7 Best Places to Visit in Namibia
Swakopmund, Namibia
Dramatic desert landscapes, captivating rock formations, and enchanting wildlife havens are the beginning of the seven best places to visit in Namibia that you can experience during your trip.
Classic reds, beiges, and browns paint the wide-open spaces that lie between each city, town, and tourist attraction. The desert meets the ocean and bushmen locations meet rocky retreats, while bustling cities give way to a Big-Five game reserve.
Discover a country rich in beauty and culture, with each new destination unveiling a land full of mystery and marvel. From personalized tours to unforgettable destinations, a Namibia experience in the following top destinations can create your ultimate trip.
1. Sossusvlei
Sesriem Canyon, Namibia
The dramatic contrast of light and dark on the towering dunes of the Sossusvlei are simply breathtaking and a sight in which to delight at sunrise. The red of the sand contrasts beautifully against the dusty white of the salt pans, with dry camelthorn trees sporadically dotting the landscape.
Hiking up the dunes is a delightful challenge that rewards you with views across the dusty landscape to offer plenty of photographic opportunities as you spot Oryx and other wildlife roaming the area. The Sesriem Canyon lies just outside Sossusvlei, with stunning rock formations to explore before or after your Sossusvlei adventure.
Highlights: Dead Vlei | Dune 45 | Big Daddy | Sesriem Canyon | Town of Solitaire
2. Etosha
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Home to four of the Big Five and other amazing wildlife, Etosha National Park is Namibia’s leading safari destination and one of the largest in Africa. Etosha lies in the northwest part of the country and is a definite must-see on any visit to Namibia, teeming with incredible wildlife and dramatic scenery.
The great salt pan in the park impresses visitors at first sight, filling up with the welcome rains and transforming into the perfect playground for flamingos. You can enjoy open-vehicle game drives and luxury accommodations in a tranquil and captivating setting that embodies the thrills of a safari experience.
Highlights: Open-Vehicle Game Drives | Bird Watching | San Community of the Hai||om People
3. The Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast, Namibia
A desolate scene of serene dunes, long spaces of nothing but sand, surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean, embodies the wonders of the Skeleton Coast.
One of the most exclusive destinations in Namibia, the number of visitors at one time is limited to offer those who explore the area the option to enjoy a different kind of paradise steeped in the luxuries of solitude.
Shipwrecks scatter the shoreline, making for dramatic photo opportunities and the chance to see the famed desert elephants for an overall unique experience.
Highlights: Desert Elephants | Unique Private Experience | Shipwrecks | Pristine Landscape | Huab Lagoon
4. Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Discover one of the world’s largest canyons in the Fish River Canyon, which lies in the Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Breathtaking vistas span miles in any direction and open to images of orange and brown hues that contain splashes of green.
Rock striations suggest a deep history to the formation of the canyon, which lies mostly dry year-round, while the Fish River quenches its thirst sporadically. Witness the sheer beauty of this region as it unfolds in dramatic style, like a vibrant painting.
Highlights: Hiking | Vista and Viewpoint Tours | Ais-Ais Hot Springs
5. Kolmanskop Ghost Town
Kolmanskop Ghost Town, Namibia
A little way inland from the southern port town of Luderitz lies the fascinating ghost town of Kolmanskop. Once a thriving home to many diamond-diggers and their families, Kolmanskop entertained with bowling alleys and bars, theaters and lavish dance halls.
The town was once the richest in Namibia and today stands as a haunting memory of a booming metropolis in the early 20th century, boasting captivating scenes of desert sand creeping up walls of hospital ruins towards frameless windows for a unique ambiance unlike anywhere else in the country.
Highlights: Haunting Ruins | Visiting the Bowling Alley and Hospital | Incredible Photographic opportunities.| German Architecture
6. Damaraland
Damaraland, Namibia
Namibia’s northwest opens up a discovery of raw beauty that comes in the form of dramatic rock formations, valleys, and Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg.
Embark on a discovery of a petrified forest that blends with its still surroundings and relive the story of the San tribes through rock engravings in Twyfelfontein.
A stark landscape brought to life through the beauty of the Spitzkoppe, Vingerklip, and the Palmwag Nature Reserve, accentuated by the warmth of the Himba people.
Highlights: Etendeka Walking Trail | Vingerklip | Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings | The Petrified Forest near Khorixas | Nature Visits in Palmwag Reserve | Hiking | Kunene Region
7. Swakopmund
Swakopmund, Namibia
A coastal city steeped in rich German history, Swakopmund offers visitors a city and beach experience, with mild temperatures that invite guests to stop and relax.
A popular destination in Namibia, Swakopmund is a charming and vibrant place in which to stay and often works as a gateway to coastal and desert adventures.
Discover the warmth and traditions of German and African heritage as you walk through town, savor local delights, and take your time in a wonderful city.
Highlights: Visit Woermann Haus | Railway Station | Boat Cruises | Sand Dune 4x4 Quad Bike Adventure | Cape Cross Seal Reserve
Explore the Best Places to Visit in Namibia
Dead Vlei, Namibia
A desert paradise that searches your soul while you search for treasures along the coast, among sand dunes, through historical cities, or as you discover human and wildlife culture in the bush embody the marvels you can experience when in Namibia.
Find more inspiration for planning your perfect trip with Zicasso by taking a look at our Namibia Guided Tours and Safari.
