The best moments in travel are when we get goosebumps because we are witnessing something so magnificent. In Namibia, you will experience this at every turn, as the mightiest creatures of the animal world, from majestic elephants to lazy lions, walk in front of you.
Namibia is a country that you will read about in many tourist guides, that it is a true African country for beginners. This is not far from the truth. The long-standing German colony has retained many of the characteristics of its former rulers, from European-like cities to neatness. In addition to being one of the safest African countries, Namibia also offers genuine contact with pristine nature, as you can drive around the national parks and admire their inhabitants. The main attraction of Namibia is not the buildings, but above all the wide variety of animals that you can admire and listen to on the trails.
When to Namibia?
The best time to visit Namibia is between July and October, during the dry season. At that time, due to the lack of precipitation, animals gather near water bodies, and the temperatures are pleasant enough that you will not be too hot or you will not be cold (except at night). Since this is also the main tourist season, you will need to book things a bit in advance.
Photo: Unsplash/Grant DurrWhat should I see in Namibia?
As it was written at the very beginning, the main attractions are not the cities and buildings, but the animal world. The capital Windhoek is a great starting point for discovering the country, stock up on all the necessary groceries and choose a good off-road vehicle to cover the kilometers with. From the main city, you then drive to a fairly remote one Sossusvlei, where you will admire the endless sand dunes and interesting trees that defy the drought conditions. The contrast between the blue sky and the reddish sand leaves no one indifferent. It is best if you wait for the sunrise somewhere on the dune, when the first rays rest on the sand. Sossusvlei is part of one of the largest conservation areas, the Namib-Naukluft Park, which covers as much as 50,000 m2. The Kalahari, on the border with Botswana, is also worth a visit.
If you will marvel at the mighty masses of sand and the beauty of solitude among the dunes, you will witness the magnificent animal world in the Etosha National Park. Wildlife watching is the reason why so many tourists visit Namibia every year. Etosha it belongs to the very top of African reserves for observing animals, especially in the dry season, animals gather at water bodies, where you can observe them from a safe distance. In Etosha you can find as many as 114 species of mammals, as well as 340 species of birds. Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, even rhinoceroses and hyenas visit the enclosures, and in the evenings you can watch them from safe "theatres" in the camps. It is wise to spend the night in designated campsites, which are fenced and therefore protect you from mischievous animals.
Photo: Unsplash/Ashim D SilvaThe Skeleton Coast stretches in the west of the country and is famous for its desolate coastal landscape with high ocean waves and stranded ships. It is one of the attractions of the coast Swakopmund, a cute little town with an extremely interesting architectural image, but not to be missed Cape Cross with an amazing colony of seals to walk amongst. Damaraland, located between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast, is also a real feast for the eyes, where elephants, lions, rhinos and oryx roam.
Namibia is not only animals, but also people. A visit to the Himba tribe will be a welcome change for anyone, as the people grew up in the thankless desert and maintained a traditional lifestyle. Spitzkoppe is a great destination for all climbing enthusiasts, as well as one of Namibia's most famous postcard images. No less fascinating is the largest canyon in Africa, the Fish River, 160 km long, which is great for hiking adventures.
Photo: Unsplash/Javier GilHow to explore Namibia?
The best way is to rent an all-terrain vehicle with which you can easily overcome kilometers of more or less maintained roads. Most of them are in excellent condition, and the car gives you sufficient freedom even when discovering national parks. You need a credit card when renting, otherwise you are in conflict with Namibian law.
How much is a plane ticket to Namibia?
Return air tickets from Budapest start from 395 euros, even from Venice you can get cheap flights to Windhoek. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Photo: Unsplash/Sergi FerreteCovid-19 restrictions in Namibia
Fully vaccinated tourists no longer need a negative PCR test result, but for this they need a vaccination certificate. If you have not been vaccinated, before entering you need a negative PCR test result, which must not be older than 72 hours. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Namibia
Urban Camp
The urban camp is located just a few hundred meters away from the famous Joe's Beerhouse and a few kilometers outside the city center. Comfortable tents with heated beds and shared bathrooms are set up within the camp.
Windhoek Country Club Resort
Perfect for golf lovers, as the resort also has an 18-hole golf course. Here you can find luxury rooms, and the accommodation also offers guests an outdoor pool and a sun terrace with a restaurant.
