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
Villa Mushara
Nestled on the edge of Namibia's iconic Etosha National Park, Villa Mushara is a sanctuary of tranquillity and luxury. This exclusive retreat offers guests a unique blend of elegance and wilderness, where the untamed beauty of the African savannah meets the comforts of world-class accommodation.
Days at the villa are crafted to immerse you in the magic of the surrounding landscape. Wake up to golden sunrises and the distant sounds of wildlife before indulging in exceptional culinary delights and personalised service.
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Desert Lodge, set on a dune plateau, offers stunning panoramic views of the desert. Each of the 10 tented suites is designed to immerse guests in the serene surroundings, with private verandas overlooking endless golden sands.
Every detail of this lodge showcases exceptional quality and comfort, offering a truly luxurious desert escape. It's one of the most stunning safari lodges, combining natural beauty with understated elegance for a special experience.
Hansa Hotel
The Hansa Hotel in the centre of Swakopmund, wrapped in the shape of a timelessly classical building dating from 1905. Centrally located and within walking distance of all attractions.
Steeped in Swakopmund history, the Hansa Hotel offers every modern amenity the discerning traveller could wish for.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Nestled in the heart of the stunning Namib Desert, the Elegant Desert Lodge offers an unforgettable escape into one of the world's most iconic landscapes. Surrounded by towering dunes and endless horizons, the lodge combines comfort with nature's beauty.
Guests at the Elegant Desert Lodge can enjoy spacious accommodations, delicious cuisine, and activities that showcase the desert's beauty. From guided nature walks to stunning sunrise and sunset views, every moment is unforgettable.
Mushara Outpost
On the edge of Etosha National Park, Mushara Outpost offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of the wilderness. The lodge's steel and canvas design captures the essence of a classic African safari, blending perfectly with its natural surroundings.
Start your day with an exhilarating game drive into the Etosha National Park, home to an array of iconic African wildlife. After a day of exploration, relax by the inviting pool or indulge in gourmet meals featuring local flavours in the elegant dining area.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
The Hoanib River Camp is located in Damaraland within a few metres of the iconic Hoanib Riverbed that offers up exceptional sightings of desert wildlife and birdlife.
The Hoanib River and Palmwag concession offer up some of the most amazing scenery to be found in Namibia, a truly wild and remote stretch of land waits.
Le Mirage Resort & Spa
Nestled in the heart of the captivating Namib, Le Mirage Resort & Spa offers an unparalleled retreat where luxury and nature harmoniously converge. With its striking architecture resembling a castle, the Resort provides a unique escape, blending opulent comfort with stark beauty.
Guests are greeted by the endless golden dunes and vast open skies that create a serene and magical setting, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. This extraordinary destination promises an experience unlike any other, where every moment is steeped in tranquillity and wonder.
Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge
Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge inside the famed "Skeleton Coast National Park" offers up sand dunes, rugged coastlines, icy cold Atlantic Ocean, wind-swept plains and not forgetting the desert wildlife that surrounds including desert lion, elephant and rhino to mention but a few.