Last Updated on May 24, 2024
A journey through Namibia’s vast desert is one for the keeps. From the towering dunes in Sossusvlei to the diverse Etosha National Park, here are some of the coolest things to do in Namibia.
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Namibia is incredibly vast and massive, yet it marks as the second least densely populated country in the world. Dominated by the desert, this country in southern Africa has no shortage of dramatic natural landscapes — from the world’s highest sand dunes in the Namib Desert to the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park and the sweeping Skeleton Coast. Let’s forget the unique tribal culture that calls Namibia home.
One thing’s for sure: there’s so much to do in Namibia it’s impossible to see it all in one trip. Having traveled to Namibia on a long overland-trip, I fell in love with this incredibly underrated African country, and I can’t wait to return soon. This post highlights some of the unmissable attractions and my favorite things to do in Namibia.
Best Things to Do in Namibia
1. Enjoy a Sunset Game Drive in the Kalahari
There’s nothing quite like a good game drive. And the best time to go wildlife-watching is at sunset: when the sun washes the Kalahari Desert in a shade of gold. My game drive started at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, where I spotted several kudus, impalas, oryxes, jackals and even ostriches. The views of the desert at sunset were beautiful (and the fact I was enjoying a glass of wine had nothing to do with it, I promise!)
On my very first night of my Namibia safari, which I spent camping in the Kalahari, I was speechless as I admired the moon rise in the sky and then completely illuminating the desert around me. The stars never looked so bright.
2. Hike up the Waterberg Plateau
If you love the outdoors, then be sure to include a hike to the Waterberg Plateau, nicknamed “the Kalahari’s Table Mountain” in your Namibia itinerary. Soaring up to 200 meters high, the plateau offers unparalleled views after a hike. There are two multi-day trail options: the guided Waterberg Wilderness Trail and the self-guided Hiking Trail.
Each hike accommodates limited numbers per week and requires getting permits. I got mine through Namibia Wildlife Resorts. You can buy your permit directly at their camp office and they cost about $3 for adults and $1 for kids. I stayed at the Waterberg Resort and joined them on the morning hike.
3. Spot the Big Five in Etosha National Park
If you’re traveling Namibia for wildlife, be sure to spend time in Etosha National Park, one of the best safari parks in Africa. As one of the largest national parks in Africa, Etosha is home to the Big Five and many more species of animals. On a lucky day, it is possible to spot various antelopes, zebras and giraffes, elephants, lions, hyenas, cheetahs (I was lucky to see one with 3 cubs), ostriches and even rhinos.
Etosha means the ”great white area” and refers to the huge salt pan. This is an impressive sight because it’s certainly the biggest salt pan in Africa. Subsequently, when it rains, the water pools in the pan and attracts hundreds of thousands of flamingos!
To truly experience the wonders of this incredible national park, it’s best to book a professional Etosha Park tour.
4. Observe the Okaukuejo Waterhole at Night
One of the best places to stay in Etosha National Park is Okaukuejo Camp, the oldest tourist camp in Etosha and the administrative centre of the park. The camp is located in the park, only 17 km from the Anderson Gate’s southern entrance.
I highly recommend staying at Okaukuejo, as it offers one of the best waterholes inside Etosha National Park. If you stay at the waterhole chalets, you’ll be able to see the floodlit waterhole at night, and enjoy the variety of wildlife that congregates and interacts here: from lions to rhinos, elephants and antelope.
The spectacle starts at dawn, with animals coming in large numbers to quench their thirst. Then the activity continues throughout the day until late at night. After that, in the early evenings, it is common to have a black rhino, elephant, and lion – all drinking simultaneously!
5. Visit Epupa Falls
Within the rugged expanse of the Kunene Region, you will find the majestic Epupa Falls, a series of large waterfalls formed by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia. In the local language of the Ovahimba people who live here, Epupa means “falling water”.
