Travel Guide to Namibia’s Best Adventures, Honeymoons, Luxury, and Wildlife

Visit Namibia and you’ll find incredible and diverse places, each offering a different kind of perfect luxury vacation depending on the what kind of African safari adventure you’re looking for. Namibia is one of Africa’s best kept secrets, and it’s one of the best countries for a safari because Namibia has thrilling adventures, plenty of opportunities to see rare and endangered wildlife like the desert-adapted black rhino, top choices for secluded romantic lodges with luxurious amenities, and the possibility of an unusual cultural immersion with indigenous Namibian tribes. One of the things that makes Namibia unique is that it is the second least populated country in the world, so if you want an off-the-beaten-path adventure Namibia is a top choice for a rewarding and wild safari experience. Most of the country is mountainous desert - the Namib is the second largest in the world, after the Sahara - but there is also a long stretch of beautiful coastline to explore.

We’ve compiled a Namibia travel guide with the best reasons to travel to Namibia for every kind of traveler:

Namibia for honeymooners

Namibia is one of the best places to experience a romantic safari honeymoon. Known as one of the best destinations in the world for stargazing because of the vast open expanse of desert, cloudless skies, and lack of light pollution. Some of the best and most luxurious and romantic lodging properties in Namibia have rooftop starbeds and telescopes to make the experience extra special. And the remote nature of some of the accomodation options make for plenty of privacy, a lost-in-the-desert fantasy come true.

Namibia for wildlife lovers

Namibia is known worldwide for making efforts toward environmental conservation and protection of wildlife. It was the first country in Africa to include environmental protections in its constitution.Through various organizations like Africat or Save the Rhino Trust it’s possible to visit with rhinos, leopards, lions, cheetahs, and positively impact the preservation of these incredible species. Namibia is home to the iconic animals that make for a perfect luxury safari, as well as lesser known endangered species including the wild dog, oribi, and piku. For birders, Namibia’s Kunene River is one of the best places to observe rare birds from a boat or, for the more adventurous, while white water rafting.

Namibia for luxury seekers

Seeing the topography and ethereal landscapes by air is one of the most special ways to experience in Namibia. Fly by hot air balloon over Sossusvlei, the tallest dunes in the world, or Deadvlei with its wild-looking dried out camel thorn trees. Take a helicopter ride to explore the shipwrecks and seal colonies on the mysterious Skeleton coast. Stay at a luxury lodge and enjoy sundowners, spas, stargazing and more.

Namibia for adventure junkies

There are several ways to experience the soaring scarlet dunes of Sossusvlei, arguably the highest dunes in the world. Climbing them is an adventure in itself, even for very fit travelers, so another option is to jump on a quad bike for a thrilling ride over the hilly sands. The Skeleton coast isn’t your typical beach, so called for the seal and whale remains that have been pushed ashore by strong currents, and also for the ancient shipwrecks just off the coast, where sailors and their vessels met their doom on hidden rocks in the roiling waters. No wonder it was dubbed as “the land God made in anger.” Drive or ride by car or swoop along the rugged terrain in a low-flying plane - both are fun and adventurous ways to see the mysterious sights and wildlife that live in the areas that connect the interior of the country with the coast.

Namibia for cultural enthusiasts

Immerse yourself in local culture with an authentic experience with the Himba tribe, a fascinating semi-nomadic indigenous group living in the remote northwestern corner of Namibia. The Himba’s traditional cultural practices are very different from the western world. Both adults and children wear hairstyles and headdresses that signify certain life milestones have passed or how big their families are. They apply a substance called “otjize” made from butterfat and ochre to their skin for care and beautification, giving it a striking red hue. For a really special and impactful interaction, Epic Road clients can give the gift of light to one of the Himba communities by delivering LUCI solar powered lights. The Himba live without electricity, and solar powered lights help them work or study in the evening and cut back on respiratory illnesses caused by keeping fires lit inside huts.

Check out our Namibia page for the best luxury lodging options in Namibia, and more information on the best time of year to visit.