12 Incredible Namibia Destinations and Namibia Tourist Attractions

Namibia is a dream destination for avid photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. The best places to visit in Namibia include Namibia’s incredible deserts and premier safari destinations like Etosha National Park. The Namibia destinations in this article are listed roughly from north to south. Once you’ve chosen your favourites, learn how to put these Namibia tourist attractions together in the perfect Namibia itinerary!

Best Places to Visit in Namibia – Northern Namibia 

1. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is the premier safari and game viewing region in Namibia. It’s a must-visit Namibia destination if you’re in the central or northern regions.

Etosha is renowned for its waterholes, where animals who are often adversaries make (perhaps temporary!) peace as they quench their thirst. Paired with Namibia’s spectacular desert landscapes, this makes Etosha a pretty unique safari destination.

The creatures that call Etosha home include lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog and all kinds of antelope. The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry season from May to October, when water is sparse and the animals congregate around the waterholes.

Like much of Namibia, self-driving in Etosha National Park is safe and easy. The park’s roads are well maintained and are easy to navigate. Pick up a map of the park upon entry and off you go! Just remember to give way to the local residents, In Etosha, might = right.

Most people spend a few nights in Etosha. However, you may want longer if you’re an avid animal enthusiast or want to explore the entire park – it is massive! You could easily spend an entire week driving the long roads spotting animals and spending lazy hours watching animal processions at Etosha’s waterholes.

2. Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is a desolate and dramatic coastline dotted with eerie shipwrecks. Some of the Skeleton Coast is accessible by vehicle, but much of the coast requires a fly-in safari. Translation … a memorable but rather expensive safari!

If you just want a taste of the wild coast, visit Henties Bay to see the Zelia Shipwreck on the drive from Swakpomund to Damaraland. The Zelia Shipwreck is accessible from the main road.

3. Damaraland

Damaraland has rugged and dramatic scenery with rocky outcrops and deep gorges. Believe it or not, this rather desolate looking landscape is actually home to hardy desert-adapted elephants, lions and rhino. Spot them if you can!

The highlights of Damaraland include the rock formations of Spitzkoppe, Erongo and Brandberg, the prehistoric rock engravings and ‘organ pipes’ (above) at Twyfelfontein, the nearby Petrified Forest and elephant tracking safaris.

It’s worth spending at least two nights in the Damaraland region to fit in both the scenery and a wildlife tour.

4. Central Highlands

Namibia’s Central Highlands is filled with small towns, rolling valleys, farms, hiking and game reserves. If you’re craving the great outdoors, stop by in Waterberg for mountains and hiking adventures.

If safari is the name of the game, be sure to visit one of the area’s private game reserves which are located on the road from Windhoek to Etosha. The most popular game reserves in the Central Highlands are Erindi Private Game Reserve which has an African wild dog conservation program, and Okonjima Nature Reserve where you can track leopards and cheetahs in the wild. Tough choice!

Where to Go in Namibia – Central Namibia 

5. Swakopmund

In a nutshell, Swakopmund is the adventure capital of Namibia. Swakopmund is a cute German seaside town set against a backdrop of massive rolling dunes. Those with an adventurous streak can enjoy a variety of activities in Swakopmund like sandboarding, quad biking and dolphin and whale watching.

Not your thang? Take it easy and enjoy the many good restaurants along the Swakopmund waterfront, and spend a couple of hours learning about Namibian history at Swakopmund Museum.

While in ‘Swakop’ as the locals call it, you can also visit nearby Walvis Bay which is filled with coastal activities. Take a detour on your way in or out to the Cape Cross seal colony where thousands of cute (but stinky!) seals reside.

6. Windhoek

Windhoek is Namibia’s charming capital city. Sure, it’s not the most happening place on the Namibia tourist circuit, but it’s pretty hard to avoid Windhoek when you visit Namibia given that most international flights land in Windhoek.

