When you think about new destinations to travel to, many will tell you to go to Antarctica to explore an untouched landscape or to go to Japan to experience the forward-thinking technology and their ancient culture. But why look that far when Namibia has untouched landscapes, great sightseeing spots, unique fauna and flora, and amazing cultures, and friendly locals.
From the rugged south to the tropical northern regions, Namibia has ever-changing landscapes that will take your breath away!
Starting in the very south of Namibia, at the Fish River Canyon to be exact. It is the world's second largest canyon, this rugged arid terrain forms part of the Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Visitors can explore the canyon with various hiking trails like the Fish Eagle Trail that stretches for about 35km.
Traveling towards Windhoek, one enters the Namib-Naukluft National Park that stretches all along the western part of Namibia. Here the landscape is just as diverse, with the oldest desert on earth – the Namib Desert –, the 2000m high Naukluft Mountains and the famous Sandwich Harbour. It is here that one can stay at Gondwana Collection Namibia’s legendary lodge The Desert Grace with its 1960’s Wes Anderson film theme throughout the property. The Desert Grace is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a guided day trip to Sossusvlei, exploring the Namib Sand Sea and the highest dunes in the world. The coastal town of Swakopmund with its German colonial architecture and friendly locals is situated in the adjacent Dorob National Park.
Keeping to a northern direction, one enters a completely different landscape with large vast rocky grass plains and large distant mountain ranges. This is known as Damaraland. Here you can find many ancient rock engravings and paintings and desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos. At Palmwag Lodge and Camp guests can track the rhinos with a guide – a once in a lifetime experience.
The far northern part of Namibia like the Zambezi region is truly the best-kept secret of Namibia. Feeling as if you have entered another world, the landscape of the Zambezi is a tropical oasis with roaring rivers and an abundance of wildlife. During the rainy season, the landscape turns beautifully green, and the rivers flood. Zambezi Mubala Lodge is right on the Zambezi River bank, with modern chalets facing the river so that guests can experience the natural beauty of the Zambezi wherever they are.
The unspoiled and lush terrain makes for the best adventure spot, from boating, fishing, bird viewing and even a trip to the roaring Victoria Falls in Zambia, which is just over the river. Zambezi Mubala Lodge offer their guests to go on a guided fishing trip with a boat, to catch catfish, Tilapia, Nembwe and even Tigerfish. A guided bird viewing trip is also a must while at the Zambezi where you can spot the beautiful Southern Carmine Bee-eaters and many more.
Whilst in this magnificent region, one must visit the Bwabwata National Park or even the Nkasa Rupara National Park that are sometimes referred to as the Okavango Delta of Namibia. Here rare wildlife like African Wild Dogs can be observed in their natural habitat.
Namibia has many more magnificent destinations that would be on any traveler's bucket list, not even to mention the rare fauna and flora and the friendly locals.
Author: Lenize Reinhardt