To get there, drive north from Etosha along C35 and C43. Cascading gracefully near the Angolan border, these falls are a worthwhile day trip from Etosha. The best time to visit the falls is during the rainy season, typically around April and May. In this window, the waters surge offering a mesmerizing spectacle against the surrounding parched terrain.
6. Visit a Traditional Himba Village
The Himba people are a semi-nomadic tribe who have lived in northern Namibia for centuries. They are known for their distinctive red ochre body paint and intricate jewelry, as well as their deep-rooted cultural traditions and beliefs. The Himba people have a unique relationship with their environment and are skilled in agriculture, animal husbandry, and hunting. They are a proud and independent people who have managed to preserve their way of life despite the modern world encroaching upon them.
Learning about the traditional way of life of this indigenous group can be interesting. It’s important to be respectful to the Himbas and always ask before taking pictures. I suggesst hiring a guide who can act as a translator for you. This tour brings you into a Himba village and learn about their way of life.
7. Take a Cheeky Photo at the Tropic of Capricorn
One of the quirkiest things to do in Nambia is snapping a photo under the sign that marks the Tropic of the Capricorn. The colorful marker has in a way become a symbol, and you will likely find other travelers posing for pictures here too.
The sign is located midway between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay, along route C14, about an hour’s drive from the quaint settlement of Solitaire. Click to see its location on Google Maps.
8. Visit a Mesosaurus Fossil Site
Another interesting place to visit in Namibia is the Mesosaurus Fossil Site right outside Keetsmanshoop. There’s an amazing guide who takes visitors around, explaining enthusiastically what each fossil used to be. He was the same person that, as a child, actually found the first fossils in the area! He’ll explains the various research projects and excavations that have taken place in the area.
9. Photograph Classic Cars in the Desert
Who doesn’t love vintage cars? Classic cars are scattered around the desert in Namibia. I saw many old Ford and vintage Chevrolets in the desert near Mariental. They are strategically placed to offer an interesting addition to the spectacular surrounding landscapes. Especially at sunrise and sunset, walking between those old car wrecks is just fantastic with breathtaking views as the setting sun colors up the surrounding mountains and desert.
10. Explore the Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon is supposed to be the deepest canyon in Africa, measuring 170 km in length, 27 km in width and almost 500 meters at its deepest. The Fish River begins its journey in the Naukluft Mountains, seeking its lover, the Gariep or Orange River in the south. It flows steadily at first, dropping over two waterfalls before reaching the Löwen River and plunging into the canyon on its serpentine route to the end of the gorge at Ai-Ais.
The canyon is open for hiking between the 1st of May and the 15th of September. Outside this period, hikers are not allowed in the canyon due to the extreme temperatures. We did the Fish River Canyon hike at the beginning of May and it still was very hot during the day. The nights in the canyon are quite chilly even in the summer; temperatures go down to 5°C and even below. It’s highly recommended to bring warm clothes for sleeping and a good sleeping bag.
11. Soak in The Ai-Ais Hot Springs
Located at the end of the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail, Ai-Ais Hotsprings is a tranquil oasis that provides a welcome relief after conquering the rugged 85-kilometer trek. Ai-Ais, which means “burning water” in one of the local languages, refers to the sulphurous hot springs which are found in this area. The extreme heat of the springs date back to 1850 when they were discovered by a Nama herder searching for his lost sheep. Staying at the Ai-Ais Resort will give you free access to the springs.
12. Explore the Town of Luderitz
Luderitz almost feels like it doesn’t belong to Namibia. With colonial buildings resembling those in a German town, this lovely small coastal city looks more like Bavaria than anywhere else. One of the German buildings worth visiting include the art nouveau Goerke Haus, built into the rock face on Diamond Hill. Nearby, Felsenkirche is a hilltop church with panoramic bay views stretching around to Robert Harbor. The Lüderitz Museum has displays about the town’s diamond-mining past as well as local and natural history
I highly recommend visiting Luderitz for its unique geographical location: it overlooks the ocean, but it’s swathed by endless tonnes of sand, as if it were right in the middle of the desert. Be prepared for some splendid sunset views!
