Adventure, fun, and beauty are among the top reasons people choose a Namibia vacation. Traveling to Namibia from the U.S. is a long journey, but it’s worthwhile.
That’s why many people plan Namibia vacations. In 2022 alone, 243,466 people visited this area.
Like any vacation, though, proper planning is crucial. One of the top steps to plan is your schedule and destinations. What do you want to see and do while you’re there?
While there are many great places to visit on your Namibia trip, consider adding these eight must-see spots to your itinerary.
1. Etosha National Park
Most travelers to Africa choose to spend a day in the Etosha National Park. This park is one of the easiest to navigate. You can wander through it alone or with a group.
You can drive through the park or even take Africa motorcycle tours. It’s among the safest parks in this area and offers some of the best sites.
Etosha also provides opportunities to see Namibia’s wildlife. As you tour this park, you may encounter elephants, zebras, and lions, as well as leopards, giraffes, cheetahs, and antelope.
For people who enjoy bird watching, this park offers the ideal location. Experts have identified 340 species.
You can visit this area all year round. However, you might see more wildlife if you visit during the dry season, which runs from May through October.
2. Kaokoveld
Experienced hikers and travelers may enjoy visiting Kaokoveld. This site is less common than other destinations, as traveling through it is more challenging.
You won’t find any campsites in this area, and the roads are not equipped for traditional vehicles.
Instead, people often visit the area by viewing it from above. Traveling by air allows you to safely see this area. However, you can also use high-powered 4-wheel drive vehicles to traverse the rough region.
This site has a small population living there called the Himba people. These individuals live off the land in an area with very little water.
Kaokoveld experiences extreme weather in both the summer and winter. Therefore, you may want to visit at a different time to avoid the freezing cold or extreme heat.
3. Skeleton Coast National Park
The next destination to add to your list is Skeleton Coast National Park. This region developed its name from the many whale skeletons found there. Whales lost their lives in this area by becoming stranded there.
Many ships have experienced the same fate. The primary reason for this is the fog and rough sea waters.
You’ll enjoy this area if your goal is to see wildlife. Rhinos, elephants, and zebras are some of the residents living there.
This park has several sections; some you can access, others you can’t. You can attend guided tours of some of the areas and can visit the park all year round.
4. Namib Desert
A Namibia vacation wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Namib Desert. This is not only the oldest desert in the world but also the most visited desert in Africa.
The best way to visit the Namib desert is on a safari with a group. This region contains beautiful dunes and a sense of peace and tranquility.
You can see and climb high dunes in Sossusvlei, an area within the desert. You can also view a nearby canyon known as Sesriem Canyon. This area is vast, like no other place on earth.
Many people spend time photographing the area while there. Others enjoy watching the color changes on the sand.
5. Damaraland
Like other areas in Africa, the summer months in Damaraland are extremely hot. This area is all desert land, which means it’s dry and hot. However, you can visit this region all year round.
Wildlife is abundant in this area, especially near waterholes during the hot summer months. You’ll likely see wild elephants in this region, but you may also see other animals.
The best way to visit this region is in an off-road vehicle with a tour guide. Tours help you stay safe and also help you see all the highlights of the desert.
6. Fish River Canyon
You may also add Fish River Canyon to your list. This canyon is gorgeous, unlike any other place you’ll ever visit. The Grand Canyon is the only canyon larger than this one.
You can walk through areas of the canyon by following the Fish River hiking trail. When you reach the end of this trail, you’ll land at a beautiful hot spring.
This hiking trail is more challenging than others. It takes around five days to travel the entire trail.
7. Victoria Falls
As the name implies, Victoria Falls is a waterfall. It’s considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a must-see place to visit.
Victoria Falls isn’t directly in Namibia but is close enough to visit when there. You can view it from two locations: Zambia or Zimbabwe. Both locations offer beautiful views and things to see and experience.
The timing of your visit plays a role in what you see. Fortunately, you can see it all year round.
If you visit during February through July, you’ll see the falls during the high-water season. August through January is the time when the water level is the lowest. This makes this time ideal for rafting and swimming.
8. Kolmanskop
Kolmanskop is another popular destination for Namibia vacationers. This destination is different from the others, as this is a ghost town in this region.
Kolmanskop was once a thriving mining community. In 1954, the city was abandoned.
The area is private land, but you can take tours of this area daily.
While there, you can walk through the abandoned buildings, and there are many. One is a hospital, while others are homes or other types of businesses.
There is a lot to see and explore while there. You can tour alone or with a guide. With a guide, you will learn interesting facts and information about this unique lost city.
Plan Your Namibia Vacation for the Best Trip Ever
A Namibia vacation is a trip of a lifetime. This location offers history, wildlife, and beautiful sites. Planning your trip in advance helps you make the most of it.
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