Namibia, found on the west coast of southern Africa, is experiencing a boom in visitors and now is the time to go!
Namibia is the destination for families and couples looking for a safe safari and activity holiday. Here are some of the unique experiences this spectacular country has to offer; you’ll find them all in our Namibia holidays:
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
It has the only true desert in Southern Africa – the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Namib‘, or ‘vast place’ stretches the entire length of the west coast, taking in the fabled Skeleton Coast. A highlight of any trip to Namibia is driving through and walking up the enormous 300m+ sand dunes at Sossusvlei, and spending time at Deadvlei, the incongruous white clay pan dotted with 900 year old camel thorn trees, hidden deep in the sand dunes.
Wildlife in Etosha National Park
Namibia’s well-known Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Half the size of Switzerland, it’s dominated by an enormous salt pan that can be seen from space. The park is huge but wildlife is easy to spot around the waterholes and you can (if you’re lucky) see four of the Big Five here – lion, elephant, black and white rhino and leopard. The park is perfectly set up for you to drive around independently – have a look at our guide to driving round Etosha here –, is malaria free and you can even stay in lodges and on campsites inside the park.
Ancient cultures and rock engravings
The population is a blend of at least 11 major ethnic groups, including San Bushmen and Himba and you’ll notice a change in dress, language, art, music, sport, food and religion as you explore. One of my favourite places to get a sense of the Damara people, who are thought to be some of the original inhabitants of Namibia, is the Damara Living Museum. The museum is based in a traditional village that’s been built around an enormous boulder; it’s the only place in the world where you can experience traditional Damara culture. Tours are light, fun and educational with fire making, creating tools out of animal horns, playing games, making jewelry, dancing and traditional medicine. Not far from the village is Twyfelfontein (another UNESCO site), where you can see one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa; visits to both these places will give everyone memories to last a lifetime.
Archipelago Choice Namibia Specialists
If Namibia sounds like somewhere you’d like to visit, get in touch with our Namibia specialists on 01767 721040 to start planning your tailor made holiday. Here are some Namibia holiday ideas to get you started…