Namibia Holidays

There are many wonderful experiences to be had in this glorious African nation. For further inspiration take a look at the trip ideas put together by our trusted local experts, but in the meantime here are our top things to do in Namibia.  

Go on safari in Etosha National Park

You may look at Namibia and think it is far too harsh an environment for much wildlife to survive. This is surprisingly not the case. Etosha National Park has over 140 mammals within its borders including four of the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos - as well as many giraffes, antelopes and zebras. It is also home to the highest population of wild cheetahs in Africa, the wide open plains suiting their high speed hunting style. A safari here is one you won’t ever forget.

Scale the dunes of Sossusvlei

The astonishing red sand dunes of Sossusvlei are perhaps one of Namibia’s most iconic features. Soaring to 400 metres or more, they contrast strikingly with the bright blue sky. Scale the tallest dune in the area, Big Daddy, or - if you want a truly magical experience - soar over the desert on a scenic hot air balloon ride. Whatever you do, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for perfectly adapted wildlife such as elegant gemsboks and flamboyant ostriches.

Admire the rock paintings of Twyfelfontein

If history is your thing, then head to Twyfelfontein to admire some 2,500 rock carvings and paintings, created by a Stone Age population who are estimated at having lived in Namibia around 6,000 years ago. The artwork hints at a great abundance of wildlife, potentially far more than the now sun-baked landscape could sustain, with antelope, lions, giraffes and elephants galore.

Hike the Fish River Canyon

Right down in the south of Namibia a cleft snakes for more than 160 kilometres on a meandering course through the arid plateau, scoured into the bedrock by the Fish River itself. The major reason to visit the ravine is to hike part of the length, a challenging wilderness trek which allows a close up experience of this huge geological feature which some state is the second biggest canyon in the world. Hikes should only be undertaken in the winter months from May to September as the temperatures soar outside of this period.

River safari in the Caprivi Strip

Upending the idea that Namibia is a desert nation, the tropical climate of the Caprivi Strip - the long, narrow panhandle of territory in Namibia’s north east - ensures that this region is lush with vegetation and laced with waterways.  Wildlife is reliably attracted to the river banks and a boat trip on the most popular stretches of river will usually reward you with sightings of hippo, elephant, buffalo, waterbuck and crocs. Birders are spoilt by the numerous species of wetland birds as well as significant numbers of species from East Africa.

While there are many well-known things to do in Namibia, what about the lesser-known highlights? Our local experts have shared some of their top tips for where to go and what to do if you fancy a bit of an alternative Namibian adventure.

Get to know Windhoek

Experience different facets of Windhoek, including its historical features - the old railway station, the House of Parliament, the Christuskirche, the Rider’s Memorial and Alte Feste  or Old Fort. Browse Windhoek’s main thoroughfare, Independence Avenue, for shops and cafes, or explore Katutura, a lively and engaging neighbourhood with a truly African buzz. Discover the colourful markets here and visit community initiatives such as ‘Penduka’ - empowering rural women by selling examples of textiles, basketwork and needlework.

Lessons from the San

Learn the centuries old secrets of desert life from the San community. Take a walk with the experts through the bush to gain insight into the plant life - which are valuable to the San community and why. Some are edible, some medicinal, some make good fuel. Learn how the San bushmen carry out the hunt, and when evening comes, their timeworn methods for building and lighting the campfire. Around the fire is where San socialising takes place, and this is where you can participate in games and watch the community share their traditional songs and dance.

Swakopmund

Situated not far from Windhoek on the west coast, Swakopmund is known for its Germanic architecture and its relaxed beachside vibe. There are a huge range of activities available in the vicinity, so when you feel like a change from strolling the tidy streets and browsing the markets there is plenty to keep you busy. Take a cruise on Walvis Bay looking out for whales, dolphins, mola, leatherback turtles and seals or try your hand at kayaking, a great vantage point for birdwatching. Desert wildlife is another draw, and a guided tour will astound and inform.

Skeleton coast

Where the desert meets the ocean a barren and desolate beauty awaits. The skeletal hulks of rusting ships gave the area its name, along with the whalebones that scatter the shore. The fog that enshrouds the coast is to blame for many of the shipwrecks, but it is also an essential feature of the ecosystem. This is a region that seems lifeless, but the fog actually provides precious fresh water for the plants and animals that live here.

300 days of sunshine a year make Namibia a year-round option, but there are a few things worth bearing in mind. The summer months from October to February can be pretty hot and the bulk of the country’s rainfall also occurs during this period. Those visiting the north of the nation will want to avoid March due to regular floods. The best time to visit Namibia for wildlife viewers is April to June, when the drier weather brings animals into the open at watering holes.

Namibia is a fascinating country. But did you know any of our top facts about it?

1. There are more cheetahs in Namibia than anywhere else. Many are found in Etosha, but they are present in many parts of the country.

2. The Namib desert is estimated to be around 80 million years old, making it the oldest desert there is.

3. Many movies have been filmed in Namibia’s dramatic landscapes, for example Mad Max (Fury road) and  2001: A Space Odyssey.

4. Namibia was the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment in its constitution. Today approximately 19% of its surface area is protected, either as a national park, game reserve or conservation area.

5. Dune 7 is around 390 metres tall, making it the tallest sand dune on the planet. For comparison, the Eiffel Tower is 324 metres high.

6. In terms of population density, Namibia has one of the lowest in the world, with around 3 people per square kilometre.

7. Namibia is also the only country globally to protect its entire coastline with a network of national parks that stretch the full 15,000 kilometres along the Atlantic shore.

8. In protest at their treatment at the hands of colonialists, some Herero tribes people dress in flouncy 19th century outfits which closely mirror the style favoured by their one time oppressors.

If you're looking for something to get you in the mood before you set off on your travels to Namibia, we've gathered a list of our favourite books to inspire you. 

'The Other Side Of Silence' by Andre Brink.

Following a brutally bleak childhood, the protagonist (Hanna) escapes her life of abuse in Germany to a colony in present day Namibia, but what lies ahead in Africa is just as disturbing.  

'The Elephant's Secret Sense' by Caitlin O'Connell.

An account of a thirteen year study into ways to reduce elephant/farmer conflict and understand more about the ways that elephants communicate.

'The Old Way' by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas.

Celebrated anthropologist Elizabeth Marshall Thomas began her journey to knowledge of the San people in 1950, and from her deep understanding of their harmony with the land she makes revelations about human life in general.