With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders, touring Namibia is truly a pleasure. Visit the capital of Windhoek and the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon Park; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with local subspecies, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for nearly 1000 km along the magnificent Atlantic coastline. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
With an area of 172,200 hectares spread across four distinct ecosystems, NamibRand Nature Reserve is among the largest privately owned game parks in southern Africa. Established with the aim to conserve the unique environment and wildlife species of the south-western Namib Desert, the park’s mix of dunes, mountains, rocky outcrops, sandy flats and gravel plains provides habitats for a variety of mammals – including hyenas, jackals, foxes, wildcats and antelopes – as well as countless bird species, reptiles, frogs, insects and plants.
Activities: Discover the mysterious ‘fairy circles’ on grassy plains; sip on sundowners while watching the sunset over this unspoilt ancient landscape; revel in the magnificent night sky – NamibRand is Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, i.e. one of the least light-polluted areas in the world.
Fringing the Torra Conservancy in northwest Namibia, the Huab River Valley is renowned for its spectacular panoramic vistas over pristine wilderness defined by stark plains, ancient valleys and the distant peaks of the Brandberg Mountains. Nature lovers and adventure seekers alike can spend their days' exploring the exquisite terrain of the Huab River Valley, catching a glimpse of the rare desert-adapted elephant on an afternoon safari, taking a guided nature walk, or learning about the unique local cultures of the area. A diverse variety of wildlife can be spotted in the valley, including springbok, gemsbok, greater kudu, springbok, lion, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, and black rhino. Don’t miss the famous Twyfelfontein rock engravings.
Bordering Angola in the far north, Kunene is an administrative region named after the river which is one of just five perennial rivers in Namibia. The Kunene River is an invaluable source of water for the local Himba people, and it has been the mainstay of their existence ever since their arrival several hundred years ago. In terms of tourism the river’s most striking feature are the magnificent Epupa Falls, a series of cascades over a distance of more than a kilometre, with an impressive vertical drop of around 60 metres.
Activities: White-water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, sundowner cruises, game viewing, bird watching, hiking. Take time to visit a Himba village and learn about local culture.
