Visit the semi-nomadic Himba
The Himba people are some of the last semi-nomadic people in all of Namibia. Once, cut off from outside influence by the harsh desert and landscape, the Himba people have been able to hold onto many of their historic traditions and ways of life. Their incredible culture and red ochre that is rubbed all over the skin is so beautiful to experience.
Visit the Spitzkoppe Rocks
The Spitzkoppe Rocks are one of Namibia’s most famous landmarks and make a must-see location on any trip to Namibia. Rock-climbing enthusiasts may even climb them if they are brave enough –although they are just as beautiful when admired from the comfort of terra firma. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for historic artwork that’s been painted onto the rocks many generations ago.
Explore Africa’s largest Canyon, Fish River
Fish River Canyon’s surreal landscape will make even the most blasé of travellers fall in love with this place. The canyon is a whopping 160km long and almost 30km wide, giving us visitors some of the most dramatic scenery in the world to enjoy. There are a few trails to hike (if that’s your thing) and vary depending on how tough you’d like your hike to be. It’s possible to spend quite a few days hiking this region, so plan your visit and route well in advance. Best of all, always tell others where you’ll be hiking and if you’re not an experienced hiker, make sure to hire a reputable guide.
See the petroglyphs of ǀUi-ǁAis
ǀUi-ǁAis is the official name for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein. It’s one stunning place to explore the largest concentration of petroglyphs (rock carvings) in all of Africa – and totally worth a visit when you’re in Namibia. With pre-historic hunter-gatherer rock engravings that date back more than 6000 years and petrified forests at its doorstep, Twyfelfontein makes an obvious choice for us travellers wanting to explore one of Namibia’s most enigmatic locations. Just make sure to pack lots of water and an umbrella and hats. There’s little to no shade around here and it can get very intense around midday.
Explore Etosha National Park
No trip to sub-Saharan Africa is complete without seeing the abundant wildlife it has on offer. Etosha National Park covers more than 20, 000 sq-km and is one of the greatest wildlife viewing locations in Africa. Elephants, lions, springboks and gemsboks abound.
Visit the world’s oldest desert, Namib
An ever-changing palette of deep rusts, vermillion, crimson, and gold, the Namib desert is as treacherous as it is beautiful and makes for many days of off-road adventuring. The desert is considered one of the oldest in the world (well over 40 million years old) and actually branches over to South Africa and Angola. The whole area is almost completely uninhabited and totally pristine. Make sure to visit the Bogenfels (arches that branch off over the ocean), Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45 and the small settlement of Solitaire – you might even spot a few Hartmann’s mountain zebra too! It really is one of the best places in Namibia to experience.
See the Cape Cross Seals
It’s not just lions and elephants that you can see in Namibia – the coast is famous for the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, a place where you can come and see 100s of Cape Fur Seals. The Benguela current is home to a big population of fish so you can rest assured that the seals aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.I mean, if your plates full, why would you leave?