Windhoek’s a great place to recover from jet lag for a day or two. Check out the interesting German architecture in central Windhoek and enjoy some meaty goodness and a cold bevie at Joe’s Beerhouse.

7. Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is one of the top Namibia tourist attractions, and for good reasons. The colossal sand dunes and eerie dead trees of Sossusvlei are one of the most spectacular sights in all of Namibia. The highlights of Sossusvlei can easily be seen in one day:

Sand Dunes: Sossusvlei is a desert area filled with soaring red sand dunes. If you’re able bodied, climb one of the whoppers – either Dune 45 or aptly named ‘Big Daddy’.

Deadvlei: Don’t miss the eerie dead trees of the Deadvlei salt pan. You can walk down into Deadvlei after climbing the Big Daddy Dune or walk in from the main road.

Sesriem Canyon: Sesriem Canyon is just outside the park entrance. This is a small(ish) but impressive canyon, and it’s well worth the short hike down.

Namibia Places to Visit – Southern Namibia 

8. NamibRand Nature Reserve

In a word, the NamibRand desert is breathtaking. It’s a vast wilderness filled with rolling dunes, rocky mountains and grassy plains with mysterious fairy circles. The landscape and colors are constantly changing and the night sky is some of the darkest in the world, making for excellent night gazing.

Wildlife is a little sparse in the NamibRand due to the barren conditions, which just makes each Oryx, zebra and jackal all the more special. Spend a couple of nights in Wolwedans or another lodge and enjoy scenic drives, nature walks or simply watching the world go by.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Namibia if you love hiking. If you’re up for an eco-luxe adventure, join Tok Tokkie Trails for a 3 day 2 night hike through the NamibRand Nature Reserve, complete with 3 course meals and sleeping under the stars. My kinda bliss!

9. Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert boasts endless scenery with rolling red dunes and tussock grasses. It’s not quite as desolate or dry as the NamibRand or Sossusvlei deserts where game viewing is sparse, and some of the lodges have pretty decent wildlife viewing. Look out for the super cute meerkat, who pop up out of the ground on sentry duty!

As well as game viewing, other Kalahari Desert activities include hiking, biking and scenic drives. If you like hiking, try the Trans Kalahari Walk at the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge. The Trans Kalahari Walk is an overnight hike through the Kalahari Desert, where you’ll feel like you’re one million miles from civilisation.

10. Aus 

Aus is a small Namibian town with red rock formations. If you’re lucky, you might spot the rare wild horses that roam the desert. The wild horses of Aus are the only wild horses in the world that live in the desert, which makes for one special photo opportunity.

11. Luderitz and Kolmanskop 

Drive around 125km from Aus and you’ll come to Luderitz. Luderitz is a quirky coastal town with German art nouveau architecture.

One of the main reasons that tourists visit Luderitz is to take a side trip to nearby Kolmanskop, roughly 10km from Luderitz. Kolmanskop is a deserted diamond settlement, where ghost town houses are now filled with sand. Kolmanskop sprung out of the diamond boom in the early 1900s, thrived during the 1920s, was depleted during by mining during the 1930s, and ultimately abandoned in the 1950s. Spooky possum!

12. Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Namibia. It’s the second largest canyon in the world and offers dramatic scenery and hiking. There’s plenty of hiking opportunities in the Fish River Canyon ranging from short or multi-day guided hikes through to the more challenging five day 85km Fish River Canyon hike.

The less active traveler will be equally rewarded with views from the Fish River Canyon ridge. For a special treat, stay at the Fish River Lodge for five star comfort and incredible canyon views.

You can also visit the Quiver Tree Forest on your drive north from the Fish River Canyon. The Quiver Tree Forest is home to over 200 unusual looking quiver trees. I’m not exactly sure what a quiver tree is, but to me they look like thick stumps with a series of arms with fingers reaching out to the sky. Not that you’d expect anything less unique from Namibia, one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Inspired to start planning your Namibia trip? Start with my Namibia travel guide for beginners! 

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