Travelling to Namibia can seem like a bit of a daunting task, but if you do it right I can assure you that it’s the trip of a lifetime.
I recently returned from road tripping all across Namibia and I want to share with you my favorite places and experiences from across this wonderful country. From massive sand dunes to unforgettable wildlife safaris, let’s dive in:
- Sossusvlei & Deadvlei: Haunting Beauty of the Salt Pans
- Big Daddy Dune: A Giant Sand Dune
- Swakopmund: Charming Germanic Town
- Sandwich Harbour: Where the Desert Meet the Sea
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Meet Thousands of Seals
- Spitzkoppe: The Matterhorn of Namibia
- Quiver Tree Forest: Upside Down Trees
- Fish River Canyon: Africa's Largest Canyon
- Etosha National Park: Wildlife Safari
- Erindi Private Game Reserve: Wildlife Encounters
- Epupa Falls: Dramatic Waterfalls
- Damaraland: Meeting the Desert Elephants
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei: Haunting Beauty of the Salt Pans
Located within the stunning Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Namibia. This breathtaking area is home to towering sand dunes, roaming oryx, and the famous salt pans. Right next to it you’ll find another one of the most iconic and photographed spots in Namibia, Deadvlei, a surreal and hauntingly beautiful clay pan surrounded by ancient, dried tree skeletons.
To reach Deadvlei, it’s about an hour’s drive from the park’s main gate. The scenery along the way is nothing short of spectacular, with massive sand dunes rising up on both sides of the road. Once you arrive at the parking area, you have the option to either drive through the sandy road or take a shuttle. We opted for the shuttle, which costs around $10 USD per person, as we didn’t want to risk getting stuck in the sand.
The shuttle ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and once you arrive at the end of the road, it’s a 50-minute hike through the sand to reach Deadvlei. The clay pan is a sight to behold, with its dried tree skeletons that are believed to have died over 700 years ago. The area was once home to a river, but when it dried up, the trees eventually died, and due to the dry conditions they remain frozen in time.
We visited Deadvlei in the late afternoon, and although it was scorching hot, we had the place almost to ourselves. Walking among the ancient trees was a surreal experience, and the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking.
Big Daddy Dune: A Giant Sand Dune
After exploring Deadvlei, we set our sights on Big Daddy Dune, standing at an impressive 325 meters it’s the tallest sand dune in the Sossusvlei area. I was determined to hike to the top, but the scorching midday heat forced us to postpone our ascent until the next morning.
As we began our hike along the ridge of the dune, we were treated to breathtaking views of Deadvlei’s clay pan. The scale of Big Daddy was awe-inspiring, and after about an hour and a half of hiking, we finally reached the summit.
The 360-degree views of the Namib Desert from the top were nothing short of spectacular. The landscape stretched out endlessly, and we felt as though we were on top of the world. After relaxing at the summit for about 30 minutes, we embarked on the fun part of the hike – sliding down the dune!
Swakopmund: Charming Germanic Town
After exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei, we headed to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town located about 4.5 hours away. Founded by German colonists in 1892, Swakopmund boasts a unique blend of African and European influences.
One of the first things we noticed upon arrival was the surprisingly cold weather, a welcome respite from the scorching desert heat. Swakopmund makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding attractions, and we spent a few days soaking up the town’s laid-back atmosphere.
But what drew us to Swakopmund in the first place…
Sandwich Harbour: Where the Desert Meet the Sea
I was most eager to visit Swakopmund to explore the nearby Sandwich Harbour. This unique location is where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a breathtaking landscape.
To get to Sandwich Harbor, it’s essential to go with an experienced driver, as the journey involves navigating through deep sand while watching out for the tides from the Atlantic Ocean. I joined a tour with Sand Waves, which offered an exhilarating adventure.
Our journey began in the town of Walvis Bay, where we drove along a narrow strip of beach between the dunes and the ocean. We stopped to hike to the top of a dune, taking in the incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
Back in the car, we drove on top of the dunes, which was initially intimidating but quickly became an adrenaline rush. The scenery was stunning, with the dunes stretching as far as the eye could see.
Our final stop was a phenomenal lookout point, offering the iconic view I had been hoping for. As we began our journey back to Walvis Bay, a sea fog rolled in, transforming the scenery into a surreal landscape that looked like something out of a Mad Max movie.
Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Meet Thousands of Seals
Located about an hour and a half from Swakopmund, Cape Cross is home to one of the largest seal populations in the world. With hundreds of thousands of seals calling this place home, it’s a wildlife lover’s paradise.
However, be warned: the smell of the seal colony is overwhelming. As soon as you step out of your car, you’ll be hit with a potent stench that’s hard to forget. But don’t let that deter you – the experience of watching the seals up close is well worth it.
There’s a boardwalk that allows you to walk among the seals, and some of them have even been known to venture onto the boardwalk itself. Just be prepared for the smell to linger on your clothes, camera, and hair for a while after your visit, but despite this, Cape Cross is a unique and unforgettable experience that’s not to be missed.
