THE VERY BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NAMIBIA

a giraffe standing by bushes in Etosha National Park, Namibia

From imposing sand dunes to sublime desert scenery, fantastic wildlife spotting and a spooky ghost town, here’s our best places to visit in Namibia.

A diverse country slowly coming into its own, Namibia tourist attractions are plentiful. Yet many people don’t know anything about this South Africa gem.

Exploring the best things to do in Namibia will take you on a journey through pristine wilderness; past spectacular landscapes to gigantic dunes, and on an unforgettable African safari.

Visiting Namibia in Southern Africa is unforgettable. Such a place should be savoured slowly.

Here is our personal experience of the best places to visit in Namibia.

10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NAMIBIA

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1 – ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

a lion drinking from a waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha is an endless pan of silvery-white sand with mirages blurring the horizon. In our opinion it is the best of Namibia in every sense of the word. Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s best game reserves with possible sightings of all the top 5 animals.

Easily accessible by car, it’s a dream to explore on your own. Spot lions shading under a tree from the harsh sun, herds of elephant crossing the plains, or elegant giraffes munching the acacia trees.

A Namibia self drive safari is truly exhilarating. Witnessing animals in the wild is humbling and an unparalleled sight. Sitting at a waterhole, watching zebra, oryx, giraffes and springbok wait their turn, as elephants position themselves in prime position.

Your viewing is at the mercy of nature, which for us is the appeal. Plan your Self Drive Etosha Safari so that you stay at least 3 days. Spend an evening at one of the camp waterholes such as Okaukuejo, and treat yourself to a night in one of the luxury lodges.

If you only explore one National Park, it has to be this one!

2 – SOSSUSVLEI

A close second to Etosha as one of our favourite places to visit in Namibia is the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

The Namib Desert is arid, empty, it’s scenery spectacular and the oldest desert in the world.

Sossusvlei’s sand dunes really are the stuff postcards are made of, and one of the most popular attractions in Namibia. Enormous apricot-red sand dunes with gracefully curving ridges are a must to ascend.

What is Namibia famous for? These epic hulking dunes, whose pictures grace every Namibia tourism brochure. They are sculptured and moulded by the wind into precise shaped contours and ridges.

Climb the largest of these, aptly named Big Daddy Dune, at sunrise before descending into Deadvlei, with its white salt-pan floor, dotted with skeletons of old acacia trees. This is definitely a special place to visit in Namibia.

The sublime scenery offers incredible photography opportunities. Take a tour, shuttle or drive yourself to the main parking area. Be aware that the last few kilometres of road is sand, and it is easy to get stuck.

We suggest a stay at the charming Sossus Dune Lodge where you can join a sunrise tour to climb Big Daddy sand dune. A Namibia must see attraction and unforgettable experience.

3 – FISH RIVER CANYON

The southern region may not be the first area of Namibia to include on your Namibia Itinerary. However, when it comes to Namibia, beautiful places don’t come much more surreal than Fish River Canyon.

The second-largest canyon in the world, Fish River Canyon is vast, breath-taking and magnificent. Sandy plains, imposing rock formations and granite mountains make up sublime desert scenery.

It is easy to see why this is one of the most unique Namibia destinations. As you approach the Canyon from the north it feels like you could be driving across another planet.

Various viewpoints provide great scenes for drivers, while there are guided hiking trails for those in search of a challenge.

Stop for lunch at Canyon Roadhouse, just a few miles from Fish River Canyon. There is an incredible collection of old cars well-worth perusing.

4 – SWAKOPMUND

The lively and impressive town of Swakopmund, is one of the best places to discover the fun things to do in Namibia, and to learn about the country’s German history.

The town with its palm-lined streets, well-kept gardens and immaculate colonial buildings is a pleasant oasis. Set up for tourists, there are a great selection of cafes, restaurants, shops and accommodation.

There are plenty of attractions and things to do in Swako but don’t miss the beautiful Woermannhaus Building in the town centre. The old German architecture is in perfect condition.

Climb the 93 steps up the Woermann Tower for 360 degree views over the town.

Swakopmund is one of the best Namibia holiday destinations to explore Sandwich Bay and Walvis Bay. Here are some well-rated tours you could consider including in your Namibia Itinerary.

5 – OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE

Namibia has a fascinating story to tell. From its beautiful mountain ranges and incredible landscapes, to its endless dusty roads and friendly locals. But if you’re wondering where to go in Namibia to learn about conservation, we highly recommend both Africat and Okonjima Nature Reserve.

Balancing conservation, tourism and farmers livelihoods is a tricky challenge. Farmers protect their cattle, cheetahs become orphans and the Africat Foundation rescues them and provides a home for them in a 22,000 sq km reserve.

Take one of their game drives and track cheetahs, leopards and other wildlife. Though they have been geotagged, they are still difficult to find. They are still wild amimals afterall.

But learning about this impressive conservation program and how its making a genuine difference is inspirational.

Stay for a couple of nights at Okonjima Lodge, one of the best places to stay in Namibia for a safari experience.

We were lucky to spot a cheetah, leopard, and African wild dogs amongst other wildlife and birds.

