Bucket list destination:
Namibia
Agoraphobes take note; Namibia is probably not for you. But if you love wildlife and wide-open spaces, pristine landscapes and towns in a time warp, then this quiet corner of southern Africa should be top of your list.
You won’t need more than a night in Windhoek, the capital city, and from there the country is your sandy seductive oyster: south to the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, west to the quirky seaside town Swakopmund, or north to the game-rich plains of Etosha and verdant rivers of the Zambezi region.
It’s wild, welcoming and one of the most affordable destinations in Africa.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Windhoek
Price $3,112
Min age 6
Rating 4.91 / 5 [78 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Windhoek
Price ZAR 53,400
Min age 5
Rating 4.96 / 5 [77 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Windhoek
Price $4,500
Min age 2
Rating 4.87 / 5 [31 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Windhoek
Price €1,415
Min age 6
Rating 5 / 5 [10 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
With its relative lack of rainfall (except for the sub-tropical northeast), Namibia’s dry climate makes it an excellent year-round destination. April and May are particularly pleasant months, with mild temperatures and lovely scenery after the ‘rainy’ season.
In the coastal deserts, temperatures can soar into the 40s during summer (December to February) and plummet close to freezing in winter (June to August). Spring (September to October) offers the best game viewing in Etosha. Popular tourist areas – particularly on the coast – can get extremely crowded during the Christmas and Easter holidays.
While direct flights connect Namibia with Germany and Qatar, most travellers arrive via South Africa, which is served by a host of airlines from the USA, Europe and Asia. From Johannesburg and Cape Town a number of regional carriers fly the two-hour leg to Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport, situated 40km outside the capital. Regional flights to Walvis Bay are also available.
Namibia is best explored as a self-drive destination, as limited public transport only runs between major centres. Car hire agencies are plentiful, and the country’s extensive road network (much of it gravel; drive carefully) is generally well maintained. However, distances between fuel stations can be long, so fill up regularly.
Small aircraft charters are widely available, and a popular option especially for reaching remote lodges. If you’re travelling from Windhoek to Swakopmund, take the overnight Desert Express train there (and back again) for a bucket list experience in itself.
The tourist areas of Windhoek, Swakopmund and Luderitz can easily be explored on foot once you are there.
