilometres (40 miles) a day through the arid landscape in pursuit of food and water – and unlike their larger savannah relatives, they don’t harm any trees in their search for sustenance.

Kaokoveld is a breathtaking and mountainous terrain, brimming with rugged charm. The area serves as a sanctuary for the elusive desert-adapted lion, majestic elephant, endangered black rhino, graceful giraffe, and striking oryx. The nomadic lions of Kaokoveld have embraced their surroundings, thriving in one of the world’s most challenging environments. In the vast expanse of the desert, where sustenance is scarce, these formidable felines have mastered the art of hunting, capable of bringing down large prey such as giraffes and even elephants.

Experience the incredible abundance of wildlife in Etosha, especially during the dry season.
Embark on an exhilarating journey to track desert-adapted rhinos on foot in Damaraland.
Embark on a quest to discover the elusive desert-dwelling elephant and lion in Kaokoveld.
Encounter Cape fur seals and the elusive brown hyena on thrilling adventures along Skeleton Coast safaris.
The Caprivi Strip in Namibia is an exhilarating destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Optimal Moments to Explore Namibia

The Ultimate Playground of Excitement

Namibia’s vast and stunning landscapes are truly unmatched in their grandeur. Picture towering ochre sand dunes reaching heights of over 300 metres (985 feet), majestic inselbergs, and a dramatic coastline littered with shipwrecks alongside the remnants of whales and seals.

From sandboarding down the towering dunes of our planet’s oldest desert to scaling the granite slopes of the ‘Matterhorn of Africa’, a vacation in Namibia presents an array of exhilarating activities for those seeking excitement.

Embark on a journey through the majestic Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world.
Glide down the towering dunes of the Namib on a sandboard.
Embark on a thrilling rock climbing experience at Spitzkoppe, a majestic inselberg towering over the vast desert plains of Damaraland.
Ride your mountain bike along the singletracks that weave through the stunning moonscape of Namibia, just outside Swakopmund.
Experience a breathtaking early-morning balloon ride soaring above the stunning Sossusvlei dunes.
Encounter the Experts of the Desert
Member of the Himba Tribe in Kaokoland, Namibia.

Venture into a secluded part of the Kalahari to encounter the San Bushmen. This indigenous hunter-gatherer society continues to utilize Stone Age technology, while their profound understanding of the environment is only now being explored by researchers. Their grasp of the wild is truly remarkable, and their ability to thrive in it is simply astounding.

The Himba are a remarkable indigenous group residing in the captivating Kaokoveld region of northern Namibia. Encountering them is one of the most enriching experiences you can have in Africa. They are well-known for adorning themselves with otjize paste – a blend of butterfat and ochre pigment – as a shield against the intense, arid desert climate. The Himba’s skin and hair possess a unique style, texture, and vibrant orange-red hue.

Discover the remarkable survival skills of the San Bushmen, the original inhabitants of Southern Africa.
Immerse yourself in the world of the Himba, regarded as the last true nomadic people of Namibia.

Exploring Namibia

How to Reach Namibia: Is It Better to Drive or Fly In?

To fully embrace a holiday in Namibia, you either need ample time or a generous budget. If your finances allow, traversing the far-flung regions of this vast nation is a breeze. However, if you possess plenty of time and a free-spirited nature, there’s no finer country in Africa for embarking on self-drive safaris.

Driving yourself certainly does not embody the spirit of bold discovery. Car hire can be organized for you, complete with an exciting itinerary, comprehensive maps, and all the essential information to ensure you have a thrilling self-drive holiday in Namibia.

While distances might seem intimidating, the country’s roads are well-maintained, direct, and pleasantly open. Taking the wheel allows you to fully embrace the freedom of crafting your own journey, while also enveloping you in the breathtaking beauty and vast openness of Namibia’s landscapes.

A self-drive Namibia vacation offers an exhilarating way to discover the wonders of the country.
The road infrastructure in safari areas such as Etosha National Park is excellent.
Taking the wheel is the most budget-friendly way to explore.
Embrace the thrill of exploring your Namibia vacation on your own terms.
If You Wish to Hit the Road
Namibia offers an exhilarating experience on the road. The roads are in excellent condition, and you will find the highways pleasantly open, free from the chaos of congested traffic. If you have over a week to explore, you can embark on a journey to significant destinations in the north, such as Windhoek, the capital, Swakopmund, and Etosha. The journeys are extensive, and you will need to embrace the experience of driving on the left side of the road, navigating areas with limited mobile phone reception, and tackling the challenge of changing a flat tire if the situation arises. A 4×4 with air conditioning transforms the travels into a much more enjoyable experience. Keep in mind that your days will be filled with driving, leaving little opportunity to fully soak in the distinctive ambiance of Namibia.

Setting aside at least two weeks to explore Namibia’s most remarkable attractions is a much better choice. This might not provide ample opportunity to explore the Fish River Canyon, located far down south near the South African border, but it will enable you to enjoy a few days in each location without the need for daily driving. No one desires to dedicate their precious vacation time confined within a vehicle.

Three weeks will grant you the opportunity to explore at a leisurely pace and possibly discover hidden gems such as the Skeleton Coast, the verdant Caprivi Strip nourished by the Okavango, Chobe, and Zambezi Rivers, along with other secluded spots. If you have the time, make sure to explore the site of the Gideon meteorite shower, where around 150 meteorites descended to Earth 600 million years ago, or the Ombalantu Baobab Tree, an impressive 800-year-old giant that can accommodate 35 people within its trunk, which has served as a church, post office, and jail throughout the years.

A man sprints down the towering dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia.

