Namibia is as large as three times Italy, with a population of about 2.5 million people. The distances are huge, the steps away from each other, and most of the territory is desert, savanna or bush.
This guide collects the main stages and the most important places to consider when building an itinerary in Namibia.
Do you want to understand which stages make sense for your journey?
In Namibia the problem is not to find beautiful places: it is to choose the right ones for the days you have, without turning the journey into a marathon on dirt. If you want to build a route consistent with times, season and interests, request a tailor-made proposal: We help you put together beautiful, logical and realistic steps.
Windhoek
The capital of Namibia is the entry and exit point for almost all trips. It is not a city to spend many days, but it deserves at least a visit: historical center, craft markets, restaurants, Christuskirche Cathedral, Joe's Beerhouse, Katutura.
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
The tallest dunes of Namib, the white bread of Deadvlei with fossilized trees, Big Daddy to climb at dawn. It is the symbol image of Namibia and does not disappoint. It should be lived in the early hours of the morning.
Swakopmund
The coastal city on the Atlantic is the most touristic city in Namibia. German colonial architecture, restaurants, sports activities (quad, kitesurf, parachute), markets, Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbour. A great break in the journey.
Etosha National Park
The most famous safari park in Namibia. Elephants, lions, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras and much more. Waterholes illuminated at night are one of the most memorable experiences. Accessible in self drive.
Damaraland
Desert elephants, Twyfelfontein (UNESCO site with rock engravings), Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, black rhinos in preservancies. Landscapes of extraordinary volcanic rocks.
Skeleton Coast
The most remote coast of Namibia. Foche columns in Cape Cross, shipwrecks, Atlantic fog, dunes descending to the ocean. A unique landscape.
Spitzkoppe
The "Cervino della Namibia". A huge granite formation rising from the plain. Great for camping, photography and excursions. The night under the stars at the Spitzkoppe is one of the most beautiful in Namibia.
Fish River Canyon
The second largest canyon in the world. It is located in southern Namibia, away from the classic circuit. It is worth the trip if you have enough time. With 10-12 days it is difficult to include it without sacrificing anything else.
Lüderitz
German colonial city on the southern coast. Kolmanskop, the ghost village swallowed by sand, is one of the most evocative photographs of Namibia. It requires significant deviation from the main circuit.
Zambezi Region
The former Caprivi, in the northeast of Namibia. Green Safari, buffalo, hippopotamus, elephants, river ecosystem completely different from the rest of the country. Suitable for those who want a different experience from the classic desert circuit.
Namib Rand Nature Reserve
One of the largest private reserves in southern Africa, near Sossusvlei. It offers private safari, dark sky reserve (among the darkest star skies in the world) and a very exclusive experience.
Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour
Walvis Bay is a lagoon with flamingos and pelicans. Sandwich Harbour is the place where the Namib high dunes plunge directly into the ocean. One of the most scenic excursions of Namibia, accessible with local guides in 4x4.
Redland Council
There is not an equal itinerary for all in Namibia. Each trip is different depending on the time available, interest, type of experience sought. What is certain is that every stage of this guide is worth the journey.
Do you want to build your itinerary in Namibia?
Write to us. We help you choose the right stages for your time and goals.
FAQ:
What to see in Namibia?
The main stages are Windhoek, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Skeleton Coast, Spitzkoppe and Fish River Canyon.
What is the most beautiful place in Namibia?
It depends on tastes. Deadvlei is the most iconic image. Etosha is the top for safari. The Skeleton Coast is the most atmospheric. Damaraland is the most fascinating for those who love landscapes.
What to see in Windhoek?
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. It is worth visiting the historic center, markets, museum, Cathedral, restaurants and bars. It's not a long stop but it's a good start.
What to see in Swakopmund?
Swakopmund is the tourist capital of the coast. It offers sports, restaurants, markets, German colonial architecture and access to the Skeleton Coast and Walvis Bay.
Is Fish River Canyon worth it?
Yeah, it's one of the biggest canyons in the world. But it's far from the main circuit. It is recommended if you have 15 days or more, or if you want a route in southern Namibia.
What is the Zambezi Region?
The Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi) is the territory strip in eastern Namibia, near Zambia. It has green safari, abundant fauna and a landscape completely different from the rest of the country.
What to see in Etosha?
Etosha National Park is Namibia's main safari park. You visit the waterholes, you play game drive independently and you see elephants, lions, rhinos and many other fauna.
