The Best Places to Visit in Namibia

Sossusvlei is among the most surreal spots in Namibia, primarily known for the rippling peaks and valleys of its enormous dunes. Part of Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Namib Desert, this vast expanse of reddish sand, stark salt pans and ancient acacias is truly awe-inspiring.

Need to know: Visit Sossusvlei from June to August for the coolest weather, or from January to April to see plants and flowers blooming amid the otherwise barren landscape.

The eeriness of its name hints at the sort of beauty you’ll find on the Skeleton Coast. Here windswept dunes spill straight down to the ocean and the shells of old shipwrecks rise out of the sand, creating an ethereal atmosphere that feels like another planet altogether.

Need to know: If you want to see newborn seal pups at Cape Cross, visit the Skeleton Coast in November or December.

Rugged plains and rock formations define the landscape of Damaraland, Namibia’s top destination for spotting desert-adapted wildlife. Elephants and black rhinos roam the region along with giraffes, lions, leopards and cheetahs; sightings are likeliest from June to October.

Need to know: Stay at the intimate Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp to learn about and directly support local efforts to protect the critically endangered black rhino.

Perhaps the best place to go in Namibia for safaris, Etosha National Park is a haven for lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and more. The shimmering surface of the park’s eponymous salt pan is mesmerising on its own, but even more so when it’s the backdrop for wildlife sightings.

Need to know: The Etosha Pan is one of the largest salt pans in the world, covering almost a quarter of the national park’s area.

Located right next to Namib-Naukluft National Park, the NamibRand Nature Reserve is a massive private reserve renowned for its diverse terrain and abundant animals. As the continent’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, it also promises world-class stargazing.

Need to know: The best place to stay within NamibRand is Wolwedans: a collection of five different camps scattered across the reserve’s plains, valleys and dunes.

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay provide some contrast to Namibia’s dry desert landscapes. These two adjacent coastal towns are known for their wide array of adventure sports, from skydiving to kitesurfing. In Walvis Bay you can also spot Cape fur seals, dolphins and whales.

Need to know: Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are located about halfway between the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei, making them the perfect stopover on a longer tour through Namibia.

Namibia’s capital and largest city, Windhoek is a fascinating fusion of cultures and heritage. You’ll notice clear German influences in its architecture and landmarks, while Indigenous culture and history are highlighted in the National Museum of Namibia and the township of Katutura.

Need to know: Thanks to its central location and international airport, Windhoek is an ideal place to spend a few days at the beginning or end of your trip.

Just north of Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast, Kaokoland is an isolated and unspoilt region that invites you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your inner explorer. In addition to safaris and scenic drives, you can visit the Indigenous Himba and Herera communities. 

Need to know: Kaokoland, which extends all the way up to the Kunene River, has been officially known as the Kunene Region since Namibia gained independence from South Africa.

The Kunene River runs along the border with Angola at Namibia’s northern edge. Its verdant shores and rushing waters create habitats for all sorts of wildlife, including crocodiles and riverine birds. It’s also where you’ll find the spectacular Epupa Falls and Ruacana Falls.

Need to know: The luxurious canvas tents at Wilderness Serra Cafema provide the perfect home base for exploring this remote region; the camp can only be accessed by light aircraft.

Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss Okonjima Nature Reserve, located at the foot of the Omboroko Mountains. Here you can see first-hand how the renowned AfriCat Foundation works to study and protect the area’s cheetahs, leopards and various other threatened species.

Need to know: Okonjima Nature Reserve can be easily combined with either Etosha National Park or Windhoek, as it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from either destination.