Planning your first visit to Namibia but not sure where to begin? You're in the right place! With surreal landscapes ranging from the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the vibrant colonial towns of Lüderitz and Swakopmund, planning a trip can feel overwhelming for first-timers.
After spending two weeks driving over 4,000 km across the country, I've compiled a list of my favorite experiences in Namibia that you definitely shouldn't miss. From visiting the Himba tribe to going on a self-drive safari in Etosha, here are 10 unforgettable experiences you shouldn't miss in Namibia:
- Be Amazed by the Ancient Dead Trees of Deadvlei
- Climb the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei
- Explore the Rock Formations of Spitzkoppe
- Go on a Self-Drive Safari in Etosha
- Drive on Sand Dunes at the Sandwich Harbor
- Visit the Himba Tribe
- Explore the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop
- Go Stargazing in Kalahari Desert
- Explore the Coastal Towns and Learn Their Histories
- Stay in a fancy lodge and Really get your money's worth
- Further Reading for Namibia
1. Be Amazed by the Ancient Dead Trees of Deadvlei
Deadvlei, meaning "dead marsh" in Afrikaans, is arguably one of the most surreal places in Namibia. This striking white clay pan is home to ancient, dark, dead camel thorn trees set against a bright white pan floor, surrounded by some of the world’s highest sand dunes. It's a favorite spot for photographers like me to capture incredible shots of the trees silhouetted against the dunes at sunrise.
Its surreal beauty is one thing, but this place also has a fascinating history that makes it even more incredible. It’s believed that the pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded, allowing camel thorn trees to grow. However, as the climate changed and sand dunes encroached, the river was blocked, leading to the death of the trees. These trees, estimated to be around 900 years old, have not decomposed due to the dry climate, creating the unique scene you see today.
Since it is in the desert, it is best that you get there as early as you can so that it doesn't get too hot to walk around. There's quite a lot to see and lots of driving and walking to get there, so expect to spend at least 3 hours in Deadvlei alone. It is one of my favorite places in Namibia, so be sure not to miss it!
- 15-Day Eco-Friendly Namibian Self-Drive Safari (15 days)
- 11-Day Extended Classic Namibia Safari (11 days)
- 7-Day Namibia Etosha National Park Self-Drive Safari (7 days)
2. Climb the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei
As you drive through Sossusvlei to reach Deadvlei, you'll find yourself surrounded by some of the most stunning sand dunes in the world. At sunrise, the rolling bright orange dunes, with their shadows creating striking contrasts, are truly a sight to behold. And what better way to fully experience these majestic dunes than by hiking one of the world's tallest, Big Daddy Dune, which rises approximately 325 meters (1,066 feet)!
If you want to see Sossusvlei from a high vantage point, and I highly recommend you do, there’s no better dune to climb than Big Daddy Dune. It's the tallest in the area and rewards you with stunning views of Deadvlei from above, as well as endless surrounding dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Once you reach Deadvlei, you’ll have the option to either go and see the dead trees or hike the dune, or, if you have time, you can do both.
The hike typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions. Given the challenging nature of the climb, I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to ensure you have enough water. It’s tough, especially when walking on sand dunes, but as long as you take it slow, you’ll make it to the top eventually. If you don't have 2 hours to spare, consider hiking up to the ridge for a stunning view of Sossusvlei instead.
If you don’t have time to hike Big Daddy Dune, don’t worry. There are plenty of other sand dunes around Sossusvlei you can climb, like Dune 45, one of the most accessible sand dunes in the area. You can begin the climb right from the parking lot. It’s also shorter and quicker to climb, making it a great option for those who want to conquer a sand dune without spending too much time.
3. Explore the Rock Formations of Spitzkoppe
Namibia is full of surreal landscapes, and one of the lesser-known gems worth visiting is Spitzkoppe. This collection of stunning rock formations is located between Swakopmund and Damaraland, right in the heart of the desert. It was one of my favorite stops during my 13-day road trip across the country.
And one of the most iconic landmarks here, and probably the one that inspired me to visit Spitzkoppe in the first place, is the Rock Arch. This remarkable natural rock formation, shaped like an arch, was formed from ancient granite, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion, resulting in the distinctive arch shape we see today.
