Country Overview
Overview
Discover the country by air, travelling in light aircraft, or by land, either with your own private driver/guide or on a self-drive basis. Read more about self-drive in Namibia.
Namibia is a vast wilderness of stark, arid landscapes, rugged coastlines and ever-changing colours. It contains the oldest desert on the planet, the world’s highest sand dunes and second largest canyon, carved by the Fish River. Discover the country by air, travelling in light aircraft, or by land, either with your own private driver/guide or on a self-drive basis.
Namibia has a wide choice of accommodation, from character guesthouses and boutique hotels to first-rate safari lodges. For the adventurous, a mobile camping safari is recommended, staying in dome tents and dining al fresco under the stars.
What to see
Northern Namibia
In the north, the scattered waterholes of the Etosha National Park are an ideal place to watch varied wildlife converge and drink, while Damaraland’s rugged scenery provides a spectacular backdrop to the elusive desert elephant and black rhino. The area also contains many ancient rock art sites and is home to the Himba people. Damaraland fits easily into a journey between Swakopmund and Etosha.
In the remote north west of Namibia, covering an area of 2 million hectares, is the Skeleton Coast National Park. Its desolate, eerie yet dramatic scenery features coastal dunes, shipwrecks, huge seal colonies and flocks of pelican and flamingo. The Caprivi Strip in the far northeastern corner of Namibia has an environment similar to the Okavango Delta, and can easily be combined with a visit to Botswana.
Southern Namibia
Travelling south, the Sossusvlei sand dunes are a photographer’s paradise. These majestic dunes can be explored by vehicle, on foot or by hot air balloon. Further south lies the spectacular Namibrand Nature Reserve. Drive through the red dunes, explore the ancient hunting spots of the Bushmen or take a nature walk or hiking trail.
A guided camping safari is an adventurous yet comfortable way to experience Namibia’s spectacular scenic beauty and diverse flora and fauna.
The camping safaris vary in length from 4 to 15 days and venture off the normal tourist routes. Shorter trips can be included as part of a longer self-drive or fly safari, or a longer trip makes a worthy holiday on its own.Travel in the latest custom built 4 x 4 Land Rovers, equipped with huge sliding windows and roof hatches, accompanied by a guide. The safari guides are dedicated conservationists and have an intimate knowledge of the country. The itineraries can be taken as a group (up to six clients) or on a private basis, offering complete flexibility.Travelling off-road, and exploring dry river beds and breathtaking landscapes, you will have the opportunity to get close to nature, away from other visitors and tour groups. Stay in comfortable domed tents, which feature metal-framed beds, solar bucket showers and long-drop toilets. Dine al fresco on delicious bush cuisine.
When to go
The most pleasant weather is between April and October, when temperatures are cooler and there is very little rainfall. The coastal region near Swakopmund is noticeably cooler than the desert interior throughout the year. Game viewing is good year-round but is at its best during the drier winter months, when wildlife congregates at the water holes.
Great Experiences
Take a hot air balloon flight over Sossusvlei Sand Dunes
Enjoy the tranquillity and seemingly endless views over the windswept red sand dunes of the Namib desert.
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Explore Damaraland
Damaraland is home to the elusive desert elephant and black rhino. The area also contains many ancient rock art sites and is home to the Himba people.
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Etosha National Park
Sit by a waterhole in Etosha and watch as the game converges to drink.
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Visit Okonjima
Okonjima is home to the AfriCat foundation - famous for research and rehabilitation of Cheetah and Leopard who roam freely in the reserve, offering great opportunities to get close to these beautiful creatures.
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View Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia.
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Images
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