For many people, Namibia wouldn’t feature high on their list of must-visit travel destinations. But it absolutely should, as this often overlooked south African gem is a truly extraordinary place. There’s a huge amount to see and do, with the added bonus of it being virtually unspoilt by mass tourism.
Vast, incredible landscapes
Namibia’s scenery is so magnificent, awe-inspiring and vast, it may take you some time to drink it all in.
The republic has some of the oldest deserts (including the famous Kalahari) and the tallest sand dunes in the world, along with a beautifully desolate Skeleton Coast. There’s even a canyon (Fish River Canyon) that is second only to the Grand Canyon in size.
And above it all, the biggest, clearest, bluest skies you’ve ever seen. Bring a camera and set it to panoramic.
Need some alone time? Some parts of Namibia are people-free
Imagine standing alone among the sand dunes, or gazing out among Namibia’s famous salt pans, with not a soul to be seen in any direction. Sound like bliss? Then this is the country for you.
Namibia has a low population density (around 2.8 people per square kilometre) so once you leave the towns and national parks – you might not see anyone else for some time. If you’re travelling from a big, bustling city packed full of people, Namibia’s wild spots can provide a soothing change of scenery.
But Namibia isn’t all about remote scenery. The country’s capital city Windhoek is home to around 350,000 people, with great nightlife at the weekend and plenty of markets, museums and sights worth exploring. But it’s also one of the most chilled capital cities in Africa, offering a relaxing, slower pace of life.
Astonishing wildlife
When it comes to things to do in Namibia, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From self-driving adventures (the roads in Namibia are surprisingly decent) to cycling in the Namib desert, there’s something for thrill-seekers and explorers alike.
But one of the main reasons travellers are drawn to Namibia is the unique and diverse wildlife. There are a staggering 650 species of bird here, along with 80 large mammal species including desert-adapted elephants, lions, brown hyena and one of the largest populations of free-ranging black rhino in Africa. Many species are only found in Namibia, nowhere else.
Namibia is committed to conservation, with over 40% of the country under careful conservation management.
And even better, arrange wildlife safaris and excursions with Blank Canvas and you’ll be part of dedicated responsible tourism efforts. This means you can enjoy the wildlife while minimising harm to local habitats and species and supporting conservation.
It’s one of the safest countries in Africa
Namibia has a troubled past, but since it gained independence from South Africa in 1990 it has enjoyed decades of stability. You should still use your common sense and take usual travel precautions when visiting, but your visit to Namibia is likely to be trouble-free. Our travel tips:
- Stick to well-travelled routes, especially in the Zambezi
- Take advantage of the expertise of local guides
- Carry ID with you at all times
- Keep an eye on your belongings when in cities and crowded areas.
And remember – you can always use our concierge service and Namibia travel experts to organise excursions and put together a bespoke itinerary just for you. Start planning your trip here.