Lose yourself in a surreal dreamscape of soaring crimson dunes, stark desert beauty, and ghost kingdoms where the ocean meets the sand.
Namibia offers a very different safari experience from many other African destinations. Instead of lush wetlands and dense vegetation, you’ll discover vast desert landscapes, dramatic sand dunes and endless open plains. It is a country of striking contrasts, where nature has created some of Africa’s most extraordinary scenery.
Explore the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei and the haunting shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast. Track desert-adapted elephants and rhinos across the rugged plains. In Etosha National Park, watch wildlife gather around waterholes and, if you’re lucky, witness lions on the hunt against the vast white salt pan. A Namibia safari offers unforgettable scenery and wildlife encounters at every turn.
Sossusvlei
Some places are too good to be true. Sossusvlei is one of them. We got up very early to see the red sand dunes changing color in the morning light. After a long hike to the top of one of the huge dunes, you can enjoy the silence and take in the endless landscape below. And then there is the surprise of the white clay pan and the ancient camel thorn trees standing tall against the red sand. This is a place you will never forget.
Damaraland
As we journeyed into the region of Damaraland, we felt as though we had traversed into another world. The dusty roads, bordered by massive, ancient, rocky structures, led us through deep valleys and into the vast, open desert. We searched high and low for the elusive desert adapted elephants and other species of wildlife that inhabit this unusual terrain. There were many times when we were awestruck by the unusual landscape and how any living thing could survive there. On more than one occasion, we found ourselves perched on a rocky outcrop, watching the landscape change color as the sun set. It was truly a sight to behold and one that we would never tire of watching.
Etosha National Park
We like to call Etosha National Park safari with a twist. Instead of driving around endless miles of bush, most of the wildlife can be found around the white salt pans of the Etosha Pan. We have spent hours at waterholes, watching animals such as elephants, zebra, giraffe and antelope come to drink, while a lion occasionally comes to rest nearby. Just slow down and watch. You can end up spending hours at a place that you thought you would leave after 10 minutes, because something is constantly happening.
Swakopmund
The most ‘un-Namibian’ of all of our stops, Swakopmund is a coastal town located on the Atlantic coast of Namibia. It is the perfect place to unwind after days of desert travel, and is known for its heavy coastal fogs, seafood, German bakeries, and holiday atmosphere. There is also plenty of opportunity for adventure, with the town’s surrounding dunes used for sandboarding, quad biking, and other desert-based activities. It is possible to have a relaxing morning in town and then head out for some adventure in the afternoon. Known as a slice of a German North Sea town set in Africa.
Fish River Canyon
As you stand on the edge of the canyon, looking down into its depths, you can’t help but be amazed by the sheer scale of Namibia. The views from the viewpoint are spectacular, and offer a glimpse of the vast, rugged and ancient landscape that stretches on forever. There are some hiking trails for those that are feeling more adventurous, but even a short visit to the canyon is enough to leave you in awe of nature’s power. It is the second largest canyon in the world.
Caprivi Strip
This long strip of land is completely different to the rest of Namibia’s dry desert landscape. The rivers flow year-round and the vegetation is lush. There is a huge variety of wildlife in this area. We loved going for a boat trip on the water to see the hippos, crocodiles and even elephants on the riverbanks. It’s wilder and more laid back than the rest of Namibia and full of surprises.
Windhoek
Our journey through Namibia starts in Windhoek, the capital of the country. This place can be treated as a mere stopover, but we would recommend to take some time to wander through the streets of Windhoek and find a good restaurant to start your road trip through the country with a nice meal. Namibia’s capital is a mix of African and European culture and is surrounded by dry hills. It is a good place to get used to the relaxed atmosphere of the country before you hit the road.
