Namibia

Namibia, often referred to as the “Land of Endless Horizons,” is a captivating travel destination that offers a blend of rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural experiences.

The capital of Namibia is Windhoek and it is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa. With a population of approximately 3 million, Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries globally. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with indigenous groups like the Khoi, San, Damara, and Nama contributing to its history. From desert adventures, exceptional parks and incredible natural wonders, Namibia has something to offer for each traveler. Here are the top three destinations most visited.

Etosha National Park is a captivating gem in northwestern Namibia. The park’s centerpiece is the Etosha pan, a vast salt flat covering 23% of the park’s total area- a distinctive and dramatic feature visible from space. Salt springs on the pan have little hillocks of clay and salt which are used by wildlife as salt licks. In the wet season, parts of the pan form rainwater pools and in particularly wet years the entire pan becomes a lake once more, standing at about 4 inches deep and drawing up to a million migrating flamingos. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season which in Namibia, is during the winter months. This is when many of the animals are concentrated at waterholes and the grass is low, allowing for a better viewing experience. The large mammals in Etosha National Park include lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, kudu, gemsbok and eland. Among the smaller species you will find jackal, bat-eared fox, warthog, honey badger and ground squirrel. The park is home to 114 species of mammal, including the highly endangered black rhino and 340 species of birds.

Sossusvlei is a mesmerizing natural wonder located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia. It is famous for its towering sand dunes, which glow in vibrant shades of orange against the stark desert landscape, and the iconic Deadvlei where ancient tree skeletons stand frozen in time amidst the dunes. The Namib-Naukluft National Park, established in 1907, is a remarkable wilderness area which covers 19,216 sq miles. The park lies between the Atlantic Ocean coast and the edge of the Great Escarpment, and encompasses part of the Namib Desert, considered the world’s oldest desert. The region receives moisture in the form of fog from the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the iconic towering sand dunes. These dunes, the tallest in the world, rise nearly 1000 feet above the desert floor. Several wildlife species call this home like hyenas, gemsboks, leopards, and various other desert-adapted creatures.

The Skeleton Coast is a fascinating 300 mile stretch of coastline along the northern part of Namibia’s Atlantic coast. The name “Skeleton Coast” originated from the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore due to whaling activities. The indigenous San people referred to it as “The Land God Made in Anger,” while Portuguese sailors called it “The Gates of Hell.” It is a harsh landscape, with the cold Benguela current causing dense ocean fog for much of the year.  Rainfall rarely exceeds 0.39 inches annually, and heavy surf constantly pounds the beaches. Over a thousand shipwrecks dot the coast, caused by offshore rocks and dense ocean fogs, and shipwrecks like the Eduard Bohlen, Benguela Eagle, and Otavi remain as eerie reminders of maritime disasters. The coast is inhospitable, yet it supports desert-adapted wildlife, including seals, jackals, and rare desert elephants. This is an unique and hauntingly beautiful coastline.

Other incredible natural wonders in Namibia include the Fish River Canyon (second largest canyon in the world) and the Spitzkoppe rock formations. The town Swakopmund boasts 19th century German architecture, creating a charming and nostalgic atmosphere. Namibia is a destination best explored by air and land.