Namibia is an amazing destination that everybody should try to visit in their lifetime. The country is large with spectacular landscapes, beautiful tribes people and great chances to spot wildlife on a safari game drive. Follow along and discover the best things to do in Namibia.
Start in the capital Windhoek and spend about two weeks to navigate all of the country’s highlights. Or include Namibia on an overland journey on your way between Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
1. Explore Windhoek’s Highlights
Visiting the capital of Windhoek is probably not the first place on your list of things to do in Namibia. But you are most likely going to start your journey through Namibia right here and the capital is the perfect place to learn about Namibia’s history and current affairs.
What to do in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital
Make sure to add these highlights to your itinerary as you explore the city.
- Christ Church | The number one Christian religious sight of Windhoek.
- Independence Museum | Learn all about Namibia’s history and its road to independence in a North Korean buidling.
- Genocide Memorial | The memorial was erected to commemorate the genocide of Herero and Nama people.
- Parliament Building | Check out the seat of parliament and the lush gardens.
- Craft Market | Stock up on souvenir’s for back home at this craft market on Independence Street.
- Joe’s Beerhouse | Combine your beer at this cool beerhouse with a delicious burger or some game like kudu or springbok.
Where to stay in Windhoek
Windhoek is the bookend to most trips to Namibia. So after you’ve ticked of all the things to do in this article relax before your flight home at one of these hotels:
- TOP END | The best and most central place to stay in the city is the Hilton Windhoek that has an awesome rooftop bar where you can view the sunset with a drink.
- MID-RANGE | Looking for a more mid-range hotel, then check out the brand new Garden Inn that is literally next door to the Hilton.
- BUDGET | If you prefer a more budget friendly option, then I recommend to stay in the lovely Klein Windhoek Guesthouse.
2. Go on Safari in Etosha National Park
Driving into Etosha National Park you are met with that landscape so typical for safari, the savannah. It’s dry here especially towards the end of the dry season (June – October), but that also means you have greater chances of seeing wildlife.
Etosha is Namibia’s largest national park and is one of the biggest adventures on this list of things to do in Namibia. I remember vividly driving into the park and immediately being greeted by a lion hiding in the shade. A little bit further lionesses feeding their cubs that could not have been older than just 2 weeks.
At night at Halali Camp’s water hole, observe the nightly activity of animals, each species demonstrating a unique form of respect for one another. Elephants, lions, and hyenas converging at the watering hole simultaneously create a genuine natural spectacle.
Top tips for visiting Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is simply amazing, but with these tips you can turn it into an even bigger and better adventure:
- Camp opening times | Check the opening times for the camp you’re staying at. You need to be inside your camp before the gates close at sunset.
- Etosha Salt Pan | This largest salt pan in Africa is a large area of nothing and great for those funny photo ops like in the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
- Sunrise and sunset | These are the best times of the day to observe animals such as lions in action. Night time is hunting time, and early morning, if you’re lucky, you can still see what had happened. At the end of the day the temperatures have gone down a little and animals come out of hiding from under the bushes.
- The Big 5 | Lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo. Who doesn’t want to see them? Except for the buffalo you can see them all in Etosha. If not during the day then check out the watering holes at night.
- Waterholes | One of the best things to do in Etosha is to visit the waterholes at Halali and Okaukuejo Camps. You can view these waterholes at night from within the safety of the camp. Waiting for the animals to appear certainly is one of the best night time entertainment in the world. And it’s completely free for those staying in the camps.
Where to stay in Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park certainly is a place you want to visit for at least two nights, but allocate more time if you can for a higher chance of ticking off all those animals on your bucket list. Below find some good options to stay in. Either all nights in one place, or one night at each.
- Okaukuejo Camp | At the southern entrance of the park with accommodation available that overlooks the camp’s watering hole. Both Okaukuejo Camp and Halali Camp are part of Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
- Halali Camp | Further into the park at the base of a dolomite hill that is popular with leopard because of the thick vegetation. The watering hole is popular with lions, hyenas, rhinos and elephants.
- Etosha King Nehale | For some luxury in the middle of nowhere you can stay in Etosha King Nehale. It’s on the eastern edge of the national park.
3. Visit the Himba in Kamanjab
The Himba people are a semi-nomadic people that live in both Namibia and Angola. You can see them along the roads of Namibia selling crafts, however you can also visit them in their village just outside of Kamanjab.
A few of them speak a little English, but not many. It’s custom to bring some gifts in the form of rice or other foods. Visiting their village costs the equivalence of a few dollars per person and helps them to maintain their lifestyle as much as possible.
