Namibia Holidays

What can you find in Namibia that you won't find anywhere else?

Wedged between the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, Namibia is a country of contrasting landscapes. The Namib - the oldest desert on Earth - runs the length of the country's Atlantic coast and is home to the monumental dunes of Sossusvlei and the desolate reaches of the Skeleton Coast. The majestic Fish River Canyon snakes through the south of the country, while the north has superb game viewing in the Etosha National Park and the lush vegetation of the Caprivi Strip. In between are rugged mountains, endless plains and an awe-inspiring sense of space.

Littered with the bleached rib-cages of whales and the rusting hulks of stranded ships, the aptly named Skeleton Coast is wilderness in the truest sense. Most of this desolate but hauntingly beautiful region is only accessible on a fly-in safari by light aircraft. Explore the land from remote camps, where the Namibian wildlife will be in full view, and set your sights on Land Rover safaris and guided walks through canyons, across salt pans and dune belts all the way to shipwreck sites and ancient rock art in Twyfelfontein.

Safaris on the Skeleton Coast are primarily about experiencing the stunning physical beauty and extraordinary geographical diversity of the landscapes rather than game viewing. Yet, with our best David Attenborough hat on for a moment, even in this seemingly inhospitable environment, life manages to find a foothold. Seal colonies cling to the shoreline at Cape Cross, patrolled by scavenging jackals, and rare desert-adapted elephants inhabit the driest of riverbeds. Equally fascinating are plants such as lithops, known as 'flowering stones', and the villages of the local Himba tribe - some of the last nomadic people in Africa.

Heading inland, in a country famed for its spectacular scenery, the ancient Namib Desert, from which Namibia takes its name, is undoubtedly the star attraction. This 80-million-year-old wilderness - the oldest desert in the world - contains unique flora and fauna but is above all a visual paradise. The giant red dunes of Sossusvlei, framed against a blue sky, are perhaps the most impressive sight of all - especially at sunrise or sunset, when the colours are at their most intense. On the rare occasions when the vlei fills with water, the resulting turquoise lake makes the view from the top of the 300-metre-tall dunes even more surreal. Not far from Sossusvlei lie the broad open expanses of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Virtually all facets of the Namib are represented here, from mountains to dune belts and grassy plains dotted with granite kopjes. This is the perfect place to unwind for a few days, experience the peace, space and grandeur of the desert, and discover the remarkable adaptations of interesting plants and creatures - from the !nara melon (the '!' indicates a click in the Nama language) to the fog-harvesting tok-tokkie beetle and the graceful oryx - all surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Namibia, if not in the whole of Africa.

That's not all - landscape safari holidays are all well and good, but Namibia has the big beasts as well, namely in Etosha and Damaraland. Even though Etosha National Park is relatively flat, with low dolomite hills, mopane woodland and large salt pans, in the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve there are healthy populations of lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted and brown hyena. If you think geology rocks then a drive to Damaraland is simply a must. Take in its extraordinary scenery that consists of huge boulders that wouldn't look out of place on The Flintstones and mile upon miles of grazing oryx, springbok, ostrich, kudu, giraffe and the elusive black rhino..

What are the best options for a Namibia holiday?

One of the largest game reserves in the world, the sprawling salt desert of Etosha boasts some of the best wildlife watching in the world. During the dry season, make your way to a watering hole and watch as hundreds of species - from lions and elephants to springboks and gemsboks - come for a drink. Then, as the wet season trickles in, watch as the park bursts with life and lagoons are taken over by flocks of flamingos and baby zebras taking their very first wobbly steps.

Travel to the Namib Desert - one of the oldest deserts in the world - and, immersed in a sea of sand, it's easy to believe that you're the last person left on the entire planet. Running along the country's Atlantic coast, it is home to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes and hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast which you can explore on thrilling 4x4 adventures and flying safaris by light aircraft. In this inhospitable environment, life finds a way and if you keep your eyes peeled, you may just catch sight of a rare desert-adapted elephant plodding through the sandy wilderness.

An ochre monolith in a sprawling plain, the Waterberg Plateau is home to a number of rare species including the white rhinoceros, the sable, and the wild roan antelope. With thick forests fanning out in every direction, the challenge here is spotting them but even if you don't, the views from the top of the plateau are spectacular enough to leave you slack-jawed and utterly lost for words.

The Kavango delivers a landscape that is a stark contrast to the rest of the country. Rolling fields of green boast lush vegetation and the wetlands of the Caprivi Strip are the perfect example of a wildlife refuge that is absolutely thriving. Pack your walking boots, set off with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy an unforgettable walking safari.

The region of the Himba people, Kaokol and feels wonderfully wild and isolated with its crimson crusted mountains plummeting into deep valleys and its rushing rivers crossed by zebras, elephants and bouncy springbok.

Dreamy Damaraland remains wild and rugged and is one of the last areas of the continent where zebras, oryx, giraffes and black rhinos still live outside the boundaries of the national parks. Beyond where the wild things are, Damaraland is the place to discover some of the oldest rock engravings in the whole of Southern Africa, an experience that will thrill the most discerning of cultural connoisseurs. If you’re after a slice of luxury, look no further than Damaraland’s offering of salubrious lodges and camps. Float away on infinity pools, enjoy authentic Namibian cuisine and sip on sundowners overlooking uninhabited desert.

Sitting at the heart of the desert plain of Namaqualand, the Fish River Canyon National Park is one of Africa’s most unique nature reserves. A colossal canyon with endless scope, this is the home of monumental hikes that will leave you puffing and panting and gorgeous geological structures that give you a taste of nature's boundless beauty.

Straddling the borders of Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari is a land of endless red dunes. Here remains the living territory of the San people whose knowledge of the Kalahari - passed down through the generations - knows no bounds.

