15 Of The Most Awe-Inspiring Photos Of Namibia

Namibia’s stunning sand dunes, German colonial architecture and incredible wildlife areas have earned it a spot as one of the most picturesque places in Africa. Of course, we here at AFKTravel never need much reason to pack our bags, but if you have any hesitation, these 15 awe-inspiring photos of Namibia will make you want to buy a plane ticket TODAY.

Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Namibia (Shutterstock)

1) Sossuvlei Dunes

Sossusvlei is a vast desert area consisting of thousands of massive dunes. The most photographed sand dune in the world, Dune 45, reaches 80 meters (almost 250 ft) as it emerges from Sossuvlei.

Luderitz, Namibia (Shutterstock)

2) Luderitz

One of Germany’s four former African colonies, Namibia definitely has the best-preserved colonial buildings compared to the other three (Togo, Cameroon, and Tanzania), partly because Germany retained it the longest, and partly because of Namibia’s low population and slow urban growth.

Shutterstock

3) Etosha National Park

Namibia is home to an amazing assortment of wildlife, and Etosha is one of its best parks.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia (Shutterstock)

4) Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is second only to the Grand Canyon in terms of impressive geological features. Located in the extreme south of the country, the canyon is over 100 miles (160 km) in length and can reach depths of 1600 feet (550 meters).

5) San People

Also known as Bushmen, the San are one of the oldest ethnic groups on the planet. While many have modernized and now live in cities and towns, the ones that retain their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle maintain the same practices as their ancestors did thousands of years ago.

6) The Skeleton Coast

One of the most forbidding in the world, the Skeleton Coast is named for the remains of ships and sailors that have washed up here over the centuries. Rough surf, heavy fog and frequent storms marooned many a seaman on the beaches. Even if sailors survived the wreck, they had the seemingly endless desert to contend with.

Deadvlei, Namibian desert (Shutterstock)

7) Deadvlei

The Deadvlei salt pan is located near Sossuvlei in Namib-Naukfluft Park. Very few plants survive this harsh environment and the skeletons of the 800-year-old acacia trees have turned black from centuries of being scorched in the sun.

(Jeremy T. Hetzel/Flickr)

8) Twyfelfontein Rock Art

Located in northwest Namibia, the carvings and paintings of animals at Twyfelfontein date back 6,000 years. It is one of the largest repositories of ancient art in all of Africa.

(Nicolai Bangsgaard/Flickr)

9) The road less traveled

Namibia’s mostly flat landscape and excellent road system make it ideal for those who want to see the country by bike. Make sure you’re prepared though, as Namibia has the second lowest population density on Earth, meaning that if you get stuck, it could be a long time before help arrives.

A Himba woman, Namibia (FCG / Shutterstock)

10) The Himba

Known for their distinctive hair styles and accessories, the Himba are considered the last semi-nomadic people in Namibia, besides the San. If you want to learn more about them, there are tour operators who offer sustainable cultural visits.

An elephant in Mamili National Park, Namibia (Shutterstock)

11) The Caprivi Strip

The tiny strip of land at the border of Namibia, Angola, Zambia, and Botswana has an amazing diversity of wildlife.

12) Sesriem

Located near the Naukluft Mountains, Sossuvlei Dunes, and Sesriem Canyon, the entire area of Sesriem is stunning. One of the best ways to take it all in is via an early morning balloon safari.

Spitzkoppe, Namibia (Shutterstock)

13) Spitzkoppe

The granite peaks of Spitzkoppe are hundreds of millions of years old and rise like monoliths out of the desert. The highest peak is 1800 meters high (5800 feet).

Seals at Cape Cross Reserve, Namibia (Shutterstock)

14) Cape Cross

Located on the Skeleton Coast, Cape Cross is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals, one of the largest colonies in the world.

(Damien du Toit/Wikipedia Commons)

15) Kolmanskop

Located near Luderitz, Kolmanskop is former diamond mining town that’s now a ghost town. It was completely abandoned in 1954 and the desert is slowly but surely reclaiming the area, making for haunting images like the above.

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