Top 10 PLACES to VISIT in NAMIBIA

Looking for some of the best places to visit in Namibia? Read this blog post.

Namibia is one of the most blessed countries in Africa. Its natural beauty is definitely uncontested with any other African country.

I’d heard so much and seen a thousand videos from other nomads who’d been to this country. So, I decided to check it out for myself. After two months of exploring this country, I realized all the content online didn’t do any justice. Not even this one I’m writing now.

But like my predecessors who decided Namibia was worth writing, I couldn’t resist the urge to share my own side of the story. All I can hope now is that this guide provides you with everything you need to know. So, here are the best places to visit in Namibia.

• See the best African Countries to Visit this Year

Best Places to Visit in Namibia in 2 Weeks

Note: While this list is from number 10 to 1, it doesn’t necessarily reflect in that order for everyone. I understand that we are all different. So, this list is not about ranking but about possible places to explore when visiting Namibia.

10. Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop is considered the Capital of the South, a name well-earned. It’s a beautiful small town in the southern part of Namibia that happens to be close to one of the best hiking destinations. The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in all of Africa and a highly visited tourist attraction in Namibia, but that’s a story for another blog post.

Keetmanshoop itself isn’t just a refuel-and-continue-your-journey stop. It’s popularly known for the Quiver Tree Forest and Giant’s Playground.

Key Attractions:

• Quiver Tree Forest: The Quiver Tree Forest is a unique and surreal landscape filled with quiver trees, also known as “kokerboom.” These trees can live for hundreds of years and have a distinctive appearance with thick, succulent branches.
• Giant’s Playground: The Giant’s Playground is a vast area filled with massive dolerite boulders stacked in unusual formations.
• Keetmanshoop Museum: The Museum features exhibits on the indigenous Nama people, the early German settlers, and the development of the town.

9. Solitaire

Just like Keetmanshoop, Solitaire is a small town, only this time it’s located in the middle of the Namib desert, close to the Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay, two incredibly beautiful destinations in Namibia that you’d come across in this list too. In my honest opinion, Solitaire looks like something born out of a post-apocalyptic movie, with its solitude almost bone-chilling. From the name to the sensation of this remote location, it gives off a sense of rustic charm and desert landscape, and totally worth it. If you’re a creative story writer looking for inspiration for a post-apocalyptic book or a remote location, a visit to Solitaire is more than enough.

Key Attractions:

1. Solitaire Desert Farm: The Solitaire Desert Farm is a perfect spot to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Namib Desert. The farm offers accommodations, a swimming pool, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. You can also consider going on a guided nature drive to spot local wildlife.
2. Solitaire’s Bakery (McGregor’s Bakery): Perhaps the most famous attraction in Solitaire is its bakery, McGregor’s Bakery. It’s renowned for its delicious apple pie. It’s worth spotting to have a bite, especially in the desert.
3. Vintage Car Relics: These rusting vehicles, abandoned in the desert, add to the town’s nostalgic and slightly eerie atmosphere, making for unique and photogenic scenes.

8. Opuwo

Another tourist attraction in Namibia worth mentioning is Opuwo. Opuwo is where Namibia’s cultural heart beats strongest. It’s the home of the Himba people. The town is in the northwest part of Namibia, and the people there are always welcoming and friendly. If you’re interested in meeting the infamous Himba people dressed in their cultural attire, and their brown hair, then you’d need to add this town to your itinerary.

Key Attractions of Opuwo:

• Cultural Experience with the Himba People: Arranging a guided tour to a Himba village is an absolute must. You’ll get a chance to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle, their customs, and their unique way of life. It’s an eye-opening experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.
• Opuwo Country Lodge: The Opuwo Country Lodge has a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, and watching the sunset from there is definitely worth the stay.
• Traditional Markets: Wander through the markets in Opuwo, and you’ll feel the pulse of this vibrant town. The markets are lively and colorful, with locals selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s also a great place to see the mix of cultures that call Opuwo home, all in one bustling location.

7. Windhoek

When you arrive in Namibia, you’re most likely to land in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, so it would make sense to start your tour from here. The city of Windhoek might not have the jaw-dropping natural scenery you’ll find elsewhere in the country, but what it lacks in landscapes, it more than makes up for in history, culture, and urban energy. Windhoek is the perfect place to start or end your trip to Namibia.

Key Attractions of Windhoek:

• Christ Church: One of the most iconic landmarks in Windhoek, the Christ Church (Christuskirche) is a striking building with a mix of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Romanesque architectural styles. It stands as a reminder of the city’s German colonial history and is a must-visit for history buffs.
• Independence Memorial Museum: For a deep dive into Namibia’s struggle for independence, the Independence Memorial Museum is the place to go. The museum’s exhibits are both informative and moving, providing insights into the country’s journey from colonialism to freedom.
• Katutura Township: To experience the vibrant culture of Windhoek’s local communities, take a guided tour of Katutura, the largest township in the city. Here, you’ll see the lively side of Windhoek, with bustling markets, street food vendors, and the daily life of the people who live there.

6. Walvis Bay

If you’re a fan of the ocean, Walvis Bay will steal your heart. This coastal city is Namibia’s main harbor town, and its natural lagoon is a haven for birdlife, including thousands of flamingos that turn the shoreline pink. It’s a place where the desert meets the sea, and the contrast is nothing short of spectacular.