Where to stay in Kamanjab
The best place to stay in Kamanjab is at Oppi Koppi Restcamp that has beautiful bungalow lodging and a great bar area. Campgrounds are nice too with excellent bathroom facilities.
4. Follow the Trail to the White Lady of Brandberg
Take a guided hike to the White Lady of Brandberg to learn about ancient rock paintings. Start at the small visitor’s center and follow a 2-hour trail along the usually dry Tsiseb riverbed in the gorge.
This gorge is a must-see in Namibia, showcasing different plants with practical uses, like natural insect repellents or sun protection.
After an hour, you’ll reach the white lady rock painting, which is surrounded by other ancient artworks on the same rock. The whole area has about 45,000 rock paintings, and the ones here are thought to be around 2,000 years old.
Hiking tip: The hike itself is not very hard, though battling the heat here is. Bring a sufficient amount of water and make sure to use plenty of sunscreen.
Where to stay in Brandberg
Stay at the Brandberg White Lady Lodge where you can also camp. There’s a few rescued meerkat pets here too that are quite playful and funny to observe.
5. Hike to the Arch at Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe is next on this list of things to do in Namibia. The granite rock formations here are massive and impressive and reach about 700 metres above the desert plains. There’s some more rock paintings to see here that were created by the San people.
The highlight of your visit to Spitzkoppe however is the arch that offers you some great photo opportunities. Mind where you’re placing your feet here though, because it can get quite steep here.
6. Discover the Colony of Seals at Cape Cross
Cape Cross is another fantastic place to visit in Namibia, because of the large seals colony that resides here. You can really find thousands of seals along the coast at Cape Cross and I’m sure you can then also clearly picture the smell here. Cape Cross is a great stop on your way from the White Lady of Brandberg via Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund.
7. Go Quad-Biking in Namibia’s Adrenalin Capital Swakopmund
Welcome to Namibia’s adrenalin capital, Swakopmund. And quite possibly also the coldest and most German town in Namibia. The streets in the centre of town are lined with German facades and inside those buildings you find plenty of nice little shops and opportunities to have a great coffee with cake.
The best things to do in Swakopmund are to go quad-biking in the desert and to go on a living desert tour. Both of these activities can also be combined into one when you book this tour with Desert Explorers.
Beside Windhoek, Swakopmund is the only city in Namibia where you can find some pretty good restaurants. If you like good food, then make sure to reserve your table at The Tug in advance, because it’s very popular with the locals. Make use of the restaurants’ shuttle service if you also want to enjoy some alcoholic beverages. They have a fantastic wine list and do pretty damn good cocktails too!
Read next: Desert Explorers Swakopmund – Quad Bike Tour Review
Where to stay in Swakopmund
Just outside of the center you can stay at Stay @ Swakop where the owner runs a tight ship. Rooms on the top floor are the best. Stay at Swakopmund Luxury Suites for tastefully decorated rooms at a more central location. If you want a room with sea view, then stay at At The Sea Boutique Guesthouse.
8. Spot Birds in Sandwich Harbour
Sandwich Harbour is next on the list of best things to do in Namibia. The name of Sandwich Harbour is said to be derived from an English whaling ship, the Sandwich, that used to work here during the 1780’s.
Nowadays, this area has a bay to the north and a lagoon to the south. You can see many birds here, such as flamingoes and pelicans, but an other attraction are the ever shifting sands here that form the grand sand dunes.
It’s possible to visit Sandwich Harbour in your own 4×4, though you do need a guide. You can consider this guided self-drive tour for example. Alternatively, join a tour as a day trip from Swakopmund or Walvis Bay.
9. Pass Namibia’s Tropic of Capricorn
As you venture further south the next thing to do in Namibia is passing the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Capricorn marks the southernmost latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon.
When you’re approaching the Tropic of Capricorn you’ll notice a rather large sign announcing where you are. It’s a nice photo stop albeit a little touristy. For me it was the second time passing the Tropic of Capricorn with the first time being in Western Australia.
10. Learn About the Desert in Bushman’s Lodge
When you want to learn more about the desert, the animals living in it and the role the climate plays in all of this then next best on your things to do in Namibia is to visit the Bushman’s Lodge.
I enjoyed visiting this place, because it was educational on the one hand and entertaining on the other hand. That’s because the guide we had could tell a very animated story about all the elements interacting here in the desert.
Before you continue your way stock up on some snacks and souvenirs and admire the quiver trees at the premises. There’s a few around here and they’re all standing around rather lonely, which is a perfect example of the desolate Namib Desert in this region.
