Namibia is a country located in southwest Africa. It is home to the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is largely popular due to its wide range of attractions such as the famous Etosha National Park which hosts some of the world’s biggest wildlife. Namibia abounds in activities that visitors can engage in, from cycling to safaris no one is left out during a trip to Namibia, there’s always something for everyone. I came up with a list of the 12 best things to do in Namibia.
1.Hiking.
Hiking is one of the best activities that many tourists are attracted to in Namibia. This sport offers an opportunity to view some of the most captivating sights while burning some calories. Attractions like the dunes at Swakopmund, the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, etc, give tourists a scenic view, it is also very popular with photographers who want to get great shots of nature as it unfolds on the fantastic desert dunes. Other attractions that provide some of the best hiking experiences are Fish River Canyon and the table mountains.
2.Safari
Popular for their large national parks and being a haven for wildlife, Namibia has some of the best wildlife sightings to explore/view/see. Some of these include zebras, lions, elephants, rhinoceros, springbok, and a wide range of bird and plant species. The only best way to get a glimpse of some of these rare creatures in their habitats is through a safari. Safaris allow visitors to explore the savannah plains and the bush. It is safe and secure since it is organized in a jeep/truck allowing a quick getaway to escape any predator they come across.
3.Quad biking.
This fun exciting sport is mostly available in the Namib Desert and other dunes in Namibia. It is a great way to enjoy a tour of the desert. Some of the cities that provide some of the best biking experiences are Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and the desert dunes of Namibia.
4.Camping.
If you have always dreamed of having that life-changing camping experience, then Namibia has some of the best camping services. The rolling savannah hills and plains of Namibia’s national parks offer excellent camping sites. These camping sites are safe, secure, and convenient. They have amenities like water and electricity. They also provide tours of scenic views and observe some wildlife around the camping areas. Camping in these areas allows you to have a panoramic view of the landscape and the clear night skies.
5.Shopping.
The shopping person is also not left out here as Namibia plays host to some of the biggest shopping brands and stores. With stylish, luxurious, and affordable stores/shops to purchase wares, items, and clothing. Some of the shops include the Namibia Craft Centre, Spar, Pick n Pay and the Checkers Maerua Mall. Namibia also has some of the largest malls, which have access to the best stores and services like the game, food courts, restaurants, and playgrounds for kids.
6.Historical attractions.
Some Namibian cities/towns have this quaint resemblance to German outposts. This is probably because the country was once home to settling Germans. The first Europeans to reach Namibia’s shore were Portuguese sailors called Bartolomeu Dias in 1486 and Diogo Cao in 1485. Subsequently, it was occupied by the Dutch and British and finally by the Germans who used it as a base during World War I. The presence of Europeans here in the country left traces like their architecture and language which is mixed in the Namibian language. Many European buildings litter the streets of Namibian towns and cities. There is also a lighthouse in Swakopmund which was built to warn off ships from drawing too close to the Skeleton Coast.
7.Nightlife.
Get your groove on and visit some of Namibia’s popular bars. They offer fun, new, and exciting night-time experiences. Visitors get the pleasure of having a good time partying and enjoying the good company as Namibians are fairly hospitable and friendly. There are well known, popular bars and clubs along the beaches that offer great beer and the best service. There are clubs and restaurants in cities like Windhoek that also organize jams, parties, and dances.
8.Culture.
Namibia has a long cultural history. With some of the oldest emerging from the time of the hunter-gatherers and the Saan peoples of Namibia. But Namibia has a truly unique culture with its diverse ethnic groups. This is mainly also as a result of interactions with different European nations. The indigenous ethnic groups are the Ovambo, Kavango, Herero, Himba, Damara, Nama, and others. There are also descendants of Europeans like the Germans, British and Portuguese who have made Namibia their home they are called White Namibians. Some South Africans who migrated into the country have descendants called Khoisan people, a mixture of the Namaqua and San cultures. These people are well known for their craft, music, and dance which is passed on from generation to generation.
9.Bird watching.
Another activity that you would not want to miss out on is bird watching. Namibia’s beaches and national parks have some of the largest collection of bird species. Some of these birds include flamingos, African fish eagle, white-tailed shrike, African hobby, African skimmer, Damara tern, blue crane, coppery tailed coucal, secretary bird and many more.0 the perfect time for the best sightings of these birds is during the rainy season, between November and April. During this period, many migrants visit adding to the native species found inland. Namibia has a cold coast that attracts several coastal birds too. Other areas where bird watching is ideal are the Etosha National Park, the Caprivi Strip, and swamps and waterways of the Okavango and Linyanti River.
10.Exploring marine life.
The marine life at Namibia’s coast is a unique one. It presents the opportunity for one to see some of nature’s best sea creatures in action. The most popular of them are the whales, sharks, jellyfish, seals, dolphins, cephalopods, and stingrays. Namibia’s coastal waters are also home to a wide variety of fishes, making it one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. It abounds in plankton which attracts several marine life like whales, anchovies, mackerel, pilchards, and other white fish. There are boat cruises available that allow visitors and marine enthusiasts to observe some of these spectacular sea creatures. Shore angling is also one of the popular sports that attract several visitors. The recreational area off the skeleton coast offers the best potential for angling. It is also a great place for deep-sea fishing, especially around the Henties Bay.
11.Fly-in Safari.
This is an adventurous and fascinating way to also explore the country. It offers an aerial view of the country’s many attractions and landscapes. It is a true breath taking experience. It is also very popular with folks looking to get some good aerial shots. Namibia’s landscape is a remarkable one, with 5 different ecosystems, from the dry hot Namib Desert to the famous Etosha Salt Pan and rolling savannah hills, and the Table Mountains. The fly-in safari leaves a long-lasting experience that folks cherish for a lifetime.
12.Beach town activities.
Namibia is one of the best places to be if you want to experience some of the best beaches. Namibian beach towns like Swakopmund and Luderitz offer some exciting activities like surfing, dolphin watching, bars that serve German beer, and boat cruising. People who visit Namibia are always mesmerized by their beautiful beaches. Although it is too cold to swim in. the Atlantic Ocean offers people the opportunity to catch glimpses of some exotic marine life. Some of which include, the southern right whale, seals, and penguins.