You might be surprised to know that Spitzkoppe is also rich in history, and you can learn more about how this sanctuary of rocks in the middle of a desert played a role in helping the indigenous people survive at Small Bushman's Paradise, a significant archaeological site located under one of the massive rocks in Spitzkoppe. It is famous for its ancient rock art and carvings.
If you have time to spare, I highly recommend hiking to the top of the Matterhorn of Namibia, a striking granite peak that rises approximately 670 meters above the surrounding desert floor, reaching an elevation of over 1,700 meters above sea level. There’s no better place to watch the sunset than from up here!
You can also camp overnight near these rock formations or visit them as a day trip from Swakopmund or while traveling from the coast to Damaraland. Since you're in the desert, stargazing is incredibly popular here, so if you decide to stay overnight, be sure to look up at the sky and who knows, you might be able to spot not just the Milky Way, but also a comet as I did.
4. Go on a Self-Drive Safari in Etosha
Have you ever dreamed of driving a 4x4 through the African savannah, tracking elusive animals, and observing them from a safe distance? You can make that dream come true at Etosha National Park. It’s one of the few accessible safari destinations in Africa where you can drive yourself and master the art of navigating the savannah like a pro.
Etosha National Park in Namibia spans approximately 22,935 square kilometers (8,855 square miles), making it one of Africa's largest game reserves. It is home to a diverse array of species, including lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and various antelope species like kudus, springboks, and more. You’re likely to encounter most of these animals during your visit.
When I was there, I spotted a ton of black rhinos, which are pretty rare to find in other parts of Africa. I remember seeing just one from afar in Tanzania, but here, you can spot a whole bunch of them. I believe I saw nearly 10 rhinos in a single day, it was incredible!
I also encountered plenty of elephants, kudus, wildebeests, and tons of springboks, among many other animals, I almost lost count! I was even lucky enough to spot a lioness just before sunset. And this was just one day of driving, imagine what you could see if you spent 2 to 3 days here!
I have been on several safari trips in Africa, usually with local guides, but this was my first self-drive safari. If you're looking to take your safari experience to the next level, be sure to opt for a self-drive adventure when visiting Etosha National Park.
5. Drive on Sand Dunes at the Sandwich Harbor
Another awesome experience to do in Namibia is to drive a 4x4 on sand dunes by the ocean, and there is no better place to do that than at Sandwich Harbour, a unique coastal area where the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert meet the Atlantic Ocean. You can join a self-drive guided 4x4 tour with your own vehicle, or opt for one of their provided 4x4s, which come equipped with all the tools you need to conquer the ever-shifting landscape of Sandwich Harbour.
With the self-drive tour, you'll drive your own 4x4 while the guide leads the way around Sandwich Harbor. They’ll communicate with you via radio as you navigate the sand dunes, providing instructions on how to get around certain obstacles.
At Sandwich Harbour, you'll drive on sand dunes, climbing up and down some of the highest dunes you've ever seen while driving along the beach and being "sandwiched" (get it? 😉) between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. The guide will stop at several spots for photo opportunities as you make your way through the dunes.
The tour will also take you to other awesome places along the coast like Pelican Point and Flamingo Lagoon where you can get up close and personal with the Brown fur seals and flamingos, respectively, and Pink Lake, a lake created by the residue from a salt factory nearby.
If you're planning to visit Swakopmund, I highly recommend dedicating an entire day to Sandwich Harbor and its surrounding attractions. It was an incredible experience, one you can’t find anywhere else but here. How often do you get to drive a 4x4 on the beach, with massive sand dunes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, right?
6. Visit the Himba Tribe
If you've ever researched visiting Namibia, chances are you've come across photos of the Himba people, a nomadic indigenous group native to northern Namibia and southern Angola. They are famous for their traditional practice of applying red ochre to their skin and hair to protect themselves from the relentless desert sun, while also giving them a striking appearance.
To meet and interact with the Himba people in an ethical way, the best approach is to visit their village with a local guide, and I highly recommend Omapaha Etosha Himba Village, a real Himba village located not far from Etosha. At this village, you’ll be guided by a Himba guide who will take you through his village, help translate your interactions with the Himba people, and allow you to learn more about their unique traditions directly from them.
