The Uyaphi team has compiled a list of the top Namibian destinations, which most safari itineraries would include.
Namibia is different from most African safari destinations. Instead of lush green forests or open savannas, Namibia's primary attraction is vast, open deserts interspersed with canyons, mountain ranges, and oasis.
The light quality is so clear that you have to check whether you have stumbled into some Imax experience. The same effect strikes you when you look at the night stars.
We have compiled a Top 10 list, and in no particular order they are:
Kolmanskop
Originally, a prime diamond mining destination and once populated by wealthy German Diamond miners. Now that the diamonds are all gone and the land has no financial value, it is an eerie ghost-town, offering only the rugged remnants of the town that once was. Located a few kilometres from the coastal town of Lüderitz.
Twyfelfontein
In the Damaraland region, this area contains one of the largest groupings of rock engravings in Africa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Most of which were made over 6,000 years ago by its ancient inhabitants. Archaic in design, they were crafted with stones and tell the stories and history of those times. The area is also well known for its scenery and desert Rhino populations.
Skeleton Coast
Off the north coast of Namibia, this area is a ship graveyard due to the harsh winds and wild waters which punish ill-prepared Mariners. One of the more remote regions of Namibia, it offers the sights of eerie abandoned ships, deserts landscapes, black-backed jackal, brown hyena, Cape fur seals and (if you are very, very lucky in the far north) Desert Lions.
Caprivi Strip
Featuring an area with an incredible amount of rainfall, the Caprivi strip has a wide variety of wildlife. Animals gather to drink in the lush, clean water of the Okavango River. It is currently a reserve with no fences, so tread carefully.
Spitzkoppe
A beautiful area that hosts a gathering of granite rocks created by volcanoes thousands of years ago. Spitzkoppe is located not far from the main road between Windhoek and Swakopmund and is definitely worth the stopover to see and photograph these spectacular rock formations.
Swakopmund
Namibia's most popular coastal town, featuring an extensive beachfront. It's the prime holiday destination for Namibian residents; to take in the sun and enjoy the warm Atlantic waters (in summer).
Cape Cross
This location is host to the largest gathering of Cape Fur seals in the world. They gather every year to breed around November and December. When they are all gathered together, it is a sight to behold.
Sossusvlei
A desert landscape that is vibrantly coloured by the sun at various times of the day. The colours and textures are gorgeous, but be warned; it can get extremely hot! Sossusvlei is included in almost every safari itinerary, and for a good reason. Simply spectacular.
Fish River Canyon
The second-largest canyon in the world (behind the Grand Canyon in America), this canyon is immense. With a gigantic river at its bottom, it offers travellers a long, beautiful experience. Sights, sounds, walks, hot springs, and sunsets all set the stage for a destination that is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is the premier location for a safari experience in Namibia. It features a wide variety of wildlife and beautiful surroundings. This is the place to go to experience the animals of Namibia.
Top 10 Best Places to visit in Namibia by Uyaphi.com
Atlantic Villa Guesthouse
Atlantic Villa Guesthouse is situated at Vogelstrand, Swakopmund, approximately 6 km from the town centre.
The magnificent Atlantic Villa has breathtaking sea views of Swakopmund and is only a short walk away from the Atlantic Ocean.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp within the Etosha National Park itself is positioned on the edge of the pan, all suites are built on elevated decks, with thatched roofs, canvas walls and wooden framed doors allowing spectacular panoramic views.
One of the few properties within the Etosha Park that offers a large selection of thatched chalets.
Zambezi Mubala Lodge
Zambezi Mubala Lodge is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets with a Zambezi Riverfront setting, 450 species of bird and good fishing all on the doorstep.
The perfect base from which to explore all that surrounds or simply sit back and relax in the lap of luxury.
Etosha Mountain Lodge
The small and intimate Etosha Mountain Lodge offers guests a quiet and tranquil safari experience surrounded by wildlife, birdlife and stunning bushveld views.
Activities within the Etosha Heights Game Reserve include rhino tracking, morning and afternoon game drives and interpretive bush walks.
Etosha Safari Lodge
Etosha Safari Lodge offers guests the perfect base from which to explore the Etosha National Park, a large lodge with 65 thatched bungalows is the perfect option for those on a self-drive or family-orientated safari through Namibia.
The perfect budget-friendly Etosha lodge for those on a self-drive safari.
Kwessi Dunes Camp
Kwessi Dunes Camp located deep in the heart of Namibia's private NamibRand Nature Reserve, a mere 75-minute drive from the famed Sossusvlei.
A camp with a swimming pool that is open to guest year-round and is specially designed for those wanting to explore and experience everything that the Namib desert has to offer.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge sits at the very foot of fossilised dunes of the protomorphic Namib, a very popular option and for good reason. A family-friendly swimming pool is one of the highlights.
There are 50 en-suite rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a private veranda at Namib Desert Lodge, allowing you to sit outside your room and enjoy a spectacular desert sunset.
Serra Cafema Camp
Serra Cafema Camp, one of the remotest destinations in all of Africa, is perched on the banks of the Kunene River in northern Namibia
The Damaraland region is shared with the beautiful and colourful Himba people, some of the last true nomadic people of Africa.