Namibia

Namibia is truly stunning. It’s a country of otherworldly scenery, vast open spaces and incredible wildlife. Often you can drive for hours without coming across another car. It’s heaven for those seeking fresh air and big skies.

Plan an incredible Namibian adventure with Blank Canvas – our travel experts will create a bespoke itinerary tailored to your exact needs.

  • History and Culture

    The country has a complicated past, inextricably linked to its neighbour and former ruler, South Africa. Namibia suffered greatly at the hands of South Africa’s apartheid government, eventually gaining its independence in 1991.

    Namibia has a rich heritage and is home to many tribes, such as the San and the Himba, who still live by traditions dating back centuries. It’s worth finding out as much about Namibia’s history as you can during your stay. With battles, occupations, protests and more, there’s a lot to discover.

     

    Culture and cities

    Virtually all trips start and end in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia.

    Whilst here, see the memorial commemorating Namibian independence, and take time to visit museums and historical sites to learn about Namibia’s fascinating history.

    Then, stroll around the colonial areas (which have mostly been converted to shops, cafes and restaurants) to get a feel for the city as a whole. A couple of days is plenty of time to spend in Windhoek.  Namibia is about so much more than its capital.

    For coastal vibes, head to the distinctly Germanic city of Swakopmund. It is home to some of the best restaurants and pubs Namibia has to offer, or explore the striking giant sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the most photographed part of the country.

    There isn’t really a ‘beaten track’ in Namibia, as the country remains off most travellers’ radars. However, for those who to seek out hidden gems, we recommend heading to the Zambezi Region (formerly known as Caprivi Strip), a stretch of land that connects Namibia to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The area is so lush and near-tropical, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re still in the same country! The wildlife spotting opportunities are spectacular here too.

    Another gem is Fish River Canyon, the largest in all of Africa, second largest in the world, located in the deep south.

    Certain areas of Namibia like Luderitz may make you feel a little isolated. However, it’s this solitary experience that will make this trip truly unforgettable. You’ll get to explore barely- visited villages all on your own, find undisturbed beaches and encounter animals without the hustle and bustle of mainstream tourism. What could be better than that?

  • Nature and wildlife

    Namibia may have a troubled past, but it’s a fantastic destination for any modern traveller. The sheer natural beauty of this country is astounding; from red-hot solitary sand dunes to dense bush that is bursting with wildlife.

    And it’s the wildlife that most visitors to Namibia come to see. The Etosha National Park is one of the best places for game spotting, with several different habitats that are perfect for animals to grow and thrive in. During your visit, you may spot lions, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, but you really should go in search of the remarkable desert-adapted elephants that are unique to Namibia. A safari experience is a must-do part of any itinerary.

  • Food and drink

    You may not think of Namibia as a foodie destination, but it’ll surprise you.

    Be adventurous and try a wild game steak cooked on a barbecue, or tuck into the comforting Potjiekos stew flavoured with local beer. The street snack of fat cakes is a must-try, as is biltong.  And watch out for the German influences on Namibian cuisine, as you can often find a delicious apple strudel or Sachertorte in local cake shops.

  • Adventure and experiences

    When you’re not marvelling at the local wildlife (which is a major part of the Namibian experience), there are plenty of activities to get stuck into.

    Take a self-drive tour through the Namib Desert and sleep under the stars, try sand-boarding, kayaking and boat cruises at Swakopmund or browse the craft markets in Windhoek. Namibia really does have it all.

Flag of Namibia
  • Capital city: Windhoek
  • Language: English, Afrikaans, German, Otjiherero & 5 others
  • Currency: Namibian Dollar (Pegged to SA Rand)
  • Time Difference: UTC + 2
  • Flight Time: 13h30 via Johannesburg from London Heathrow
  • Visa: Stamp on arrival (UK passport holders)
  • Peak Season: May to October

Did you know?

Namibia takes conservation seriously. In fact, more than 40 percent of the country is under conservation management. It was also the first African country to incorporate environmental protection into its constitution.

Namibia Climate Guide

PlaceJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Windhoek
Sossusvlei
Zambezi (Caprivi)
Etosha
  • Inspiration
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