Namibia gets its name from the Namib desert – the oldest desert in the world. This large country has a population of 2,49 million people and is bordered by Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. Conservation is important to the residents of Namibia who have enshrined the protection of the natural environment in the country’s constitution.
The conservation efforts of both state-run and private nature reserves have resulted in the restoration of the number of Lions, Cheetahs, Black Rhinos, Zebra, and other wildlife naturally found in this dry land. The incredible wildlife, landmarks, and history of Namibia make it one of the best safaris locations in Africa.
Destinations in Namibia
Namibia is proud of its conservation efforts and has good reason to be. There are 20 state-run protected areas that cover 17% of Namibia. Etosha is the largest of the National Parks covering 22 270km². These well-managed National Parks make it one of the safest places to travel in Africa on a safari.
As an English or German-speaking tourist, you will find it easy to communicate with people in Namibia. There are however 26 different languages spoken in Namibia by residents belonging to 14 ethnic groups. Learn more about the diverse people of Namibia and the stories which they tell during a cultural tour or activity.
Travel to Kolmanskop for a 45min guided walk to appreciate and learn about the 1930’s era buildings in the Kolmanskop ghost town. The last family left this isolated diamond mining town in 1956, leaving the buildings to fill with sand.
Depart from the Luderitz waterfront on a catamaran to visit the island of Halifax which is home to a colony of African penguins. Relax while the captain navigates the open ocean passing an old whaling station before traveling around Diaz Point. Keep an eye out for whales, heavy side dolphins, and seals during this ocean tour.
Namibia has an incredible coastline with Walvis Bay offering protection from the incoming swell. A kayaking tour out to Pelican Point gives you a chance to see an island colony of Cape Fur Seals. Travel in a 4×4 to the point before experiencing a guided kayak trip on the open ocean.
A luxurious alternative is to join a catamaran tour traveling along the Walvis Bay tidal lagoon out to the seal colony at Pelican Point. Learn about the local ecosystem while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine and fresh oysters.
A city and township cultural tour is a great way to learn about the Namibian people and the history of Windhoek. Through visits to museums and making stops at culturally significant places your guide will help deepen your experience of this incredible country and the people who inhabit it.
Hike 6km with a guide in nature at the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve to learn more about local plants and wildlife. A memorable tour with the opportunity to sight mountain zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest, kudu, and giraffes while walking on foot.
If you enjoy adrenaline the Swakopmund area offers exhilarating quad-biking and sandboarding. Travel off-road to scenic areas where no cars are able to reach. This activity does not have an age limit but children younger than 14 need to travel with a parent.
Taking a slower alternative can be a rush too with guided walks helping you to see lizards, snakes, beetles and geckos. Swakopmund’s eco dune tours are hassle-free and low impact outings into the Namibian dune landscape.
Popular Tours in Namibia
One of the best ways to experience the country is to visit the highlights of Namibia over a two week safari. Starting in Windhoek you can visit the Kalahari desert, Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei sand dunes, Namib Desert, Walvis Bay, and Erongo Mountains before spending two nights in Etosha National park.
Morning game drives in Etosha will give you the best opportunity to spot lions and leopards. Visiting the waterholes, open plains and Mopane thickets in hope of a rare and special sighting. Leave Etosha to see the mysteriously deep Otijkoto Lake created by a collapsing karst cave before visiting the unique trees and fascinating geology of the Waterberg.
The Waterberg Wilderness Lodge will host you for the last night of your 12 nights on this all-inclusive African safari. This venue boasts spectacular views over expansive landscapes. Learn about the fauna and flora unique to the area during a guided walk with views of the Waterberg plateau. As your journey comes to an end, savour the last game drive and natural surroundings before returning to the Namibian capital, Windhoek.
Spend the day of your flight in the cosmopolitan African capital with your guide, relaxing or visiting the shops. The tour guides in Namibia go above and beyond for tourists as they appreciate your contribution to the conservation of these incredible spaces and wildlife. Travel with your guide in an air-conditioned minivan between accommodations and in open-sided 4×4 vehicles for game drives.
The well-planned itinerary includes breakfast and dinner making this the perfect safari to relax while on holiday. The route covers a large area of Namibia and makes use of lodges and resorts for accommodation. Safaris take place with a minimum of four passengers and a maximum of 12 and are perfect for a solo traveler or family.
If you are able to afford it, visiting the luxury safari lodges in Namibia is highly recommended. Travel from Windhoek to the NamibRand, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast National Park, and Ongava over an 11-day safari. Enjoy game drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles while transferring between locations in a light aircraft to shrink the distances.
Staying at the most luxurious hotels, lodges and tented camps provides you with the perfect setting to unwind. Transferring between locations by aircraft not only saves travel time but also gives you a unique view of Namibia from above. An ideal safari for a romantic trip for two or perfect for a family of up to six.
If you’re flying into Windhoek and renting a car we recommend spending no less than two weeks to travel to the top national parks and landmarks in Namibia. Etosha National Park is Namibia’s most popular destination offering breathtaking wildlife and deserves no less than 5 days of your trip. Take a break from self driving during a 4×4 game viewing once inside the park.
The roads are long and the distances are great. Travel from Windhoek to the Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park to see the Fish River Canyon. From here head north to visit Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park, rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, Etosha National Park, and the Okonjima Nature Reserve.
FAQ
Now that you know what the hotspots in Namibia are, let’s answer a few questions that might concern you before visiting Namibia.
When is the Best Time for Tours in Namibia
Travel to Namibia and take home incredible memories of your time exploring the country’s various activities. May to October is the best time to travel to Namibia as the days are warm and the weather is dry. Wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes during this time of year and you can expect very few clouds.
Is it Safe to drink Namibian tap water?
Tap water are purified in most of the Namibian lodges and hotels. If you are concerned about the condition of the water, you can purchase bottled water everywhere. Before booking into any of the accommodations, you can also ask if their tap water is drinkable before making your way there.
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