From wide desert expanses to fantastic scenery, 4×4 adventure tours and legendary pastries, here’s our list of our top unusual and fun things to do in Namibia.
Few countries can claim minimal crowds, untouched wilderness and rare stark landscapes complimented by endless savannah.
Having travelled through the country ourselves, we have discovered the best places to visit in Namibia.
From Fish River Canyon and Kolmanskop Ghost Town, to red sand dunes, cape cross seal colony and Namib desert. These are just a sample of things to do in Namibia.
Namibia, located on the southwest coast of Africa is totally underrated. Endless horizons, dramatic sand dunes, towering mountains and diverse landscapes, combine to provide unforgettable experiences.
These are just some of the most spectacular and fun things to do in Namibia on your trip.
Prepare to fall in love with this country in southern Africa!
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FUN THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA
1 – SPOT WILDLIFE AT ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
One of the top things to do in South Africa is to go on safari. If you are wondering what to do in Namibia, Etosha should be number one on any Namibia road trip itinerary!
Located in north-western Namibia, and encompassing an area of 22,270 square kilometers, the park is teeming with a plethora of wildlife, including rhinos.
A self drive safari is a must do in Namibia. The national park was set up in a way that visitors can drive themselves around the waterholes.
A self drive safari along easy navigable roads is a highlight and I suggest arming yourself with a map and visiting several of the waterholes under your own steam.
Viewing a giraffe munching on vegetation by the side of the road or having to stop your vehicle while a herd of elephants amble across in front of you is fun, truly memorable and not to be missed.
2 – CHALLENGE YOUR PALATE
Namibia is a very meat-orientated country with an excellent reputation to match. Some of the best BBQ game meats are ostrich, kudu, crocodile and springbok.
However, there are some great seasonal delicacies that you can sample. Brave the highly nutritious mopane worms, a true rite of passage, if you can swallow them. Chewy and spicy, you will only try them once!
Or how about jerky-style biltong, a cured meat snack. On the coast, seafood is abundant. Fresh Namibian Oysters, lobster, kabeljou, and kingklip are popular.
Don’t miss Solitaire’s famous and legendary apple pie. Huge slabs of hot apple topped with a crumble pie topping which is delicious.
3 – STAND WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE SEA
Fun facts about Namibia? It is one of the few places in the world where giant desert sand dunes meet the sea. Travel to Namibia’s western coast and you can witness this phenomenon for yourself.
The view is one of the most epic things to see in Namibia. Set out from the coastal city of Swakopmund on a guided 4×4 tour. Traverse undulating dunes to where they touch the untamed shore. It’s a sight to behold. A view you’ll not forget anytime soon.
4 – STARGAZE IN THE DESERT
Namibia is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. In fact the International Dark Sky Association has rated Namib Rand Nature Reserve a Gold level dark sky reserve.
Namib Desert is not only the oldest in the world, but it has zero light pollution as it is so sparsely populated. Unparalleled night viewing of the milky way in superlative tranquillity, must rate as one of the most cool things to do in Namibia.
Sossusvlei is one of the most popular Namibia places to see. Visit in June and July, and you will have guaranteed clear skies crammed with stunning stars.
Sossus Dune Lodge allows night access to Sossusvlei sand dunes, while &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge has an on-site observatory with a 12-inch telescope and resident astronomer.
5 – TRACK REHABILITATED LEOPARDS IN THE WILD
The best of Namibia is sometimes what you don’t see. What is going on behind the scenes.
The private Game Reserve Park of Okonjima, was set up in the early 90’s as an initiative to tackle conservation.
Ensuring decent livelihoods for farmers while embracing increasing tourism, is a difficult balancing act. One of the top Namibia things to do and see for visitors is a safari to see Big Game. The same game that regularly kill farmers livestock.
Rehabilitated leopards, cheetahs,, african wild dogs and spotted hyenas all roam freely and catch their own prey within the 200 km² Okonjima rehabilitation nature reserves.
The highlight of a stay here has to be tracking these carnivores from a game-view vehicle. Nothing can beat this magical and humbling experience.
6 – WALK AMONG 900 YEAR OLD TREES
When you’re deciding what to do in Namibia on your trip, Sossusvlei red sand dunes will likely feature high on your list. Boasting some of the world’s largest sand dunes, climbing to the summit of these dunes is one of the best things to do in Namibia.
But did you know that the largest dune, named Big Daddy, overlooks an area called Deadvlei.
Deadvlei is an expansive white clay pan, dotted with 500+ year old fossilised Acacia trees and is a truly surreal sight.
These trees were deprived of water when the Tsauchab River changed course and became skeletal imitations of their former self.
