A country that spans far and wide, Namibia is the perfect destination to get a taste of wild Africa. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries with the highest ratio of animals to humans in the world. The landscapes are breathtaking, wild but enchanting. It contains arguably some of the best national parks and wildlife viewing. It is one of Africa’s most accessible countries and a journey here is sure to be genuinely unforgettable. Here are some unmissable experiences to inspire you.
Etosha National Park
Spanning 22, 750km², it is mammoth in size with a seemingly endless horizon. There’s no doubt that it is one of best game viewing parks in the world. Dry season, between June and November is naturally the best time to come. Watering holes come alive with all manner of game from zebra right through to the endangered black rhinoceros. At this time, you can view almost 150 different species of large mammal, several of which are rare or endangered.
Night time game viewing is also an option with some of the waterholes being floodlit allowing you to see the animals day or night. There are 3 well-established rest camps within the park itself and many lodges lining the borders. You don’t need a 4 wheel drive to explore either as the park is entirely 2 wheel drive accessible so self-guided safaris are certainly an option. To visit Etosha National Park is certainly an experience.
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Beating Etosha in size by more than half, Namib-Naukluft is the largest national park in the country covering almost 50,000km². It is made of up four different sections; Sossusvlei and Sesriem, Naukluft, Namib section and Sandwich Harbour. Although access to the latter is strictly restricted to 4 wheel drives only. The vast red wilderness of Sossusvlei is usually the most visited and can feel isolated with one of the lowest human populations across the country. Its giant sand dunes and desert scenes are unlike anything you are likely to have seen before. Particularly at dawn when the light catches the curved ridges just right. Wildlife watching, of course, abounds throughout the park.
Skeleton Coast National Park
If you’ve ever seen a shipwreck, you will know how eerie they can appear. Have you considered an entire stretch of coastline littered with them? This is what you will find on the northern coast of Namibia. So pronounced with shipwrecks and beaches, lined with bones from past whaling operations and seal hunts, plus some human bones this has earned it the name of the Skeleton Coast National Park. The weather is vastly different than the rest of the country; sea fog and cold breezes prevail. Despite the appearance and atmosphere, it’s extremely rich in bird life with around 247 different species having been recorded and the shipwrecks create the perfect environment for cape fur seals. This area is certainly mysterious and that is more than enough reason to visit and explore.
If you are looking for a different destination for your next trip, Namibia will knock the socks off any of its competitors and leave you with memories that last a life time.