13. Hike up to Diaz Point
For a good introduction to the landscape around Luderitz, drive the circular loop around the rocky shoreline of Luderitz Penisula. From town, pass the Second Lagoon and Grosse Bucht (Large Bay) and you’ll reach Diaz Point.
This marks the point where Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias landed in 1488. He installed a cross to mark his landing and the cross was declared a National Monument. Today, a replica cross carved from the same Namib dolerite stands in its place.
The views of the Atlantic Ocean and the marine life from here are incredible. Humpback whales have been spotted in the bay on occasion, so stop and get out of the car for great views across the bay. You might also have the chance to see Heaviside dolphins or Cape fur seals.
14. See the Pink Flamingoes in Luderitz Peninsula
On the drive from Luderitz to Diaz Point, you’ll have the chance to see lots of flamingos, particularly at Second Lagoon and on the coastal area with Dias Lighthouse in the distance. We could actually get quite close to take incredible photos – just keep in mind that making a lot of noise will make them fly away.
Near to Grosse Buchte is a Damara tern breeding area; depending on the season, you may also spot common terns, sandwich terns, swift terns, white-fronted plovers, white-chinned petrels, sooty shearwaters, Cape Gannets, bank Cormorants, crowned cormorants, albatross, and more at the Luderitz Peninsula.
15. Wander Around the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop
If you’re an avid photographer, the ghost town of Kolmanskop has to be on your list of places to visit in Namibia. It is hauntingly beautiful, and witnessing the desert reclaim this once-thriving diamond mine town stirs reflections of our own impermanence.
Located at a 15-minute drive from Luderitz, the city was founded at the beginning of the 20th century, when diamonds were found in the area. As the inhabitants were German, the buildings were built in classic colonial style and to a high standard. It was later on abandoned when it was no longer profitable to extract them.
Since then, the desert took over the city, which however remains well preserved. Kolmanskop can be visited every day, on guided tours that last around 1 hour (but visitors can stay as long as they want for photos and to explore the area on their own), from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
16. See the Wild Namib Desert Horses
The Namib Desert is home to a small group of wild horses that have adapted to the desert environment. These wild horses are supposedly descendants of the animals that were abandoned by the Germans after World War I. Sadly, the numbers of these feral horses are dwindling. What was once a group of over 200 horses, now only around 70 remain.
One of the best places to see the Namib wild horses is the special lookout at Garub Pan, just off the B4. It’s about 20 kilometres from Aus, on the way to Luderitz. The waterhole that sustains them has been beneficial to a spotted hyena clan. The hyenas are affecting the sustainability of these wild horses of the Namib. If you are lucky, you can still see these iconic horses surviving as best they can, digging for roots in the parched land.
17. Go on a Self-Drive Adventure at Sandwich Harbor
Sandwich Harbour, part of the Namib Naukluft Park, is one of my favorite places to visit in Namibia. Here is where you’ll find some of the world’s highest dunes descending into the cold Atlantic Ocean to form a picturesque lagoon. The lagoon, salt pans and the bird sanctuary, which form the Walvis Bay Wetlands, are rightly heralded as the single most important coastal wetlands of Southern Africa.
Early evidence of human life is preserved, and the site includes several archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. There is further evidence that seals, sea birds and even the odd whale -dead and washed on-shore – added diversity to hunter-gatherer diet.
One of the best ways to explore Sandwich Harbour is on a 4×4 vehicle. It’s best to book a guided self-drive tour, so the guide can lead you safely across the dunes, to the Kuiseb River, Sandwich Bay, and more, using an include radio communication system.
18. Admire Sunrise From Dune 45 in Sossusvlei
There’s nothing quite like seeing the sunrise from the top of a sand dune. For many (including myself), hiking up Dune 45 in Sossusvlei and seeing the rising sun splash golden rays across the desert is the ultimate experience in Namibia.
