With the launch of our new 'Signature Tours' in the intrepid destination of Namibia, we have decided for our blog this week to decipher exactly what it is that makes this country so special.
Adventure with a capital 'A', any excursion here allows you the chance to be able to experience the country's stunning scenic highlights, extensive array of wildlife species and charming people first hand. No wonder then that it has been designated as one of the must visit destinations in 2015. Now is most certainly the time to go! Below follows our 'top five' must-see sights on any trip here. Warning – you may be tempted to book a flight pronto!
Etosha National Park – Situated in the far north-western reaches of the country, the 22,000 sq km Etosha is infamous as being one of the best locations in Southern Africa in which to spot wildlife. With four out of the iconic 'Big Five' resident here (only buffalo are absent) and a whole host of endangered species, including cheetah, brown hyena and critically endangered black rhino, the opportunities for spotting wildlife area second to none. Make sure you pack your binoculars! Aside from the palpable attraction of the wildlife here, there is also some fantastic scenery to enjoy here. Etosha Pan, also known as the "Great White Place", is a must-see on any visit here. 4,500 sq kms of white saline desert, this expansive 'pan' is a truly awe-inspiring site, particularly when playing host to a variety of flamingos. Make sure you pack your camera!
'Sossusvlei' and the Namib Desert – When thinking of Namibia, it's hard not to picture the imposing yet beautiful sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the large ephemeral pan of 'Sossusvlei'. These phenomenal dunes can reach up to 300 meters high, framing the huge salt pans (or 'vlei') of the region, creating an illusion of an amphitheatre being created out of sand – a remarkable site to say the least. The best way to explore this sandy sprawl is to climb one of those magnificent dunes, as most people do. If you experience a sense of déjà vu here, don't be surprised – 'Sossusvlei' has appeared in countless films and advertisements. Try and see if you can recognise any of them!
Swakopmund – The charming coastal town of Swakopmund (affectionately known as 'Swakop' by Namibian nationals) is a must for any traveller looking for a spot of adventure whilst in country. With opportunities here for sandboarding, quad-biking, and even skydiving, this really is a must for those looking to get their adrenaline fix. Other activities within the area include boat trips in search of dolphins and seals, scenic flights over the desert and rewarding bird watching tours, so even if you're not quite ready to hurl yourself 15,000 feet out of a plane, the chances are that you'll find something that tickles your fancy here. Keen photographers should make sure that they take a Swakopmund safari to the extraordinary 'Moon Landscape'. Best visited at sunrise or sunset, this seemingly never-ending range of bizarre, barren hills is a unique and inimitable site within the region.
Skeleton Coast – This iconic stretch of coastline, so called because of the mass of shipwrecks which met their grisly end here due to the Strong currents, treacherous fog and shifting underwater sandbanks associated with the region. What's more, the landscape here, whilst stark, is utterly stunning. With the rock formations of the Ugabs, the clay castles of the Hoarusib Canyon, and the magnificent sand dunes of the Kalahari, there is plenty to see here – even when not trying to spot the desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, brown hyenas and seals resident here. However, be warned; you'll be able to smell the seals long before you see them!
Fish River Canyon – Located in the southern reaches of the country, this magnificent canyon, Africa's largest and the world's second largest, is a must-see sight on any trip to country. Featuring a vast ravine, in total about 100 miles (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep, this really is a sight to behold for even the most well-travelled explorer. One of the best things to do here is to traverse the canyon's cliffs on a five day hike, which many cite as one of Africa's more challenging hikes. Keep your eyes peeled for the extensive species of flora and fauna resident here, including baboons, kudu, mountain zebra, and ever elusive leopards.
If you are interested in visiting any of these iconic sites on a trip to Namibia, why not join one of our new 'Signature Tours'? We are currently offering four of these fantastic tours in country, with more yet to launch. - keep your eyes peeled on our website for the most recent news. If would like a more in depth experience in Namibia then why not consider getting involved in cheetah conservation on a volunteering project in Namibia. Come and see what all of the fuss is about!
