Is Namibia Worth Visiting? 14 Reasons Why You NEED To Visit

Wondering “Is Namibia worth visiting?” You’ve come to the right place.

From the iconic fiery red dunes of the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s unique, rugged beauty and the wildlife-rich found on the plains of Etosha National Park, Namibia is truly extraordinary.

Namibia is an unbelievably unique country that will make you feel like you’ve left planet Earth and stepped onto Mars.

Namibia is every adventure seeker’s dream come true, offering an unforgettable journey through some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

Whether you enjoy capturing breathtaking landscapes, watching wildlife in its natural habitat, or experiencing the profound silence of one of the remotest places on earth, Namibia has something special for you.

While exploring Namibia, you’ll discover its rich culture, learn about the history of its people, embark on exciting game drives, hike in scenic areas, and camp in the peaceful desert beneath the clearest night skies.

I spent 5 weeks in Namibia and truly fell in love with this country, so if you ask me whether it’s worth visiting, my answer will always be YES! 

Read on below to discover the 14 reasons why I believe Namibia is totally worth visiting! 

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Prepare For Your Trip To Namibia

You Can Find The World’s Oldest Desert In Namibia 

Namibia is home to the world’s oldest desert, which according to geologists dates back over 55 million years. 

The desert is home to some rare wildlife such as the Desert-Adapted Elephant, the Brown Hyena, and the Mountain Zebra, as well as some more common species like Springbok, Oryx, Jackals, and many varieties of Snakes

You can also find some of the world’s tallest sand dunes in the Namib Desert. 

I was lucky enough to spend 3 weeks living and volunteering in the Namib Desert and can confirm it’s a once-in-a-lifetime place that simply has to be visited. 

It Boasts Some Of The Most Iconic And Unique Natural Formations On Earth

Namibia boasts some of the most unique natural formations I have ever seen, which understandably makes home to some of the most photographed locations in all of Africa which I am sure you would have come across on your social media feeds. 

This includes places like the Skeleton Coast where the Namib Desert (the world’s oldest desert) meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Also, places such as Sossusvlei are found in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where you can see the famous Dune 45 and Big Daddy Dunes as well as the Deadvlei salt pan.

You Can See Incredible Wildlife at Etosha National Park 

Etosha National Park, located in the north of the country is Namibia’s most popular safari destination. 

Etosha means “Great White Place” in the Ovambo language and refers to the large salt pan that can be found here (and if you’re lucky enough to go on safari here you’ll get the chance to walk out on this salt pan – the silence here is eerie and deafening).

It is home to 4 out of the big 5 animals (Elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions) as well as other super cool animals like Giraffes, Zebras, Warthogs and Cheetahs. 

Etosha is an extremely harsh, dry landscape and seeing animals roam about these plains looks nothing short of otherworldly. 

I loved Etosha so much and even got to see an extremely rare sighting of not just 1, but 5 cheetahs chilling on the side of the road. 

There’s Hardly Anyone There

Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries on earth with a population of just 2 million, whilst simultaneously being the 34th largest country in the world. Considering there are 195 countries around that is pretty high up the list.  

This means that you can go as long as you want to without seeing another soul. 

If you’ve been craving an opportunity to truly go off-grid and reconnect with nature then Namibia is one of the most perfect places on earth to do this. 

However, one of the downsides to this is that if you do get into any trouble, such as a flat tyre, then you could be waiting hours for help because the chances are you probably won’t have much phone reception. 

It’s Home To The Second Largest Canyon In The World 

In Southern Namibia, you can find the stunning Fish River Canyon, which is the second largest canyon in the world, next to the Grand Canyon in the USA. 

It’s about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide, nearly 550 m deep and around 650 million years old! 

If you’re an avid hiker there is the opportunity to hike the canyon during the months of April – September (otherwise it’s closed due to heat). The hike covers a length of 85 km and can be completed within 4-5 days. 

It’s One Of The World’s Least Pressured Safari Destination

Namibia is One Of The World’s Least Pressured Safari destinations for several reasons. 

The country’s low population density provides a more natural environment for wildlife, and its large protected areas allow for wildlife to roam freely. 

