sweeping landscapes
Everywhere in the world has a sunset, and a sunrise for that matter, once a day. But Namibia’s sweeping landscapes and dramatic topography turn the advent and departure of the sun into truly theatrical events. You’ll also find theatre aplenty along the notorious Skeleton Coast, or when you’re tracking rhino and the rare, desert-adapted elephants of Namibia.
For a completely different view of the giant dunes and wind-carved landscapes of this idiosyncratically beautiful country you can take to the air – in a stately, hot air balloon.
Here are our expert consultants’ favourite reasons for visiting Namibia.
SCHOEMAN SKELETON COAST SAFARI
One of the most spectacular ways to see this astounding and notorious coastline is from above on an air safari. Then come back down to Earth to meet local Himba tribal people, clamber up giant dunes and see the shipwrecks that gave the coast its name.
WATCH THE SUNRISE AT SOSSUSVLEI
You’ve seen the photographs of gigantic sand dunes carved into hauntingly beautiful shapes by wind and the passage of time. Now’s your chance to see them for real, and take your own shots of the vivid colours and graphic shapes. Especially at sunrise.
STAY AT DESERT RHINO CAMP IN DAMARALAND
If you experience an adrenalin rush when you set off on the track of rhinos, wait until your experienced guide shows you one of these awesome, prehistoric-looking beasts. Or when you meet your first desert-adapted wild elephant, and learn about their conservation.
GO HOT AIR BALLOONING
Namibia’s science fiction fantasy desert and its extraordinary dunes are impressive from any angle. But very few ways of seeing them beat the perspective you’ll have from the air, cruising along aboard a stately hot air balloon. And there’s even a glamorous, Champagne breakfast upon landing.
MEET THE HIMBA TRIBES
You’ll find that – with its scenery and history of shipwrecking – the Skeleton Coast lives up to its world renown. But one of your most enduring memories of the place could be meeting the local Himba tribes people and learning about their culture, traditions and lifestyle.
TRACK CHEETAHS IN OKONJIMA
Shhh. Walk carefully, talk only occasionally and very quietly and, in the rolling bush of Okonjima, you may very well be able to observe cheetahs hunting and resting. Your knowledgeable guide will also tell you about their behaviour and survival in the wild.
TOUR SANDWICH HARBOUR
The perfect exploration adventure for bird watchers, keen photographers, amateur geologists and lovers of amazing scenery. Your 4 x 4 vehicle will zip you along a coastline where mighty dunes meet the rolling ocean and hundreds of species of birds make temporary homes.
SELF-DRIVE IN ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
If you dream of driving your own safari vehicle through a national park that’s rich in wildlife – this is your opportunity. Explore at your own pace, follow your own trail, but leave time for a picnic lunch overlooking the watering hole favoured by thirsty giraffe and elephants.
VISIT WOLWEDANS NATURE RESERVE
This highly unusual nature reserve is set against a backdrop of diverse and breathtaking desert scenery. Despite the endless, rolling sand the region is actually rich in wildlife, but one of the best parts of the day is sitting in silence, gin and tonic in hand, watching the sunset.
FISH RIVER CANYON
Make sure your hiking boots are really comfortable – you’re going on a trek through the second largest canyon in the world. It’s a challenging adventure for serious hikers, but its rewards make it worthwhile – some of the most dramatic and photogenic scenery you’re ever likely to walk across.
EXPERTS
Sophie
Tania