You’ll spend about 2 hours with the tribe, interacting with the families living in the village. You’ll get to see their real living conditions, explore the inside of their huts, and watch them perform the traditional practice of using fire smoke to wash their clothes and cover body odor. Yup, you read that right! It was incredibly interesting to witness their traditions and learn directly from them.
It was incredibly humbling to be there, learning about their way of life and seeing how they live. Life can be tough for them, so when you visit, be sure to bring bottles of water, snacks, and toys for the kids, as these items are harder to come by. And remember, always be respectful of their culture and traditions!
7. Explore the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop
One of Namibia’s most well-known tourist attractions, and a place you’ve likely come across in your research, is the abandoned mining ghost town of Kolmanskop, where time and sand dunes have reclaimed the landscape. It’s famous for its surreal, eerie, sand-filled abandoned buildings that you can walk through and explore. Kolmanskop has also been featured in popular media, including Amazon's hit series Fallout and Tame Impala's album cover, both personal favorites of mine.
The story of Kolmanskop began in 1908 when a railway worker discovered a diamond while working on the nearby railway line. This find sparked a diamond rush, attracting German miners to the area. The German Empire soon declared a vast expanse as a restricted area to control diamond mining activities. The resulting wealth led to the rapid development of Kolmanskop, which was modeled after a traditional German town.
At its peak, it produced 11.7% of the total world production of diamonds, but that was not supposed to last. The town's decline began during World War I as diamond resources dwindled. The discovery of richer diamond deposits near the Orange River in 1928 further accelerated its abandonment. By 1956, Kolmanskop was completely deserted, leaving behind well-preserved structures slowly being reclaimed by the desert sands.
Today, you can find a variety of abandoned structures, including an eerie old hospital, luxurious official houses, and even a bar with a preserved wooden bowling alley. Expect to spend about 3 hours exploring these buildings, learning about their history at the museum, and taking photos. If you're traveling through Southern Namibia, be sure to drop by and check out Kolmanskop.
8. Go Stargazing in Kalahari Desert
If you're planning to visit Southern Namibia and start your trip in Windhoek, the capital city, you’ll likely have to break your trip up and spend at least a night in the Kalahari Desert. At first glance, it may seem like an empty desert with not much to do, and in a way, that's true, but it’s also one of the best places for stargazing at night.
Thanks to its remoteness and dry desert climate, the Kalahari Desert is blessed with clear skies and absolutely zero light pollution, creating the perfect conditions for stargazing. I stayed at Kalahari Anib Lodge and spent hours at night just watching the stars. It was so clear that night that I was able to see the Milky Way with my own eyes, it was incredibly mesmerizing!
It's not every day you find yourself in such a remote place with clear skies. So, if you've never seen the Milky Way with your own eyes, be sure to spend a few nights in the Kalahari Desert while you're in Namibia, and don't forget to look up at the sky! You'll be amazed at how many stars you can see from here!
9. Explore the Coastal Towns and Learn Their Histories
Namibia is not just known for its surreal landscapes; it also has a long and rich history that seems largely known only to the Germans. This is because Namibia was once a German colony before World War I, and its history was taught in German schools, but not widely discussed in other countries.
I knew that Namibia was once part of the German colony, mainly because of its city names like Swakopmund and Luderitz, two of the most important historical coastal towns in Namibia. However, I didn't fully understand just how significant these towns were historically until I learned more. Both are definitely worth a visit, especially if you are interested in the history of this part of the world.
Luderitz is a small, beautiful coastal town filled with colorful colonial buildings and home to a monument at Shark Island, which highlights a darker chapter of the town's history that many people are unaware of. Between 1905 and 1907, during the German colonial era, Shark Island served as a concentration camp where thousands of Herero and Nama people were detained under brutal conditions. Estimates of the death toll vary, with reports suggesting that between 1,032 and 3,000 individuals perished due to the harsh environment and treatment.
Historians have claimed that the concentration camp here, along with all the other atrocities committed against the Herero and Nama people, served as the blueprint for what would become the worst human atrocity in modern history: the Holocaust of World War II, where Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered around six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, about two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population.
