What to See in Namibia

10 places to visit in Namibia

South-western Africa is home to Namibia, a former German colony that only gained independence in 1990. Namibia is known for its diamond industry and its Xhosa culture, and it is also home to an incredible number of natural attractions. Fish River Canyon Park is a dream and the majestic Epupa Falls are not to be missed. If your idea of a dream holiday includes plenty of outdoor adventures and nature photography, then Namibia is the ideal place to explore. As you plan your trip, take a look at this list of the best places to visit in Namibia.

10Epupa Falls

On the border between Namibia and Angola, in the region known as Kaokoland, you will find the Epupa Falls. These falls are created by the Kunene River and stretch for over a mile. Around the falls are colourful rock formations, palms and fig trees. Although Epupa Falls is remote and accessible only by 4×4 vehicles, it remains a popular attraction in Namibia. Most travellers visiting Epupa Falls prefer to stay overnight in one of the surrounding lodges. If you want to add a bit of adrenaline to your day, you can also try some river rafting.

9Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is an important port on the coast of Namibia. It is also an extremely popular destination for travellers and locals looking for desert sports. In the lagoon, you can try kitesurfing thanks to the strong winds on the water. Head inland and you can try dune boarding, a warmer kind of snowboarding that makes the most of the desert's sandy landscape. Back on the coast, you can go fishing or set off on a dolphin- or seal-watching cruise. There are many opportunities for birdwatching, particularly in the wetlands where flamingos gather.

8Skeleton Coast National Park

The Skeleton Coast took its name from how dangerous it was to sail a ship along the coast in past centuries. To this day, the desolate coast is still known as the world's largest ship graveyard. Skeleton Coast National Park is for the most part uninhabited, with a few rare villages dotting the landscape. Most visitors come specifically to see the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. The reserve is historically significant because it was the 15th-century landing point of the first European to visit the coast of Namibia. Even more important for most visitors, it is now a breeding colony for over 200,000 cape fur seals.

7Windhoek

The most common place to visit in Namibia is the capital and largest city of Windhoek. If you are planning a long safari, chances are it will start in Windhoek. However, there are several reasons to stick around and enjoy some time in the city. If you are interested in Namibia's history, be sure to see the Parliament of Namibia and the old Lutheran church called Christuskirche. If you are hoping to buy some souvenirs, Windhoek is the ideal place to shop. Along with some of the smaller local markets, there are larger shops located in the Maerua Mall.

6Waterberg Plateau Park

Located in northern Namibia, the Waterberg Plateau Park is a large plateau of red sandstone rock that serves as a refuge for endangered animals. Most visitors come for a guided tour that allows you to spot buffalo, rhinos and antelopes. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, and is a breeding ground for Cape vultures. Some adventurous travellers can set off on long hikes through the Waterberg Plateau Park every week. This is only permitted between April and November, and all hikers must have the appropriate permits and guides. There are cottages and campsites just outside the park that offer facilities and accommodation to travellers.

5Luderitz

As a former German colony, Namibia has many German influences on its culture, language and cuisine. One of the most obvious places to notice this influence is in the coastal town of Luderitz. With its Art Nouveau architecture and countless German street names, it is easy to feel as if you are in Bavaria rather than Namibia. During a visit to Luderitz, you can see the Deutsche Afrika bank, the old Lutheran churches and the famous Troost House. Don't miss the chance to see the nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, which was once a centre for diamond mining. The sand dunes have now overtaken the town, making it both eerie and beautiful.

4Swakopmund

If you want to see where the locals of Namibia go on holiday, check out the coastal destination of Swakopmund. Originally a German colonial town, Swakopmund boasts colourful, historic architecture. It is known as Namibia's adventure capital and it is easy to see why. If you visit Swakopmund, you will have the chance to go quad biking in the desert, camel safari, try sandboarding on the nearby dunes or simply relax on the beach. There are also dozens of excellent international restaurants and numerous great bars serving locally brewed beer.

3Fish River Canyon Park

At Fish River Canyon Park, you can see one of the largest canyons in the world. Known in Afrikaans as Visrivier Afgronde, the canyon is formed by the Fish River, one of the longest in Africa. There are several great ways to see and experience Fish River Canyon Park first-hand. If you feel like a hike, the Fish River Canyon Trail is very popular. Keep in mind that the entire length of the route is over 80 km (50 miles). You can also take a scenic flight over the top of the canyon or even go for a swim in the Fish River.

2Namib-Naukluft National Park

As the name suggests, the Namib-Naukluft National Park contains both the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountain range. It is also the largest playground in Africa and a splendid setting. Much of the park consists of red sand dunes, a changing landscape that you have to see to believe. You can see lunar landscapes and spot first-hand some of the tallest dunes. The most famous area of the park is Sossusvlei, Namibia's most famous strip of sand, where gigantic dunes rise more than 300 metres from the ground. You should also check out the Kuiseb Canyon, through which the Kuiseb River flows when it is not just a sandy riverbed.

1Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park The second largest game reserve in Namibia after Namib-Naukluft, Etosha National Park surrounds the vast Etosha salt pan. The pan itself is usually dry and only briefly fills with water in summer, but that is enough to encourage the growth of a blue-green algae that attracts thousands of flamingos. Most of the wildlife, including herds of zebras, wildebeest and antelopes, can be seen around the waterholes that border the pan. Etosha is served by five well-established rest camps and offers a fantastic driving experience.