What is there to see and do in Namibia? Red deserts, vast horizons, unique wildlife… These seven compelling places are part of our expedition to the mysterious southwest of Africa.
1 – Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn
Stepping over the Tropic of Capricorn is an honor among travelers. It leaves us feeling as if we went far into the world and that, like some others who’ve shared the experience, we were an intimate part of it.
The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the five main latitude marks and it crosses three continents, eleven countries and three oceans. In Namibia’s case, it stretches over the regions of Erongo, Khomas and Omaheke.
It must be added, however, that its position is not fixed. It is slowly moving towards the North hemisphere, which is due to the relationship between the Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun.
To say ‘I was here’ it’s a common practice with travelers to sign or leave a sticker on the Tropic of Capricorn sign in the desert of Namibia.
2 – Walking in the sand dunes of Sossusvlei
The largest sand dunes in the world are in Namibia. Situated in the vastness of the Desert of Namib, in the National Park of Namib-Naukluft, these colossal dunes can reach up to 400 meters high.
The clash between shadow and light at sunrise and sunset makes the Sossuvlei dunes a symbol of the mysterious and sacred beauty of the desert, as well as a big attraction for those who travel through Namibia.
The red sand contains high levels of iron which has oxidized throughout thousands of years and thus turns the dunes into this striking color.
Fun fact, the dune that stands out as the most imposing is called Big Daddy. Suppose you can call it the father of dunes.
3 – Off-road drive across Damaraland
The region of Damaraland is full of things to see. The dirt roads that cross amazing landscapes are ideal for a unique experience driving an off-road vehicle with us.
One must visit Brandberg Mountain, also called the fire mountain not because of the scorching heat of the desert but because of its scarlet incandescence at sunrise and sunset, to then become a dark silhouette against the starry sky. It is the highest mountain in Namibia, with over 2600 meters.
Here, you can also feel to the core how the landscape if more than old… it is secular. It makes us feel as small as intimately connected to it. The incredible rocks of sandstone in Twyfelfontein are 180 million years old, and there are over 2500 prehistoric paintings and carvings made by our ancestors from around 6000 years ago.
4 – Swimming by the Epupa Falls
The Epupa Falls in Namibia are formed by a series of waterfalls that fall along over 1,5 km. The way the water slithers between the rock formations and then joins the Kunene river is incomparable. It is possible to swim in some of the pools, but one must watch out for crocodiles.
Around Epupa there are Himba villages, where the famous indigenous Himba tribes live. When you visit them, you can feel the pulse of nature and the land, off which the Himba have lived for hundreds of years. The culture of the Himba, which includes traditions known across the world (such as the women’s hair covered in red ochre) is endangered given that nomadism has been prohibited in Namibia.
It can be difficult to reach this unique place, so we recommend travelling in an off-road vehicle (which is the funnest way anyway).
5 – Safari at Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park is one of the most famous natural reserves of Africa, with over 2200 square km.
It’s one of the only places in the world where it is possible to go on a safari and have the privilege of observing imposing wild animals in their natural habitat.
This park shelters the Big Five: elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalos and leopards. Still, it’s possible to sight giraffes, zebras, springboks and hyenas under flocks of flamingos taking flight at the rose-orange light of dawn: that is the best time to go on safari, when the animals are at their most active.
The park, besides sheltering a good number of the endangered black rhino, also holds the interesting Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a refuge for white rhinos.
6 – Uncovering Windhoek – the capital of Namibia
Although it’s not one of the most popular tourist attractions in Namibia, its capital has much to offer to those who are interested in the history of this country.
Visitors are welcomed at Alte Fest, an old German fortress from colonial times which is now the National Museum of Namibia and dedicates itself to telling the story of its independence.
The Parliament gardens also deserve a stroll. They are beautiful lush gardens that offer a moment of peace to travelers.
At last, in Post Street Mall, you can see for free the Gibeon meteorites, belonging to one of the largest meteor showers on Earth. It is a rare and interesting sight, and it’s worth going looking for it through the streets of Windhoek.
There is so much to see and do. Start Adventure will be your guide across the deserts of Namibia. Check the upcoming dates and our other trips to the far corners of Portugal and the world.