11. Have Apple Pie in Solitaire
Solitaire, yes that’s a game, but also the name of a lonely town in the middle of the Namib Desert. It’s basically a pit stop on your way to what is undoubtedly the number 1 highlight of Namibia, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
The deserted town of Solitaire is a nice little stop though where you can fill up the car, feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere and have a piece of the famous apple pie.
12. Dive Deep Into Namibia’s Desert Landscape at Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
The first time I learned about this place was when I saw the movie The Cell with Jennifer Lopez back in early 2000’s. Some scenes and the theme of the movie could be a bit disturbing for some viewers though. However, the prominent feature of the stunning Namibian landscapes makes it totally worth seeing in preparation of your visit.
Both Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are the most unmissable places to visit in Namibia. To say you’ve been to Namibia and not having visited Sossusvlei and Deadvlei means you basically didn’t visit Namibia at all!
First of the things to do here is to climb up to Dune 45, one of the highest dunes in this spectacular desert landscape. The biggest sand dune is actually Big Daddy, so if you have the time, you can also head there. Take in the views and use your time here for some introspection as you watch the sun come up.
Afterwards shake the sand out of your boots and continue to stunning Deadvlei. Transportation will bring you from the parking lot to the start of a track to the Deadvlei pan. The landscape of the Deadvlei pan is possibly even more spectacular than at Sossusvlei. Not much grows here and what is not burned black by the sun has a difficult time surviving.
For me both Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are some of the most amazing places to visit on out planet!
Some tips for visiting Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
- Enter the Namib Naukluft National Park entrance when it opens, since the temperature will rise quickly as the morning progresses.
- Use plenty of sunscreen, because the sun here is brutal!
- Also cover your skin and wear a wide brim hat, because you might burn to a crisp otherwise, despite the sunscreen.
- Take plenty of water with you, because you will dehydrate quickly in this desert landscape.
- Layer up, because as you ascend Dune 45 it will be very cold (you need gloves and a wooly hat), but going down it will already be warmer. And afterwards, at Deadvlei it will be hot!
Where to stay for Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Sesriem is the gateway town to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, but accommodation close to the Namib-Naukluft National Park entrance here is expensive. And even more expensive when you stay inside the park.
You can stay affordable at Hammerstein Lodge, but allocate 45 minutes to an hour to get to the park’s entrance gate.
Stay next to the park entrance at Sossusvlei Lodge, or stay inside the park at Sossus Dune Lodge. When you stay inside the park you don’t have to wait until the park opens and you can be the first inside the park for sunrise at Dune 45 or Big Daddy Dune.
13. Walk Around the Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem might be the gateway to the Sossusvlei dune fields, but you can also visit the Sesriem Canyon here. During wetter times, water created this canyon, but nowadays you will not find a drop of water here. Instead follow the path down into the canyon and walk around to look at the impressive rock formations.
14. Spot Rock Hyrax in the Quiver Tree Forest
Quiver trees only grow on rocks and don’t need much water, which makes them quite prone to extinction. There’s only a few places in Namibia where you can still see these beautiful trees, such as here at the Quiver Tree Forest.
With their distinctive branches and colourful bark they form a beautiful contrast with the clear blue sky. The quiver trees’ contribution to the Namibian landscape really make a visit to this place an amazing thing to do in Namibia.
When you walk around the Quiver Tree Forest you’ll see lots of cute little rock hyrax. Or dassie as they are called in Afrikaans. Just walk around here and you’ll see them run away when they think you get too close to them.
15. Hop on the Rocks at Giant’s Playground
Next on the list of best things to do in Namibia is to visit the Giant’s Playground. It’s a great place to visit and is situated right next to the Quiver Tree Forest. This area is filled with rocks that seem to have been stacked on top of each other as if giants played with them. In reality though it’s a geological process of volcanic activity.
Walk around and hop from rock to rock to enjoy the area. It can feel a bit like a maze here, so don’t get lost. If you think you’re lost, then head to the top of some rocks to get your bearings and head back.
16. Taste Namibia Gin in Keetmanshoop
A unique thing to do in Keetmanshoop is to enjoy a gin tasting at Naute Kristall. The distillers have a lovely tasting room where you can try out the different gins of the NamGin brand. They even have a gin liqueur. I’ve “tasted” quite a few gin’s in my life – I’m not gonna lie – and the gins here are of top quality!
The original dry gin is a perfect blend of juniper berries and local ingredients such as the indigenous devil’s claw. They also created a new gin that’s blue, but turns beautifully pink when you add tonic. It’s like magic!
And if gin is not your thing you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a homemade cake at Naute Kristall too.
