Top 5 Places to Visit in Namibia
Written by Daryll Williams
If you are an adventurer and nature lover, you have come to the right place. This blog is all about showing you where the cool stuff is at. Namibia is mostly known for its vast landscapes, stunning wildlife and diverse cultures. Below we will share with you the top 5 places to visit in Namibia including where you can spot the Big 5, some of the most exciting activities and how you can have an authentic local experience. Ready, set, here we go!
1. Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is known for having some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Climbing to the top of these dunes, like Big Daddy, the highest, is as thrilling as taking in the epic view of the oldest desert that surrounds them. For more stunning vistas, hot-air ballooning is a great idea. Not only will you enjoy the scenery from up in the sky, but the feeling of wind blowing over your face will satisfy your adventure-seeking soul. The dunes, Deadvlei and the Sesriem Canyon are all located inside the gate, which is open only between sunrise and sunset. To see these beautiful creations, you need a permit, which you can easily get at the entrance gate in Sesriem or at the offices of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Windhoek or Swakopmund. The first 60km of the road is suitable for sedan vehicles, but after that, the last 5km is for 4x4s only. Not to worry, there is a shuttle service available to take you on the last stretch.
Deadvlei
Usually, when a tree dies, it falls over and decomposes but not at Deadvlei, the most famous pan inside Sossusvlei. Hundreds of years ago, the pan was flooded by the Tsauchab river and a couple of camelthorn trees flourished in the pan. But with the following drought and lack of water in the pan, the trees eventually died. They are still standing in the pan, due to the dry conditions which have kept them from decomposing.
Sesriem Canyon
At the gates leading to the Sossusvlei dunes is a small settlement called Sesriem, with a service station and a small shop. The 30m deep Sesriem Canyon is 4km south-east of the gate. Sesriem is a great stop to fill up both your snack bag and tank while you get to see the second most visited attraction in the area.
2. Etosha National Park
Get ready to see most of the Big 5 up close. All of them, except the buffalo, roam freely in the Etosha National Park. If you are not with a guide, here are some tips on how to interact with them.
Lions and Leopards
Stepping outside your car is not a good idea. Just enjoy the beauty and fierceness of these carnivores from the safety of your vehicle.
Elephants
The sound of your car can pose a threat to them. It is important to switch off the car engine if you come super close to see them.
Rhinos
Rhinos do not have good eyesight but can pick up on movements. So just admire their grandiose appearance from behind your car window.
The beauty of the Etosha National Park is that the animals roam freely. If you don’t spot any rhinos, ask for tips at your accommodation or book a guided safari drive. The guides have first-hand knowledge about where to find these intriguing animals plus they will provide you with a lot of insight about the Big 5 and more. Read our complete safari guide to Namibia for more tips and tricks when exploring in the wild.
3. Swakopmund
You will never run out of things to do at Swakopmund! From refreshing strolls to adrenaline-filled adventures, the town is perfect for explorers and summer lovers alike. It offers a range of sporty activities like quad biking, sandboarding and more toned down experiences like visiting an aquarium. It is also rich in German heritage as architecture and street names still uphold German culture.
Mondesa Township Tours
There is a saying in Namibia that goes “Local is lekker'' meaning local is fun. The Mondesa Township Tour is a local-is-lekker-experience not to miss. The tour guides have expert knowledge of the township including where to find the best traditional cuisine. Mondesa is one of the suburbs in Swakopmund and only a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
What to expect
Interacting with Ovambo, Herero and Damara tribes
Information sessions to get to know their histories
Enjoying Namibian cuisine and drinks
Learning a few words from each language
25% of the profits from the tours are invested in the Mondesa School and Community Foundation. The proceeds are used for providing meals to children as well as financing after-school activities such as yoga for kids. The foundation also facilitates sewing projects for women of the township and invests in computers for the school library.
The buzz of Kuska
Swakopmund is a German-influenced town. Each year in October the town is full of buzz with Kuska, the German carnival, where you can enjoy chill sessions with live music performances and lots of beer. Festival-goers take pleasure in the fusion of Namibian and German cultures.
Relaxation time
Lazy beach walks
Take a relaxing stroll on Swakopmund’s clean beach for a calming feel.
Caffeine boost
If you are a coffee enthusiast, Swakopmund has a 100% Namibian owned café called Slowtown Coffee Roasters. Specialising in roasting coffee beans in-house, you are guaranteed a laid-back ambience wisped in coffee aroma.
Have a spa day
Taking a trip to one of the spas in Swakopmund is time well spent. One of the best is the Dome Serenity Spa.
4. Damaraland
The rhinos’ home
Damaraland is home to the largest free-roaming population of black rhino in the world. An exciting and truly memorable activity to do in this area is to take part in tracking the rhino with experienced trackers from the Save the Rhino Trust. Other animals that can be spotted include lions and desert-adapted elephants.
Glorious Sunsets
For the most unforgettable sunset, go to Damaraland. There is a mountain called Brandberg, or “burning mountain” due to the fact that when the sun goes down, its cliffs look like they have been set on fire. Damaraland is also great for hiking. For more ideas on what to do when in Namibia, check out our top 7 activities in Namibia.
5. Skeleton coast
The Skeleton Coast has a foggy and windy climate. The stunning views that you will enjoy are worth bracing its torrential weather. Not to mention the incredible photos you will get to take. You can book a guided scenic flight or a safari drive. Pick and choose!
Wildlife
Even though the weather conditions are extreme, some animals have managed to survive along this stretch of Namibia’s coast. Keep a lookout for the shy and elusive brown hyena, cheeky jackals and, if you’re really lucky, you might spot a lion.
Spitzkoppe
Not quite located in the Skeleton Coast but nonetheless on the way to Swakopmund from the capital, Spitzkoppe is a popular stop-over for locals and travellers alike. The 670 m high granite peaks have tempted rock climbers for years, but don’t be intimidated, there are many easy hikes up for a great sundowner.
Cape Cross
Located at the historic Cape Cross, the Cape Cross Seal Reserve is home to the largest colony of Cape fur seals in the world. The overwhelming sounds and smells during a visit is unforgettable and you will be amazed at the sheer number of wriggling bodies on one stretch of beach.
That’s a wrap. Now you know which top 5 places to visit in Namibia. We know it can be frustrating to get into researching and spreadsheeting, all in coordination with your partner, friends or family. We got you covered. At Viatu, we have predefined tours for Namibia-newbies and -oldies, completely customised tours suited to your preferences and everything in between. Choose, adjust or build your own tour from scratch and join the tribe of smarter, wilder and greener adventurers.
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