Popular Namibian destinations to explore
Discover more about this land of dramatic vistas, wild corners and endless horizons.
Sossusvlei
Famous for colossal red dunes as far as the eye can see as well as the nearby 30 metres deep Sesriem Canyon. The most iconic attraction of the area being Deadvlei with its the ancient tree stumps, bleached white clay pan and surrounding rust-coloured dunes.
Etosha National Park
Images: Elzanne McCulloch
Centred around the massive Etosha Pan that covers almost 4 800 km², Etosha is the premier wildlife park in Namibia and one of the best in Africa. A series of waterholes along the edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often spectacular game sightings. Accommodation both in and outside the park is plentiful and caters for everyone from avid campers to those who prefer the most luxurious of lodgings.
Sandwich Harbour
Favoured by ornithologists, photographers and nature lovers, the spectacular Sandwich Harbour is renowned for its towering ivory-coloured dunes that run into the nutrient and fish-rich lagoon below. Fed by freshwater seeping from an inland aquifer, the area is a sanctuary for coastal and freshwater birds and is a proclaimed RAMSAR site.
Twyfelfontein
Images: Le Roux van Schalkwyk
The massive open-air art gallery of Twyfelfontein houses more than 2 000 rock engravings that give insight into the artists’ lives who roamed these parts around 6 000 years ago. Close by, interesting attractions like the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes and Doros Crater ensures there is plenty to see.
Kolmanskop
A diamond found by railway worker Zacharias Lewala in 1908 set off a diamond rush that saw numerous fortune-hunters from around the world stream into the arid desert just east of Lüderitz. As a result of the discovery, the affluent town of Kolmanskop was established that boasted luxuries like electric lights, a large swimming pool, bowling alley and ice-making factory. Ultimately the onset of World War One as well as the diamond deposits in the area being exhausted caused the town to be deserted and over many years turned into the picturesque ghost town it is today.
Fish River Canyon
The second-largest canyon in the world at 160 km long, 27 km wide and up to 550 metres deep, the Fish River Canyon forms part of the /Ai-/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Viewpoints overlooking the canyon offers extraordinary vistas of this natural wonder.
Spitzkoppe
Images: Liza De Klerk
This famous granite inselberg is found en route from Usakos to Swakopmund. Although a favourite spot for rock climbers, Spitzkoppe attracts loads of people thanks to the unspoilt beauty of the area.
Waterberg Plateau Park
Waterberg is a prominent feature that towers over the plains of the Kalahari. In 1972 it was proclaimed as a reserve for endangered and protected species and is home to some 25 game and over 200 bird species which include black and white rhino, roan and sable antelope, Cape buffalo and tsessebe. The natural beauty of Waterberg can be explored by vehicle on a guided game-viewing tour or on foot by means of guided wilderness trails.
Bwabwata National Park
Images: Elzanne McCulloch
Bordered by the Okavango River to the West and the Kwando River to the East, Bwabwata plays sanctuary to 35 large game species – including elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, sitatunga, hippo, tsessebe, as well as predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog. The park is also home to over 400 bird species attracted by the water and lush vegetation along the riverbanks.
Epupa Falls
An impressive waterfall created by the Kunene River and set in the remote Kaokoland. The area is well-known for its scattered settlements of the indigenous Himba peoples as well as awe-inspiring landscapes.
