5 Best Places To Visit In Namibia

A Namibia safari is a genuinely excellent option for travel thanks to the wonders of giant dunes, birds, and a favourable currency. Boasting extraordinary destinations that span from the South Namib desert, where massive, vast desert dunes spread along the Atlantic seaboard, to the north, encountering wildlife in Etosha National Park. A Namibia Safari is a remarkable experience for the tourist who loves taking the coast, beginning in the north and ending in the south of Namibia in a 4×4 rental.

Here are our recommendations for the best places to visit or see on a Namibia safari for awe-inspiring moments.

1. The Fish River Canyon

The famous Fish River Canyon is found to the south of Namibia and located in the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The Canyon is an admired wonder of Namibia. Known as the biggest canyon in Africa, it falls after the enormous Grand Canyon in the USA.

Visitors from all over the world come to visit the popular hiking trail, and the breathtaking views undoubtedly play a role. The natural thermal hot springs at Ai-Ais resort are well known. The Ai-Ais resort is located at the end of the Fish River Hiking Trail, which is 85 kilometres long. Canyons 65 kilometres long and reaching depths of 548 meters can be seen and explored.​

Why Go to Fish River Canyon?

• Canyon Day Hike
• Canyon Drive
• Canyon Fat Bikes
• Canyon Rim Walks

Where to stay at Fish River Canyon?

Making the most of the beautiful vistas, the Fish River Lodge has been built in harmony with its stark, striking surroundings. Completed in 2009, all the buildings that make up the lodge pay tribute to the amazing landscape, offering spectacular views of the Fish River Canyon from sunrise to sunset. The architecture and interiors of Fish River Lodge have taken their cue from the rugged landscape that surrounds it. Contemporary, and at times monastic, the lodge was designed to reflect the unique beauty of its location.

2. Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei (also called Deadvlei) is a salt and clay pan, surrounded by substantial red dunes, situated in the southern part of the Namib Desert, within Namib Naukluft Park. The sands found here date back 5 million years and consist of tiny grains in thin layers of iron oxide. It gives the dessert its distinctive orange to deep red-coloured dunes, which change dynamically in shape and size with the winds-appreciated globally as the world’s oldest desert with some of the highest and biggest dunes.

Throughout the year, the daytime temperature remains largely stable. The rare cold front from the Atlantic coast, on the other hand, brings colder temperatures at night. Life here seeks shelter in the water supply offered by cold fronts, which is critical to their existence. The fauna and flora are also plentiful and have adapted remarkably well to the high temperatures. Antelope, springboks, ostriches, and other small rodents can be seen roaming the desert lands.

Why go to Sossusvlei?

• Sesriem Canyon
• Dune 45
• Sossusvlei
• Big Daddy Dune
• Solitaire
• Hidden Vlei
• Deadvlei

Where to stay in Sossusvlei?

The Desert Grace is an elegant, modern lodge with a spirited character and refreshingly stylish interior. The lodge has 24 bungalows, each with its own plunge pool, where families can also be accommodated with children of all ages. Sip on a delicious drink while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the expansive Namibian desert.

3. Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a well-known coastal town in Namibia, with sandy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean and historic German colonial architecture. Ideal for families or groups of friends who want to visit the beach, the aquarium, or the Swakopmund Museum. In Swakopmund, the visit to the seafront, the aquarium, and the Swakopmund Museum is worthwhile. There are numerous boulevards and a sizeable traditional street market where travellers can buy souvenirs.

Why go to Swakopmund?

• Skydiving
• Visit Brauhaus and have a boot of beer
• Quad Bikes, ATV Riding, Sandboarding
• Living Desert Tour
• Dolphin watching tour
• Swakopmund Camel Farm

Where to stay in Swakopmund?

Strand Hotel Swakopmund is the perfect venue for travellers wanting to explore Swakopmund. This Namibian icon has become a popular destination resort for international, Namibian, and SADC visitors. With its extensive, unique, and creatively entertaining restaurants, bars, deli, lobby lounge, sea-facing terraces, beach kiosk, and state-of-the-art conference & banqueting centre, all set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by the ocean on three sides, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is a social epicentre and destination in itself for all visitors to and residents of Swakopmund.

4. The Skeleton Coast

The name derives from a large number of lost whales and ships stranded on the beach, leaving their skeletons all over. Due to the dense fog, high winds, and erratic stormy conditions, a significant number of vessels have been abandoned on the Skeleton Coast.

This is the largest ship graveyard in the world. This region, which is located in the northern part of Namibia’s Atlantic coast, is 40 kilometres wide and stretches over 500 kilometres across the coast. Previously, trips to this isolated and lonely corner of Namibia could only be made by light aircraft. However, if you want to travel by road in a private car, this can be arranged.

Why go to the Skeleton Coast?

• Hike The Ugab River Trail, Skeleton Coast, Namibia
• Visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony at Skeleton Coast
• Fish along the exciting Skeleton Coast
• Fly over the ship graveyard on the Skeleton Coast in Namibia

Where to Stay at the Skeleton Coast

Located in the famous Skeleton Coast concession between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in the Skeleton Coast National Park, Shipwreck Lodge is only 45 km from Möwe Bay. The shipwreck-shaped cabins are nestled between the dunes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, where the cold Benguela current provides guests with a refreshing breeze.

5. Etosha Region

The name Etosha is derived from the word Oshindong, meaning “Great White Place,” referring to the Etosha pan. Etosha is a nature conservation area found in the north of Namibia, covering a total area of almost 22,912 km². The region is mainly covered by the Etosha National Park and includes the southern parts up to Outjo and west to east of the park. The park is completely fenced off for the protection of the animals and is known as Namibia’s biggest and most important national park. Wildlife such as large mammals, including lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, and rhinos, can be found.

Even smaller species thrive in Etosha National Park, making it a great Namibia safari destination. Accommodation and lodging are widely available inside and outside the park, and it’s easily accessible for any type of traveller. Whether preferring to go wild and go camping or wanting to enjoy a Big 5 safari in all its comfort of luxury, you can be sure to find suitable accommodation for yourself, your family, or your loved ones.

Why go to Etosha National Park?

• Self-drive Safaris
• Etosha Pan
• Water Holes

Where to stay at Etosha National Park?

Etosha Safari Lodge is a preferred favourite on a safari in Etosha National Park. Sip on a drink while watching the ruby sun dip into the mopane woodland. Perched on a hill with expansive views, this stylish lodge offers 65 spacious chalets that provide a peaceful base from which to explore the most concentrated area for viewing the wildlife of Namibia. Refresh in the pool between game drives, and bring the kids along; they’ll love it.

To summarise, Namibia is a prime destination in Africa and is known for ecotourism, which features Namibia’s extensive wildlife and diverse culture. Great for a self-drive vacation, a family holiday, and even romantic getaways, offering reliable game viewing all year round. With extreme adventure sports, hiking trails, and history to explore, there is something for everyone. For more accommodation options in Namibia, have a look at our best safari lodges in Namibia blog.