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.
Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographers heaven. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei - Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei - other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.
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, 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, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular.
Damaraland is a captivating region in northwestern Namibia, characterized by its stark yet mesmerizing landscapes. Nestled between the Etosha National Park to the northeast and the Skeleton Coast to the west, Damaraland is renowned for its otherworldly scenery, where ancient red-rock formations and vast, open plains create a dramatic backdrop. The area is home to the iconic Spitzkoppe, a granite peak that stands as a symbol of the region.
Damaraland's charm extends beyond its geological wonders, as it is inhabited by desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, oryx, and desert lions, uniquely adapted to survive in this arid environment. Visitors can also encounter the nomadic Himba people, who have maintained their traditional lifestyles and distinctive appearance over generations.
Exploring Damaraland offers a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path Namibian experience.
The Kaokoveld is a dry, mountainous and relatively undeveloped region that takes in the harsh beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the coppery sands of the northern Namib Desert. The area is inhabited by three main ethnic groups – the Damara, Herero and Himba people – each with their unique customs, traditions and rituals.
The Etosha National Park is Namibia's premiere game viewing experience, situated in the northwest of Namibia and is an area well known for its wildlife. Vegetation ranges from dense bush to open plains attracting a diversity of wildlife. In the heart of the Park is The Etosha Pan - a shallow depression that covers an area of 5000sq kilometres. Dry and shimmering for most of the year, the pans fill up with water after good rains to a depth which is seldom deeper than 1m. In the dry season wildlife is attracted to perennial springs and waterholes that makes for excellent game viewing. Within the park are three large public rest camps catering for the more budget orientated traveller. There are several smaller establishments on the outskirts of the park on private land offering a more intimate and comprehensive experience. All of these establishments offer excellent value for money.
Northern Namibia extends across the remote Kunene River in the west of the country to the densely populated region of Ovamboland in the northeast. Central Ovamboland is part of Namibia’s extensive Kalahari system and is home to one of Africa’s largest game sanctuaries, Etosha National Park. The park provides phenomenal game viewing opportunities, and travellers can look forward to visiting the spectacular Etosha Pan. Damaraland lies to the northwest, with some of the most impressive rock art covering the rugged landscape. Further east, the Caprivi stretches for over 450 kilometres and is Namibia’s most tropical region acting as a corridor for African elephants moving through to Angola. Northern Namibia is a remote wilderness with incredible scenery, wildlife and exhilarating experiences, making it well worth the effort.
As previously described
