Super Secret Spots You Have to Visit in Namibia
Written by Nina van Zyl
There’s nothing better than exploring a spot that very few other people know about, especially when you have the opportunity of visiting a country for the first time. That’s why we’ve put together this list of super secret spots you have to visit in Namibia.
The Namibian “Dead Sea”
First off, let’s get one thing straight. This is not the actual Dead Sea we’re talking about. What was once an open mine in the middle of the desert is now a very salty pool , which means that, as with the Dead Sea in Israel, you float! For anyone that’s never tried it, it can be quite a strange experience. The Namibian Dead Sea is located north of Henties Bay, about 30 km on the C34, and then a right turn onto a dirt road. Be sure to bring along fresh water to wash the salt off after your dip.
Oranjemund
There’s a place in Namibia where the grocery store has a sign that says “No Gemsbok allowed inside”. That’s because in this little town, the oryx act like they own the place. We’re talking about Oranjemund, a tiny mining town right in the bottom left corner of Namibia, on the bank of the Orange River, after which it’s named. In the past, you needed a permit to enter Oranjemund, as a mine completely owned it, but recently the town has opened up to visitors. Take a walk along the river for some lovely birdwatching or swing around at the golf course where springbok keep the grass neatly clipped - make sure you don’t hit any of them!
Moon Landscape
Have you ever wanted to go to the moon? Without having to get on board a NASA spacecraft, instead visit an area just outside Swakopmund, where the landscape has the surreal quality of resembling the moon’s surface. Rolling blue hills of eroded rock seem to go on forever, and the place has an eerie atmosphere. Best visited early morning when the mist is low or late in the afternoon for some Golden Hour photography. To get there, follow Welwitschia Drive off the C28 south of Swakopmund, just past the farm Goanikontes.
Gross Barmen
Namibia isn’t famous for its spa towns, but there’s one place where the naturally hot underground waters bubble up into a spring. It’s called Gross Barmen, and Namibia Wildlife Resorts have a lodge established at the spot. The indoor heated pool gets its waters straight from the spring, which means pure indulgence for the visitor. There’s also an outdoor pool to cool off in, and lounging poolside is a great place to see springbuck come close. Gross Barmen is located only a few hours north of Windhoek, off the B1 towards Okahandja.
Stillhouse Atlantic Gin, Swakopmund
If you find yourself at the coast of Namibia, be sure to make your way to Stillhouse Atlantic Gin, where a genuinely Namibian dry gin is produced. The gin is made using traditional botanicals as well as hand-picked seaweed and desert plants, including the Nara melon, which is sustainably harvested. Stillhouse Gin selects all of its ingredients to be organic and pesticide-free.
The Zambezi Region
When most people think of Namibia, they think of the desert. They think of Sossusvlei, the dunes and the Namib, which is why the Zambezi Region made this list. It is quite unlike anywhere else in Namibia. This lush verdant stretch of land that pops out like a thumb from the rest of the country connects it to the Okavango Delta and a crisscross of waterways. Exceptional birding, fishing and action-packed game drives make this region unforgettable.
The wild horses of the Namib
The wild horses of the Namib are an awe-inspiring sight. Congregating around a borehole some distance inland from Lüderitz, these animals have made the desert their home for more than a century. There are many theories on their origin, with the most likely being that their ancestors came from a stud farm nearby at the turn of the last century. Watch the horses and take some snaps from the shade of a hide at the viewpoint near the borehole.
Baobabs in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy and further afield
There’s perhaps one tree that’s synonymous with Africa, and that’s the baobab. You can see these giants up close in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy, where until recently, the largest known baobab stood at a whopping 32 metres high. Another famous baobab, and one which is luckily still standing, is the Ombalantu Baobab at Outapi. With a height of 20.4 metres and a circumference of 24.4 metres, it’s no wonder that this tree has served as shelter, a chapel and even a post office.
Spreetshoogte Pass
It’s one of the most beautiful drives anywhere in Namibia. Coming from the Khomas Hochland, take a drive over the Spreetshoogte Pass, which lowers from an elevation of 1.780 metres, descending almost 1.000 metres in just 4 kilometres. At the top of the pass, turn off and take a moment to admire the view. This is where the rolling hills drop down and stretch out into the flat desert landscape below. If you come here late in the afternoon, stay to watch the most stunning sunset you’ll ever see.
Namibia is filled to the brim with exciting destinations and fun activities. Get started today with planning a once in a lifetime trip to this epic destination.