Namibia is a land of harsh extremes, from the ancient dunes of the Namib Desert in the west, to rocky Kaokoland and the ochre sands of the eastern Kalahari. In the north the Zambezi region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) offers some respite with wide rivers and lush grasslands.
The country’s main staging points are as follows:
Windhoek
Namibia’s capital city, in the centre of the country, offers few charms, and most visitors simply pass through en route to the deserts and game reserves further afield. If you have time to spare in the city, visit the Independence Memorial Museum to discover the country’s difficult road to independence.
Swakopmund
Blending eye-catching Lutheran architecture with a firm reputation as Namibia’s adventure capital, this charming seaside town offers an array of desert and ocean activities, alongside an excellent selection of restaurants and boutique hotels. The town is well connected by rail, road and domestic flights.
Etosha National Park
One of Africa’s most famous game reserves, Etosha conserves 22,750km sq – larger than Wales – of savannah and woodland habitat to offer remarkable game viewing, that’s easily accessible for self-drive visitors. Summer rains transform the central Etosha saltpan into a vast shallow lake that attracts flocks of migrant birds.
Sossusvlei
The towering sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park are a highlight of any trip to Namibia, and are best discovered at Sossusvlei. Here you’ll also find the enigmatic Dead Vlei, with desiccated trees dating back nearly 1000 years. Hot-air balloon trips offer the best views of this ancient landscape.
Skeleton Coast
In a land known for harsh landscapes, the Skeleton Coast raises the bar. Stretching along 500-kilomtres of Namibia’s northern coastline, this desolate national park offers enigmatic landscapes and remarkable wildlife sightings. Only a handful of lodges operate here, ensuring you’ll have the wilderness (almost) to yourself.
