Hearing about my extensive travels in Africa, people often ask me what my favorite country on the continent has been. Although I cannot answer this question directly and unequivocally—all of Africa is pure magic—one of the first countries that comes to mind is Namibia, with its incredible sights.
This is because it is a unique country that is clearly different from all the rest. Geographical First: In contrast to the savannahs and jungles that cover most of sub-Saharan Africa, Namibia is mostly occupied by desert. And culturally: Although it is the most sparsely populated country on the continent, it is inhabited by an amazing variety of tribes, many of which fiercely maintain their traditional ways of life.
1. Namib-Naukluft National Park
If you do a Google search for pictures of Namibia, the first page of results will be almost entirely occupied by the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This is in the middle of the Namibian coast and the Namib Desert, believed to be the oldest desert on the planet.
Its vast area is mainly occupied by successive dunes, which, due to their high iron content, have a characteristic, intensely warm, orange color. Mountains, smaller rock formations, and various distinct geographic features occur sparsely across the sandy vastness. The dunes end on the barren and endless Atlantic coast, where only rotting wrecks break the dichotomy of sand and ocean. Well hidden throughout the desolate necropolis, small oases can also be found, frequented by countless strange insects and reptiles, from hyenas to leopards.
The most famous landscape of this national park—and probably the entire country—is the dried, salt-clay bottoms of the ancient lakes Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The sun-bleached, blackened trunks of centuries-dead trees standing on the flat white surface make for an alien backdrop. Excursions to this place usually include a visit to the nearby Sesriem Gorge and a climb to Dune 45.
2. Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is located at the northern tip of the country, near the border with Angola, and is one of the most popular safari destinations in all of Africa. Its name, meaning great white place in the local Ndongo language, characterizes the vast salt flat that occupies its central part. Covering an area of 22,270 km 2, it is one of the largest protected areas on the continent; and established in 1907, also one of the oldest.
It hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including four of the big five (except buffalo). Having personally been on safari in many national parks in Africa, Etosha remains the only one where I have successfully spotted rhinos.
3. Fish River Canyon
Located in the south of the country, this is the largest canyon in Africa and the second-largest in the world (after the Grand Canyon of North America). With a length of approximately 169 km, a maximum width and depth of 27 km and 550 meters, respectively, it cuts the central Namibian plateau in half, forming a truly spectacular geological formation.
The canyon floods for a short period at the end of summer, remaining dry the rest of the year, but maintaining scattered ponds where fish actually live, justifying its name.
As usual, I only visited it for a few hours during my passage, as I admired an unparalleled sunset in favor of its imposing view. But one of the primary reasons I want to go back to Namibia is to hike the multi-day footpath that lies at the bottom. Due to the unbearable heat inside the canyon for most of the year, hiking permits are only issued during the slightly cooler period between May and September.
4. Spitzkoppe
Meaning sharp dome in German, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia, this is one of the country’s geological wonders. It is about a group of giant granite rocks that, as if unbolted, tower in the middle of the otherwise flat plateau. The area has also been a field of activity for pygmies since time immemorial, as evidenced by the numerous paintings of them found on the rocks.
The highest rock is 670 meters high from the base. I attempted to climb it when I camped there for one night. But I found it too dangerous to do alone and with zero climbing belay; so I gave up. Instead, however, I successfully climbed the slightly lower, so-called Little Spitskope , neighboring rock and enjoyed a fantastic view of the surrounding wilderness from its summit.
5. Bradnberg Mountain
Another major hiking reason that would attract me to Namibia is Mount Brandberg. At 2,573 meters above sea level, this is the highest mountain in the country and is located in the north of the Namib Desert, relatively close to Spitskope. Although I saw it pass by from a distance, unfortunately I didn’t have the chance to walk it.
Also rising in the middle of the flat plateau, it has a characteristic, almost perfectly circular morphology. Although generally dry, it is home to a respectable diversity of flora and fauna, including elephants and black rhinos. But more than anything, it is renowned as the richest scorpion habitat in all of Africa.
6. Skeleton Coast
Probably my first priority on my next trip to Namibia would be the Skeleton Coast. This is how the northernmost part of the Namibian coast is known. This name was originally given to her because of the numerous whale skeletons that the ancient whaling fleet scattered along the shores; but now it refers to the more than a thousand shipwrecks that the treacherous local reefs and the notorious fog have smashed on the rocks and beaches.
7. Windhoek
Located in the near perfect center of the country, Windhoek is Namibia’s capital and only urban center. Apart from perhaps its iconic Lutheran church and a bit of nightlife, it has nothing of great interest to the traveler. However, especially if you are traveling by air, you will most likely be passing through the city and could spend 1-2 days exploring it.
8. Swakopmund
Swakopmund would be aptly described as the tourism capital of Namibia. It is one of the oldest settlements in the country and has elegant examples of colonial architecture. Located in the middle of the Namibian coast and having a developed tourist infrastructure and plenty of activities, many travelers choose it as a base to organize their excursions around the country.
9. Walvis Bay
Just a few kilometers south of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay is the second largest city in Namibia and its only natural harbor. It is surrounded by lush wetlands where you can see a variety of migratory birds, such as a huge colony of flamingos.
10. Lüderitz
Luderidge is a picturesque town on the southern coast of Namibia. It also features elegant examples of colonial architecture and beautiful ocean views. Travelers usually stop by to visit the nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop: an extremely photogenic, abandoned mining village where a few remaining houses stand half-buried in the sand.