Namibia is a country with one of the smallest population densities in the world. Nestled on the southwestern coast of West Africa, bordering Botswana. Namibia’s landscapes are some of the most remarkable and untouched in the world, from giant dunes of Sossusvlei to the skeleton coast, and the star-filled skies and red sands of the Namib desert. The wildlife experiences are also incredibly varied, from lions and elephants at the watering holes of Etosha, to the seal colonies and dolphins at Wolvis Bay, and wild cats at the Africat Foundation. Each national park has its own unique landscape and set of safari experiences, and the lodges that you stay in are fantastic, blending perfectly with the environment and bringing nature to your door.
If you’re planning a holiday to Namibia, here are our top five things to do:
- Spot lions and elephants at Etosha National Park
- Journey overland and sleep in a rooftop tent
- Visit the Africat Foundation to see wild cats
- Climb the giant sand dunes at Sossusvlei
- Hike to Tok Tokkie trails
Enjoy safari tours, giant sand dunes, incredible wildlife experiences, and characterful mountain lodges.
1. Spot lions and elephants at Etosha National Park
Exploring Etosha National Park is undoubtably a highlight of a trip to Namibia. Etosha is dominated by a mineral pan so enormous it can be seen from space. You have the chance to spot lion, elephant, black rhino, zebra, jackal, blue wildebeest, giraffe, warthog, pangolin, red hartebeest, porcupine, kudu, dik dik, springbok, eland, bat eared foxes and more. If you’re really lucky, you might spot a leopard. The park gates open at sunrise and close at sunset – check with your lodge / campsite for the exact times. Early risers will be rewarded with the best wildlife sightings as game, sensibly, tends to snooze behind or under bushes in the heat of the day.
2. Journey overland and sleep in a rooftop tent
Namibia has a landscape with starkly contrasting geographical features, from red deserts with giant dunes to sandy canyons, and a vast wilderness in between. If you want to explore a large area of the country then we recommend heading out in a 4WD and sleep in a rooftop tent, staying in designated campsites. The vehicles we use are equipped with everything you need for the open road, so you can enjoy an expedition-style adventure with the reassurance that support is always there if you need.
3. Visit the Africat Foundation to see wild cats
AfriCat is a safe refuge for the large number of cats that have been kept in captivity and are no longer wanted. Cheetah, leopard, lion, caracal, wild dog and hyaena are all rescued, researched, and rehabilitated. Once a farm for cattle, the Okonjima Nature Reserve is a place where the preservation of a habitat for rescued wild cats is at its core. There are a collection of lodges where visitors can stay and experience the Namibian bush, seeing animals that have been returned to their natural habitat.
4. Climb the giant sand dunes at Sosssusvlei
The dunes at Sossusvlei are much taller than the long, linear dunes of the kalahari. They reach up to 325m from their base, which makes them some of the highest dunes in the world (the highest are in Argentina). Get there for sunrise and walk up the photogenic star shaped Dune 45, from where you can look out over the white clay pans.
5. Hike the Tok Tokkie Trail
With an expert guide, you can walk the tok tokkie trail, once of the most spectacular trails in the world. takes you close to the desert’s stunning beauty. This 20km trail takes you the protected area of the NamibRand. You spend two nights out in the desert, in comfortable camps that are set up for you. The support crew make it such a special experience, cooking a three course meal beneath the stars. Camping out in this official dark sky reserve is one of Namibia’s ultimate highlights. The trail passes though mountains and sandy dunes, where Tok Tokkie beetles, barking geckos, and bat-eared foxes are your companions.
