Places to visit in Namibia

Saturday, September 23, 2017

So you think about traveling in Africainfo-icon but don’t know what places to visit in Namibiainfo-icon?

This country which inherited its name from the Namib Desert is a small country with a population of just over 2 million. The government takes very seriously issues on preserving natural resources and wildlife management thus attracting tourists. Small as it sounds it has exotic tours and even home to the largest canyon in Africa. Without saying too much let us explore this small nation as we discover what places to visit in Namibia.

Etosha Pan

which means “great white place” is made of a large mineral pan covering 4,800 sq. km making it the largest in Africa. The area whitish in color is believed to have been due to tectonic plate movement millions of years ago. Flamingos in their thousands will be seen breeding in the pan when it has rained and water is collected that form a lovely view. Did you know a fun fact about flamingos that they are known to have very monogamous relationships? Well, maybe humans could learn a thing or two from this fact! Other bird species like owls and vultures can be spotted too although the highlight still remains the flamingos.

Kolmanskop

This tourist attraction site is known as a “ghost town” is a place that was abandoned hundreds of years ago. It is believed that some Germans during their tours settled here after the discovery of diamonds and built the houses in a typical style of German architecture. All amenities were included, like schools, hospitals, theaters and they even built the first ever tram in Africa. In the 1950’s as the diamonds started depleting the Germans took off in search of greener pastures in other areas and thus the abandonment of these structures. It is kind of funny to see such beautiful buildings in the middle of nowhere covered by sand. We cannot give you all the details as it would be better if you arrange a tour and go on a discovery mission.

abandoned house filled with sand in the ghost town of kolmanskop
abandoned house filled with sand in the ghost town of kolmanskop

Sossusvlei Dune

Sossusvlei is a clay and salt pan in the midst of amazing dunes that are mostly very colorful and are known to be home to some of the highest dunes in the world. A tour through the blazing heat will give you a chance to see some scenic scenes and also a glimpse of the animals that really survive in such conditions. The dunes here exude a peaceful atmosphere and the tallest one nicknamed “Big Daddy” is not to be missed, now that sounds like a family affair. Pay note to the high temperatures during the day. Best time to view is during sunset or sundowner but still ensure you carry enough water and sunscreen if required. As for the wildlife apart from birds, other animals are antelopes, ostriches, jackals and small reptiles. The area around the pan is normally dry but on rare occasions gets wet during the rare rains.

Sossusvlei Dune in the Great Namib Dessert in Namibia
Sossusvlei Dune in the Great Namib Dessert in Namibia

Fish River Canyon

as the largest canyon in Africa and second in the world after the Grand Canyon, this becomes one of the best places to visit in Namibia. This is a hikers destination where you can enjoy the famous Fish River Hiking Trail, it can be a treacherous walk and normally available between May and September. Trekking or trailing here is not for the faint-hearted, so check your fitness status before you embark. During your walk, you will pass through a stunning gorge and small little pools where you can take a swim and relax. After all the hikes you can relax your muscles at either one of the camps or book into one of the lodges.

Skeleton Coast

As the word depicts obviously there is an association with death, one story says it came from the skeletons from the seals and whales that washed ashore due to whaling and the other talks about shipwrecks that were abandoned due to the wrath of nature. The locals call it “the land God made in anger” due to the harsh environment and it is hard to believe the Himba people live here and are known to survive on a meat only diet. Some animals found here are buffalos, giraffes, Oryx, hyenas, and the occasional lions and elephants. Whether you are superstitious or not to believe that God was angry when creating this beauty or not, make it a must see as one of the places to visit in Namibia.

Great places to visit in Namibia

You may think of this little country, and wonder how it would it have so much to offer, but with the above destinations, there is no doubt there would be nothing holding you from booking a trip. Apart from all that sand to see in this desert, its nature and wildlife are reason enough to want to see more. Pack your bags and be ready for a wilderness adventure as we head to the places to visit in Namibia.

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Etosha Pan - driving through the remains of a former lake, now an endless white flat area
driving through the remains of a former lake, now an endless white flat area
Queen Elizabeth National Park - game drive to the tree Lions in the oldest national park in Uganda
game drive to the tree Lions in the oldest national park in Uganda
Elephant Camp - lovely place along the Mekong River to ride the grey animals
lovely place along the Mekong River to ride the grey animals
Bwindi Forest - driving around the national park with half of the worlds mountain gorillas
driving around the national park with half of the worlds mountain gorillas
Gamba La Pass - driving up to a viewpoint high above the Yamdrok Lake on 5.400m
driving up to a viewpoint high above the Yamdrok Lake on 5.400m