Key Attractions of Walvis Bay:

• Walvis Bay Lagoon: The lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in southern Africa and a paradise for bird watchers. Besides flamingos, you might spot pelicans, cormorants, and other waterbirds. The calm waters also make it a perfect spot for kayaking and boat trips.
• Dune 7: Just outside Walvis Bay is Dune 7, the tallest dune in the Namib Desert. Climbing to the top is no small feat, but the panoramic views from the summit are worth every step. It’s an adventure that gives you a real sense of the vastness of the desert.
• Sandwich Harbour: A visit to Sandwich Harbour is a must for anyone exploring Walvis Bay. This secluded spot where the desert dunes plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean is accessible only by 4×4, making the journey there as thrilling as the destination itself. The views are surreal, and the sense of isolation is profound.

5. Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is unlike any other place in Namibia. Known as the “end of the earth,” this desolate and hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline is named for the numerous shipwrecks that line its shores, remnants of vessels that met their end in the fog and treacherous waters. Skeleton Coast is perfect for taking pictures, exploring the shipwrecks, and just taking in the view. If I daresay, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Namibia and can inspire some really creative pictures.

Key Attractions of the Skeleton Coast:

• Shipwrecks: The rusted remains of ships scattered along the coast are eerie reminders of the dangers that once plagued sailors. These ghostly relics make for incredible photography and give the coast its unique character.
• Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Watching thousands of seals basking on the rocks and playing in the surf is a sight you won’t forget. Cape Cross Seal Reserve is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world.
• Skeleton Coast National Park: The park itself is vast and largely inaccessible. But for those willing to venture into its remote reaches, the rewards are immense. From the roaring dunes to the salt pans and the endless horizon, the Skeleton Coast offers a raw and naturally unmatched beauty.

4. Swakopmund

Undoubtedly, Swakopmund has the most beautiful and colorful buildings in Namibia. It’s a coastal town in Namibia that still preserves its German colonial architecture. It feels like a slice of Europe in Africa with its colorful buildings. But don’t let its quaint charm fool you—Swakopmund is Namibia’s adventure capital, offering everything from sandboarding to skydiving. It’s the adrenaline junkies haven in Africa.

Key Attractions of Swakopmund:

• Adventure Sports: Swakopmund is the place to go if you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping. Try sandboarding down the massive dunes, take a quad bike tour through the desert, or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, go skydiving.
• Swakopmund Jetty: This historic pier stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean and is a great spot for a leisurely stroll and fishing. The nearby beach is perfect for relaxing, and you might even spot dolphins playing in the surf.
• Colonial Architecture: Swakopmund’s streets are lined with charming buildings that harken back to the town’s German roots. The Swakopmund Museum offers insights into the town’s history, while the old lighthouse provides panoramic views of the coastline.

3. Deadvlei

Deadvlei is the kind of place that leaves you speechless. This clay pan, surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world, is home to ancient, dead camelthorn trees that have stood here for centuries. The contrast between the dark, twisted trees, the white clay floor, and the red dunes under the deep blue sky creates an indescribable scene.

Key Attractions of Deadvlei:

• The Trees: Deadvlei’s dead trees are the stars of the show. These trees, which are said to have died over 600 years ago, have not decomposed due to the dry climate, leaving behind hauntingly beautiful silhouettes. The photographic opportunities here are endless.
• Big Daddy Dune: If up for a challenge, climbing Big Daddy is right for you. It’s one of the tallest dunes in the world.
• Sossusvlei: Deadvlei is often visited in conjunction with Sossusvlei, another stunning clay pan nearby. The two are among Namibia’s most iconic landscapes, and visiting both gives you a full appreciation of the power and beauty of the Namib Desert.

2. Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is one of the most photographed places in Africa, and it’s easy to see why. This vast salt and clay pan, surrounded by towering red sand dunes, is the epitome of Namibia’s desert landscapes. The beauty of Sossusvlei is best appreciated in the early morning or late afternoon when the changing light paints the dunes in shades of red, orange, and gold.

Key Attractions of Sossusvlei:

• Dune 45: One of the most famous dunes in Sossusvlei, Dune 45 is a favorite for sunrise climbs. The views from the top as the sun rises over the desert are nothing short of magical.
• Hidden Vlei: For those who want to escape the crowds, a short hike will take you to Hidden Vlei, a quieter, more secluded pan that offers solitude and stunning views.
• Sesriem Canyon: Just outside Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon is a natural wonder worth exploring. This narrow gorge, carved by the Tsauchab River, is a great place for a short hike and offers a different perspective on the desert landscape.

1. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is the crown jewel of Namibia’s wildlife reserves. Covering over 22,000 square kilometers, this vast park is home to various animals, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes. The park’s name means “Great White Place,” referring to the salt pan that dominates its landscape. Etosha is one of the best places on the continent to go on safari, with its mix of salt pans, grasslands, and waterholes attracting a wide variety of wildlife.

Key Attractions:

• The Etosha Pan: At the heart of the park lies the Etosha Pan, a massive, salt-covered depression that gives the park its name. This seemingly endless expanse of white is a striking sight, especially during the dry season when it becomes a shimmering mirage. During the rainy season, the pan fills with water, attracting flocks of flamingos and other waterbirds.
• Wildlife Viewing: Etosha is home to all of the Big Five except for buffalo. It’s especially known for its large populations of elephants, lions, and rhinos. The numerous waterholes provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals gather to drink in the early morning and late afternoon. You can expect to see zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and many species of antelope, as well as more elusive wildlife like leopards and cheetahs.
• Okaukuejo Waterhole: The Okaukuejo Waterhole is one of the most famous and frequently visited spots in Etosha National Park. It’s perfect for wildlife viewing.

Conclusion

Namibia is a tourist hotspot in Africa, and after a long visit to this country, it’s easy to see why. Almost everything in this country is beautiful, from the welcoming people to the view of just about any location, especially these top 10 places. They are absolutely the best, and I recommend you try to see every single one at least once.

So, do you think the best places to visit in Namibia’s list do justice to Namibia’s tourist attractions? Yay, or Nay?