If You Desire to Soar
If you are eager to indulge and experience Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes from above, then hopping between your lodgings by light aircraft is the perfect choice. A Namibia flying safari may come with a higher price tag compared to driving, but it offers a significant advantage in time savings: long drives are transformed into quick journeys, allowing you to spend more time savoring the lodges, embarking on game drives, or exploring the breathtaking sights.

Some camps lack airstrip access, which will shape your travel plans. Soaring through the skies is undoubtedly the simplest and most enjoyable method to access far-off destinations such as the Skeleton Coast or Kunene, along the Angolan border.

Our Approach: Journey by Land and Sky
We recommend blending driving and flying to save money, add some excitement, and make the most of your time in Namibia while staying within budget.

For instance, you might consider embarking on a journey from Windhoek to Swakopmund and then to Etosha National Park through Damaraland, but opt to fly back to Windhoek from Etosha for your onward flight home, avoiding the lengthy drive of over 7 hours. If you are eager to experience the Fish River Canyon, skip the lengthy 8-hour round trip drive from Windhoek and opt for a flight instead. There are numerous exciting options to explore, and your Africa Safari Expert will guide you in choosing the perfect adventure that fits your schedule and budget.

What is the Price of a Safari in Namibia?

Although we have been immersed in the safari experience since 1998, pinpointing a specific cost remains quite challenging for us. There are countless factors to think about, like the season of your journey, your mode of transport, and your preference for cozy or lavish lodging. This is why we embrace a personalized approach, engaging with each client individually and leveraging our expertise to craft a unique itinerary from the ground up.

We can certainly provide rough estimates that assist in crafting a budget. For lodging, we recommend collaborating with the following individuals:

Every safari we offer is fully inclusive, ensuring that meals, most beverages, park fees, and taxes are all part of your accommodation rate, so you can enjoy your adventure without any unexpected costs when you depart. We also enjoy organizing and planning excursions or activities to enhance your itinerary for the same reason.

As noted, traveling between destinations by air may cost more than driving, but it offers a quicker and more convenient option. Collaborate with your Africa Safari Expert to determine the amount of driving you feel comfortable with if you are looking to minimize expenses. The journey from Sossusvlei to Damaraland can easily fill a whole day of your trip, especially with all the exciting stops and breaks along the way. There are vast expanses to traverse, and even flights in small aircraft can extend for an hour or two.

A person stands atop a game drive vehicle under the starry night sky of Namibia.

The Currency

The Namibian dollar shares its foreign exchange rate with the South African rand, allowing you to use rands for purchases in Namibia, though any change will be given in Namibian dollars. Typically, travelers discover that dining at restaurants, embarking on excursions, and various expenses like purchasing souvenirs offer quite a reasonable return on their investment. Red meat, for instance, offers great value. Premium wines are often sourced from South Africa and can fetch appealing prices without being excessively high.

As with many aspects of life, a larger budget opens up a world of possibilities. Even those with modest budgets can discover the wonders of Namibia – the secret lies in maintaining open communication with your consultant, allowing them to craft the most unforgettable journey tailored just for you.

How to Organize Your Journey to Namibia

One of the most thrilling experiences is to organize your safari. We can effortlessly lose ourselves in thoughts of the incredible wildlife encounters awaiting us, the delightful sundowners we’ll enjoy, the fascinating people we’ll connect with, and so much more. However, as with all pursuits, aspirations are more likely to materialize when they are supported by well-crafted strategies developed with the guidance of experienced professionals.

Namibia is an exhilarating destination, but there are plenty of things to consider:

Is this your inaugural journey to Africa?

Many of our clients have explored Africa previously, checking off iconic spots such as Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, the Serengeti, or the Masai Mara before embarking on a journey to a more secluded destination like Namibia.

If you are considering a drive, have you ever embarked on long journeys before?
While the landscape is stunning, there are limited towns or petrol stations in Namibia where you can stop for a restroom break or grab a coffee. At times, a solitary tree by the roadside becomes your companion, adding to the thrill for those who seek excitement in their journeys.

Do you enjoy embarking on journeys together as a group?

For hours on end, you might find yourself in the company of your fellow passengers, so it’s essential to forge a strong bond with them while exploring the stunning landscapes of Namibia.

What are your top recommendations or essential experiences?

Without ample funds and time, experiencing all the diverse wonders of a country like Namibia might be quite challenging. Begin with what excites you and what you enjoy, and build from that foundation. If you lean more towards history than hiking, then extending your stay in Swakopmund (where beer continues to be brewed in accordance with a 1516 German purity law from Bavaria) and reducing your time in Sossusvlei would suit you perfectly. If you prefer birdwatching over beer, make the most of your time in the Caprivi Strip and spend a day or two exploring Swakop.

A stunning silhouette of quiver trees stands boldly against the enchanting twilight sky in Namibia.

When are you ready to embark on this journey?

To experience the wonders of Etosha and Damaraland at their finest, it is wise to begin your planning a year ahead. This might come across as intense and perhaps a bit over the top, but options for accommodation are scarce and tend to disappear quickly. If you wait too long, you might find it impossible to find a place to stay. Planning a thorough and satisfying itinerary for Namibia requires careful consideration of availability.

Who are you embarking on this journey with?

Finding family rooms can be quite a challenge when three or more are traveling together – yet another compelling reason to start planning as early as possible. When traveling with little ones, keep in mind that children under six may not be allowed on open game-drive vehicles. Some guides might choose to skip predator sightings when children are present in an open vehicle.

What brings you here?

Flights from Europe and the Middle East into the capital, Windhoek, are limited yet consistent. If you are traveling from places like the United States or Australia, your journey might begin with a flight into Johannesburg, South Africa, where you may spend the night before continuing on to Namibia.

Once you have the essentials sorted – when you want to travel, what you want to spend, what you want to see and do, and who you want to go with – you can pass all of the planning, paperwork, and admin to your travel consultant and return to dreaming about arriving in Namibia!