robertb's Articles >
Namibia Top 5
May 18, 2010 in Active, Articles, Cafe, Climb, Scenic, Sights, Trek, Wildlife by Robert
loading...
Namibia is a beautiful and diverse country in southern Africa, with only a small population and so has plenty of wilderness. Namibia is a popular tour destination, but you can easily drive round yourself. Here follows my top 5 things to see in Namibia!
Sossusvlei
Vlei is an Afrikaans word describing a pond or marsh, however it is now often associated with the
fantastic red sand dunes that surround the many vlei’s in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The sand dunes here are some of the tallest in the world, with some over 300m high. You are free to explore them and climb all over them if you wish.
Swakopmund
This is a seaside resort on the Namibian coast and is notable for many German colonial buildings. When you are done eating Apfelstrudels and wandering along the promenade, check out some of the extreme activities available nearby – balloon trips, sky diving, sandboarding, quad biking, and more! If you are heading up to the Skeleton Coast, don’t forget to drop in on the Cape Cross to see one of the largest fur seal colonies in the world.
Skeleton Coast
This is probably the nearest you can get to seeing the end of the world! Named after the numerous shipwrecks and whale skeletons dotted along the coast, this desert appears totally devoid of life! However, it is a fascinating drive, with the ground changing colour depending on the minerals in the soil, and there is a wide range of life including elephants, lions and rhinos slightly inland from the coast.
Fish River Canyon
This is the second largest canyon in the world, and is located in the south of Namibia. It is definitely worth a visit for the spectaculr views, and you can enjoy a genuine wilderness experience by completing the 3-5 day Fish River Hiking Trail.
Etosha National Park
You can’t visit an African country without seeing some of the amazing wildlife, and Etosha certainly doesn’t disappoint. The park is split into two areas, one is only accessible by the private lodges, while the other area is open to the public. You are free to drive through yourself, or join a tour. There are a number of camps with huts and restaurants for you to stay overnight. The park is overflowing with wildlife, and you’ll have no trouble spotting the big cats, elephants, hyenas, zebra and more. A fantastic place.
See some more pictures in my album here.