Things to do in  Namibia

Nestled in the Namib-Naukluft National Park not far from famous Dune 45, the otherworldly salt and clay pan landscape of Sossusvlei is a must-see when in Namibia. Come to experience and photograph the towering red dunes and golden sands framed against a sprawling blue sky.

Leggy giraffes and lumbering elephants roam the stark white salt pans that cover Etosha National Park in Namibia. In one of Africa’s oldest and largest game parks, you’ll find broad savannah plains, shrubbery dusted a ghostly white from the desert dust, and plenty of animals that are easy to spot against the minimal landscape.

On the white clay pan of Deadvlei, petrified trees stand out like Matisse cutouts against the orange dunes. Located in the Namib-Naukluft Park, the site was formed through persistent drought and scorching sun, which killed the trees and dried them until they became stark black skeletons. Eerie and dramatic, Deadvlei shows off the strange beauty of the desert.

Carved over millions of years, the Sesriem Canyon was created by the ephemeral Tsauchab River, which comes to life during Namibia’s rainy season. Its smooth, colorful walls and intricate curves and formations make it a paradise for photographers, and a stunning hiking spot during the dry season.

The Swakopmund Jetty, with wild blue waves crashing underneath, stretches into the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, the sunset over the water turns the surrounding sand dunes golden, and during the day, you may be able to spot dolphins playing in the bay. This historic structure is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a special dinner at the Jetty 1905 Restaurant.

The rocky shores of Cape Cross seem to be constantly moving–this long stretch of Atlantic coastline is home to thousands of Cape Fur seals who spend their days playing, fighting, and lazing on the rocks. The nature reserve teems with diverse life; apart from the seals, you might spot jackals, flamingos, and other bird life.

Spanning 350,000 square miles (560 square kilometers), the Kalahari Desert stretches across Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. With sandy red hills, low scrub brush, and herds of gazelle, Kalahari’s name derives from a Tswana word meaning “the waterless place.” It’s a dramatic and desiccated landscape where you can experience the vast scope of the land.

Namib-Naukluft National Park is a place of extremes—vibrant orange dunes stand tall against an endless blue sky, and strangely twisted trees cut across the landscapes. Visitors flock to stare down at the wild Atlantic Ocean from the top of the highest dunes in the world, and wildlife lovers will be shocked by the diversity of flora and fauna in this harsh environment.

The national Museum of Namibia may house an impressive collection of historical artifacts including items that date back to when this young country was known by other names, like Southwest Africa or South Africa. But it’s not necessarily the gallery halls that make this city-center spot worth the visit. The National Museum happens to be housed in the capital’s oldest surviving building—a structure dating back to the early 1890s that was once a hub for German Schutztruppe. Visitors to this historic landmark can learn more about the country’s struggle for independence, battle against apartheid and the genocide that took place against the Herero people. The museum also includes reproductions of some of Namibia’s most famous rock art, including San paintings from Twyfelfontein and Brandberg, too.

The stark beauty of the Namibian landscape is accentuated by the alien strangeness of the Quiver Tree Forest. With their root-like branches, the trees look nearly inverted, giving visitors the sense of walking through an upside-down forest. As a national monument, the forest holds enormous cultural and historical significance for Namibia.

The largest privately owned museum in Namibia is a treasure trove for curious travelers. With displays exploring geology, zoology, archeology, and modern culture, the Swakopmund Museum takes a “little bit of everything” approach to heritage, which makes it a local favorite as well as an essential stop for Swakopmund visitors.

Sweeping views across golden hills, Kuiseb Canyon, and Carp Cliff make Kuiseb Pass a highlight of exploring Namibia’s unpaved C14 road. With an elevation of 2,969 feet (905 meters) above sea level, the pass is a place to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and take in the gorgeous landscape of a sparsely populated region.

This Namibian mountain pass links the Khomas Highland and Namib Desert. With a top gradient of 14 percent, the road to the pass is among the region’s steepest. Quartzite rocks on the summit have become a landmark in their own right; the bright white stone can be seen at a distance as vehicles wind upward toward Spreetshoogte Pass.

During the long decades of oppression during the apartheid era, the South African colonial government forcibly relocated thousands of Black and mixed-race citizens (known in Southern Africa as colored people) to the township of Katutura. Forced to rent homes from the city, Katutura was a symbol of injustice. Today, despite the continuing inequality in the region, you’ll find arts centers, markets, and food stalls.

The plunging walls and incongruous flatness of the surrounding landscape make Fish River Canyon a dramatic sight. Located in southwest Namibia, the canyon is one of the largest in the world and is a renowned destination for hikers looking to challenge themselves. The river comes and goes depending on rainfall, but the stunning canyon always remains.