Many tourists are aware that Namibia is one of those rare countries that has been able to preserve its historic culture and landmarks from time. Some landmarks are exactly the same as they were centuries ago. This is probably due to the fact that Namibia is the second least densely populated country on earth (after Mongolia). Whether you want to get away from home or people in general, we put together a list of five Namibia travel experiences that will get you packing your bags and booking that flight to Namibia. Get ready to get out of your comfort zone and jump on the journey of a lifetime!
Kolmanskop Ghost Town
The Kolmanskop Ghost Town is ideal to visit after you pay homage to Windhoek because it is located in the Namib Desert which is known to be the world’s oldest. In 1908, a German man found a diamond while working in the area and showed it to his supervisor. They quickly discovered that the whole area was a vast diamond mine and subsequently used the diamonds to invest in building a town. The town originally offered several institutions like a hospital, ballroom, school, theatre, casino, sports hall, and power station, but the inhabitants slowly started leaving after the first World War when there were not many diamonds left. By 1954, the town was completely devoid of people. Visitors may purchase a pass to explore this eerie location if they dare. Due to weathering and strong forces of the desert, tourists must walk in knee-deep sand to get an intimate look of this well preserved piece of history.
Courtesy of Eric Bauer / Flickr
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are arguably the highlight of Namibia and why most visitors choose to fly there. They are giant, salty clay pans encircled by sand dunes that have a red hue. It’s a common mistake to assume that Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are one in the same attraction, but they are separated by 3.6 miles). The road to Sossusvlei ends 3 miles before reaching Sossusvlei’s base which means that you will have to walk the distance or take the shuttle service there. Try to arrive early in the morning to catch the sunrise because it is a 1.5-2 hour hike, which is easier to do when the weather is cooler. We suggest you visit both Sossusvlei and Deadvlei since they are so close together and finish the excursion climbing the Big Daddy at the edge of Deadvlei. Big Daddy is known for being the largest sand dune in the world and is bound to give you an adrenaline rush on the way down as well as great quality photos.
Courtesy of Olivier Bruchez / Flickr
Twyfelfontein Rock Art
Can you imagine roaming the planet six thousand years ago and living to tell your story? These stone age hunter-gatherers from the Wilton Stone Age culture group were able to do just that and left behind paintings of what they experienced. Visit the Twyfelfontein landmark located in the Huab Valley in the southern region of Kunene, Namibia. Once there, you will find fourteen smaller sites that feature rock engravings from the Wilton Stone Age hunter-gatherers that lived about 6,000 years ago, as well as from the Koikoi ethnic group who also left behind rock art about 2,000-2,500 years ago. Some of the animals represented in these engravings include giraffes, rhinos, horses, lions, and deer.
Courtesy of Photo courtesy dconvertini / Flickr
Leo’s At The Castle
When you arrive in Namibia, you’ll most likely land in the capital, Windhoek, searching for a tasty meal after a long flight. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with Leo’s At The Castle, a fine dining restaurant next to the Hotel Heinitzburg. Located on top of a mountain overlooking the city, Leo’s provides a mixture of classic tableware and modern furniture to create a high class setting. The menu offers a wide variety of Namibian and international cuisine, and the food is freshly prepared and seasoned to perfection. You cannot go wrong choosing the chicken breast filled with fresh thyme and kaffir-limes as an entrée. The Namibian Trio of Game dish that offers flavorful and tender wild game meat is also destined to leave your mouth watering upon first glance. If you’re not staying at Hotel Heinitzburg, make sure to make a reservation here as it may fill up quickly. Ask to be seated at the edge of the terrace outside of Leo’s to get a fantastic view of the sunset while you enjoy your delicious and authentic dinner!
Courtesy of Joachim Huber/Flickr
Etosha National Park
There’s no better way to end your trip then by visiting Etosha National Park located in northwestern Namibia. It spans 8,600 square miles and is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and some endangered species such as the black rhino. There are over a handful of camps and safari groups that for a price, provide you a firsthand tour walking amongst the wildlife. The lovely aspect about this national park that stands out from the rest is that you don’t need much of an expert’s opinion to find the wild animals. Simply go near the water holes and the animals will come to you as they seek to quench their thirst. Animals that are commonly seen while on your expedition include, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, honey badgers, zebras, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, and many more!
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