Some dunes in the world only receive wind on one side, but Dune 45 is hit by winds from multiple directions. That makes it a “star dune.” The swirling winds create various legs or appendages extending out from the dune, giving an appearance similar to a star. Because of its imposing stature and convenient location, Dune 45 is sometimes referred to as “the most photographed dune in the world.” It stands roughly 170 m (560 feet) tall.
Dune 45 gets its name from the fact that it’s located 45km north of Sesriem, the entrance point for Namib- Naukluft National Park. Keep in mind that the access point to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Campsite, whose gates are opened for non-guests at sunrise. It is a 45 minutes drive to get there, those who are keen on seeing sunrise from the dunes should consider spending the night at the camp.
19. Hike Up Big Daddy for Spectacular Views
While Dune 45 is the most popular one to hike in Sossusvlei, other dunes are equally beautiful and even more challenging. Hiking up Dune 45 only takes 45 minutes, which is a relatively easy climb. Coming down takes less than 5 minutes.
However the tallest dune in Sossusvlei, which towers over the iconic dead vlei with its 800 year old desiccated trees is Big Daddy. Even though it’s only 380 meters or just over 1,100 feet high, climbing Big Daddy is no easy feat. What kills you is the soft sand into which you sink and slide downwards.
It took us 1.5 hours to climb up to the top of Big Daddy. Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with stunning 360 degree views over endless red sand dunes and the Dead Vlei far, far below us.
NOTE: I saw several tourists bag up the sand in Sossusvlei, please do not do that! This is a highly protected area and a UNESCO site and bagging sand is forbidden.
20. Walk Around Dead Trees in Deadvlei
The most iconic images of Namibia are probably those of the seemingly petrified trees of Deadvlei. Located at around 6 km from Sossusvlei, these trees are not petrified at all. Indeed, they are simply dead – they have been so for 900 years.
The combination of hot and dry air makes it such that they do not decompose. The contrasting colors of the black tree trunks, bright orange sand and the intense blue sky make this an incredible place to take photos.
21. Hike Around Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon isn’t as majestic as the Fish River Canyon, but it’s still a beautiful place to explore, and a good location from where to admire the sunset. The natural wonder stretches about 1 kilometer in length and plunges to depths of around 30 meters.
Carved over millennia by the relentless force of the Tsauchab River, the Sesriem Canyon showcases the raw power of nature as it winds its way through the rocky terrain. The Tsauchab River, after sculpting this impressive gorge, concludes its journey in the iconic Sossusvlei.
22. Visit the Africat Foundation in Okonjima
The Afrikat Foundation in Okonjima used to be a cattle farm that regularly lost calves to leopards. It was created in 1991 with the intention to rescue the many large carnivores that had been trapped by other farmers. Since 1993, 1080 predators have been rescued, with 85% of them being released back into the wild.
Today, the Africat Nature Reserve is used as environmental education and research center, and as a rehabilitation center for captive carnivores. There is a campsite here that’s fantastic to spend a night or so, with many hiking and mountain biking trails and plenty of activities.
23. Admire the Highest Mountain in Namibia
With its 2573 meters, the Brandberg is the highest mountain in Namibia and a fantastic sight when driving through Damaraland. Königstein, its highest peak (and the country’s highest point), reaches an elevation of more than 8,200 feet (2,500 metres). Brandberg is known for its concentration of prehistoric rock art, including carvings and paintings. One of these, known as the White Lady, is especially famous.
The area is also known for its rich biodiversity and numerous endemic species. Large tin deposits have been found at nearby Uis. There are many trails going to the top, but as reaching the peak is best reserved for experienced mountaineers.
