Namibia Travel Tips

Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on earth. Famous for its sand dunes that baffle the eye with their incredible heights, some of which are 980 feet high and span 20 miles! The Kalahari sand dunes, some of which stretch west to the Namib Desert, compose the largest continuous expanse of sand on earth. That is because although the Sahara Desert is larger overall, sand dunes make up only about 15% of its area. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. In the north, Etosha National Park draws even more game, including big cats, elephants, black rhinos, and plains game in abundance. Damaraland is a wonderful place to see desert-adapted elephants and lions and also happens to host Africa's largest population of free-ranging rhinos. Land of vast views, Namibia is also home to Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. Take in Swakopmund, know to be the launch pad for an exploration of the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert, this is a city with as much personality as it has sea frontage.  Visit Twyfelfontein, officially known as ǀUi-ǁAis, is a site of ancient rock engravings in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia. Visit Namibia during the first quarter of the year to experience the Namib desert in bloom with green grasses, many of the animals give birth around this time and so there’s a chance to see their young in the wild. The second quarter of the year is great for photography with little dust in the air but temperatures can soar during these times as well. For the best chance at a glimpse of the big 5, September, October, November, and December are the best months as it’s dry and the animals congregate at the watering holes. It’s worth it to go during this time, but don’t forget plenty of sun protection as the desert sun can be unforgiving as it reflects off the land. 

Read More Travel Tips for Namibia Vacations