Discover the wild heart of Namibia, where the thunderous Atlantic Ocean crashes against the arid desert, and creates a unique and otherworldly landscape. The blend of natural wonders and thriving desert-adapted wildlife forge a path for an unforgettable experience.
Nature’s wonders unfold in an enchanting and unexpected symphony of life in Namibia. From the hauntingly beautiful dunes of the Namib Desert to the untamed terrains of Etosha National Park, wildlife encounters here are pure magic. Witness the grace of desert-adapted creatures as they roam the arid landscapes.
Spot majestic elephants ambling across vast plains, and embrace the rush of observing swift cheetahs in pursuit of prey. Namibia’s untouched beauty and rich biodiversity invite you to experience wildlife like nowhere else.
Etosha National Park is the heart of Africa’s wild wonderland. Home to untamed nature like no other and a salt pan so large it can be seen from space, this truly remote destination attracts some of the rarest species of wildlife compared to anywhere in the world. Venture into the rolling savannahs and witness a captivating parade of wildlife; the gentle giants, the mighty predators, and the graceful grazers – all thriving in their natural habitat. With expert guides and elegant lodges ensuring your comfort, a safari in Etosha National Park is the ultimate immersion into Africa’s untamed soul.
One of Namibia’s signature experiences is the chance to track desert adapted rhino through the stunningly beautiful deserts of Damaraland. Head out in the early morning in the company of a team of rhino guardians who look after these majestic creatures and take this opportunity to learn more about the work they do to protect them from the poaching epidemic that sadly blights them. From a safe vantage point you will be able to observe them on foot and understand how they have adapted to living in these harsh but beautiful deserts.
Well off the beaten track in the deserts to the east of the foreboding Skeleton Coast, the Hoanib Valley is a series of dry river beds, which flood periodically during the rainy season. This spectacular landscape is one of the best places in Namibia to track desert-adapted elephants, heading out in the company of dedicated research teams to learn more about these majestic pachyderms. One of their most intriguing traits is digging in sandy river beds to get to the water found deep underground – further evidence of the almost mystical powers these enduringly popular giants of the African bush possess.
The vast open plains of Namibia are home to sprawling farms where domestic animals are herded, often in the presence of predators, most notably leopard and cheetah. Their proximity can lead to incidents where such animals are killed and maimed by farmers protecting their flocks, which is where the magnificent AfriCat Foundation steps in. From their base in the Okonjima Nature Reserve they rehabilitate and look after these big cats, using their presence to educate visitors and locals on how to deal with such interactions and prevent further injuries and loss of livestock.
For ourdoor adventure lovers, Namibia is a playground of activity. Explore the Fish River
Canyon – the second largest dry canyon in the world – on foot or by bike; climb some of the tallest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei and explore the eerily beautiful Dead Vlei. Further north in the deserts of Damaraland, Namibia’s unique topography allows you to get out of the vehicle and track desert-adapted wildlife on foot. You can also cover the rolling dunes with speed sandboarding or quad biking.
The far north of Namibia is a land of rolling golden sand dunes that lead down to the mighty Kunene River which marks the border between Namibia and Angola. Stay in the 300,000 hectare Marienfluss Conservancy, owned primarily by the Himba people. Feel the wind against your face and experience the adrenaline kick on a low-impact quad bike adventure across the vast dunefields and lunar landscape. Respectfully engage with the transient Himba, and observe their fascinating lifestyle. Hear their stories, share yours. Water levels permitting, boat on the river, with Angola’s Serra Cafema mountain peaks in the distance.
The towering red dunes of Sossusvlei are one of the must-see spots of any trip through Namibia. At 325 metres high, Big Daddy is the largest of the climbable dunes and a great challenge for those so inclined. It is a challenge best undertaken in the cool of the morning, but the views from the top are spectacular and well worth the walk along the ridge and to the summit. From the top the views out over the series of razor-backed dunes need to be seen to be believed before descending and exploring the eerily beautiful Dead Vlei on foot.
Sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean that Walvis Bay sits on are a series of lagoons , home to a huge number of cape fur seals and the chance to kayak with them is a much sought-after experience. From the harbour at Walvis Bay your guide will drive you out across the beach and to Pelican Point where the experience begins. Paddle through the gently rolling waters with thousands of seals playing around you, with some even jumping on board the kayaks as you go. A truly wonderful experience and one not to be missed for those keen to see a different side of Namibia.
For visitors looking to really get off the beaten track, a Skeleton Coast flying safari offers access to some the wildest corners of Namibia, with a small plane in the hands of an expert pilot being the only way to reach these spots. The legendary Schoeman brothers have been running these safaris for decades, taking guests to far-flung seal colonies and shipwrecks, landing on deserted beaches and patches of desert to access them. Wild and untamed, these parts of Namibia capture visitors hearts’ in an instant and a trip to them is a genuinely life affirming experience.
Namibia’s landscapes are a breathtaking testament to nature’s artistry. Although largely dominated by two vast deserts, the Namib and the Kalahari, the diverse scenery offers a mesmerising tapestry of beauty; far from the barren featureless landscapes a desert image evokes. From the rugged mountains of Damaraland to the expansive arid salt pans of Etosha; the dramatic seascapes along the Skeleton Coast and the surreal canyons of the Fish River; Namibia’s ever-changing panoramas are a playground for adventurers and a canvas for photographers, promising awe and wonder at every turn.
The story of tiny Kolmanskop and how it became, for a brief period, one of the most affluent towns on Earth in the early 1900s before being abandoned to be reclaimed by the desert needs to be seen to be believed. Alongside your guide, walk the deserted streets and look into the long-abandoned buildings which are rapidly being reclaimed by the desert sands. Not only is this a photographers’ dream but it is also hugely interesting for all visitors who want to know more about Namibia’s diamond mining industry which still thrives to this day. Aus and Ludertiz (both an hour away) are the bases from which to explore Kolmanskop.
A hot air balloon safari is undoubtedly one of Africa’s iconic experiences and these are elevated to new levels of uniqueness in Namibia. Whilst they may lack the wildlife factor that other countries offer, the chance to see the endless sea of red dunes at Sossusvlei, which stretch all the way to the Atlantic Ocean is a sight to behold. Tucked between the red dunes are a series of stark white vleis which provide an amazing contrast to the colouring of the dunes. A traditional champagne breakfast is enjoyed in the desert before returning to camp and these flights are a must-do for anyone looking to experience the area from a whole new perspective.
Namibia’s Fish River Canyon which stretches south into South Africa is the second largest river canyon in the world and a favourite spot for hikers looking to explore its dramatic, moon-like landscapes. Owing to the temperatures the hiking season is between May and September each year, but this offers visitors the chance to spend 4 days or more hiking along the canyon floor, taking a dip in the cool waters of the Great Fish River and marvelling at the canyon walls which tower hundreds of metres above their heads. One of the most dramatic parts of Namibia, this is somewhere keen hikers and scenery lovers should not miss.
Nestled in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, the series of camps at Wolwedans are paradise for stargazers, with the whole area designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning impeccable conditions for gazing up into the night sky. Our guides are always on hand after dark to point out the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere which are crystal clear in the cloudless skies. A truly remarkable place to spend some time and appreciate the scale and majesty of our solar system.
Plan your Namibian adventure and uncover the wild heart of this extraordinary land. From the majestic dunes of the Namib Desert to the untamed terrains of Etosha National Park, Namibia’s unique blend of natural wonders and thriving desert-adapted wildlife promises an unforgettable journey. Namibia is a realm of wonder and adventure, where every moment unveils nature’s grandeur.
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