NamibiaTravel Guide

Namibia’s laid-back capital city is just the place for safari-goers to clean off the dust and stock up on travel essentials. If you’re wanting a boutique hotel with a stellar view, check yourself into the centrally located Hotel Thule. Looking to splurge? The ultra-luxurious Olive Exclusive should get you oohing and aahing.

If you’re venturing into Namibia’s famous Etosha, known for its abundant wildlife, there are plenty of lodges and camps to try. Onguma Bush Camp remains a strong favourite, with its open-air lapa and game-rich waterhole. Parents take note: this camp is also child-friendly, should you want to bring the little ones along for the ride.

Sandwiched between the desert and the ocean, Namibia’s adventure capital of Swakop offers a wide range of accommodation choices. Want to level up on luxury? Snap up a stay at the Strand Hotel. On a shoestring? Keep it low-key at Skeleton Beach Backpackers.

While Namibia’s iconic Skeleton Coast can be somewhat tough to reach, it’s not impossible. Hiring a 4x4 or taking a tour are good bets. And if you’ve got room in the budget, then there’s only one place to stay, and that’s Shipwreck Lodge. If you’re feeling the pinch but still desperate to experience ‘The land God made in anger’, bed down at Terrace Bay.

Climbing, or shall we say scrambling, up Dune 45 (85km high) has become a rite of passage for travellers making their way through Namibia. This sandy ‘mountain’ is not only easy to access, but you’ll also get a stellar vantage point overlooking the Namib Desert. Wondering about the name? It stems from its location at the 45th kilometre of the road connecting the Sesriem gate and Sossusvlei (landmark salt and clay pan). Add it to your list if you don’t mind a bit of sand in your shoes!

While the Fish River Canyon may only be the second-largest canyon in the world it certainly gives the Grand Canyon a run for its money. The best time to go? Either sunrise or sunset, when the light amplifies the finer details of eroded rock and craggy crevices. Don’t forget to keep your camera fully charged and your Windhoek Lagers ice-cold. 

There are no two ways about it. A visit to the Deadvlei is a must for first-time travellers to Namibia. Characterised by its skeletal camel-thorn trees, this iconic landmark is located inside the Namib-Naukluft Park near the Sossusvlei and is guaranteed to have shutterbugs salivating. GoPros and cameras at the ready!

Low light pollution and dark, clear night skies make Namibia an excellent place for stargazing anytime of the year. One of the best locales to explore its star-spangled sky is the Gamsberg, Namibia’s largest table-shaped mountain. It provides the highest elevation of the Great Escarpment so you’ll really feel a part of the Milky Way.

We’re not sure why, but the Caprivi Strip is one of the most overlooked regions in Namibia to explore. This lush stretch of land boasts a healthy bounty of flora and fauna, along with plenty of crashing waterfalls and rapids – yes, please! Bordering Botswana, Zambia and Angola, it’s also referred to as the ‘Caprivi finger’, due to its long, narrow shape. Worth exploring for sure.

Nambia is not all desert and dunes. Quietly nestled in the northern reaches of the country, Etosha National Park is teeming with wildlife. It’s just the place to go if you’re wanting that quintessential safari experience during your travels. Keep a keen eye out for gemsbok (oryx), giraffe, and elephants on patrol. Chances are you’ll also tick a few skulking predators off the list. 

Along with the ochre-daubed Himba people, Namibia is also associated with the San people whose culture is regarded as one of the oldest in the world. Many of their ancient drawings remain etched across the Erongo Mountain range, with the oldest sample of rock art in Southern Africa painted in a cave called Apollo 11 in the Huns Mountains in southern Namibia.

Of course, no one visits Namibia to explore a shopping mall, but if you need to stock up on a range of items, The Grove Mall in Windhoek ticks all the right boxes. Interestingly, this retail mecca stands as the first regional mall and the largest in the country. However, those seeking one-of-a-kind trinkets and handmade souvenirs will definitely want to give it a miss.
 

Located in Windhoek, this local initiative provides a platform for nearly 40 sellers from rural communities to earn a living. From jewellery to carved tree roots, and even delicious cheesecake, you’re bound to stumble across something special. You’re also guaranteed a degree of authenticity as only goods made in Africa are sold here.

Located in the tiny town of Okahandja, this local market showcases the sheer diversity of wooden crafts in Namibia. Mosey your way through and you’ll encounter traders chiselling anything from massive giraffes and elephants to masks and tiny ornaments fashioned from macalani seeds. The traders here may seem a little too eager for you to visit their shop, but overall, it’s part of the experience and quite commonplace at most African markets.

If you love a good road trip, Namibia is the destination for you. Embarking on a self-drive adventure really is the best method of getting around, as long as you have a reliable vehicle. The roads are well signposted between the main sights, and well maintained, allowing you to efficiently move from A to B.

One of the most adventurous and economical ways of getting around in Namibia is by overland safari. With this option, all of your transport, accommodation and most meals are included, allowing you to simply kick back and get the most out of your time, hassle-free. If you don’t mind roughing it a bit, this one’s for you.

If you’re short on time, you might want to consider a fly-in safari via charter plane. Although this option will stretch your budget, you’ll certainly reduce your travel time, while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the most soul-stirring scenery of the Skeleton Coast.

With a total of 29 Airports in Namibia, it’s safe to say that it’s pretty well-connected. Hosea Kutako International Airport stands as the country’s flagship airport located 45 minutes’ drive from the capital of Windhoek. Swakopmund Airport serves the city of Swakopmund.