They are especially spectacular in the early morning light, and a delight to photograph. One of the fun things to do in Namibia, is to slide down Big Daddy, into Deadvlei.
Be sure to add Sossusvei and Deadvlei to your Namibia Itinerary. We have a great guide to Sossusvlei, the sand dunes, and how to get there.
7 – GET ADVENTUROUS ON A TOUR
Sometimes, the best things to see in Namibia are not straight in front of you. Take a trip into the Living Desert and you’ll see what we mean.
One of the fun things to do in Swakopmund involves exploring the dune belt between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay in a 4×4 vehicle with a qualified guide.
You may think that nothing could survive the dryness and heat of the desert, but smaller animals have learnt to adapt. Look for tracks in the sand, and discover the likes of chameleons, snakes, geckos, lizards, skinks, and beetles, hiding from the heat of the day.
Swakopmund, the popular former German colony is the centre for an array of adventure sports and nature based tours. Several operators offer a diverse array of land and water-based activities.
Paraglide and skydive over the Namib Desert or sandboard down impressive red dunes. Sand-surf, sand-board, and go quad biking. Join a dolphin cruise, kayak amongst seals, or try deep sea fishing.
Whatever you choose, you will be guaranteed a fun experience. Try some of these activities:
8 – ENJOY CROWD-FREE TRAVEL
Namibia has one of the world’s lowest population distributions, making it perfect for crowd-free travel. Outside towns it’s not uncommon to see few or no cars. Plus, driving in Namibia is easy.
A popular self-drive destination, you will travel through stunning landscapes. The roads are easy to navigate and you have complete flexibility to stop when and where you wish, for as long as you want.
You might believe that Etosha National Park is the only place for you to see wildlife in Namibia, but you would be wrong.
You can spot many animals while you drive around the country. Encounters include animals crossing the road and also sitting in the road, heated by the midday sun.
Keep your eyes peeled and you can see Gemsbok, Meercats, Flamingos, Wild Horses, Mountain Zebra, Ostrich and Springbok to name a few.
One of the best Namibia activities, is to simply drive yourself around this incredible country.
9 – MEET NAMIBIA’S HIMBA TRIBE
The Himba are Namibia’s most iconic semi-nomadic tribe. They preserve the traditional lifestyle of their ancestors. The women are recognized for their beauty, jewelry, plaited hair and deep red stained skin-color from ojitze – blended butter and ochre.
Forbidden to bathe with water, they burn the commiphora plant, enveloping their bodies with smoke.
Visiting a Himba village is a Namibia must see for a cultural experience and a chance to interact with a family to learn more about their way of life.
Always ask permission before you take a photo. and only after you have spent time in meaningful interaction with the person concerned.
10 – WALK AMONG ALIEN-LIKE PLANTS
When you visit Namibia, beautiful places abound in the striking landscapes. One of the more unique places to see in Namibia, is located a short distance from the Keetmanshoop, in southern Namibia.
The Quiver Tree Forest is a place like no other. These wonky quiver trees, (Aloidendron dichotomum), are not actually trees, but species of Aloe capable of growing over 30 feet tall. With about 250 species of quiver trees, some are between 200-300 years old.
Walking amongst the forest, which was declared a national monument in 1995, is special. These trees are geniuses. Their roots treat TB and asthma, and they are capable of shedding diseased branches to prevent infection.
11 – EXPERIENCE A SUNSET AT A LUXURY LODGE
You will find some fantastic five star lodges in Namibia. Both beautiful and luxurious, they are located amidst vast solitude openness.
They will often have their own waterholes, and there is nothing better to end your day, than enjoying a palatial meal, sitting up on a deck overlooking the waterhole.
As you sit and reflect on your day, with the setting sun in all its glory, the stillness will instil a quiet sense of peace in your soul. Definitely up there in the list of Namibia top 10 things to do during your trip.
FUN AND UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA WRAP-UP
We hope this post has encouraged you to visit, and start planning your own Namibia Itinerary.
Dramatic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop to a wealth of unusual and fun things to do in Namibia. Whether you are hiking down Fish River Canyon, watching wildlife at waterholes or skydiving, a unique experience certainly awaits.
MORE POSTS ON NAMIBIA
We have several interesting articles for you to read:
- How To Self Drive Namibia Confidently
- How to Visit Sossusvlei Namibia
- Treat Yourself To A Self Drive Etosha Safari In Namibia
- An Exhilarating Namibia Self Drive Safari In Etosha National Park
- The Best Places to Visit in Namibia
- Visiting Namibia: Everything You Need to Know
- Climbing Big Daddy Dune
- Okonjima Nature Reserve
- How to Easily Plan your Road Trip to Namibia
And click here to find guides to other destinations.
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