24. Discover the Rock Engravings at Twyfelfontein
One of the coolest places to visit in Namibia is the Twyfelfontein rock engravings that date back to around 6000 years ago. It is thought that the engravings are the work of hunter gatherers that used to live in the region. The carvings have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
The only way to visit the Twyfelfontein Rock Carvings are with a guide which is included in the entry fee. The excellent guides will take you on a 2km loop to visit the stunningly preserved rock carvings that depict both what they saw in the area and on their nomadic travels. It is said that some of the rocks were used as maps, some as warnings and some for educational purposes to teach the young.
The most famous carving in the area and in all of southern Africa is the lion-man, thought to be symbolic of the shaman: “representing the transformation of the shaman from man to lion in the spirit world, the lion is in fact represented with five fingers per leg, while in nature it has only four, and also the tail culminates at the end in a five-fingered hand.”
25. Visit Cape Cross Seal Colony
Visiting the seal colony of Cape Cross is one of the most popular things to do in Namibia. There are around 100,000 seals that live in the colony; it’s amazing to watch them getting in and out of the water and fight for their territory. These animals are very vocal, so expect it to be noisy. And make sure to take a scarf or something to put around your nose: the smell is overwhelming!
In October, males mark out territory to establish breeding colonies. It’s a brutal time, and in the battles to secure their land and protect their females from other intruders, they may lose half their body weight. In November and December, the pups are born and the colony swells to around 200,000 becoming the largest cape fur seal breeding colony in the world. Consider booking a guided tour here.
Namibia is one of the very few countries in the world where seals are culled. Though the seals are free to move, come and go as they please, they are not fed or enticed in any way to stay in the reserve. Every year around 80000 seal pups are clubbed to death. According to the Namibian authorities, this is done for the purpose of “sustainable seal harvesting.”
26. Drive Along the Skeleton Coast
Another epic experience I absolutely loved was driving along the Skeleton Coast, that stretches 500 km (310 miles) on the northern part of the Atlantic Coast in Namibia from Swakopmund to the Swakop River near the Angola border. The name Skeleton Coast comes from the whale and seal bones that litter the beaches and the shipwrecks that are scattered along the coast.
Trapped between the Atlantic Ocean and the central plains, the Skeleton Coast in Namibia is one of the driest places on earth. Yet the cold currents propelled on-shore from the Atlantic form a dense fog that covers the coast for over 200 days a year. It’s this fog that has confused captains and wrecked ships.
Just south of Henitesbaai you’ll find the Zeila, a boat sold for scrap metal that came detached from its towing line in 2008 and ran ashore. South of the Ugab Gate is another Skeleton Coast shipwreck: the Winston. It’s a long bouncy side road to get there and almost all of it has washed away. North of the gate and just off the main road are the remains of the South West Seal, a 90-tonne South African fishing vessel that caught fire in 1976.
27. Visit a Township in Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a small city located on the Atlantic coast and a fantastic place for any adventure sports lover. There are plenty of things to do – sand boarding, skydiving, walking in the desert are just a few of them. To top this off, the restaurant scene is fantastic, with a great selection of places to enjoy the most delicious seafood.
While in Swakopmund, make sure to pay a visit to the Mondesa township for a glimpse into Namibia’s complex history. South African apartheid laws were extended to Namibia and prevented black Namibians from having any political rights, as well as restricted social and economic freedoms. The aim of South Africa’s rule over Namibia was to exploit the mineral resources by white South Africa.
Today, the grip of apartheid is still evident in the township. Despite this, Mondesa pulsates with life thanks to its resilient inhabitants. This off-the-beaten town was one of my highlights during my trip. I had no problems walking the quiet streets myself, savor its street food, and enjoy a few beers just like the locals do everyday. For deeper historical context, take this guided tour from Swakopmund.
Here are some tour options if you want to visit Swakopmund:
- Half-Day Swakopmund Tour from Walvis Bay
- Guided Local Highlights Tour in Swakopmund
- Full-Day Guided Spitzkoppe Tour
- Scenic Desert Bike Tour
- Township Walking Tour with a Local Guide
28. Get to Know Its Capital, Windhoek
Fair enough, Windhoek certainly isn’t the most interesting of capitals. Most travelers use it as a base to start their Namibia trip, and end up spending a few nights here. My favorite place to hang out in Windhoek is Joe’s Beer Home; our group of travelers had a blast here, on our last night in Namibia. A favorite of the locals, tourists go there to try exotic meats such as kudu and zebra. See reviews here.