Reasons to Love Namibia

From the Skeleton Coast to soaring sand dunes and safari walks, Namibia invites you to explore Africa’s vast and varied spaces. Admire the rock carvings of Twyfelfontein, meet with the Himba people in Kaokoland and stand in awe at the endless reach of the Kalahari landscape. Whether you witness the desert bloom during the southern spring or catch the last of the desert elephants wandering across their homeland – you can be sure that your Namibia holidays will be nothing short of spectacular.

Best Time to Visit Namibia

A semi-arid country characterized by low rainfall and humidity, Namibia is a year-round destination. While peak season runs from June to September, which coincides with the dry season, you’ll be treated to brilliant landscapes whatever time of year. Of course, if you’re wanting to experience the Namibian safari adventure with plenty of wildlife-spotting, peak season is your best bet. With less vegetation and sparse watering holes, animals are forced to congregate together. But be prepared – with fewer areas to spot them, visitor numbers do tend to run high. If you’re willing to look a bit harder for the famous Big Five, book a Namibian holiday in March or April. Rainfall is localised and occurs mostly during the late afternoon (so it won’t dampen your trip too much), birdlife is at its best and the animals are in their element.

FAQs

Culture

What is Namibia known for?

The country is best known for its distinctive natural attractions. Some of the most famous are:

The Namib Desert. With a history that dates back around 80 million years, the Namib is believed to be the oldest desert in the world. It’s home to some of the highest sand dunes on the planet, including the world-famous Dune 7. Plus, a variety of different animal species have adapted to the harsh conditions, including a population of desert elephants, which are found in only two countries – Namibia and Mali.

Fish River Canyon. At around 99 miles long, Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa. Hiking is a popular way to experience this special natural attraction – completing the full trail will take around four or five days. It’s known to be one of the most challenging hikes in Africa, so a very high level of fitness is required. Also, due to high temperatures, the trail is closed during the summer months.

Skeleton Coast. Treacherous conditions along this eerie stretch of coastline have contributed to the demise of countless ships. Even if seamen made it safely ashore, they were then faced with crossing the Namib Desert.

Today, transport links are far more advanced, and tourists can marvel at the historic shipwrecks among the spectacular wildlife that patrol the area. However, the area is heavily restricted, so it’s always best to explore it with the help of a local guide.

What food should I try in Namibia?

Meat eaters will never be short of tasty dishes to sample in this part of the world. You’ll typically find menus with a heavy focus on game meats, such as ostrich, oryx and springbok.

In coastal areas, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to sample the local seafood fresh from the Atlantic – the Walvis Bay oysters are particularly popular with visitors. Namibia is a former German colony, so you can expect to find lots of Germanic influences in their culinary offerings too.

Planning your trip

What is the best way to get around Namibia?

Namibia is a big country (the 34th largest in the world), so you’ll need to cover vast distances when looking to explore different regions. It’s common for tourists to hire a car during their stay, offering the flexibility to discover the country at your own pace; heading out on a road trip is a wonderful way to experience Namibia’s vast natural charm.

Domestic flights are another popular option with small airports found across the country. This is often the most convenient way to travel to different towns and tourist destinations and is also the best option if you’re planning to explore other parts of the continent beyond Namibia’s borders. Often, when travelling by plane, the journey is just as special as the destination since you can savour the stunning landscapes from above as you soar through the Namibian skies.

For more information, read our guide on transport in Namibia.

What is the weather like in Namibia?

For most of the year, conditions are warm and dry across the country. There’s a rainy season which runs from November to March, but there are significant regional variations in the amount of rainfall that occurs. Northern and eastern regions will generally see the worst of the rainfall, while the desert regions remain largely dry throughout the year.

The best time to visit Namibia is during its winter months (May to October), at which time the weather conditions are more conducive to outdoor exploration.

Where can I stay in Namibia?

There are a range of accommodation options available in Namibia, depending on your preferences and travel plans. Windhoek is the perfect place to start your adventure. Here, you’ll be able to choose from a catalogue of boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels. When exploring the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of lodges, guesthouses and campsites in the national parks, where you’re invited to fully immerse yourself in the Namibian wilderness.

For more information, read our guide on accommodation in Namibia.

Where is Namibia?

Situated on the southwest coast of Africa, Namibia is one of the continent's most southerly countries. It’s bordered by four countries: Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. Looking at a map, Namibia appears to also border Zimbabwe, but the two countries are actually kept apart by the banks of the Zambezi in Botswana, with just 650 feet separating the borders.

Local information

What is the capital of Namibia?

Windhoek is the capital and largest city in Namibia. It’s located in the heart of the country and is an important area for both commerce and tourism.

What languages are spoken in Namibia?

English is the only official language in Namibia, but only around 3% of the population use it as their first language. Oshiwambo (from the Bantu family) is the most widely spoken language – Afrikaans and German are also used.

What's the time zone in Namibia?

Namibia observes Central Africa Time (CAT) all year. CAT is two hours ahead of GMT.

Travel information

What currency does Namibia use?

The country’s official currency is the Namibian dollar, which is fixed and equal to the South African rand – both will be accepted across the country. If you’re planning on visiting South Africa as part of the same trip, it’s worth noting that the Namibian dollar is not legal tender there.

How long does it take to fly to Namibia from the UK?

The fastest flight from London to Windhoek is 13 hours. There are currently no direct flights connecting the UK and Namibia –?common stopovers include Frankfurt and Johannesburg.

British citizens visiting Namibia for up to 90 days for tourist purposes don’t need a visa. Check you have been given permission to stay in Namibia for the entirety of your visit and that you have a correctly dated entry stamp before you leave the immigration desk in the airport, as this will be checked on your departure.