Top Places To See In Namibia, Africa

Introduction:

Namibia, the country in southern Africa where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean, does not have only this attraction to boast of. Surely this is one of the reasons why visit the country but there are several other reasons too. Desert meeting the oceans sounds divine, right? I daresay even fairytales don’t end like this. Africa is synonymous with wildlife, and a significant amount is sprinkled in Namibia. There are canyons, there are waterfalls, there is wildlife and more. Namibia is a tourist’s paradise! Let us highlight the most you can get from the country where the desert meets the ocean.

Sesriem:

Starting with an offbeat location, which is best visited between April and October, you will find Sesriem in the heart of the Namib Desert. Moreover, if you like exploring the wildlife, this small village can be a great place to capture some great photographs. Often called ‘Gateway To Sossusvlei’, Sesriem is the entry point to the highest sand dunes in the world that offer unparalleled views of the desert. There is also the Dead Vlei which is a salt and clay pan in the middle of the desert that has been turned white thanks to the sun, haha. 

In addition to sand dunes, there is the Namib Naukluft National Park which is an excellent destination for birdwatchers, game drives, and nature walks. White you’re here, the Sesriem Canyon, along with the dunes, offers breathtaking views of the desert. There are hot springs here that you can use to unwind after exploration.

Damaraland:

This region is in the northwestern part of Nambia and is characterized by deep gorges, high mountains, semi-desert areas, and dry riverbeds, all in all, a wild area. One of the reasons for visiting Damaraland is to see the endangered black rhino, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and elephants among other animals, the elephants are not endangered. The other two, unfortunately, are. Another rare animal you can spot here is the black-faced impala. You can see the Brandberg Mountain, the highest peak in the country, here and the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The period from May to September is the best time to visit Damaraland.

That is not all, places like the petrified forest and the Bushman paintings at the Ugab Terrace give Damaraland its much-deserved renown. You can access the remote areas of the region with a 4×4 safari and enjoy horseriding too. Try including birdwatching and guided nature walks too if you’re in Damaraland.

Palmwag:

You can find this small town in the Kunene region of the country and leads to the Palmwag Concession, which is nearby. This concession is where you can spot the endangered desert-dwelling elephants, rhinos, and lions. This place is popular for its birds such as the endangered Ludwig’s bustard, kori bustard, and the vultures. Palmwag serves as a terrific trekking spot, for photography, and nature walks. If you want an escape from the daily chaos of life, Palmwag is an option you could do well to consider. It is home to the semi-nomadic tribe called Himba who continue their traditional way of life despite all the advancements the world is seeing. You can see how they live first-hand and the best time to visit this place is from November to April, the months of the wet season. There are limited areas here so make sure you have enough supplies and mosquito repellants among others.

Twyfelfontein:

We’ve talked a bit about this place in this article. Twyfelfontein is an important archaeological landmark and is celebrated for its ancient rock art. Apart from having the largest concentration of petroglyphs on the continent, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the early Stone Age, there are over 2,500 rock carvings here. These works of art represent the lifestyle of the San Bushmen. There are also symbols, and through guided tours, you can learn more about the carvings. The Organ Pipes are another attraction of this place, it’s a little difficult to pronounce the name, right? Imagining writing, haha! The Organ Pipes are a group of tall structures made of sandstone that resemble organ pipes, hence the name. The oldest mountain in Namibia, the Burnt Mountain can be found nearby. While you’re here, check out the Petrified Forest, which consists of fossilized tree trunks and branches. Please keep in mind that the rocks are fragile.

Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary:

This wildlife sanctuary in the north-central part of Namibia, is home to a range of animals such as giraffes, cheetahs, and many endangered birds. If you want to see wildlife as up and close as it gets, Naankuse has got you covered. You can see the animals in their natural habitat, make the most of guided safaris, and/or help with wildlife conservation. There is the Waterberg National Park where you can find animals such as zebras and antelopes. You can spot African Wild Dogs in Okonjima Nature Reserve. With the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Okonjima, you can contribute to the noble cause of protecting these big cats. This sanctuary also offers game drives, birdwatching, cultural tours, and many more.

Kamanjab:

This small town is located in the northern part of Namibia and is close to the Skeleton Coast. You will find the popular Etosha National Park here which houses lions, rhinos, and elephants. Apart from the Himba villages that we have talked about, there are the Omboroko Mountains here too. There are horseback rides and hiking that you can enjoy in addition to the park, where you can engage in game drives, birdwatching, and even hot-air ballooning. You can take a look at the Hoba Meteorite which is the largest meteorite in the world. There is an abundance of spots to take in the sunsets from. May to September is the best time for coming to this town but please remember that it gets very hot during the day and the terrain is also quite rugged.

Epupa:

This is another destination located in the Kunene region of Namibia, close to the Angolan border. The Epupa Falls is here and it is a chain of waterfalls that are popular for fishing, canoeing, and of course, swimming. The greenery and the network of rivers are apt for birdwatching and river cruises. Tourists also enjoy kayaking and rafting in addition to relaxing. The Ruacana Falls is nearby and it is the site of a major battle during the country’s struggle for independence. People who are interested in culture studies can have a great time in Epupa.

Okahandja:

This town is on the sheltered edge of the Namib Desert. The main attraction of this town is the Okahandja Park where you can find ostriches, zebras, and antelopes among others. There is, of course, the Etosha National Park, which you can visit from this town. In addition to the park, there are the Okahandja Craft Market and the Okahandja Nature Reserve. You can find the Okhandja Zoo in the Okhandhja Park which is home to over 300 species of animals, the rare white rhino being one of them. The Okhandja Craft Market is a great place to get souvenirs from Namibia such as jewelry and traditional clothing. You can also camp and hike around the town. You can learn about the country’s history by visiting the Okahandja Museum.

Otjiwarongo:

The places are getting increasingly difficult to pronounce, right? Located in the Otjozondjupa region of the country, if you want to experience the Namibian bush, this is a good place for it. It is home to the Otjiwarongo Crocodile Farm and the Cheetah Reservation Fund, two of Namibia’s most famous tourist attractions. The Waterberg Plateau Park is nearby and so is the Otjiwarongo Craft Market. Apart from hiking, birdwatching, and game viewing, the nightlife of Otjiwarongois worth mentioning thanks to the bars and restaurants located here. The town is in a remote region so we ask you to be prepared for a long journey. This is another place where you can buy souvenirs.

Keetmanshoop:

This town in the southern part of Namibia is the capital of the ǁKaras Region and is rich in history and culture. The Quiver Tree Forest is very popular among tourists thanks to the unique geographical formations of the area. There are many historical moments such as the Daureb Monument and the Keetmanshoop Memorial. The Namib Desert is where you will see the famous desert lions. The Kokerboom is home to the quiver tree and you can take in the tha Namibian landscape from the Fish River Canyon nearby. The roads are difficult to navigate and the town is kind of dusty and dry. We hope you get in touch with someone who is familiar with the roads and carry hats and water to keep the dust and heat from bothering you.

Conclusion:

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