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.
Nestled on the west coast of the Namib Desert - where the dunes meet the ocean - is the popular little town of Swakopmund. This laid-back area offers charm in bucket loads with its colonial architecture, quaint restaurants and historic landmarks - such as the "Mole" sunset pier. The cobbled streets and picturesque buildings indicate the rich heritage and culture this town holds, while the museums show its diverse history. This area radiates personality - from the more relaxed daytime charm to the vibrant atmosphere of the night - this is one of Namibia's hidden gems that need to be experienced.
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.
Rarely do you find a location as alluring and powerful as the haunting Skeleton Coast. The vast and contrasting land ranges from towering dunes to clay hills dotted along the riverbeds. This treacherous coast - marked by rocky and sandy beaches, rusting shipwrecks and soaring dunes is home to the scarce desert-adapted elephants, which are among the most incredible creatures on earth. Running hundreds of kilometres, the Skeleton Coast entices visitors to come and discover the wonders that this scenic safari offers. The white sands and arid landscape is a truly unforgettable experience from start to finish.
In northwest Namibia, the Hoanib is one of 12 ephemeral rivers. Ephemeral rivers have a short life cycle, only flowing occasionally, yet they are critical lifelines for wildlife in arid regions. When heavy rainfall occurs in the central escarpment of Namibia, the Hoanib erupts into a raging torrent of water several metres deep that can last for days, cutting through rocky gorges and travelling over arid sandy plains before reaching the Atlantic. Additionally, the river supports a variety of vegetation scattered along its course, which is the only source of food for the herds of desert-adapted animals.
Damaraland's breath-taking mountains are home to ample desert-adapted wildlife who live among the harsh, barren conditions. Its rugged and rocky landscapes are known for their rough, captivating beauty. One of the region's finest attractions is the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, containing many ancient etchings that are considered some of the best-preserved illustrations on the continent. Thousands of years old, the regions Petrified Forest is a haunting landscape of giant fossilized trees. This small area of preserved land houses so much historical information of the Namibian country, drawing people in.
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 kilometers 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.
The western side of Etosha National Park has its own charm and appeal - plus the all-important wildlife encounters. In comparison to the east and centre of the Park, the west offers different vistas and biomes - the most obvious being that the terrain isn't as flat, and the soil doesn't always seem chalky white but appears to be more reddish. A great reason to visit the west is its famous lion population. Other unique species that frequent this side of the park include Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala and brown hyena. The west flaunts its magical aura through its enchanting landscape and unique scenery.
Located between the mountains just south of Etosha National Park, Ongava Private Game Reserve is widely regarded as the finest private reserve in the area. Although it used to be barren farmland, it has been rehabilitated into a haven homing large concentrations of wildlife. This reserve is globally recognised for its conservation, groundbreaking research and exciting safari adventures. The main highlight at Ongava is its large population of rhinos, which are considered to be very relaxed around people, allowing for thrilling close encounters. Here, the atmosphere makes for a truly unique and tranquil experience.
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.
