An expanse that extends as far as the eye can see. Salt pans, desert and scrub jungle for miles and miles. Pristine wildlife and cultures, all waiting for you to discover. Namibia, located in southern Africa, is a country with a diverse landscape that ranges from deserts to coastal areas, mountains to savannahs, and everything in between. It is a land of wonderment, with unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating cultural heritage. For those who have always had Namibia on their minds as a bucket-list destination, or want to now, here’s the short guide.
Getting here:
Namibia can be accessed by air through Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, with connections to major cities worldwide. Travelling by car or bus is a popular option, with well-developed roads connecting to neighbouring countries. The limited rail network includes options like the Desert Express, while the main ports are Walvis Bay and Lüderitz for sea travel. Overall, air travel is the most convenient way to get to Namibia, with road travel being popular for exploring the country.
What To Do:
Etosha National Park: Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, covering an area of more than 22,000 square kilometres. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the big 5: elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and many more. One of the highlights of the park is the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow depression that is almost completely dry except for a few weeks after heavy rains, when it becomes a breeding ground for flamingos and other water birds.
Sossusvlei: Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering sand dunes, located in the southern part of the Namib Desert. The dunes are among the highest in the world, reaching up to 300 metres in height, and are known for their vibrant colours, which change throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. Sossusvlei is also home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife, such as oryx, springbok, and ostriches.
Fish River Canyon: The second-largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the United States. The canyon is around 160 km long, up to 27 km wide, and up to 550 metres deep, offering visitors a spectacular panoramic view. The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, kudu, and leopards.
Swakopmund: Swakopmund is a coastal city located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The city is known for its German colonial architecture, sandy beaches, and excellent seafood. It is also a popular destination for adventure activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and skydiving.
Damaraland is a rugged and remote region in northwestern Namibia. The area is home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, lions, and black rhinos. It is also known for its rock formations, such as the Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain, which are a popular attraction for visitors.
What To Eat: One of the most popular dishes in Namibia is called “kapana,” which consists of grilled meat or venison served with chilli sauce, onions, and pap (a type of cornmeal porridge). Another staple dish is “potjiekos,” which is a stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices cooked slowly over an open flame. Namibians also enjoy seafood, particularly along the Atlantic coast, with dishes such as grilled fish and seafood chowder being popular. In addition, German-style bread, sausage, and beer can still be found in Namibia, reflecting the country’s colonial past.
If you’d like to enjoy your bucket-list moments in Namibia, talk to us at www.antefinem.com today to learn more.
