Namibia is one of the top choices among travellers looking for a holiday trip in Africa. If you want to observe the true African colours with the infinite deserted landscape, river canyon, rock formations, churches standing tall in the desert and a lighthouse beach which is really like finding an oasis, then plan a trip to Namibia.
This African nation is a land full of contrasts, visitors here can appreciate nature, stunning dunes and wildlife. Across the globe, it is recognised for the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and the Etosha National Park.
Apart from this, if you are a wildlife photographer then here you can discover the world’s largest population of free-roaming black Rhinos and Cheetahs.
So let’s discover more of Namibia here –
Incredible Attractions to See in Namibia
There are many aspects and an unimaginable amount of interesting places which every city of Namibia offers to its visitors.
1. Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park is the most popular tourist attraction of Namibia that majorly fascinates wildlife lovers. The landscape is very dry and only fills with water in the summer, but this is enough to promote the growth of blue-green algae, which attracts thousands of flamingos. The majority of the wildlife, including herds of zebra, wildebeest and antelope, migrates around the pan’s waterholes.
Elephants and lions emerge into the illuminated area surrounding the pool to drink their fill of the freshwater. At night, animals gather in groups at the Okaukuejo waterhole, creating mesmerising and memorable experiences.
Also Read: Travel Zimbabwe – Paradise For Wildlife, Safari and Nature Lovers
2. Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is a large sandy pan surrounded by massive red sand dunes in the Namib Desert. It is believed that the Tsauchab River was drained into the Atlantic Ocean 60,000 years ago. Due to sanding and river cutting off, the entire 50 km to the Atlantic is made up of numerous vleis and thus Sossusvlei dunes came into existence. It is the most prominent sand strip, with large dunes towering more than 300 metres above the ground.
The colours of the sand dunes continually change between sunrise and sunset, providing travellers and photographers with a great opportunity to capture various shades of desert. Another point of interest in the Sossusvlei area is Duwisib Castle, the NamibRand Nature Reserve, the Olive Trail and Sesriem Canyon, where you can go quad biking.
3. Deadvlei
Many people think Sossuvlei is the main point of interest for admiring the red sandy landscape but Deadvlei has proved every traveller wrong. Deadvlei is one of the most photogenic places in Namibia. Here, you’ll find hundreds of black trees that died 600 to 700 years ago due to scarcity of water. The dark shade of the trees on the blue sky and golden dunes creates an amazing backdrop.
Although the trees are long gone, the wood does not decompose, thus most iconic shots of Namibia come from this region. Make sure to take your camera ready while visiting this photographic site especially at night due to the Milkyway which looks so mesmerising.
Also Read: Ethiopia – A Rugged Landlock African Country
4. Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is quite equivalent to the Grand Canyon of Arizona in grandeur. This truly awe-inspiring canyon is Africa’s largest and one of Namibia’s most popular tourist destinations. It is home to the country’s longest interior river and a massive canyon that stretches for 160 km and that canyon is created by the Fish River.
The Fish River Canyon trail is also popular among adventure seekers as they can go hiking on this 80 km long trail. You can also take a scenic helicopter ride over the top of the canyon.
5. The Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast, located in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean coast of Namibia. The shipwrecks and whale bones that scatter the deserted shore give this unique place its strange name. But this barren coastline is also popular as the World’s Largest Ship Graveyard. It is the most spectacular stretch is north of Terrace Bay, which is surrounded by high sand dunes.
Despite its inaccessibility, the region’s striking scenery makes it the most breathtaking locations on the planet. A helicopter safari to Namibia’s northern Skeleton Coast National Park is a true pleasure for those who can afford it. Explore ancient shipwrecks that have been preserved in the sand.
6. Kolmanskop Town
Kolmanskop is a ghost town in the Namib Desert that has been abandoned since 1954. It is believed that one of the workers walked on a diamond in the Namibian desert. By 1912, a town developed with 1,300 inhabitants for diamond mining.
However, when residents discovered more productive destinations in search of a gem, they left Kolmanskop and went elsewhere. From there this town has become abandoned. It is now well-known for its eerie, sand-filled houses, which you have seen in many Hollywood movies.
Also Read: 10 Most Appealing Abandoned Places On The Planet
7. Swakopmund
When you visit Swakopmund you will get vibes of Germany as you will witness beautiful German Colonial buildings throughout the city. It is Namibia’s biggest coastal town and a popular beach resort for Namibians and others for holiday. In its close surroundings, you can explore Walvis Bay and the Langstrand dunes, which are famous for adventure.
During your tour, take in the picturesque water views and feel relaxed in a good ambience. You can engage in a variety of sports such as sandboarding, horseback riding and quad biking.
8. Epupa Falls
Epupa Falls, located on the border between Namibia and Angola, is one of the country’s largest waterfalls. The Kunene River’s cascading water streams look so serene that they make an excellent backdrop for relaxation.
There are several falls and falls, the largest of which is over 120 feet high. It is important to take extra care before diving into the cool waters due to the sloppy region. Epupa Falls is also well-known as a crocodile sanctuary. The surrounding olive trees and Makalani palms bring to the region’s majestic natural beauty.
9. Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that mainly contains 2,000 ancient rock engravings and paintings. It is one of Africa’s largest and most significant concentrations of rock art.
A visit to this captivating valley will show artwork created by San hunters during the early Stone Age over 6000 years ago. History buffs and archaeology freaks will love this destination as they will learn a lot of things here.
Also Read: Eritrea – A Place With Archeological Significance
10. Cape Cross
Cape Cross is among the world’s largest colonies of Cape Fur Seals. In 1968, the surrounding area was established as a reserve to protect the largest and best-known of the 23 Cape Fur Seal colonies that breed along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia.
The breeding season is at its best in the winter, when about 150,000 seals congregate at Cape Cross.
11. Windhoek
The most common place to visit in Namibia is the capital and largest city – Windhoek. This is a well-established city in Namibia and offers great knowledge of Namibian history and culture. Its major highlights include Alte Feste, Christuskirche, National Botanical Garden and German colonial architecture.
This city is a perfect blend of European and African flavour. It is a great option for shopaholics and those who love strolling along the parkways and for those who are looking for refreshment. Thus it is a great place for dining and relaxing after a hectic desert trip.
12. Spitzkoppe
The Spitzkoppe is a group of bald granite peaks located in the heart of the Namib Desert between Usakos and Swakopmund. Also known as “Matterhorn of Namibia”. The highest peak rises 700m above the desert floor.
The granite massif was formed more than 100 million years ago by the collapse of a huge volcano. It is one of Namibia’s best hiking and rock climbing destinations. Hundreds of rock paintings can also be seen on the sides of the mountains.
Namibia can be visited throughout the year. Game viewing is best during the dry season, whereas scenery, bird watching and snap shooting are best during the winter season.
Bottom Line
Namibians are incredibly friendly, maintains totally clean surroundings and the crime rates are also quite low here compared to neighbouring countries. This African country is quite fascinating in its way as it possesses many cultural and natural activities for tourists to enjoy.
Also Read: Togo – An Offbeat African Country For Tourism
