Top Places To Visit In Namibia

Namibia definitely deserves a visit. It is known for its contrasting landscapes and captivates every one of its visitors. From game viewing in the Etosha National Park to sand boarding in the Namib Desert, it has something to offer every traveller.

Spot a black rhino at the Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park should be the first place you visit in Namibia. Located in the north west of Namibia, it is Africa's third largest national park. The park is home to most African animal species, but is best known for its endangered black rhinos and black-faced impalas. It is estimated that in the park there are around 300 rhinos, 250 lions, 6,000 zebras, 2,500 giraffes, over 2,000 elephants and more than 20,000 springboks.

Around a quarter of the park is covered by an enormous salt pan. During the summer months the pan temporarily fills with water, attracting flocks of pelicans and flamingos. The best time to visit the park would be in the cooler months between May and September.

Hike the Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world and is the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It is around 180 kilometres in length and stretches south from Seeheim to the Orange river.

The Fish River Canyon has become a popular destination for hiking and most find it an amazing experience. The hiking trail follows 90 kilometres of the canyon and takes around 5 days to complete. The ideal time to hike Namibia's canyon is during the cooler winter months between May and September.

Watch the sunrise from the sand dunes of Sossusvlei
You cannot visit Namibia without spending time taken in the sights of the sand dunes. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert offer spectacular scenery and brilliant photographic opportunities. They are the ideal place to first experience sand boarding and to capture the sunrise on camera.

Probably the best place to watch the sunrise is from Dune 45 which stands at over 170 metres. The climb to the top usually takes an hour, so a 5am start is necessary to reach the top before the suns rises.

Take a flight over the Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast stretches along the entire length of the Namibian coastline. It is one of the most undeveloped and remote areas of Namibia and offers a huge contrast to other regions in the country.

Its name derives from the skeletons of whales and ships washed up onto the beaches by the winds and currents of the South Atlantic. The best way to take in the views is by opting for a fly-in safari or by taking a scenic flight.

John Mce writes on behalf of Africa Collection. Africa Collection specialise in holidays to Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Experience the Deserts & Dunes of Namibia with Africa Collection.

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