Encompassing the bustling capital city of Windhoek, and the laid-back seaside towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Central Namibia features an array of towns, deserts, and wildlife reserves. The landscape of this region is characterised by grasslands decorated with clusters of Acacia trees, between the Namib Desert to the west and the lush Kalahari to the east. Visitors can soak in the steaming waters of the Cross Barmen Hot Springs, view a wide variety of wildlife, and explore the untouched beauty of the beautiful Erongo Mountains with the breathtakingly beautiful Spitzkoppe, which offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. Divers and snorkellers will enjoy the incredible marine life just off the coast of Walvis Bay. Art lovers should make sure to visit the little town of Okahandja, famous for its fine wood carving and vibrant markets.
Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.
Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.
The small headland of Cape Cross lies on western Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, roughly 60 kilometres north of Henties Bay. The historic area was landed on by the Portuguese in 1486, and they erected a stone cross here in honour of the Portuguese King, however, this cross was replaced by the German settlers in the 1800’s. Cape Cross best known for its extraordinary breeding colony of Cape fur seals and has been made a reserve. With the abundance of fish swimming in the cold Benguela current, the seals have plenty to snack on, and they also enjoy lying and playing out in the sun. From a 200-metre-long walkway, watch the seals at play and learn about them through the area’s information points.
This vast desert landscape is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Namibia. Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape featuring open plains, ancient valleys and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are the sacred Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the otherworldly Petrified Forest. Visitors can take in the dramatic vistas, catch a glimpse of the rare desert-adapted elephant, and enjoy spectacular stargazing in crystal-clear night skies from one of the many safari camps dotting Damaraland. Other popular activities include: guided drives, nature walks and visiting the local communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to view Damaraland's world-famous ancient rock art.
Situated in north-western Namibia, the Etosha National Park offers a premier game viewing experience. The park’s diverse vegetation ranges from dense bush to open plains attracting a variety of wildlife. Located in the heart of the park is the Etosha Pan - a shallow depression that covers an area of 5000 square kilometres. Dry and shimmering for most of the year, the pans fill up with water after seasonal rains, making it the perfect habitat for wildlife. In the dry season, the wildlife is attracted to the perennial springs and waterholes that makes for excellent game viewing. Visitors can look forward to excellent game viewing including a variety of large mammals such as lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, zebra, giraffe, a diversity of birdlife such as flamingos and pelicans.
Located in north-western Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with many watering holes. The impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha saltpan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and is visible even from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lion, elephant, black rhino and giraffe, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.
Situated in northeastern Namibia, Bushmanland is infamous for its spectacularly scenic rugged terrain. It is home to the San and Bushmen people, the earliest known inhabitants of Namibia. Scattered shrublands characterise the landscape that is dotted with baobabs and other indigenous trees. Visit the ramshackle collection of shops in Tsumkwe to stock up on supplies before venturing out into the desert wilderness on a thrilling 4x4 excursion. Support the local communities by buying their locally-made crafts including bracelets, necklaces and colourful hand-beaded bags. Explore the wealth of rock art peppered around Bushmanland. Visitors come here to enjoy excellent wildlife viewing and for close cultural encounters with the indigenous people of this mesmerising land.
Situated just south of the renowned Etosha National Park, the Waterberg Region encompasses the magnificent Waterberg Plateau National Park and the farming districts from Outjo and Otjiwarongo in the west, to Grootfontein and Tsumeb in the east. Tranquil, vast, and breathtakingly beautiful, the Waterberg region is known for its natural attractions including undulating bushveld hills, deep gorges, clear streams, and magnificent mountains. The area features many game reserves which are home to an array of wildlife including the endangered roan and sable antelopes, rhino, blue wildebeests, Cape vulture and much more. Visitors can look forward to hiking through spectacular landscapes, jumping on a safari to the Waterberg Plateau and immerse themselves in the local Herero culture.
