Central Namibia is one of the most popular in the country. The area includes the capital, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Between the Kalahari desert and the Namib sand dunes lie the Central Highlands. Cattle ranching is prevalent in this area, and most tourism facilities have origins in cattle and game ranching. A large part of central Namibia is characterised by varying wilderness areas, from small red dunes and grasslands to the spectacular Waterberg Plateau and its surrounding reserves. Visiting this central region will give a feel of the country as a whole - always leaving you wanting more.
If you only have time to see one thing in Namibia, make it the soaring sand dunes of Sossusvlei. Few words can describe the towering red dunes spread across the landscape or walking amongst the fossilized Acacia trees in the vast white clay pan of Deadvlei. The ever-changing dunes are the arid lands most iconic feature, and hiking to the tops will allow you to view the Martian-like landscape below. Sossusvlei shows off its beauty by housing many plants and animals that have adapted to life in the dry, yet dreamy terrain. This natural wonder is a perfect example of Namibia's unspoiled desert landscape.
Swakopmund, known simply as ‘Swakop’ to Namibians, is the capital of the Erongo Region. It was founded in 1892 and was regarded at the time as Germany’s main port in South-West Africa. The townscape of this small town is characterised by numerous historic buildings from the German colonial era: wide streets, German street names, German pubs, cafés and bakeries. During the colonial era, ‘Swakop’ was described as ‘Germany’s southernmost coastal town’. Even today, German is still spoken everywhere. Swakop offers many tourist attractions, such as charming pubs, a beautiful seafront promenade, an aquarium and much more. You can go on lovely day trips to the surrounding area, such as south to Walvis Bay or north to Cape Cross to visit the largest seal colony on the African mainland. In and around Swakop, there are plenty of activities on offer, such as boat trips to see seals, exciting desert tours, quad bike safaris, kayaking trips and helicopter flights. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
Twyfelfontein is a site of ancient rock engravings in the semi-arid region of north-western Namibia. This world heritage site is situated 100 kilometres from the ocean, where the scenery shifts from dry red sands to lush grassland. Drawn by the San People, the engravings show depictions of both human and animal tracks. Many of the impressions also depict animals that are no longer found in the area - including lion, zebra, kudu and even seals! Visiting these paintings, with their rich historical and cultural backgrounds, allows you to learn about the Namibian heritage and the San people's customs and beliefs.
Featuring breath-taking panoramas, unforgettable sunsets, and abundant wildlife, Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier wilderness conservation area. The Etosha Pan - a shallow salt pan covering an area of 5.000 Square kilometres lies in the heart of the park. Natural springs are found in this dry terrain, making for excellent game viewing. Throughout the Park, the landscape is generally flat, with various habitats ranging from mopane woodland to wide, open, virtually treeless plains. Etosha is home to one of the world's most stable black rhino populations, along with lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, and hyena.
Etosha's southernmost section is known for its rich population of both white and black rhino. Etosha South is home to the Okaukuejo Rest Camp, which is famous for its floodlit waterhole. The many viewpoints overlook picturesque bush-scapes and abundant wildlife. Getting into the South is accessible by Andersson's Gate. Here, visitors can expect to see many animals, including lion and the rare, black-faced impala. However, the most notable of animals found here are elephants. Enjoy guided nature walks, game drives, or simply watching the sunset from this breath-taking location.
With its striking copper and red sandstone cliffs, Waterberg Plateau is one of Namibia's most magnificent natural wonders. Surrounded by freshwater springs, the brick-red peaks rise up out of the surrounding Namibian savannah, overlooking the Kalahari Desert. Dinosaur footprints, mysterious rock engravings and a thriving number of Black and White Rhino scatter the plains. Natural canyons of the plateau feature open grasslands and lush woodlands. With vivid landscapes and an indescribable atmosphere, Waterberg is a must-do when visiting the country. The sheer beauty of the plateau is an unforgettable experience.
