Country guides
Africa
Things to do in Namibia
Travel in Namibia is a celebration of dramatic landscapes. Whether on an organised tour or going solo in a 4x4, visitors cannot fail to be astonished by the Namib desert and the many other natural phenomena they will stumble across. Most tourists start in Windhoek, the capital, getting their bearings among the German colonial architecture before venturing out into the great unknown. Heading in any direction brings its rewards.
South leads to the Fish River Canyon, where activities include a five day hike along the canyon floor, or for the less adventurous, day trips out to a view point or a stroll along the edge of the canyon. North heads to Etosha National Park. Visitors to this stunning area can stay in stunning bush camps such as Halali or Okaukuejo and witness Africa's herds arrive at the waterholes in their thousands. The extreme north of the country, the Caprivi Strip, hosts exciting new wildlife havens such as Nkasa Rupara National Park, and Bwabwata National Park, both now thriving with new game, and especially birdlife.
Swakopmund, on the west coast, is Namibia's adventure capital, where activities include dune boarding, quad biking, hot air balloon tours, and many more. It is also the gateway to the vast Namib desert. Visitors can camp nearby in Sesriem and get up pre-dawn to visit the colossal Sossusvlei dunes. Sunrise from Dune 45 is a truly unforgettable experience. Further inland, Damaraland plays host to the prehistoric rock art of Twyfelfontein and Brandberg. The imposing formations of Spitzkoppe, Africa's Matterhorn, are favoured by experienced climbers.
The Owambo region is Namibia's cultural centre and home to the Himba people, a culturally rich tribe notable for their striking dress. Guided walks in the region are available to visitors who seek a window into the traditional way of life in the desert.
Sossusvlei
The clay pans of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are one of the must-see attractions in Namibia. The dunes are among the highest in the world, reaching more than 960 feet (300m), an…
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein boasts the largest concentration of ancient rock art in the country, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The petroglyphs primarily depict game animals such as giraff…
Skeleton Coast National Park
The Skeleton Coast National Park is infamous for inaccessible shores and rough waters. The local San used to call it 'The Land God Made in Anger', while Portuguese sailors named it…
The Spitzkoppe
The natural beauty of the Spitzkoppe is spectacular: an island of bald granite peaks situated in an endless grassy plain that is visible for miles around. Groot Spitzkop is often r…
Brandberg
The Brandberg Massif is famous for its thousands of rock paintings and engravings. Its most celebrated piece is the 'White Lady', estimated to be around 2,000 years old. The painti…
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is an enchanting little seaside town in the middle of the Namib Desert, which has many colonial buildings and a distinctly German character. The region's food specialiti…
