Best Places To Visit in Namibia
Namibia is one of the best adventure destinations in the world. This country is home to incredible hiking, off-roading, and wildlife viewing.
Here are the top places to visit in Namibia!
Etosha National Park
This national park is entirely desert, which means there is limited water for the wildlife. During the dry season (May-October), hundreds of animals of many different species gathered around the water holes, reminiscent of Noah’s Ark, bringing many types of animals together in one place.
You should split your time in Etosha to spend one night on the Western side of the park and at least two nights on the Eastern side of the park.
Where To Stay in Etosha National Park
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is the most iconic destination in Namibia. This white salt pan surrounded by red dunes is one of the most incredible deserts you’ll ever visit. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the area.
Big Daddy and Dune 45 are the highest and most famous dunes for climbing, but these are long, strenuous hikes. I recommend hiking to the top of a smaller dune for those on-top-of-the-world shots with the higher dunes surrounding you.
Where To Stay in Sossusvlei
The Caprivi Strip
The Caprivi Strip is a lush wetlands region that starkly differs from the rest of the desert country. This area of Namibia is bordered by Angola, Zambia, and Botswana and is home to three rivers – the Okavango, Cuando, and Zambezi. This is why the Caprivi area is so lush and verdant.
The three national parks in the Caprivi Strip are Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu National Park, and Nkasa Rupara National Park.
Where To Stay in The Caprivi Strip
Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe is a group of granite peaks called the “Matterhorn of Namibia.” This was one of my favorite places to visit in the country, and it’s a relatively off-the-beaten-path destination, so it’s perfect for escaping the crowds.
I highly recommend doing a Bushman’s Paradise Tour. This is where a local will guide you to ancient, archaeological cave paintings. This is a free activity, but it has to be done with a guide, and you should tip your guide N$50 per person. You should also visit the famous Spitzkoppe Arch.
Where To Stay in Spitzkoppe
Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is a remote section of Namibia’s northern coastline that’s often referred to as the “end of the Earth.” Here, you’ll see one of the most beautiful natural juxtapositions in the world – massive sand dunes dropping into the ocean.
The Skeleton Coast is virtually uninhabited, and you can go an entire day without seeing another vehicle.
Where To Stay in the Skeleton Coast
Okonjima Nature Reserve
The Okonjima Nature Reserve is famous for its leopards, brown hyenas, pangolins, and The AfriCat Foundation, an organization that protects large cats. Visiting this nature reserve directly supports the critical work being done by The AfriCat Foundation.
Where To Stay in Okonjima
Walvis Bay & Swakopmund
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are neighboring port towns known for their surfing, beaches, laid-back “vibe,” German architecture, and massive dunes. You only need a day in these two towns – half a day to do a 4×4 tour of Where The Dunes Meet The Sea and half a day to lounge on the beach, shop, and eat in Swakopmund.
Where To Stay in Walvis Bay & Swakopmund
Twyfelfontein
Seeing Twyfelfontein's ancient petroglyphs is a must-do activity when you're here. When you visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll buy a ticket (N$80 per person) at the visitor center. Then, a local guide will walk you through the engravings. The engravings walk is a leisurely loop that lasts about an hour, and the light is best in the afternoon to see the petroglyphs. You'll also want to tip your guide at least N$50 per person.
The other must-do activity in Twyfelfontein is searching for the desert-adapted elephant. Your safari guide will take you off-roading down dried riverbeds in search of these incredible animals.
Where To Stay in Twyfelfontein
Epupa Falls
The best way to get to this natural wonder is to fly to and from Epupa Camp, which is one of the best accommodations in the area.
In addition to walking above the falls, this area is famous for its boating and off-roading - your safari lodge can arrange guided excursions.
Plan The Rest of Your Namibia Trip
Best Places To Visit in Namibia
Namibia is one of the best adventure destinations in the world. This country is home to incredible hiking, off-roading, and wildlife viewing.
Here are the top places to visit in Namibia!
Etosha National Park
This national park is entirely desert, which means there is limited water for the wildlife. During the dry season (May-October), hundreds of animals of many different species gathered around the water holes, reminiscent of Noah’s Ark, bringing many types of animals together in one place.
You should split your time in Etosha to spend one night on the Western side of the park and at least two nights on the Eastern side of the park.
Where To Stay in Etosha National Park
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is the most iconic destination in Namibia. This white salt pan surrounded by red dunes is one of the most incredible deserts you’ll ever visit. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the area.
Big Daddy and Dune 45 are the highest and most famous dunes for climbing, but these are long, strenuous hikes. I recommend hiking to the top of a smaller dune for those on-top-of-the-world shots with the higher dunes surrounding you.
Where To Stay in Sossusvlei
The Caprivi Strip
The Caprivi Strip is a lush wetlands region that starkly differs from the rest of the desert country. This area of Namibia is bordered by Angola, Zambia, and Botswana and is home to three rivers – the Okavango, Cuando, and Zambezi. This is why the Caprivi area is so lush and verdant.
The three national parks in the Caprivi Strip are Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu National Park, and Nkasa Rupara National Park.
Where To Stay in The Caprivi Strip
Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe is a group of granite peaks called the “Matterhorn of Namibia.” This was one of my favorite places to visit in the country, and it’s a relatively off-the-beaten-path destination, so it’s perfect for escaping the crowds.
I highly recommend doing a Bushman’s Paradise Tour. This is where a local will guide you to ancient, archaeological cave paintings. This is a free activity, but it has to be done with a guide, and you should tip your guide N$50 per person. You should also visit the famous Spitzkoppe Arch.
Where To Stay in Spitzkoppe
Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is a remote section of Namibia’s northern coastline that’s often referred to as the “end of the Earth.” Here, you’ll see one of the most beautiful natural juxtapositions in the world – massive sand dunes dropping into the ocean.
The Skeleton Coast is virtually uninhabited, and you can go an entire day without seeing another vehicle.
Where To Stay in the Skeleton Coast
Okonjima Nature Reserve
The Okonjima Nature Reserve is famous for its leopards, brown hyenas, pangolins, and The AfriCat Foundation, an organization that protects large cats. Visiting this nature reserve directly supports the critical work being done by The AfriCat Foundation.
Where To Stay in Okonjima
Walvis Bay & Swakopmund
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are neighboring port towns known for their surfing, beaches, laid-back “vibe,” German architecture, and massive dunes. You only need a day in these two towns – half a day to do a 4×4 tour of Where The Dunes Meet The Sea and half a day to lounge on the beach, shop, and eat in Swakopmund.
Where To Stay in Walvis Bay & Swakopmund
Twyfelfontein
Seeing Twyfelfontein's ancient petroglyphs is a must-do activity when you're here. When you visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll buy a ticket (N$80 per person) at the visitor center. Then, a local guide will walk you through the engravings. The engravings walk is a leisurely loop that lasts about an hour, and the light is best in the afternoon to see the petroglyphs. You'll also want to tip your guide at least N$50 per person.
The other must-do activity in Twyfelfontein is searching for the desert-adapted elephant. Your safari guide will take you off-roading down dried riverbeds in search of these incredible animals.
Where To Stay in Twyfelfontein
Epupa Falls
The best way to get to this natural wonder is to fly to and from Epupa Camp, which is one of the best accommodations in the area.
In addition to walking above the falls, this area is famous for its boating and off-roading - your safari lodge can arrange guided excursions.
Plan The Rest of Your Namibia Trip