Spitzkoppe: The Matterhorn of Namibia
Spitzkoppe is a massive granite mountain that has earned the nickname “The Matterhorn of Namibia.” The highest peak stands at an impressive 670 meters and sits in stark contrast to the surrounding desert.
You can camp inside or outside the park, and spend plenty of time driving around Spitzkoppe and taking in the breathtaking views of the mountain from all angles. One of the highlights of the area is a unique rock arch that offers a stunning view of the mountain.
Quiver Tree Forest: Upside Down Trees
The Quiver Tree Forest is a must-visit destination in southern Namibia. This unique forest is home to over 200 quiver trees, which are scattered throughout the rocky landscape. The quiver trees have been shaped by the harsh desert environment and look like they’re upside down because the leaves look somewhat similar to roots. These unusual trees have been shaped by the harsh desert environment, and their unique forms add to the desert forest’s otherworldly charm.
The area is breathtakingly beautiful, especially at night. If you’re an astrophotography enthusiast, you’ll love capturing the Milky Way behind the quiver trees. The resulting photos are truly spectacular.
Fish River Canyon: Africa’s Largest Canyon
Fish River Canyon is another must-visit attraction in southern Namibia. As the largest canyon in Africa and the second-largest in the world behind only the Grand Canyon, this natural wonder is truly a sight to behold.
Despite its desolate landscape, the scale of Fish River Canyon is awe-inspiring. The canyon’s vast expanse stretches as far as the eye can see, leaving visitors speechless and eager to explore.
Etosha National Park: Wildlife Safari
Up in northern Namibia, Etosha National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa and home to Namibia’s best wildlife including giraffes, zebras, and elephants. Etosha’s various water holes are a great place to sit and wait for animals to come and get a drink, especially during the dry season.
One of the unique features of Etosha is the ability to go on a self-drive safari in your own car. As you navigate the dirt roads, you’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Etosha National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers, truly a must-visit destination for anyone going to Namibia.
Erindi Private Game Reserve: Wildlife Encounters
Another incredible spot to see wildlife and one of the highlights of our trip to Namibia were the incredible private game reserves like Erindi. These reserves offer luxury lodging and unparalleled wildlife experiences. The largest reserve in the country is Erindi, where we spent three unforgettable days.
We were fortunate to have an incredible guide who took us on thrilling game drives in search of wildlife. We spotted an array of animals, from cheetahs roaming around waterholes to prides of lions with newborn cubs. The adrenaline rush of driving through the bush and searching for game is an experience like no other.
One of the most memorable moments was using a special tracking system to locate a leopard relaxing on a termite mound. We also saw two elephants feed at sunset, and visited a remote area with peculiarly shaped mountains and a waterhole, home to a vast array of wildlife, including big herds of springbok and wildebeest.
We also stayed at the Ugab Game Farm which is home to a significant amount of wildlife, including three white rhinos. The farm offers game drives to spot animals such as elands and wildebeest, set against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding landscapes.
Epupa Falls: Dramatic Waterfalls
For a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to the very north of Namibia to visit Epupa Falls. Located on the Angola-Namibia border, this breathtaking destination is approximately a 10-hour drive from Windhoek.
While it may be a challenge to reach, the natural beauty of Epupa Falls makes it well worth the effort. The falls are surrounded by several lodges and campsites, offering a range of accommodation options.
One of the most striking features of Epupa Falls is the unique landscape. The falls are dotted with baobab trees perched precariously on rocks, creating a surreal and unforgettable atmosphere.
Damaraland: Meeting the Desert Elephants
Located in northwestern Namibia, approximately five hours from the capital of Windhoek, Damaraland is home to the famous Himba tribes and some of the country’s most rugged and breathtaking landscapes.
My primary reason for visiting Damaraland was to witness the iconic desert elephants. With only a few hundred remaining in Namibia, these incredible creatures have adapted to thrive in the harsh desert conditions.
I joined Twyfelfontein Elephant Drives, where an expert guide took us on an unforgettable journey deep into the desert, tracking the elusive elephant herd. After an hour of searching, we finally found a herd of 14 elephants relaxing in the shade.
The desolate landscape, although unforgiving, possessed a remarkable natural beauty. The elephants added a touch of magic to the scene. Due to the harsh conditions, most animals had migrated in search of food, leaving only the resilient elephants and giraffes behind.
Witnessing the elephants interact with each other was fascinating, especially the newborn elephant, which was carefully tended to by the rest of the herd. We were given many insights into the herd’s dynamics, explaining that a dominant female led the group, while juvenile males would eventually be pushed out as they matured.
As the day drew to a close, the elephants began their migration to a nearby waterhole. They traversed a vast, barren plane of sand, creating a spectacular scene against the backdrop of the mountains during sunset. This experience remains one of my most cherished wildlife encounters.
Seeing the desert elephants was undoubtedly my highlight in Namibia. If you’re interested in witnessing these incredible creatures, I highly recommend this guide company.
My trip to Namibia was one that I’ll never forget, and with these recommendations you should also be able to get inspired and start planning your next adventure. If you want to see some footage from my trip to Namibia, be sure to check out the video below:
