Located in north-central Namibia, Otjiwarongo is a friendly regional town and safari gateway known for its wildlife conservation initiatives and access to surrounding wilderness areas. Set amid rolling hills and semi-arid landscapes, it offers a relaxed stopover with a distinctly Namibian character. Visitors can explore the Cheetah Conservation Fund, one of the world's leading cheetah research and conservation centres, or discover nearby reserves where native wildlife, including rhino, can be encountered. With its welcoming atmosphere, wide-open skies and easy access to Namibia's natural landscapes, Otjiwarongo provides a rewarding stop between Windhoek and the country's renowned northern safari destinations.
Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher's Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve features over 35 480 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The seasonal rains attract thousands of migrating birds to the Fisher’s Pan wetland area. The neighbouring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including 4 of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park to view abundant game in the largest national park in Namibia.
Situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South encompasses the park's southern safari region and a collection of private game reserves and lodges. The park is accessed via Andersson Gate, placing visitors within easy reach of renowned waterholes and excellent wildlife viewing. Lions, elephants, giraffes, white and black rhinos, and a wide variety of antelope are among the species commonly seen. Guided 4×4 game drives are the main attraction, with half- and full-day safaris available, some including picnic lunches in the bush.
Situated in the rugged landscapes of northwestern Namibia's Kunene Region, Palmwag is a remote safari destination renowned for its dramatic desert scenery and remarkable wildlife. Set amid rocky hills, ephemeral riverbeds and iconic makalani palms, it lies within one of Namibia's largest wilderness conservation landscapes. Visitors can enjoy guided nature drives and walking safaris in search of desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, springbok and other wildlife adapted to this arid environment. Sweeping vistas, striking red-earth landscapes and peaceful starlit skies create a profound sense of solitude, making Palmwag an exceptional destination for travellers seeking wilderness, conservation experiences and the untamed beauty of Namibia.
Set between the rolling dunes of the Namib Desert and the icy Atlantic coastline, Swakopmund is a relaxed seaside town in western Namibia known for its German colonial architecture, cool coastal climate, and adventurous spirit. Palm-lined streets, historic buildings, and ocean fog create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. Travellers visit for desert activities such as quad biking, sandboarding, and scenic flights over vast dunes and shipwreck-strewn shores. Cafés, bakeries, and small museums add to the town's laid-back charm, though the Atlantic waters are brisk rather than tropical. With its striking desert-meets-ocean setting and mix of adventure and history, Swakopmund is one of Namibia's most distinctive destinations.
As previously described
As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)