Where to stay in Keetmanshoop
There aren’t many places to stay in Keetmanshoop, but I enjoyed staying at Schuetzenhaus where they have comfortable rooms and a wonderful bar. Alternatively, stay at the smaller Quiver Inn Guesthouse.
17. Admire Africa’s largest Canyon, the Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa making it yet another must do on your list of places to visit in Namibia. The canyon was created by the Fish River over millions of years and is 160km long and reaches depths of up to 550m.
It’s quite impressive to walk along the rim, from the stairs of where the multi-day trail starts to the viewpoint.
Please don’t fall or attempt to take the stairs down. If you want to hike the trail inside the canyon you need to qualify and register. This hike in the canyon takes about 4-5 days to complete and finishes at Ais-Ais Hot Springs.
18. Kayak the Orange River on the Border of Namibia and South Africa
Final place to visit on this list of things to do in Namibia is the Orange River on the border with South Africa. If you’re wondering why the river is called the Orange River, because it doesn’t at all resemble the colour orange then keep on reading.
The river was called Orange River in 1779 by a Dutch VOC official in honour of King William V of the Netherlands. The Dutch Royal Family’s name is Orange, hence the name Orange River. But what’s in a name, right?
Nowadays you can board a kayak and float down the river that has it’s source all the way up in Lesotho. It’s a nice trip that takes you a few hours to get back to the Felix Unite camp.
Where to stay at Orange River
You can stay at the beautiful grounds of Felix Unite Provenance Camp in Noordoewer. The well-decorated rooms overlook the river, but you can also camp here and use the fantastic facilities. The onsite pool is a real gem!
How to Get to Namibia
Namibia’s main international airport is close to the capital of Windhoek, which is the Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). The airport is small but has quite a few connections within Africa, but also with Europe and the Middle East.
The other international airport is situated at Walvis Bay (WVB), but it only connects internationally with direct flight to Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa.
How to Get Around in Namibia
Rent a vehicle
The most convenient way to visit all the places in Namibia listed above is by renting a car. Either choose a 4×4 through rentalcars.com if you want stay accommodated. Or through African Tracks if you want to camp along the way. African Tracks provides cars with a tent on the roof and/or with all the camping equipment you might need.
The roads in Namibia are pretty good, but there will be a lot of off-road driving to see all the places to visit in the list above. Also make sure you know how to change a tyre, because you just never know with the state of the roads.
Join a group tour that goes through Namibia
Alternatively, join an organised overland group tour with G-Adventures or with Nomad Africa Tours. No need to worry about driving, or to stress out when your tire goes flat in the middle of nowhere. And a tour will take you to pretty much all of the places to visit in this article.
Red next: Nomad Africa Tours Review | Overland from Victoria Falls to Cape Town
How to Stay Connected in Namibia
Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, which makes having a data network covering the entire country pretty much redundant. That also means that if you want to stay connected on your journey through Namibia that it will be quite a challenge.
Airalo eSim | I used an eSim from Airalo to stay connected, but neither me nor other people in my group got it to work. Luckily we got our money back though, no questions asked.
Wi-Fi | Also Wi-Fi wasn’t available in many places outside of Windhoek. Or you were able to make a connection to the wifi network, only to then discover you wouldn’t have internet connection anyway.
MTC sim card | The best and possibly only option to stay connected is to get a regular sim card in Windhoek from the MTC network. Still, don’t count on it to work everywhere though. Needless to say it’s best to have no expectations on staying connected at all when travelling through Namibia.
Tip: Keep in mind that when you rely on navigation via Google Maps or another navigation app on your phone, to make sure you download the whole map of Namibia to your phone.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Namibia
Thanks for reading all the way to the end of this list of the best things to do in Namibia. Namibia was a country I had been looking forward to visiting for a long time and it did not disappoint at all.
The country has so much diversity to offer. I mean you can see the Big Five on safari, quad-bike through the sand dunes, visit one of the driest places on earth and look into the deepest canyon of Africa. So yeah, what’s keeping you from visiting?!
Have you been to Namibia, or do you have any questions? Then leave a comment or contact me on Instagram. And if you liked this article then sign-up to my newsletter to receive regular updates.
Planning a trip to Namibia, or southern Africa? Then continue reading with these articles:
- Hiking the Pipe Track Trail in Cape Town
- Desert Explorers Swakopmund | Quad Bike Tour Review
- 18 Unmissable Things To Do In Namibia
- Cape Town Itinerary | 5 Days in the Mother City (+ map)
- Nomad Africa Tours Review | Victoria Falls to Cape Town
- Victoria Falls Itinerary | 3 Days of Thrills, Culture & Natural Beauty
- One Week in Angola Itinerary: Luanda, Calandula Falls & Lubango
