Namibia is more than just a travel destination; it’s a journey into the heart of Africa’s natural beauty and cultural
heritage. Whether you’re scaling the dunes of Sossusvlei, walking among ancient rock art in Damaraland,
or savoring the rich flavors of Namibian cuisine, every moment here is an adventure waiting to unfold.
Don’t just dream about exploring Namibia - tart planning your visit today and experience the magic
of this extraordinary country for yourself.
Beach Resorts:
Swakopmund: Offers beautiful beaches and mild weather year-
round, with the best time to visit being from September to April.
Spa Resorts:
GocheGanas: A luxury wellness retreat near Windhoek, best visited
year-round but particularly pleasant from March to September
Travel Adventure Locations
Mountain Locations:
Spitzkoppe and Brandberg Mountain, Namibia’s
highest peak, offers hiking and ancient rock art,
best visited from May to September.
Seaside Locations:
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay for water activities. The Skeleton
Coast and Swakopmund are perfect for exploring rugged coastal
beauty, best visited from October to March.
Cultural Travel Locations:
Himba villages and local craft markets
in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Ethnicity and Languages:
Namibia is home to various ethnic groups, including the Ovambo,
Herero, and Nama people. English is the official language, with
German and Afrikaans widely spoken.
Average Weekly Budget for Accommodation:
Hostel: $100 - $150 per week
Hotel: $400 - $700 per week
(Depends on season, location and category)
Average Daily Budget for Food:
Street Food: $5 - $10
Restaurant: $30 - $40
(Depends on season, location and category)
Best Season to Visit:
The best time to visit Namibia is during the dry season from
May to October, when wildlife congregates around
waterholes and the weather is mild.
Brief Travel Information about Namibia
Drinks
Tafel Lager: One of Namibia’s most popular beers, Tafel Lager is
a crisp, clean lager with a slightly bitter finish. Brewed using local
ingredients, it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Windhoek Lager: Another iconic Namibian beer, Windhoek
Lager is known for its pure, refreshing taste. It’s brewed according
to the Reinheitsgebot, the German beer purity law, using only
malted barley, hops, and water.
Tombo: Also known as "Oshikundu," Tombo is a traditional
Namibian drink made from fermented millet. It has a slightly sour
taste and is often consumed in rural areas as a nutritious, filling
beverage.
Mataku: Mataku is a traditional Namibian wine made from
watermelon. It’s sweet and refreshing, often enjoyed during
celebrations and special occasions.
Ombike: Ombike is a homemade spirit distilled from fermented
fruit or grain. It’s strong and potent, often enjoyed in rural areas and
during traditional ceremonies.
Namibian Coffee: Namibia boasts a growing coffee culture, with
locally grown beans producing rich, flavorful brews. The coffee here
is typically strong and aromatic, enjoyed black or with milk.
Rooibos Tea: While not exclusive to Namibia, Rooibos tea is
widely consumed across the country. Made from the leaves of the
Aspalathus linearis plant, it’s caffeine-free and known for its health
benefits.
Omaere: A traditional fermented milk drink, Omaere is similar to
yogurt but with a more sour taste. It’s a staple in many rural
households, enjoyed as a drink or added to porridge.
Mahangu Beer: Made from fermented mahangu (pearl millet),
this traditional beer has a cloudy appearance and a sour, earthy
taste. It’s often brewed at home and enjoyed during communal
gatherings.
Namibian Gin: Namibia has recently seen a rise in craft
distilleries, producing unique gins infused with local botanicals like
the devil's claw, wild sage, and rooibos. These gins offer a taste of
the Namibian landscape in every sip.
Foods
Kapana: A street food staple, Kapana is grilled meat, typically
beef, cooked over an open flame. Served with a spicy chili sauce
and fresh salsa, it’s a favorite snack among locals, often enjoyed in
open markets.
Biltong: A type of dried, cured meat, Biltong is similar to beef
jerky but thicker and more flavorful. It’s made from various meats,
including beef, kudu, or ostrich, and seasoned with spices like
coriander, pepper, and salt.
Potjiekos: Translating to "small pot food," Potjiekos is a slow-
cooked stew made in a cast-iron pot over an open fire. The dish
often includes meat, potatoes, vegetables, and spices, simmered
together for hours, resulting in rich, comforting flavors.
Oshifima: A traditional porridge made from mahangu (pearl
millet) or maize, Oshifima is a staple in many Namibian
households. It’s thick and starchy, often served as a side dish with
meat or vegetables.
Mopane Worms: A traditional delicacy, Mopane worms are the
caterpillars of the Emperor moth. They are either dried or cooked
and are high in protein. Eaten as a snack or added to stews, they
offer a crunchy, nutty taste.
Boerewors: A popular sausage made from a blend of beef and
pork (sometimes game meat), Boerewors is seasoned with spices
like coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s typically grilled and enjoyed
with a side of pap (maize porridge) or in a bread roll.
