The Perfect Namibian Safari | DRIVE SOUTH AFRICA

Namibia offers endless photo opportunities with the sun rising over the dunes and the seals along the coast.  Then there is the wildlife in Etosha and the Himba tribe up north.   When planning your next Namibian Safari, whether you are planning to hire a 4×4 in Namibia and doing a self-drive safari or travelling with a guide, there are a few must-sees to complete your Namibia trip.

Namibia

Wildlife Around the Etosha Pan

One of the more popular stops for a trip to Namibia would include the Etosha National Park.  This park is known for the large salt pan, certainly the largest in Africa.  It is said that the pan can even be seen from space!

 Although there is very little vegetation that grows in the pan, it provides plenty of nutrients for the wildlife.  It is also a significant breeding ground for flamingo in Namibia and can attract up to 1 million flamingos.  Furthermore, the park is home to a variety of wildlife including lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah and eland.

Water is a source of life, and this is no different in Etosha.  There are a few watering holes throughout the park.  A unique feature is that the watering holes at the main camps are lit and therefore great for night time viewing.  Some of the watering holes even have photographic hides, which is ideal for getting a little more up close and personal to view the wildlife.  It is also a dream location for any photographer.

Safari Drive

There are plenty of accommodation options available throughout the park, including chalets and campsites.  There are also a few options available just outside the park as well as lodges on private concessions of Etosha.

 On to the Sand Dunes

Another prominent feature of Namibia would be visiting the sand dunes, better known as Sossusvlei.  Some of the main characteristics of this salt and clay pan are the red dunes that surround it.  Some of these dunes reach over 350 meters.  This area is excellent for landscape photography and is best captured during the morning and evening light. With experinces like this you will have the Perfect Namibian Safari.

Although it is a very harsh desert-like condition, you still get to see some wildlife in the area as these animals have adapted to these conditions.  Except for the smaller insects and reptiles, there are larger animals as well, including antelope and ostriches.

Giraffes Namibia

However, as the sun sets and the night skies creep in, you are in for another treat.  Stargazing!  With very little to no air pollution, you are treated to a star feast every night.  The skies are filled with millions of stars, and most lodges in the area have resident astronomers and state-of-the-art telescopes.

Ocean Safari

With all the desert terrain throughout Namibia, it is hard to believe that the ocean is just off the coast.  It is hard to imagine that the desert can meet the sea, two complete worlds.

Up north the Skeleton Coast offers excellent sightings of shipwrecks.  As the name suggests, this area has been the graveyard for many ships and animals for many years.

Beautiful Namibia

A popular holiday destination for locals and international visitors alike would be Swakopmund.  Here you can spend your days at the beach, enjoying the warm African sun. An excellent stop for a break from safaris when travelling through Namibia.  If you are a little more adventurous, this is the ideal stop. 

Some of the popular activities include catamaran cruises, quad biking in the dunes, scenic desert flights and guided tours of the “Moon Landscape”.  Sandwich Harbour is a top-rated tour as well as visiting the seal colony at Cape Cross.

Accommodation in Swakopmund is booked up rather far in advance due to the popularity and longer stays.  A great option to consider would be the Atlantic Villa Boutique Guesthouse or the Beach Hotel close to the beach or the Swakopmund Plaza Hotel in town, all from the Namibia Collections.

Solitude

Namibia has so much to offer with its wide-open spaces and uniqueness.  It is genuinely an explorers dream!  You will most certainly have to pack a few spare memory cards to capture this fantastic adventure!  Make sure to add Namibia to your bucket list when planning your next adventure.

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