Where to Stay in Windhoek
Budget: Xenia Bed & Breakfast
If you’re looking for a cozy spot to stay in Windhoek, Xenia Bed & Breakfast is perfect for you. You’ll love the accommodations, complete with a patio, BBQ facilities, and a beautiful garden. The owners and staff are super friendly and always ready to help, making your stay even better. Check rates here.
Mid Range: Windhoek Gardens
Windhoek Gardens is a fantastic boutique hotel with incredibly spacious rooms, each different from one another. The common areas are cozy, and breakfast is superb. Check rates here.
Luxury: the Weinberg Windhoek
At The Weinberg Windhoek, you can enjoy a variety of restaurants and take advantage of the free parking. The Sky Lounge is perfect for soaking in the panoramic views of the valley. The rooms here mix classic charm with all the modern comforts you need. Check rates here.
Namibia Travel Guide
How to Get to Namibia
By Air
The main airport in Namibia is Hosea Kutako International Airport, which is about 45 minutes east of Windhoek, the country’s capital. South African Airways runs direct flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Air Namibia also has direct flights to Gaborone, Botswana’s capital. There also are direct flights to other African countries, and some intercontinental flights too.
Search for flights here.
By Bus
Taking the bus is the most budget friendly way to travel across the continent. Intercape Mainliner runs services to and from Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Johannesburg.
Traveling to and from Botswana is not nearly as easy: it is a mix of local buses and taxis, with no real departure and arrival times. As it was so uncertain, I resolved to fly from Maun to Windhoek via Johannesburg.
By Car
One of the coolest things to do in Namibia is self-driving. It is possible to cross the border in the northwest of South Africa, at the Vioolsdrift/Nordoewer land crossing. Other land crossings between Namibia and South Africa include: Mata Mata, Rietfontain, Nakop, Onseepkans, Sendelingsdrif, and Alexander Bay.
You can easily rent a car to drive around, though we recommend hiring a 4×4 so you can traverse the sand dunes. I always rent cars from DiscoverCars.com, as they’ve consistently given me the best rates and customer support.
Search for car rentals in Windhoek here!
Travel Namibia Independently or on a Tour?
Namibia is one of the easiest African countries to travel around. But public transport, like in most parts of Africa, is non-existent. You can get buses to get from one city to another, but you’ll definitely miss out on the national parks, deserts and ghost towns in between them. Hiring a car would be your best bet.
If you’re traveling alone, I recommend joining a guided tour. On my first trip to Namibia, I joined this group tour to Namibia with G Adventures and it turned out to be one of the best trips of my life! We had an amazing group of people who all got along and the itinerary was fantastic. I’ve gone on many trips with G Adventures, including to Antarctica, Svalbard, Mongolia and Brazil; and every single trip was epic.
Best Time to Visit Namibia
Namibia is a great place to visit at any time of year, but in general, the best time to visit Namibia is from May to September. This is the country’s dry season. Known for its mild daytime temperatures and clear, sunny skies, it’s the perfect time for long days spent out on an African safari.
During these dry, or ‘winter’ months, it will be slightly cooler than the humid summer season, with nights getting a little chilly – so we’d recommend bringing a jacket. Be sure to check my guide to what to pack for an African safari.
Travel Insurance for Namibia
It’s important to have travel insurance, whether you’re traveling Namibia for 2 weeks or months. Travel insurance will cover you in the event of a mishap or accident.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID-19 coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Enjoy Your Trip to Namibia
Have you ever been to Namibia? What are the things to do in Namibia that you enjoyed the most? Let us know in the comments field below. I hope this Namibia guide has been useful in helping you plan your trip!
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