Take A Walk on the Wild Side
Regarded by Lonely Planet as ‘Africa for beginners’, Namibia has been rising in popularity as a destination for curious travellers - and it’s easy to see why. As the safest country on its continent, Namibia is a land of contrast. The breathtaking desert comes to life under endlessly expanding starry skies. You can experience ancient tribal history one moment, and meander around quaint Germanic-inspired towns the next. Not to mention the wildlife-watching opportunities that dreams are made of.
If you’ve been pondering an African adventure and want to explore the less travelled road, let me introduce the abundance that a Namibia holiday offers you.
A huge draw in Namibia is Sossusvlei, located in Namib-Naukluft National Park. The landscape is a sight to behold, with bright blue skies meeting giant red sand dunes to create a true natural wonder.
Some of the dunes rise to almost 400 metres in height and are a photographer’s dream - particularly if you can catch the sunrise or sunset. To make the experience truly memorable, I can arrange a scenic flight or hot air balloon over the majestic dunes, followed by a sumptuous toast to the occasion in the form of a champagne breakfast in the midst of the dunes themselves.
Another key draw is the coastal town of Swakopmund on the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast. Founded in 1892, this town is a swirling mix of Namibian and German culture, said to be more German than Germany itself!
Swakopmund can cater to travellers of all tastes. You can choose exhilarating adventures, such as skydiving and horse riding, or wander the laid-back streets when you want a break from the adrenaline, accompanied by a cool sea breeze.
You could also venture further along the coast and visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, where over 100,000 Cape fur seals can be spotted basking in the sun.
For Namibia’s most striking and rugged beauty, Damaraland is a must-visit. Untamed plains and ancient valleys meet deserts dotted with petrified trees. On a clear and cool night, the wide open skies make stargazing an almost otherworldly experience. Spitzkoppe, Twyfelfontein, and Vingerklip are key places of interest, and available activities include nature walks and guided drives.
Of course, I would be remiss to talk about a Namibia holiday and not cover the ‘S’ word: Safari!
Etosha National Park in the north of the country contains more land than the Serengeti and Masai Mara combined. Two parts of the park offer differing wildlife watching opportunities: Etosha East and Etosha South.
Regarded as one of Southern Africa’s most accessible game reserves, Etosha East’s plains, watering holes, and bush camps are home to wildlife in abundance, including lions, black rhinos, giraffes, and ostriches. Etosha South is something of a wild paradise, with white and black rhinos dotting the landscape alongside a multitude of plains game.
Due to the dry terrain that makes up most of the country, Namibia offers the chance to see rarer wildlife still, such as desert-adapted elephants. A daintier version of the creature usually seen in vast savannahs, the desert elephant has adapted to the harsher conditions to walk on sand and go days without water. Sightings are rare, but for your best chance, visit the Kunene region in Northern Namibia, near Brandberg Mountain.
Where to Stay in Namibia
Across every location, you will have your choice of the finest accommodation to suit your budget. Whether you choose standard or luxury, I will ensure your lodgings are stylish, tasteful, and injected with authentic African soul - not to mention an extremely comfortable place to unwind after a long day of adventure.
When to Visit Namibia
The best time of year for a Namibia holiday is between the months of July and October, with September being particularly pleasant as the temperature sits comfortably around 20 degrees with a limited chance of rain. The winter months, on the other hand, get very hot and there are far greater chances of thunderstorms.
September is also the best time of year for wildlife-watching opportunities - which makes it peak season for travellers. Accommodations and experiences fill up fast, so if you’re thinking about a trip in 2024, I recommend booking sooner rather than later.
How to get to Namibia
I can arrange flights from London Heathrow to Hosea Kutako International Airport via Johannesburg. The journey to Windhoek will take around 15 hours.
Once you arrive in Namibia, The wide open roads make it an ideal location for a self-drive holiday in your very own 4x4 vehicle. Just ensure you are ready for the many dirt track roads you will experience!
Or, if you want to really relax and soak up the scenery, I can arrange a private driver guide to escort you from beginning to end. Just about anything is possible when you book through Travel Counsellors - the only limit is your imagination.
So, are you ready to experience true adventure and walk on the wild side? Then nudge a Namibia holiday to the top of your ‘Must-See’ list - I would love to help you arrange the perfect trip there.
To get in touch, call me on 01234 581066 or email me at marco.williams@travelcounsellors.com to start planning an unforgettable getaway.