Welcome to Namibia
Perhaps less well-known than other safari destinations in southern Africa, Namibia is coming into its own as a must-visit destination that offers a unique combination of attractions. If you’re looking for a new destination for your next luxury African safari, or you want to add onto a planned Africa travel journey, here are our top 5 reasons why you should consider Namibia.
1. Landscapes like nowhere else
Namibia’s landscapes are legendary – you may well find that you recognise some of the iconic scenes when you first see them. The towering red dunes of Sossusvlei (the world’s tallest) and the stark limbs of long-deceased trees at Deadvlei will linger in your memory forever.
Namibia is a country of almost infinite spaces, from the empty gravel plains of Damaraland to the immense, star-filled night skies (which offer some of Africa’s best stargazing and perfect for a romantic honeymoon). Spend time in Namibia, and you’ll be filled with a sense of the scale and majesty of nature, and of how small a speck each human being truly is.
Namibia has remarkable landscapes wherever you look, from the remote, shipwreck-studded Skeleton Coast to the surprising waterholes of Etosha National Park. Naturally, operators of eco-lodges – and there are some particularly fine examples here – have chosen sites that offer remarkable vistas of dunes, oases, mountains and deserts, meaning you can wake up to astonishing views on every day of your luxury safari in Namibia. Comparing the beauty of different African countries is an impossible task, but that said, Namibia has to rank as one of the most visually impactful destinations your could choose.
2. Wonderful wildlife
Namibia has many of the same species that you may see elsewhere in southern Africa, but there are important differences. Firstly, because of the general aridity of most areas (with parts of the Caprivi Strip being a notable exception), wildlife densities tend to be lower.
Also, animals like elephants, rhinos and lions have had to adapt to these unique circumstances. This involves adapting to make do with less water, or having to travel great distances to find food or a mate.
Then there are the species which are more common here than elsewhere, including black-faced impala and oryx (or gemsbok). On a smaller scale, you’ll hear the distinctive call of barking geckos in the desert night, while the Skeleton Coast is home to brown hyenas and colonies of fur seals.
The birdlife is remarkable, especially on the coast – the lagoons and salt marches near Walvis Bay are an important stopping-off point for migrating birds, and a great place to spot flamingos feeding.
Be sure to look down at the sand and ask you guide to help you identify some of the many tiny tracks that criss-cross the desert – even beetles’ feet leave a mark here!
3. Photographic opportunities
The saturated colors, unusual forms, and sheer scale of Namibia make this country a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re capturing images on your smartphone or using a more professional camera, you’ll find that you’re absolutely spoilt for choice.
You may prefer to focus on the scenery, and the way that the light and shadows chase each other across mountains, valleys and canyons. If you enjoy portrait photography, the warm smiles of Namibians make them captivating subjects (just remember to ask permission before snapping away).
Wildlife photography in Namibia is sometimes challenging but always rewarding – capturing the drama of a hunt, or simply seeing familiar creatures in strange, lunar-like settings can make for some truly arresting images.
Then there are those ‘only in Namibia moments’ – a seabird perched on the prow of a lonely shipwreck, the hustle and bustle of a seal colony, or a welwitschia plant thriving in what seems an impossible situation. Have a look at our Dunes and Desert itinerary for the perfect photographic safari.
4. Cultural riches
Despite its relatively small population, and the fact that much of this vast country is very sparsely populated, Namibia has many rich and varied cultures. All of these can be experienced during a luxury safari to Namibia, and can add a great deal to your experience.
Enjoy German-style coffee and cakes in the shadow of a candy-striped lighthouse in the coastal town of Swakopmund – a legacy of the country’s colonial past. You can also trace the fascinating story of the ‘forbidden zone’ at the abandoned diamond mining town of Kolmanskop, where shifting sand dunes are slowly covering the surviving buildings.
The Himba people have maintained their traditions, including using ochre and animal fat as a body rub, and participating in mysterious shamanic rituals aimed at healing the sick and protecting their cattle (which represent their wealth). This makes the Himba one of the most distinctive tribal groups in Africa.
Artwork left by ancient peoples can be seem in caves or on rock faces, and representations of creatures such as penguins prove that these inland dwellers travelled as far as the Atlantic coast.
5. Unique moments
As you might expect from such a strange yet beautiful country, Namibia offers many unique experiences. These range from watching a lion ambush thirsty antelope at an Etosha waterhole, to deciphering the engravings on long-forgotten graveyards. Enjoy a perfect slice of Sacher Torte, or sleep out under the stars in complete comfort – several of our favourite lodges feature beds on wheels that can be pushed out onto your private deck for dreams of planets and satellites.
Tracking desert-adapted black rhino is something you can only do in Namibia, whilst dinner with a grizzled lion researcher can offer the kind of insights you only gain from years of living in the bush.
A mutually respectful encounter with the Himba will open your eyes to the secrets of truly sustainable living, while climbing to the top of the Big Daddy Dune will take your breath away, literally and figuratively.
For more information on this unique destination please contact us to make your Namibian dreams an unforgettable memory.