Braai: Much more than just a meal, Braai refers to the traditional
barbecue in Namibia. Various meats like beef, lamb, or chicken are
grilled over an open fire, often accompanied by salads, bread, and
local beer.
Smiley (Kapana Goat Head): Smiley is a traditional dish where
the head of a goat is cooked and served. The name comes from
the way the goat’s lips curl into a "smile" as it cooks. It’s considered
a delicacy, with tender meat and a unique flavor.
Omajova: These giant termite mushrooms are a seasonal
delicacy in Namibia. They grow on termite mounds after the rains
and are usually grilled or fried, often served with a rich sauce.
Matangara: A dish made from tripe (the stomach lining of a cow
or sheep), Matangara is slow-cooked to tender perfection,
seasoned with spices, and often served with oshifima or rice. It’s a
comforting, traditional meal enjoyed by many Namibians.
Namibia Cusine and Beverages
Namibia, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and
diverse cultures, offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights. The
cuisine of Namibia is a blend of indigenous African traditions
and influences from its German colonial past. Here’s a look
at some of the most popular local foods and drinks that
reflect the heart and soul of Namibian culture.
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Situated within the arid heart of the
Namib Desert, Sossusvlei and its neighboring Deadvlei are surreal
landscapes where towering red sand dunes, among the tallest in
the world, stretch for miles under the relentless African sun.
Deadvlei, with its stark white clay pan dotted with ancient, dead
camelthorn trees, stands frozen in time, offering a haunting contrast
against the deep blue sky and fiery dunes that surround it.
Etosha National Park. Etosha National Park is a vast sanctuary
in northern Namibia, where an expansive salt pan dominates the
landscape, shimmering like a mirage under the vast African sky.
Here, wildlife thrives against the backdrop of this otherworldly
expanse, with elephants, lions, and rare black rhinos traversing the
arid plains and congregating at watering holes that teem with life
during the dry season.
Fish River Canyon. Carved over millennia by the meandering
Fish River, Namibia’s Fish River Canyon is a geological marvel that
stretches for over 160 kilometers, plunging to depths of over 500
meters in some places. The canyon’s dramatic cliffs, rugged rock
formations, and the occasional glimpse of the river itself winding
through the arid landscape create a breathtaking panorama that
showcases the raw power of nature.
Swakopmund. Swakopmund, a charming coastal town nestled
between the vast Namib Desert and the cold waters of the Atlantic
Ocean, exudes a unique blend of German colonial architecture and
relaxed seaside atmosphere. It serves as a gateway to Namibia’s
coastal wonders, offering visitors a chance to explore nearby
dunes, enjoy adrenaline-pumping desert activities, or simply unwind
along its windswept beaches.
Skeleton Coast. The Skeleton Coast, aptly named for the
shipwrecks that dot its inhospitable shores, is a remote and
desolate stretch of coastline where the roaring Atlantic Ocean
meets the dunes of the Namib Desert. This harsh yet eerily
beautiful landscape is home to colonies of Cape fur seals, desert-
adapted wildlife, and the rusted remnants of vessels that
succumbed to the treacherous currents and shifting sands.
Damaraland. Damaraland is a rugged and untamed region in
northwest Namibia, where ancient volcanic peaks, deep gorges,
and expansive plains create a mesmerizing tableau. Here, desert-
adapted elephants roam through parched riverbeds, while rock
engravings at Twyfelfontein provide a glimpse into the ancient
traditions of the region’s early inhabitants. Damaraland is a
testament to the enduring spirit of life in one of Earth’s most
unforgiving landscapes.
Caprivi Strip. The Caprivi Strip, a narrow stretch of land
extending from northern Namibia into Botswana, Zambia, and
Zimbabwe, is a lush oasis amid the desert landscapes of southern
Africa. Fed by the Okavango and Zambezi Rivers, this unique
region boasts dense woodlands, marshes, and floodplains that
support a rich diversity of wildlife, making it a haven for
birdwatchers and safari enthusiasts alike.
Kolmanskop Ghost Town. Kolmanskop Ghost Town stands as a
haunting reminder of Namibia’s diamond rush era in the early 20th
century. Once a thriving mining town amidst the desert sands,
Kolmanskop is now a surreal labyrinth of abandoned buildings
slowly being reclaimed by the encroaching dunes. Visitors can
wander through dilapidated homes, the town hall with its grand
ballroom filled with drifting sand, and imagine the bustling life that
once echoed through its now-silent streets.
Twyfelfontein. Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
nestled in the rocky expanses of Damaraland, boasts one of the
largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa. These ancient
petroglyphs, etched into red sandstone by early hunter-gatherers,
depict scenes of daily life, animals, and spiritual beliefs that date
back thousands of years, offering a fascinating glimpse into
Namibia’s rich cultural heritage.
