Namibia without mincing words is one of the awe-inspiring countries that beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike with many travel destinations that reflect its phenomenal landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It’s not flattering that it is called the country with hidden treasures.
From the iconic red dunes of the Namib Desert to the wildlife rich plains of Etosha National Park, Namibia is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.
Here are 10 Best Places You Should Visit in Namibia.
1. Etosha National Park
You would be missing sight of the greatest wildlife reserve in Africa without visiting the Etosha National Park in Namibia. The large salt pan is covered with stunning views of lions drinking from waterholes, elephants crossing the plains, giraffes munching the acacia tree, and antelopes probably playing the hide-and-seek game.
The park also gives sight of some endangered species in the world such as the black rhinos and leopards.
The park is located in the Northern part of Namibia. You can also spend the night in one of the lodges at the Okaukuejo camp or Halali camp.
2. Fish River Canyon
Another beautiful place to visit in Namibia is the Fish River Canyon which is the second-largest canyon not just in Africa but in the world. It measures 160 km by length, 27 km by width, and 550 meters by depth, Though the years of its existence, are not known to anyone, there are several research which suggest it should be over 500 years old.
You can also go on a hike at sunrise or sunset for a few days to catch a glimpse of some beautiful sights. If you are planning to do this, then you can also make plans to stay at the Hobas Camp.
3. The Red Dunes of Sossusvlei
This is one place to visit in Namibia as the sight of it is just magical. It feels like an entirely new planet as the whole landscape is covered with red sand dunes with dramatic shapes sculpted by the wind.
The Red Dunes is located inside the Namib Nauluft National Park and has been called photographer paradise.
4. Walvis Bay Flamingos
Away from the landscapes, dune seas, and wildlife of Namibia, Walvis Bay is one place you should visit in Namibia. It is the home of fantastic marine and colorful birdlife including the pink flamingos, kayaks, Ruddy Turnstones, Little Stints, and the Pelicans
This bird sanctuary is located at the edge of the Namib Desert, near the sand Dune 7. The best time to visit this site is during the morning hours when the birds are all out to search for food and quench the thirst of a long night.
5. Cape Cross Seal Colony
When last did you see a Cape Fur Seal colony? a rare guess would be on the television or perhaps on the pages of some books. Well, the Cape Cross in Namibia offers you a live view of this special species of Sea Lion called the Seals.
Cape Cross is also the world’s largest reserve where these animals can be found in their numbers which increase yearly thanks to the rich fish diet in the Beguela Current.
Reviews from tourists suggest that visitors should go along with a handkerchief or bandana to cover their noses from the oozing smell of the colony which many are sensitive to.
Read Also: 10 Safest African Countries In 2023
6. Kolmanskop Ghost Town
Many travelers wouldn’t visit a ghost town for a billion dollars but others would pay even more to grace it sand in the bid to satisfy curiosity. Anyway, it is not as scary as the name sounds so take a chill pill.
Kolmanskop Ghost Town is located outside the colonial town of Ludertitz, Kolmanskop, and was once a wealthy spot known as a diamond mining community. According to history, diamonds were seen on top of the sand in 1908 and many German miners would drill through its sand to find these hidden treasures. This went on for several years and the community became known for the best of infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, factories, power stations, sports halls, and even a bowling alley. So what happened?
Well, the land was abandoned in 1954 after a more treasure-filled land was discovered miles away. Out of loneliness, Kolmanskop became friends with the scarring winds and sand of the Namib desert. Some of those structures have sunk into the sand and others are covered with dust making it more like a museum.
The ghostly part is that several travelers have caught sight of wild horses who have adapted to life in the wilderness. It is believed that they were left behind after World War II or do you think otherwise?
7. Skeleton Coast National Park
This isn’t a place anyone would visit as the stories it holds sound like dark tales. However, for curiosity’s sake, it has become one of the most visited places in Namibia.
The skeleton coast or the sands of hell as Portuguese explorers once named it is considered the land God made in anger by the native San bushmen and true to this, it has snatched the lives of many animals and caused shipwrecks more than any coast you can think of for centuries. At least some shipwrecks and carcasses of animals and whales are still visible to doubters.
It is the place where the wild desert meets the sea for an exchange of cold and hot air as the wind from the desert tries to befriend the waves of the sea to cause havoc using a fog that rolls over the sea.
Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that the Skeleton Coast is a beautiful site to behold.
8. Twyfelfontein Rock Carvings
In the whole of Africa, Twyfelfontein has the largest concentration of rock engravings and if you think otherwise then a visit would convince you. These rock carvings have been preserved for many years and are currently known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some engravings on the rock include mostly wild animals like oryx, elephant, rhino, giraffe, ostrich, and zebra which have been linked to some form of rituals done by the hunter-gatherer communities over 2000 years ago.
9. Spitzkoppe
This place should be nicknamed Namibia’s beauty curve, however, it is often called the Matterhorn of Namibia. Spitzkoppe is one of the most photographed mountain motifs in the Damaraland of Namibia.
The remarkable granite peak rises above 700 meters from the ground and was created from the collapse of a volcano millions of years ago and subsequent erosion. Aside from its breathtaking view, it is a great spot for hikers to explore ancient caves, landscapes, and desert plains.
The best time to visit this place is at dawn and sunset just when the sun is most colorful as the mountains take on different shades.
10. Caprivi Strip
If you are yearning to see a living tree in the sparse vegetation of Namibia’a desert plain, then Capriivi should be your next destination.
Thanks to the rivers like Okavango, Chobe, and Zembezi that surround the plain, the landscape is a fertile floodplain and nothing like the Namib desert. It has allowed trees to grow and invited birds for dinner.
It is also the favorite spot of many photograph enthusiasts who are simply seeking a place to relax and capture nature at its best.
