26 Best things to see & do in Namibia

An otherworldly landscape of towering ochre dunes in an ancient desert. Climb Big Daddy for eye-watering views of a sandy sea stretching away to the Atlantic.

Float over towering ochre-red dunes of Namibia‘s Sossusvlei, a sea of crimson curves stretching to the horizon, suspended in serene stillness. The desert below humbles with its immense, undulating beauty and dazzles with colours that change with the sunrise.

This park, set up to protect a vast and starkly beautiful desert pan, is one of the finest game reserves in Africa, packed with over 114 species of mammal. It’s Namibia’s top safari destination and one of the best in Africa. A multi-day safari here is a must for any visit to Namibia. See our Etosha destination guide to plan a trip.

This deserted corner of north-western Namibia hides myriad charms beneath a façade of sun-baked desolation. An enigmatic landscape of lonely beaches and shifting sands.

Expert-led wildlife tours to discover the extraordinary and unique flora and fauna of the vast Namib Desert.

This former whaling town is now a marine ecotourism hotspot. Birdlife is prolific, and close-up encounters with pelicans, flamingos Cape Fur seals, dolphins and penguins are all but guaranteed.

A pristine and bird-filled wetland of international significance, backed by goliath sand dunes, on Namibia’s most dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful coastline.

One of the best places to skydive in the world, starting from 10,000 feet above unbeatable desert vistas.

The giant dunes of the vast, sand-filled Namib desert offers some of the world’s best desert activities – quad biking, mountain biking, sandboarding, camel riding, wildlife tours and more.

A low-key luxury train offering a wonderful 22-hour overnight scenic journey between Windhoek and Swakopmund.

A remote desert landscape home to ancient Himba tribes, transformed by the rushing waters of the Kunene River and the glittering cataracts of the Epupa Falls.

One of just two World Heritage Sites in Namibia, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to a remarkable collection of cave paintings and etchings dating back 10,000 years.

One of the largest seal colonies in the world, Cape Cross is a worthwhile day out from Swakopmund, and the lonely 200km round-trip offers fantastic sea and desert panoramas.

Locals dub this unusual building ‘The Coffee Machine’, but within the Independence Memorial Museum you’ll find stirring exhibitions and archives covering Namibia’s journey from colonialism through liberation struggle to independence. Entrance is free, and the top-floor café has excellent views of the city.

This enigmatic ghost town near Luderitz echoes the heyday of Namibia’s early 20th-century diamond boom. Today the desert is slowly, hauntingly, reclaiming what was one of the wealthiest towns in the world.

Mysterious herds of wild horses roam the sandy grasslands of the Namib Desert, rumoured to be descended from German army horses stationed here in World War I. Dozens gather each day at the waterhole near the settlement of Aus.

Set in the Old Breweries Complex in central Windhoek, the Namibia Craft Centre offers souvenirs and handicrafts from across Namibia. Home to more than 40 craft enterprises – largely community- or women-owned – you’ll find everything from Himba jewellery to hand-woven Zambezi baskets. Look out for the excellent collection of Namibian art and music too.

This group of dramatic granite peaks soar 1728m above the rocky deserts of Damaraland in the Namib Desert, creating a wild, starkly beautiful paradise for hikers and climbers. There’s a campsite at the foot of the main peak, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient or book into nearby lodges.

More inner-city nature reserve than manicured garden, the 12-hectare National Botanic Garden of Namibia offers a selection of walking trails to explore. Useful information boards highlight key species, from endemic succulents to the enigmatic quiver tree. Open Monday to Friday. Free entrance.

The world’s second-largest canyon is a dramatic natural wonder in the south of the country. Tackle the 5-day, 85-kilometre hiking trail, or admire the canyon from viewpoints near Hobas.

No visit to Windhoek is complete without a stop at this offbeat eatery where the Windhoek lager is always cold and the enormous portions of grillhaxe (pork knuckle) fly out of the kitchen. Take a wander to admire the quirky décor between courses.

Set in the dry Swakop River, with the Namib Desert as a backdrop, the Rossmund Golf Resort offers an 18-hole par-72 layout with striking views, grassy fairways and wildlife to keep players on their toes.

The rooftop Skybar at the Hilton Windhoek is the city’s finest sundowner spot, with glorious views and a particularly impressive gin menu, with a collection of Namibian craft gins infused with local botanicals.

With Adirondack chairs set just metres from the sea, this rustic beach bar in the mouth of the Swakop River is the best place in Swakopmund for sundowners. Make like the locals and drink beer, not Bellinis.

Break the long journey from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund in Solitaire, a middle-of-nowhere settlement famous for the apple pie at McGregor’s Bakery. The Solitaire Lodge also offers 25 en-suite rooms and wonderful desert views.

If you’re not devouring your weight in eisbein at the Brauhaus, beachfront seafood eatery The Tug is the best place to eat in Swakopmund. Phone ahead for a window seat.