6- TWYFELFONTEIN

organ pipes in Namibia — Organ Pipes rock formation, near Twyfelfontein

Twyfelfontein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another of the best things to see in Namibia. The slopes conceal one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of rock engravings.

The boulders littering the slopes amid flat-topped mountains, are dotted with thousands of ancient paintings and engravings.

Take a guided tour along the Lion Man Route and be prepared to be wowed! The best time to visit is early morning before the tour buses arrive and spoil your photographs!

Location: Take the C39 west from Khorixas for 73km. Turn left on to the D2612, then right on the D3214.

7 – SPITZKOPPE

When you’re deciding what to see in Namibia, this hidden gem left off many visitors Namibia itineraries feels like Eden.

After driving for what seems like hours along the gravel roads, you are rewarded with the majestic cluster of three mountains in the distance.

Spitzkoppe at 1,728m, towers 600m above the surrounding plains making up the desert floor. Its partners are Klein Spitzkoppe and the Pondok Mountains.

Namibia sights like these, definitely should not be missed. The breath-taking landscape and desolate feel, take your breath away.

Be in awe of Sociable weaver birds’ nests, which can be occupied for up to a century. Explore the bald outcrops and peaks, before settling down for an evening of star gazing.

Spitzkoppe offers one of the most picturesque places to camp in Namibia. With a majestic mountain backdrop, oversized sites, you can camp in complete peace and tranquility.

Or if you prefer somewhere with a touch of luxury, book a room at Spitzkoppen Lodge. Whatever you do though, this is one of the Namibia places not to leave off your road trip!

8 – KOLMANSKOP GHOST TOWN

If you are looking for the best places in Namibia with a “spooky feel”, then take a trip to Kolmanskop ghost town. Located near the colonial town of Luderitz, this once flush and prosperous town provides a fascinating insight of Namibia’s history in the diamond history.

Abandoned to the sand dunes of the Namib Desert over 45 years ago, many building were left as they were and are gradually being buried. The imposing concert Hall has been restored and the walls of a simple cafe are adorned with early mining pictures.

Guided tours take place daily between 9.30am and 11am. A permit is required to visit Kolmanskop ghost town which can be purchased at the entrance.

It’s an extremely photogenic spot due to its eeriness especially in the early morning light.

Location: 10km from Luderitz
Hours: Open daily from 9am-1pm

9 – PELICAN POINT AT WALVIS BAY

Walvis Bay may not have the style or character of nearby Swakopmund but is a worthy stop off on any Namibia itinerary.

Driving on the Trans-Kalahari Highway between the two towns is a blissful journey in itself. Nature in its elemental form, with white crashing sea waves meeting the sand dunes of the Namib Desert.

The waterfront is home to famous pink flamingos and pelicans. A must-see place in Namibia if you have kids, as they will find the wildlife delightful.

We took a tour which involved a drive around the lagoon to Pelican Point, past the salt-works to the sea. Here you get to experience one of the best things to do in Namibia; kayak out to a seal colony.

You are met by families of seals, lounging just a few metres from the beach. The seals are friendly, playful and entertaining. And afterwards you can unwind while enjoying sandwiches and hot drinks.

10 – VINGERKLIP

Vingerklip Namibia — Namibia tourist places can be off the beaten track!

Vingerklip is one of Namibia’s most famous and remarkable rock formations. It’s an opportunity to view beautiful Namibia, off the beaten track. Also known as “rock finger”, the striking rock pinnacle balances vertically on its own on a hill top at a height of 35 metres.

This impressive sight is surrounded by table mountains and plateaus of the Ugab-Valley called the Ugab Terraces. Visitors can climb the hill following a well-marked track to view the rock formation but climbing the Vingerklip is prohibited.

A great place to visit if you are looking for lesser-known Namibia places to see, plus you can splurge and stay a night at Vingerklip Lodge.

Apart from experiencing the African wilderness, the private reserve has 3 waterholes in various locations around the lodge to watch for wildlife.

We stayed at the heaven’s gate luxury bungalow nearby the Eagles Nest Restaurant, and the sunset views are spectacular! While not one of the typical Namibia tourist places, getting here is half the fun, and you won’t be disappointed.

Location: Halfway between Outjo and Khorixas
Getting There: Drive along the C39 from Outjo towards Khorixas. Turn left into the D2743 and after about 70 km follow the sign “Vingerklip“.

We have outlined what not to miss in Namibia, in our list of Namibia best places to to visit. However, with attractions abound and activities limitless, here are some additional places to see in Namibia.

Skeleton Coast National Park – A bleak landscape scattered with shipwrecks.
Kaokoland – Take a tour to meet the Himba people, who’ve lived as nomads for centuries.
Cape Cross Seal Reserve – The coast is famous for its hundreds of Cape Fur Seals.

When you are planning the places to go in Namibia, the choices you make should reflect your own interests and tastes. The best times to visit Namibia are from July to October. There is little chance of rainfall, great wildlife viewing and the temperatures are just above 20°C.

It is also peak travel season so you will need to plan well in advance.

THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NAMIBIA