If Namibia is ‘Africa for beginners’, what a spectacular place to begin.
With its vast deserts that dance with light, wildlife-rich plains that stretch to the horizon, and skies so wide they make you feel small in the best way—Namibia gently welcomes you into the heart of Africa with open arms and unforgettable landscapes.
Set deep within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is a vast, sun-scorched pan framed by towering red dunes—some reaching up to 325 metres high. Though usually bone-dry and etched with cracked mud, this ancient salt and clay pan occasionally undergoes a rare and magical transformation. When the Tsauchab River gathers enough force to reach the pan, Sossusvlei fills with shimmering blue-green water. The scene becomes surreal—birds circle overhead, greenery springs to life, and gemsboks and ostriches stroll its edges as if summoned by the rain.
The sand itself has an ancient story, carried by wind and water from the Kalahari millions of years ago, swept out to sea by the Orange River, then pushed back along the coast by the Benguela Current to create the vast dune fields we see today.
Climbing one of these iconic dunes—like the famous Dune 45—is almost a rite of passage, offering panoramic views that are both humbling and unforgettable. Sossusvlei’s cinematic beauty has made it a star in countless films and advertisements; it’s one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype.
Reaching the pan requires a bit of effort. From Sesriem, a 65km paved road leads to a 2WD car park. The final 4km into the pan are reserved for 4WD vehicles, but if you’re up for it, you can walk, hitch a ride, or hop on the shuttle. The walk takes about 90 minutes—just be sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, and your sense of adventure.
Rising from a traffic island in the heart of Windhoek, Christuskirche is the city’s most iconic landmark—and something of an unofficial emblem. This distinctive German Lutheran church, built in 1907, is crafted from local sandstone and was designed by architect Gottlieb Redecker. Its unusual blend of neo-Gothic and art nouveau styles gives it a fairytale charm, with many likening it to a whimsical gingerbread house.
Inside, the focal point is the altarpiece, The Resurrection of Lazarus—a striking copy of the famous Rubens painting. To explore the church’s quaint interior, visitors can collect the key during business hours from the nearby church office on Peter Müller Street.
Though often overshadowed by nearby Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is arguably the crown jewel of the Namib-Naukluft National Park—and one of Southern Africa’s most hauntingly beautiful sights. Set against a backdrop of towering dunes, including the mighty Big Daddy (325m), this pan is famous for its eerie forest of scorched camelthorn trees, long dead but standing defiantly against time.
Their dark, desiccated forms cast dramatic shadows over the sun-baked, bleached-white clay, creating an otherworldly contrast with the vivid cobalt sky and fiery orange sands. The result is a surreal, almost painterly scene that has captivated photographers and travellers alike.
Reaching Deadvlei is straightforward—a 3km round-trip walk from the Deadvlei/Big Daddy Dune 4WD parking area, clearly marked with wayposts.
Swakopmund’s iconic jetty began life in 1905, born out of necessity as the town’s early settlers sought a reliable landing site for both cargo and passengers. The original wooden pier, though functional, soon fell victim to the pounding Atlantic waves and relentless woodworm.
By 1911, construction was underway on a more durable 500m iron jetty. But history intervened—when South African forces took control of Swakopmund during World War I, the port lost its strategic value, as nearby Walvis Bay was already under South African control. The wooden pier was dismantled in 1916, and the iron structure, never completed, was left to face the elements.
Today, the jetty stands as a starkly beautiful relic—a symbol of ambition, resilience, and the passage of time—offering sweeping ocean views and a glimpse into Swakopmund’s storied past.
Just 4km south of Sesriem headquarters lies the dramatic Sesriem Canyon — a 3km-long, 30m-deep chasm carved by the Tsauchab River through 15-million-year-old layers of sand and gravel conglomerate. This geological wonder offers two scenic hiking options: head upstream to discover a brackish pool nestled at the canyon’s head, or venture 2.5km downstream toward its lower reaches.
Keep an eye out near the canyon’s entrance for a striking natural formation on the northern flank, shaped uncannily like a sphinx. Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection or desert adventure, Sesriem Canyon rewards with striking landscapes and a sense of timelessness.
Recently revamped, Swakopmund’s waterfront aquarium offers a captivating glimpse into the chilly underwater world of the South Atlantic Ocean. The highlight is undoubtedly the immersive tunnel running through the main tank, where visitors can enjoy close-up views of gliding rays, sleek sharks (you can count their teeth!) and a variety of quirky marine creatures.
Whether you’re a curious traveler or exploring with kids, this compact but well-curated aquarium is a fun and educational stop along the coast.
Tucked away among vast, silent dunes, this surreal dry vlei offers a truly rewarding detour. A 4km return hike from the 2WD car park, the path is clearly marked with white-painted posts, making it easy to follow even through the shifting sands. Visit in the late afternoon for the most atmospheric experience — when the shadows grow long and you’re likely to have the hauntingly beautiful landscape all to yourself.
Sprawling across over 20,000 sq km, Etosha National Park is one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations. Unlike many parks where spotting animals requires patience and luck, Etosha simplifies the experience — just park beside a waterhole and wait. From lions and elephants to springboks and gemsboks, wildlife arrives not in pairs, but by the hundreds.
At the heart of the park lies the Etosha Pan, a vast, shimmering salt desert that briefly transforms into a shallow, flamingo-filled lagoon after rain. During the dry season, everything is cloaked in chalky white dust, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape where wildlife stands out in stark contrast.
Etosha is home to:
114 mammal species including elusive black rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebras, and the tiny Damara dik-dik.
340 bird species, from towering ostriches and heavy kori bustards to vultures and colourful hornbills.
A variety of reptiles, amphibians, and countless insect species.
The best wildlife viewing happens during the dry winter months, when animals cluster around waterholes. In contrast, the lush summer brings dramatic skies, searing temperatures (up to 44°C), and newborns – delicate springbok calves and fuzzy zebra foals.
Where to Go for Wildlife
Okaukuejo’s floodlit waterhole is a magnet for rhinos and lions after dark.
Olifantsrus and Halali are also great for nocturnal sightings.
Namutoni, with its slightly higher rainfall, is perfect for spotting black-faced impalas and the dik-dik.
Oliphantsbad, true to its name, is often bustling with elephants.
Top Tips
Visit at first light or late afternoon for the best animal activity.
Don’t miss a guided night drive (around N$600) to witness lions hunting and nocturnal creatures on the move.
Use visitor registers at each camp to stay updated on recent sightings.
The NWR Etosha map (available for around N$40) is excellent for navigation and includes handy wildlife ID guides.
Getting There Etosha has three main entry gates:
Von Lindequist Gate (near Namutoni) – ideal if coming from Tsumeb.
King Nehale Gate – best accessed from Ondangwa.
Andersson Gate (near Okaukuejo) – the most popular route from Outjo.