Swakopmund on the other hand is an awesome city with awesome museums where you can learn more about the history of Namibia. Swakopmund Museum is my favorite museum in the country. It is Namibia's largest privately run museum. It offers a comprehensive collection of exhibits that delve into the country's rich history, diverse cultures, and natural wonders.
I truly adore Swakopmund. It’s the city where I believe the spirit of the Namibian people truly shines. Out of all the cities I visited in Namibia, Swakopmund felt the most vibrant and livable, a place where I could easily see myself spending a few months. The city is filled with colorful colonial buildings, fascinating museums, a beautiful promenade, and is a great base for exploring the stunning coastline. If you're interested in history, be sure to add this city to your itinerary.
10. Stay in a fancy lodge and Really get your money's worth
Last but not least, after spending about two weeks exploring Namibia, I’ve come to the conclusion that its lodges are a highlight and tourist attractions in their own right. The country boasts some of the most beautiful and well-catered accommodations in Africa. Companies like Gondwana offer a fantastic collection of lodges scattered across the country, catering to travelers of all types and budgets.
From affordable campsites in incredible locations with stunning views and easy access to tourist attractions, like the ones in Spitzkoppe and Aus for just $35 per night, to high-end accommodations offering once-in-a-lifetime views straight from your room's balcony, such as Fish River Lodge and Eagle's Nest, Namibia offers a wide range of lodging options that are sure to delight every traveler.
Many of these lodges and campsites also offer their own unique charm and activities, making them destinations worth visiting in their own right. I stayed at Klein-Aus Vista, a beautiful lodge tucked away in the Aus Mountains. They have an incredible sunset hike called the Horseshoe Hike, which takes about two hours to complete and rewards you with breathtaking views of the seemingly endless Aus Plains.
Other lodges I stayed at also have several walking paths you can take to explore the surrounding areas. If you would rather relax at the lodge, they are also mostly equipped with swimming pools, which are extremely welcome especially during a hot afternoon in places like Sesriem.
Most lodges also have several watering holes scattered across their property, where you can often see animals like oryxes, jackals, ostriches, and even elands, the largest antelope in the world, grazing just outside your room. It was an incredible experience and a rare chance to observe wildlife up close without venturing far.
To make the most of your time in Namibia, be sure to mix up your lodging experiences, go camping in places like Spitzkoppe and treat yourself to splurge-worthy stays in destinations like Sesriem or Fish River Canyon, etc. You are going to enjoy the trip more, trust me!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Namibia
If you are looking for more articles about Namibia, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- For a complete itinerary to Namibia, check out: 2 Weeks in Namibia: A Road Trip Itinerary.
- Planning to visit Southern Namibia? You gotta stop by Luderitz! Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Luderitz.
- Who wants to visit an abandoned ghost town in Namibia? Kolmanskop is the famous ghost town often featured in many mainstream media and here is A Complete Guide to Namibia’s Ghost Town.
- You can’t visit Namibia without exploring Sossusvlei, home to the surreal sand dune landscapes the country is known for. To help you plan your trip, check out: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sossusvlei.
- Out of all the cities I visited in Namibia, Swakopmund is hands down my favorite. To get the best out of it, be sure to check out: A Guide to Swakopmund: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- You can’t visit Namibia without exploring Sossusvlei, home to the surreal sand dune landscapes the country is known for. To help you plan your trip, check out: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sossusvlei.
- Want to visit Sandwich Harbor but not sure where to begin? Check this out: A Complete Travel Guide to Sandwich Harbor
- Spitzkoppe is one of the most surreal places to visit in Namibia, and it would be a shame to come all the way to Namibia without seeing it. Here's a complete travel guide to Spitzkoppe.
- Have you ever dreamed of going on a self-drive safari in Africa? Well, you can do that in Etosha National Park in Namibia. Here's A Complete Self-Drive Safari Guide to Etosha National Park.
- Planning to rent a car and drive in Namibia? You might wanna check this out: 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Driving in Namibia.
- Not sure which car rental company to choose in Namibia? Here's my experience with Namibia2Go: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Review.
- To see all articles about Namibia, be sure to check out our Namibia travel guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You will find more over at our Africa page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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