But there are so many reasons you really should think about planning a trip to Namibia, this country is spectacular with stunning landscapes and exotic wildlife.
Namibia also has over 300 days of sunshine per year!
Best Time to Visit Namibia
With a warm climate almost all year round, there really is no best time to visit Namibia although July to October is peak tourism period as temperates are just above 20°C and you stand a good chance to see wildlife.
Namibia's Best Attractions
If you are keen to visit Namibia, or are currently planning your trip, here are some essential places to add to your itinerary.
1. Etosha National Park
If you are wondering where to go for the best African safari experience then you really need to add Etosha to your itinerary.
The Etosha National Park is know as Namibia’s best wildlife reserve and it is easy to see why! Etosha is over 22,000km in size and over 200,000 people visit annually mainly due to the amount of exotic wildlife you can see here.
Large mammals you can see in the Etosha National Park include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, springboks, kudus, gemsboks and eland. You can also see smaller species like jackal, bat-eared fox, warthog, honey badger and ground squirrel.
Various organised Namibia tours and safaris can be booked showing you the highlights all year round.
2. Fish River Canyon Park
Fish River Canyon is breathtaking and it will make you feel tiny!
500 million years old, 160km long, 27km wide and up to 550 metres deep, Fish River Canyon is the second largest in the world, after the world famous Grand Canyon.
If you like hiking there are lots of trails and routes available whilst viewing points for stunning photos are everywhere. You can spend days in this location, but even if you have just one, it really is worth adding to your itinerary.
3. Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is a really spectacular location and easily one of the top destinations in Namibia. Here you can find huge natural sand dunes, some of which are over 300m high!
Be sure to see the sunset over Sossusvlei, this will provide you with a memory to last a lifetime. Camping is also available in this area and the night skies will leave you in awe. A permit to enter the national park costs N$80 per person, per day
4. Swakopmund
Located in the Atlantic coast and the Namib desert, Swakopmund is a great little base for exploring the surrounding areas. You could book a tour to see the Namibian desert or take it easy on a relaxing adventure on the Skeleton coast.
Swakopmund itself has a friendly atmosphere with a lively seafront, colonial boilings and also lots of tasty seafood restaurants. Exploring the city on foot and relaxing on the beach and both recommended.
For a really local side to life you could book an excursion to visit the Mondesa Township.
5. Twyfelfontein (ǀUi-ǁAis)
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein also rather unusually named ǀUi-ǁAis is the place to go see see ancient petroglyphs.
Here you can see the largest concentration of rock carvings in Africa that date back more than 6000 years ago. If history is your thing, this area is a must see.
Be sure to pack things like light clothing, lots of water, a hat an umbrella and sunglasses. Also, the best route to take to get here is the Lion Man route – opt for it if you plan to go to Twyfelfontein.
Entry Fee: ZAR 50 ot INR 260 per person (approx)
6. Windhoek
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and somewhere most travellers visit or pass through.
Located in the central highlands, this city is a great place to explore with lots of tourist sights including the Heroes’ Acre war memorial, the Alte Feste, Independence Memorial Museum and the sandstone Lutheran Christus Church.
Windhoek is a nice city to visit for a few days as a tourist, there are also lots of day trips you can do using Windhoek as your base.
7. Cape Cross Seal Colony
When most people think of Namibia, or even Africa for that matter, the thoughts of exotic elephants and lions usually comes to mind. Namibia has great diversity of wildlife and on the coast you can see hundreds of seals.
This area is rich with fish due to the Benguela current and there are so many seals. If you would like a rewarding experience you could considering going to volunteer in Namibia and helping wildlife.
8. Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert is something really special covering an area of over 1 million kilometres.
If you visit you can see iconic red sand dunes for miles around, and also be surprised about how many animals live here. You stand a good chance of getting to see lions, meerkats, zebra and cheetahs.
Don't leave without seeing sunset over the dunes.
Be aware before visiting that the weather here, like in a lot of locations in Nambia, is extreme and the sun and heat can be intense. Be sure to pack accordingly, and take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
9. Namib
Namib is a coastal desert which is more than 40 million years old making it the oldest desert in the world!
Covering an area 81,000 square kilometres and spread over Namibia, Angola and South Africa, this desert is beautiful and very picturesque.
Popular tourist attractions in Namib include Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon and the Bonfegels which are must-visit for sites for travelers.
10. Epupa Falls
Everyone has heard of Victoria Falls right? Well, Epupa Falls is almost as special but also not very known about.
If you choose to visit these incredible waterfalls which are located in the Kaokoland region of Namibia on the border with Angola, you will be left awestruck.
The falls are almost a mile in size and will really impress you when up close. Epupa Falls isn't the easiest place to get to but it really is one of the best locations in Namibia.
Other Amazing Things to Do in Namibia
These are some other highly recommend places to see in Namibia:
- Visit the N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary
- Get close to Big Cats at the Okonjima Nature Reserve
- Go hiking at the Waterberg Plateau
- Climb the Damaraland mountains
- Explore the pretty town of Lüderitz
- Get an essential 'I was here' photo at Tropic of Capricorn Sign
- See Shipwrecks and huge sand dunes on the Skeleton Coast
- Check out the amazing night sky at the Stargaze in the NamibRand Nature Reserve
- See wildlife at the Caprivi Strip
- Get close to colourful flamingoes in Walvis Bay
- Buy souvenirs at the Okahandja Craft Market
Getting to Namibia
Several international airlines fly to Namibia, check Skyscanner to compare prices. Another popular option is to fly into South Africa and then cross then catch a connecting flight or travel by land across the border.
How to Get Around
If you really want to see the highlights of the country we highly recommend booking a tour through Namibia, you will get to visit amazing places with other travellers and an experienced guide. You could also travel overland, lots of companies offer small group tours in Africa.
Have you ever been to Namibia? Would you recommend visiting? If you have any suggestions for locations to visit we have missed off our list or any recommendations leave your comments below.
