5 breathtaking Namibia highlights

In the southwest of Africa stretch almost untouched desert landscapes. Namibia has other unique natural wonders to offer besides its species-rich wildlife. 

We show you which of these impressive highlights you should not miss. 

1. Etosha National Park: The wildlife highlight in Namibia

In the north of Namibia, the Etosha National Park extends over 20,000 m². The most important game reserve of the country is known for its diverse wildlife. Besides the popular "Big Five" you can observe numerous other mammals here. 

The name "Etosha" means "great white place". The huge salt pan was formed by the drying up of a former lake. Even from space, the whitish area in the middle of the park can be seen. 

Nevertheless, you will find numerous water holes in this national park. Especially in the dry season, big game gathers there in huge herds. In the rainy season, thousands of flamingos come there to breed.

At this highlight of the country you will surely see some animals! 

2. Namib-Naukluft National Park: Desert Sea

West of the capital Windhoek lies the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Here you will find the oldest desert in the world directly on the Atlantic coast. The Namib Dune Sea was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2013. An absolute main attraction here is the Dead Vlei: a clay pan surrounded by dunes. The sand dune, which is over 300 meters high, is the largest in the world and it takes about one to two hours to climb it. However, the climb is rewarded with a breathtaking view. Right next to this natural wonder, the next one is already waiting for you: the spectacular tree cemetery attracts thousands of visitors every year. Countless tree skeletons form a picturesque backdrop, not only for photos, but also for Hollywood movies. 

3. Twyfelfontein: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Namibia is an absolute must. The name Twyfelfontein refers to a spring and valley in the middle of the Damara Mountains. Here is the most important site of rock engravings in Namibia. The engravings were carved into the sandstone with quartz stones and some are up to 10,000 years old. In total there are over 2,500 engravings, mainly depicting zebras, giraffes or elephants, but also hunting scenes. If you want to marvel at the drawings, a guided tour of almost two hours to the rock slabs in the evening sun is recommended. The light makes the artworks glow reddish and creates a magical atmosphere. 

4. kalahari: home of the san  

The core area of the Kalahari is in Namibia. However, the semi-desert is so large that it extends to South Africa and Botswana. At 1.2 million km², the area is about as large as the whole of South Africa and forms the largest contiguous sandy area in the world. 

On a visit, you can marvel at the characteristic red, fine sand of the dune waves as you drive over the highway through the middle of the Kalahari drive. Unlike a desert, the sand dunes here are kept stable by the plants. Many therefore also speak of a dry savannah.

For these reasons you will find a rich and unique flora and fauna. Especially thorn bushes and acacia trees grow very well here. Besides the typical savannah animals, the Kalahari is also home to endangered animals, such as the African wild dog. 

This place is sparsely populated and home to the San Bushmen. The indigenous people still live according to their traditional culture: the men go hunting and the women gather plant food. 

You should not miss this highlight on a trip to Namibia. 

5. fish river canyon: breathtaking views 

In the south of the country lies the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in America. The Fish River Canyon is about 160 km long and 550 m deep. Over thousands of years the rock was washed out by the Fish River. Therefore, the longest river in Africa gives the canyon its name. 

You will hardly find flora and fauna here. But you can marvel at the unique landscape. The numerous viewpoints are recommended for this. 

Guided hikes can be booked at the Fish River Canyon only be undertaken during the winter months. However, only advanced hikers should walk the Fish River Hiking Trail. There are also gravel roads leading to the viewpoints, so you won't be denied the breathtaking view. The best time to visit the canyon is early in the morning. At this time you can enjoy the colorful play of colors extensively. 

More about the impressive highlights in Namibia and a You can find a field report here. Or look directly at the TripLegend Namibia Adventure on. For daily travel inspiration, check out the TripLegend Instagram Profile over.