Travel in Namibia is a celebration of dramatic landscapes. Whether on an organised tour or going solo in a 4x4, visitors cannot fail to be astonished by the Namib desert and the many other natural phenomena they will stumble across. Most tourists start in Windhoek, the capital, getting their bearings among the German colonial architecture before venturing out into the great unknown. Heading in any direction brings its rewards.South leads to the Fish River Canyon. There is a five day hike along the canyon floor, or for the less adventurous, day trips out to a view point, or a stroll along the edge of the canyon. North heads to Etosha National Park. Stay in stunning bush camps such as Halali or Okaukuejo and witness Africa's herds arrive at the waterholes in their thousands. The extreme north of the country, the Caprivi Strip, hosts exciting new wildlife havens such as Nkasa Rupara National Park, and Bwabwata National Park, both now thriving with new game, and especially birdlife.Swakopmund, on the west coast, is Namibia's adventure capital where activities include dune boarding, quad biking, hot air balloon tours, and many more. It is also the gateway to the vast Namib desert. Visitors can camp nearby in Sesriem and get up pre-dawn to visit the colossal Sossusvlei dunes. Sunrise from Dune 45 is a truly unforgettable experience. Further inland, Damaraland plays host to the prehistoric rock art of Twyfelfontein and Brandberg. The imposing formations of Spitzkoppe, Africa's Matterhorn, are favoured by experienced climbers.The Owambo region is Namibia's cultural centre and home to the Himba people, a culturally rich tribe notable for their striking dress. Guided walks in the region are available to visitors who seek a window into the traditional way of life in the desert.
The Brandberg Massif is famous for its thousands of rock paintings and engravings. Its most celebrated piece is the 'White Lady', estimated to be around 2,000 years old. The painting shows a male with the white colour representing body paint which suggests it is a medicine man. Discovered in 1955, there has been a great deal of controversy over the meaning and origin of the painting. The mountain is a sacred place for the San tribes in the region. Brandberg's highest peak is Königstein, and at 8,550 feet (2,606m), it is the highest mountain in Namibia.
The Skeleton Coast National Park is infamous for inaccessible shores and rough waters. The local San used to call it 'The Land God Made in Anger', while Portuguese sailors named it 'The Gates of Hell'. It's a barren yet hauntingly beautiful destination for photographers, its natural formations creating a surreal world all its own. The Skeleton Coast National Park has some interesting attractions, including the Agate Mountain saltpans, the clay castles of the Hoarasib, and the large Cape fur seal colony at Cape Fria. Known as a great surfing destination and for having a stunning night sky, the heavens are undimmed by human settlements.
One of the most popular highlights in Namibia are the clay pans of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. The dunes are among the highest in the world, reaching more than 960 feet (300m) and are a wondrous sight of endless rolling shapes and sharp crests sculpted by the wind. The beautiful black and white Oryx antelope is occasionally spotted in the meagre shade of the thorn trees, lizards leave their tiny trails on the pristine mounds of sand, and the black 'tok tokkie' beetle is commonly seen stumbling over the red clay surface. The area is also home to ostriches and springbok. The dunes are located roughly 37 miles (60km) from the Sesriem Gate, which is the entrance to the park.
Opening times : Sunrise to sunset.
Admission : NAD 80, NAD 60 (SADC residents), vehicles NAD 10
Swakopmund is an enchanting little seaside town in the middle of the Namib Desert, with many colonial buildings and a distinctly German character. The region's food specialities include rock lobster, fish, and Swakopmund oysters. Swakopmund is known as a paradise for extreme sports, and popular activities include sand boarding, paragliding, dune carting, hot air ballooning, shark fishing, and quad biking. The stretch of coast is also famous for its beach angling. Visitors who aren't looking for death-defying activities will enjoy attractions in Swakopmund like the Cape Cross Seal Colony, the National Marine Aquarium, and the Rossmund Desert Golf Course, one of only five all-grass desert golf courses in the world.
The natural beauty of the Spitzkoppe is spectacular: an island of bald granite peaks situated in an endless grassy plain that is visible for miles around. Groot Spitzkop is often referred to as the 'Matterhorn of Africa' because of its similarity in shape, and it is one of Namibia's most famous mountains. Nearby are the Little Spitzkoppe and the Pontok Mountains. Many San rock paintings exist in the Spitzkoppe area and these ancient artworks are thrilling to seek out. At the foot of Groot Spitzkop, Rhino Rock boasts some of the best surviving examples of prehistoric rock paintings. Sadly, many have been destroyed. The area is also renowned for its breath-taking sunrises, which turn the rocks from pale orange to flaming gold.
Twyfelfontein boasts the largest concentration of ancient rock art in the country, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The petroglyphs primarily depict game animals such as giraffe, antelope, elephant, and lion, and the oldest carvings may date back 10,000 years. Most are believed to be around 3,000 years old. Translated as 'uncertain fountain', Twylfontein got its name from a farmer who doubted the spring's ability to sustain their cattle for a long period. Visitors can't enter the site without a guide due to previous vandalism. The uniquely-designed visitor information centre features an exhibition, kiosk, and souvenir shop. Other stunning sights in the area around Twyfelfontein include the Organ Pipes, the Doros Crater, and the Petrified Forest.
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