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
Onguma Trails Camp
Nestled on the doorstep of Etosha National Park, Onguma Trails Camp offers a truly enchanting escape for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Surrounded by pristine nature, the camp provides the perfect base to explore the incredible biodiversity of the region, home to a stunning array of species, including elephants, lions, and rhinos.
Designed to blend comfort with adventure, Onguma Trails Camp features well-appointed accommodations that harmonise with the natural surroundings. From waking up to the sounds of the wilderness to experiencing breathtaking sunsets over the savannah, every moment here is infused with the magic of Africa.
Chobe River Camp
A stay at Chobe River Camp in the stunning Zambezi region of Namibia is an escape into untamed beauty and serene tranquillity. Nestled along the banks of the iconic Chobe River, the camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in nature’s finest.
The camp’s 20 tented suites harmoniously blend rustic charm with modern comforts, designed to provide an authentic yet luxurious safari experience. Each suite reflects the natural essence of the landscape while ensuring warmth and privacy.
Windhoek Country Club
The Windhoek Country Club stands as the number one destination for luxury and entertainment throughout Windhoek, Namibia. The hotel stands out as a popular choice because it merges luxury with comfort. The hotel provides perfect relaxation through its attractive rooms and professional service alongside its peaceful desert environment.
The resort sits near the city centre yet provides guests with an ideal escape into tranquillity. The combination of a golf course and casino at the hotel site makes it an excellent choice for business and leisure travellers.
Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge
Situated in the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park, the Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge offers a unique escape into one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Imagine towering sand dunes, dramatic coastlines, and the icy Atlantic Ocean set against wind-swept plains.
Shipwreck Lodge is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that immerses you in the heart of nature’s grandeur. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create an unforgettable adventure, blending luxury with the rugged charm of the Skeleton Coast.
Swakopmund Sands Guesthouse
Swakopmund Sands is situated within the beautiful Swakopmund region of Namibia, where guests can enjoy comfortable coastal living. The welcoming resort provides stunning views of the Namib Desert and Atlantic Ocean from its location, which generates a peaceful atmosphere for its guests.
Its strategic location in the centre of Swakopmund allows visitors to explore the charming town, which combines German colonial architecture with Namibian hospitality.
The Pearls Beach Pods
The Pearls Beach Pods stand on Namibia's desert coastline near Swakopmund as an attractive destination for travellers. The pod accommodations at The Pearls Beach Pods deliver both comfortable relaxation and exciting outdoor adventures to travellers who want peaceful accommodations while discovering Namibian natural attractions.
A visit to The Pearls Beach Pods will deliver an unforgettable encounter for every occasion. The modern pods at The Pearls Beach Pods provide the ideal retreat for families on safari, couples on honeymoon, or anyone seeking beach relaxation.
Kalahari Anib Lodge
In the heart of the Kalahari Desert, Kalahari Anib Lodge offers an unforgettable escape. Surrounded by red sands and endless horizons, it's the perfect base to experience the desert's unique beauty.
At Kalahari Anib Lodge, guests can enjoy warm Namibian hospitality and activities to explore the region's natural beauty. Go on a game drive to spot wildlife, take a peaceful sunset walk, or relax by the pool and soak in the desert's calm.
Nambwa Tented Lodge
Located in the stunning Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Lodge combines luxury with wilderness. Set along the Kwando River, this exclusive retreat is surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Zambezi region.
Here, guests can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature, from the gentle rustle of the trees to the calls of the abundant wildlife that roam freely in the area. The lodge seamlessly blends comfort with adventure, offering an authentic African safari experience.