Namibia is home to the world’s highest dunes and the world’s lowest canyon. Because of its four diverse settings, it has been nicknamed the “destination of four countries.” It’s also where you’ll find exhilarating Namibia safaris that will shock your senses and remind you of how wonderful nature can be.
Every country has its own set of beautiful sights. New Paths Expeditions has put up a list of the top 11 attractions to see in Namibia during your visit.
Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, is the country’s social, economic, political, cultural, and historical core; a visit here transports you back in time. The Heroes’ Acre, a military monument, is one of the many colonial constructions and landmarks. There are around 175 graves in this cemetery, enabling Namibians to remember their ancestors and hope for a better future.
In Windhoek, visit the Geological Survey Museum, the Railway Museum, the National Earth Sciences Museum, and the Independence Memorial Museum. Look for streets with names like Robert Mugabe Avenue and Fidel Castro Street.
Swakopmund is Namibia’s largest beach town and a popular vacation spot for locals; it’s a gorgeous desert town with an old-world charm, replete with lush green lawns and palm trees. The city’s German roots are evident in the majestic historic German Colonial architecture that contrasts with the Namib Desert beyond the city. The Woermannhaus is a German half-timbered house with a 25-meter (80-foot) tall tower (a national historic landmark built in 1905); the Swakopmund Jetty, which juts out 300 meters (980 feet) into the sea and offers stunning sunset views; and the Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht (built-in 1902), now the State House and presidential residence.
Because of the surrounding vast red dunes, Sossusvlei, located in Africa’s most comprehensive conservation area, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, is the country’s most stunning and well-known location on a Namibia vacation. The dunes, which reach over 400 meters (1,300 feet) in height, are among the world’s highest and most beautiful, especially in the morning and sunset light.
The red, star-shaped dunes of Sossusvlei contrast sharply with the stark white salt pan bottoms. Despite the harsh desert climate, a wide variety of plants and animals have developed to flourish. Small reptiles and insects like geckos and snakes, as well as large creatures like the Oryx, Namibia’s national symbol, are among them.
The Elim Dune, Dune 45, and Big Daddy, the highest dune, are the most well-known dunes. They’re beautiful, with orange and red colors, and can only be reached by a 4WD vehicle. They’re best observed at dawn or dusk.
Etosha is a large game park in Namibia that is one of the greatest places on the planet to watch animals. Unlike other African parks where you must spend time seeking wildlife, Etosha has several waterholes where you may park right next to them. And, especially during the winter season, see lions (over 400), elephants, giraffes, springboks, zebras, jackals, hyenas, black rhinos (a popular attraction), and much more. 114 distinct animal species, 340 different bird species, and 16 different reptile species call it home. Early in the morning and late in the evening are the best times to go on a wildlife safari drive. On a Namibia safari, night drives with a guide provide the best opportunity to see lions hunting. Three large campgrounds, which overlook the watering holes and are floodlit at night, provide lodging.
The Fish River Canyon is a spectacular canyon that runs 160 kilometers (100 miles) long and is 27 kilometers (17 miles) wide. The canyon follows the sandy bed of a river. It is only second to the Grand Canyon in terms of size. On a Namibia vacation, the principal viewpoint is Hobas, where you may marvel at the canyon’s spectacular beauty. The 90-kilometer (56-mile) Fish River Hiking Trail can be hiked in five days if you’re feeling bold. It is one of the most popular hiking paths in Southern Africa. The climate varies widely, and animals may be found roaming freely across the desert region. Because just 30 hikers are allowed in the canyon each day, you’ll need to plan ahead of time. The diversity of rock formations is very appealing.
The Kalahari Desert has a well-deserved reputation. Namibia is an excellent place to visit if you want to view the world’s largest dune. It is not totally built of sand, though, because there is a lot of vegetation, such as trees and shrubs. The arrival of spring heralds a slew of colorful blossoms. The world-famous San Bushmen, who live in the Bushveld, call it home.
On the Namib coast, the Cape Cross Seal Reserve is the most well-known breeding colony of Cape fur seals and the world’s biggest. The cool Benguela stream has a large number of fish, which the reserve’s seals take advantage of. Up to 100,000 seals might be relaxing on the beach or in the surf. Seals, on the other hand, are slaughtered for a variety of reasons, including the sale of their skins and the protection of the seafood supply. Between October and November is the breeding season.
The remote and untamed Skeleton Coast extends along the northern half of the Atlantic Coast. The term comes from the large number of shipwrecks that have happened here throughout time. Huge dunes that reach heights of 100 meters (300 feet) stretch for hundreds of kilometers. The beach is almost completely wild and uninhabited. It is the continent of Africa’s most untamed territory. On the high seas, predatory animals such as lions and hyenas have been sighted hunting for prey.
Namibia’s northern tip, the Caprivi Strip, is unique from the rest of the country. It stretches for around 450 kilometers (280 miles) and is 32 kilometers (20 miles) wide. It’s a wildlife-rich territory that connects Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, serving as a crossroads for animals. Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu National Park, and Nkasa Rupara National Park are among the several national parks in the Caprivi Strip. Because of the high volume of rain that falls there, the greenery is lush and attracts a lot of creatures.
The NamibRand Nature Reserve is the largest private nature reserve in Africa. It was founded by a German-Namibian businessman who saw the region as being completely out of ecological balance as a result of massive pasture grazing and intended to restore it as a nature reserve. There are no fences, and a varied range of animals have been restored to the reserve, including enormous herds of gemsboks, springboks, and zebras, as well as kudus, klipspringers, spotted hyenas, jackals, and Cape and bat-eared foxes. Dunes, parched meadows, and untamed, lonely mountain ranges make up the scenery.
Walvis Bay is a resort where you may go windsurfing and kayaking. Dolphins, seals, and intriguing seabirds may be seen on a Namibia expedition.
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Check out our recommended Namibia excursion itinerary by clicking here. The recommended Namibia itinerary can be customized to fit your interests and needs.
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