Spitzkoppe. Spitzkoppe, often referred to as the "Matterhorn of
Namibia," is a dramatic granite outcrop that rises majestically from
the surrounding desert plains. Its smooth, weathered slopes and
distinctive peak provide a dramatic backdrop for photographers and
adventurers alike. The area around Spitzkoppe is dotted with
ancient rock art and offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing,
and stargazing under the pristine Namibian skies.
Interesting Places to Visit Namibia
Namibia's Path to Independence. In the tumultuous wake of
decades-long struggles against colonialism and apartheid, Namibia
achieved sovereign independence from South Africa in 1990. This
historic triumph marked a pivotal moment in the African liberation
movements and signaled a new era for its people. The country's
journey to self-governance was fraught with challenges, yet it
emerged as a beacon of resilience and hope, paving the way for a
future defined by freedom and self-determination.
The Ancient Namib Desert. The Namib Desert, a majestic
expanse revered as one of the planet's most ancient arid
landscapes, stretches back through the corridors of time over 55
million years. Its undulating dunes and vast, desolate plains hold
geological secrets and a profound sense of antiquity. This
breathtaking landscape, with its shifting sands and timeless beauty,
offers a glimpse into Earth's distant past, standing as a silent
witness to the planet's enduring geological processes.
Cheetahs of Namibia's Wilderness. Within the sweeping vistas
of Namibia's rugged terrain, amidst craggy mountains and sun-
baked savannahs, roams the largest population of free-roaming
cheetahs on Earth. These magnificent creatures embody a resilient
spirit and the grace of apex predators thriving in the harsh beauty of
their natural habitat. Their presence is a testament to Namibia's
commitment to wildlife conservation and the enduring allure of its
wild landscapes.
The Haunted Skeleton Coast. The evocative moniker of
Namibia's Skeleton Coast whispers of an unforgiving maritime
history, where battered remnants of shipwrecks and the weathered
bones of whales lie strewn upon its windswept shores. This
desolate coastline silently narrates tales of peril and the relentless
power of the Atlantic Ocean, offering a hauntingly beautiful
reminder of nature's might and the enduring struggle between man
and sea.
Twyfelfontein's Rock Art. Deep within the labyrinthine canyons
and weathered sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein, an ancient tableau
emerges in the form of Africa's densest congregation of prehistoric
rock art. This mesmerizing site is a testament to millennia of human
presence and spiritual expression, etched into the very fabric of the
land. The intricate carvings and paintings capture the essence of
Namibia's rich cultural heritage, preserving the stories and beliefs of
its early inhabitants.
Colonial Legacy in Architecture. In the heart of Namibia's
urban landscape, the architectural legacy of German colonialism
stands as a testament to a bygone era. The stately facades and
ornate details of Windhoek and Swakopmund embody a fusion of
European influence and African resilience. These cities, with their
unique blend of styles, offer a glimpse into Namibia's complex
history, where colonial past and independent present coexist in a
harmonious yet poignant balance.
The Himba People. Amidst the stark beauty of Namibia's remote
landscapes, the Himba people adorn their existence with a tapestry
of unique cultural traditions and intricate hairstyles. Each strand
and adornment is woven into a narrative that celebrates resilience,
kinship, and a profound connection to the land. The Himba's vibrant
cultural practices and deep-rooted heritage stand as a living
testament to their enduring spirit and unwavering bond with their
environment.
Etosha National Park. Etosha National Park, a sprawling
sanctuary nestled in the heart of Namibia's arid plains, unfolds as a
tableau of unparalleled wildlife spectacle. The shimmering salt pans
and acacia-dotted savannahs host an extraordinary congregation of
species, perpetuating an ageless dance of survival and adaptation.
This natural wonder offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate
web of life that thrives in Namibia's vast and diverse ecosystems.
Fish River Canyon's Grandeur. Carved over eons by the
relentless passage of the Fish River, Namibia's Fish River Canyon
emerges as a monumental testament to nature's artistry. Ranking
as the planet's second-largest canyon, its sheer cliffs and winding
depths echo the grandeur of the iconic Grand Canyon. This awe-
inspiring natural formation invites admiration and reflection,
showcasing the powerful forces that shape our world.
Biodiversity of Walvis Bay. At the nexus of land and sea,
Namibia's Walvis Bay emerges as a vital haven for avian life and
marine biodiversity. Its tranquil lagoons and salt marshes teem with
a vibrant mosaic of feathered residents and diverse aquatic
species, underscoring its pivotal role in preserving the fragile
harmony of coastal ecosystems. This dynamic environment is a
sanctuary for wildlife, highlighting the importance of conservation in
maintaining the delicate balance of nature.
Interesting Historical Facts about Namibia
Namibia, located in southwestern Africa, is renowned for its vast
deserts, rugged coastline, and diverse wildlife. It boasts a unique
blend of cultures, ranging from indigenous tribes to European
influences, shaping its vibrant identity.
Namibia