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.

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.

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.

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

4. Damaraland

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!

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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