Discover Namibia – Amazing Places to visit

Are you planning a trip to Namibia and wondering what to see and do? Or perhaps you’re looking for ideas for the best things to do in Namibia? Continue reading!

What do we really know about Namibia? Namibia is a beautiful African country with a lot to offer, but few people think about visiting it. In this article, we will share 12 incredible destinations in Namibia that you should visit.

This list includes everything from the main landmarks, the most beautiful places, and the most famous tourist attractions in Namibia to the lesser-known fascinating stops that should be on your Namibia road trip itinerary.

Etosha National Park

Etosha is a large salt pan in Namibia’s northwestern region. It’s also Namibia’s largest wildlife sanctuary, with guaranteed animal sightings. Almost all African animals can be found here in large numbers.

Furthermore, Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most accessible wildlife reserves and can be visited independently. Etosha National Park should be visited for at least two days and three nights. Don’t overlook the Okaukuejo waterhole! Read on to find out why Okaukuejo is the best place to stay in Etosha.

If you are staying in the Okaukuejo area (inside or just outside the park), this guided half-day or full-day game drive is also an option (the more people share the jeep, the cheaper it gets per person). Most lodges in the area will also offer guided tours, but the cost will vary depending on the lodge and the number of travelers in your group.

Accommodation nearby

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

Sossusvlei is at the top of my list of must-see places in Namibia. This location should be at the top of any ‘best things to do in Namibia’ list!

Sossusvlei is a desert with the largest sand dunes in the world. Don’t forget about Deadvlei, the white salt pan with ancient acacia trees that appears in all Namibia travel guides. Make a point of climbing one of the higher sand dunes. Big Daddy, Big Mama, or Dune 45 are my top picks.

Stay in the park’s accommodations and try to catch the sunrise from the top of Big Daddy Dune. However, driving all the way to Sossusvlei by yourself may not be a good idea because the last few kilometers are on sand and many vehicles become stuck in it… Most accommodations in the area offer tours, and you can often hire a 4×4 vehicle for the last part, but they won’t arrive before sunset.

If you don’t want to rent a car for the entire trip (or don’t want to drive on gravel roads in this part of Namibia), this 2-night/3-day tour from Windhoek is a great way to see the Sossusvlei sand dunes. It includes transportation, lodging at one of the area’s most beautiful lodges, a few excursions, and most meals.

Accommodation nearby

Walvis Bay Flamingos

A large colony of wild flamingos lives on the Walvis Bay waterfront. Thousands of pink flamingos, as well as pelicans and other birds, can be expected.

When visiting this part of the country, don’t forget to see the flamingos at Walvis Bay. It’s unquestionably one of the best places to visit in Namibia.

Book a boat trip to Walvis Bay to see dolphins and other sea life.

Accommodation nearby

Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe was one of the most breathtaking places we visited in Namibia, despite being little known and off the main tourist routes.

The most breathtaking scenery and almost no people. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem, which is one of Namibia’s most beautiful destinations in my opinion!

Stay for the sunset if you can. Do not, however, drive at night. Spitzkoppe has a campground, and it’s one of the most beautiful places to camp in Namibia!

You can take this day tour from Swakopmund or Walvis Bay to Spitzkoppe. It also stops at a few other interesting places in the area.

Cape Cross Seals

Cape Cross Seal Reserve is another absolute favorite from our Namibia trip that I cannot even begin to describe.

As far as the eye can see, there are hundreds of thousands of seals. It’s one of those places you have to see to believe, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Visit early in the morning (access begins at 8 a.m.) and preferably on a windy day to avoid the smell.

Accommodation nearby

Solitaire

Solitaire is a small town with a population of less than 100 people. It’s not really a town, but it has a variety of amenities, and because it’s in the middle of nowhere, everyone passing through stops for gas.

Solitaire rose to prominence as the subject of a book by Dutch author Ton van der Lee about his stay there.

It has that authentic Namibian feel to me. Remote, eccentric, and unlike anywhere else in Namibia. One of those places that would be difficult to imagine anywhere else and a must-see in Namibia.

At the Moose McGregor bakery, try a piece of the world-famous apple pie.

Accommodation in Solitaire

Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is the world’s second-largest canyon and one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s a long drive there, but it’s well worth it.

The best time to visit Fish River Canyon is at sunrise. There are plenty of great viewpoints to see the canyon without having to hike. Hikes and multi-day treks are also available.

If you stay at Gondwana Canyon Lodge, you can take a free sundowner tour to the top of the hill next to the lodge, which has some of the most spectacular scenery you can imagine!

Kolmanskop Ghost Town

abandoned house in the ghost town of kolmanskop, namibia

Kolmanskop, once a prosperous German diamond mining town, is now an abandoned ghost town slowly sinking into the Namib Desert sand dunes.

Kolmanskop, located just outside the colonial town of Lüderitz, is one of the few places in Namibia where you can learn more about the country’s history. It’s also a photographer’s dream.

The best light for photography is in the early morning. You can also get a photography permit and have access from sunrise to sunset (non-commercial photography only).

Accommodation in Lüderitz

Swakopmund

If you only visit one town in Namibia, make it Swakopmund. It’s by far Namibia’s most lively and touristy town, but in a good way.

A lovely coastal setting, charming colonial architecture, a plethora of hotels, shops, and restaurants… Swakopmund is an oasis in Namibia’s desert. It’s one of the best places to visit in Namibia, and it should be on any Namibia itinerary, in my opinion.

Plan to spend at least 2-3 days in Swakopmund because there are so many activities and day trips available.

Accommodation in Swakopmund

Twyfelfontein

Twyfelfontein is Africa’s most extended site of ancient Bushman rock engravings. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction in Namibia.

There are several routes to choose from, and a local guide will lead you on a tour. If you can’t decide, we recommend going the Lion Man route, which is said to be the best.

Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.

Quiver Tree Forest

When driving through Southern Namibia, the Quiver Tree Forest is a nice place to stop and rest. It has become one of Namibia’s most popular tourist attractions.

Quiver trees are quite unusual and make for interesting photographs. Bushmen used the branches of these aloe trees to make quivers, hence the name “quiver tree.”

Don’t forget to check out the nearby Giant’s Playground, but be careful not to get lost in the maze of large dolerite rocks.

Canyon Roadhouse

The Canyon Roadhouse is an attraction in and of itself, located just a few miles from the Fish River Canyon. It’s a hotel and restaurant with an incredible collection of vintage cars. A must-see for any family visiting Namibia with children!

Plan a lunchtime visit because they have a great little restaurant with…. you guessed it… even more cars inside.

Luxury Oasis in the Heart of the Namib Desert

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Discover unparalleled serenity amidst the breathtaking Namib Desert at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of this remote desert retreat, where luxurious accommodations and unrivaled stargazing experiences await, making it the ultimate destination for those seeking a unique desert escape in Namibia.