Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Located along the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park in northern Namibia, Etosha East is a rewarding safari destination known for its excellent wildlife viewing and convenient access to the park through the Von Lindequist Gate near Namutoni. Characterised by open savannah, mopane woodland and seasonal waterholes, the region attracts an abundance of wildlife, including elephant, lion, giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope species. Visitors can enjoy self-drive or guided game drives, with the waterholes offering some of the best opportunities to observe animals gathering to drink, particularly during the dry season. Golden grasslands, distant birdsong and expansive African skies create an immersive safari experience in one of Namibia's most celebrated conservation areas.
Bordering Angola, on the banks of the Okavango River in northern Namibia, the town of Rundu serves as the capital of the eastern Kavango region. Rundu is renowned for its local woodcarvers market and is filled with impressive woodcarvers' workshops. The town provides a great stopover to refuel for visitors heading to Katima Mulilo, enthralling Popa Falls, or Mahangu Game Reserve, home to the endangered wild dog and lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, and hippo. Visitors to Rundu can also look forward to great game viewing, excellent bird watching as well as kayaking on the spectacular Kavango River.
Flowing from the highlands of Angola and tracing the border with Namibia, the Okavango River is southern Africa’s fourth-longest river system and a lifeline of remarkable biodiversity. Before entering Botswana to form the famed Okavango Delta, it passes the scenic Popa Falls rapids, where visitors can take in the sound of rushing water against lush riverbanks. The surrounding landscapes are rich with wildlife, supporting over 70 fish species and more than 400 bird species, making the region a favourite for anglers and birders alike. Travellers can enjoy tranquil boat cruises, explore riverside reserves, or visit Rundu, the relaxed capital of Kavango East, where daily life unfolds along the water’s edge.
The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them. A visit to this area guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to some exciting activities such as: driving along the game-dotted river banks in a 4WD; cruising along the river in a motorboat, spotting rare birdlife and for a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.
Flowing through the Zambezi Region of northeastern Namibia, close to the borders of Botswana, Zambia and Angola, the Kwando River is a scenic waterway that forms part of the vast Kavango–Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area. Lined with riverine forests, floodplains and reed-fringed channels, it supports an exceptional diversity of wildlife and birdlife, making it one of Namibia's premier safari destinations. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat cruises, canoeing and guided nature walks, with opportunities to spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles and an abundance of bird species. The river also borders Bwabwata National Park and provides access to nearby Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara national parks, where seasonal wetlands support a rich diversity of wildlife throughout the year.
As previously described
Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 ha nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Enjoy thrilling cat tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.