Furthermore, the country’s focus on conservation and sustainable tourism results in more controlled visitor management, which means the preservation of nature and wildlife is always a top priority. 

You Can Explore A Very Eerie Ghost Town

Built in 1908 Kolmanskopp was once one of Namibia’s biggest diamond mines. The mine was a small town with many homes, a school, a hospital, and even a bowling alley for entertainment. 

The town was eventually abandoned in 1954 and now you can visit here to learn more about its forgotten history. The deserted buildings, now draped in sand, offer a glimpse into the past and also make fantastic photo opportunities.

You’ll be able to witness some of the clearest night skies

With Namibia being so remote and not densely populated it means that there is hardly any light pollution, and with that, you get some astoundingly beautiful clear night skies. 

During my 5 weeks in Namibia, I was treated to a tonne of clear night skies, views of the Milky Way and even shooting stars. 

It’s probably some of the best night skies I have ever seen and is on par with what I witnessed in the Atacama Desert in Chile (which is considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing).

You’ll have the chance to witness the iconic Quiver Tree 

The Quiver Tree is a unique-looking tree that somewhat resembles an upside-down chandelier and can only be found in the desert regions of northwestern parts of South Africa and in southern and central Namibia.

If you head down to Quiver Tree National Park near Keetmanshoop then you’ll not only be able to see these beautiful trees in person, but you’ll also be able to admire the Giant’s Playground. 

The Giants Playground is an area filled with massive dolerite boulders stacked in such a way that it looks as though they have been arranged/placed by giants. In actual fact,  rock formations were shaped millions of years ago by volcanic activity.

Witnessing the silhouette of the boulders and Quiver Trees against the sky, especially during sunset, creates a beautiful and magical scene that is not to be missed! 

The Food Is A BBQ Lovers Dream 

If you love meat then you’ll love the food in Namibia. 

You’ll come across many opportunities to have a traditional Namibian Braai (BBQ) whilst you’re travelling the country and also get the chance to try exotic meats such as Zebra, Springbok, Oryx and even Giraffe. 

Giraffe and Zebra are certainly where I drew the line, but the Oryx and Springbok steaks were so good!

You Can Surf Here

I’m not sure if this is common knowledge or not but Namibia is actually a great surfing destination.

If you head down to Swakopmund, Skeleton Bay and Luderitz you’ll be able to tackle some super fun waves!

If you’re a surfing newbie then you can sign up for a surf camp in Namibia here.

Namibia Is A Photographer’s Dream Destination 

Namibia is the ultimate place for photographers.

From the impressive Sossusvlei dunes to the Skeleton Coast, there are so many chances for amazing photos. 

Wildlife lovers can take pictures of their safari animal spots and the mix of dry desert and bright blue skies makes for stunning images. 

Whether you like wide views, sand patterns, or animals, Namibia is a unique place for photographers and you’ll probably find that it’s very difficult to put your camera down. 

It’s Safe 

Namibia is ranked as one of the top 10 safest countries in Africa. 

After spending 5-weeks solo travelling Namibia I felt extremely safe and comfortable (especially as a woman) and I found the locals to be extremely helpful. 

The place where you do need to be a little more careful whilst travelling in Namibia is in the capital city of Windhoek. 

Whilst you’re in Windhoek I would advise taking taxis at night, and not carrying anything too valuable on you. 

It’s important to note that I felt completely safe in Windhoek during the day. 

You Might Also Enjoy 

• The ULTIMATE 10-Day Namibia Itinerary 
• Is Namibia Safe For Solo Female Travellers? 

Conclusion – Is Namibia Worth Visiting? 

YES! Namibia is 100% worth visiting.

Namibia is an amazing place with gorgeous scenery, lots of wildlife, and experiences you won’t forget. It’s perfect for adventurers, photographers, and anyone who loves nature. 

You can stroll through the ancient dunes of the Namib Desert, check out the gorgeous animals in Etosha National Park, or be wowed by the Skeleton Coast. 

The untouched beauty of Namibia helps you to truly connect with nature, and the friendly locals and rich culture make your trip even better. 

If you’re looking for a spot that feels unique and meaningful, Namibia should be on your list!

Happy Travelling

I hope this post has helped you answer the question “Is Namibia Worth Visiting?”

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.