Namibia is home to some of the most remarkable landscapes and incredible wildlife experiences in the world. From the hustle and bustle of the capital city and sandy streets of Luderitz to the eerie Skeleton Coast and wild plains of Etosha, there is so much to do and so much to experience in this vast desert country. A trip to the trees of Deadvlei and dunes of Sossusvlei are a superb introduction to the strange and beautiful landscapes of Nambia. The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and is a dreamscape for hikers and photographers. For something a bit more extreme, sandboarding down the dunes of Sossusvlei, quad biking through the open savannah, or surfing in the wild waters along the coast are some of the best ways to get your blood rushing. Skeleton Bay is a legendary spot for surfing and draws professional surfers from all around the world looking to surf its perfect left hand barrel wave. A plane ride along Skeleton Coast is the best way to witness the unreal beauty of Namibia’s awe-inspiring coastline. The northern parts of Namibia is where the real magic happens. Etosha National Park is one of the best game reserves in Southern Africa. It was declared a national park in 1907 and stretches for over 22,000 square kilometres. The rugged mountains of Twyfelfontein and Spitzkoppe conceal mesmerising ancient rock carvings and paintings, Kolmanskop is was once a diamond oasis but is now a ghost town, and Gamsberg is the best spot for stargazing in Namibia.

For shopping malls, Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay are the best places to go. The Grove Mall of Namibia and Maerua Mall are the two main shopping centres in Windhoek. Be sure to stop by the Namibia Craft Centre and Agra Safari Den while you are in Windhoek. Platz Am Meer is the go to place for shopping in Swakopmund and Dunes Mall is the main shopping facilities in Walvis Bay. If you need a good cup of coffee while in Swakopmund, head to Two Beards Coffee. You will also be able to find a number of independent stores and chain stores in the main cities, as well as local markets and stalls selling traditional Namibia arts and crafts. These are the best places for buying unique souvenirs such as wood carvings, Herero dolls, and Karosse rugs. Some of the most beloved markets in Namibia are Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market in Okahandja, Ûiba-Ôas Crystal Market near Swakopmund, Tulongeni Craft Market south of Ondangwa, and Windhoek City Market in Windhoek.

Windhoek is a pedestrian friendly city and everything is within walking distance if you are staying in the city centre, so exploring the city on foot is the best way to get a feel for the city and explore all the nooks and crannies. However, metered taxis are also widely available and can be arranged through your hotel. If you want to venture out of the city and explore the surrounding areas or head to the far north or south of the country, hiring a car is the best way to get around. There are kiosks for a number of reliable car rental agencies at many of the main airports in Namibia. You will also be able to find private tour companies that offer shuttle services and guided tours of the main cities and their surrounding areas.

Your options for where to stay depend on which part of Namibia you will be staying in. Windhoek, the sprawling capital city in central Namibia has a wider range of options than the northern and southern parts of the country. You will find plush hotels, charming guest houses, and affordable hostels in Windhoek. If you want accommodation the quieter parts of the city, Pioneers Park, Ludwigsdorf, and Suiderhof have a superb selection of places to stay. If you want to be close to the shops, restaurants, and general hustle and bustle, staying in the city centre is a better option. The coastal areas of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Luderitz have a good collection of guest houses, hotels, and seaside cottages, and if you venture further out to the north or south, your options become more limited but far more interesting. The desert areas of Namibia are famous for their safari lodges and desert camps. If you want an authentic Namibian experience, staying in one of these is an absolute must. You will find lodges on the edge of canyons and rivers or on the warm dunes of the Kalahari Desert. In the foothills of the Naukluft Mountains you will even find a desert wine estate with chalets and a tented camp. In northern Namibia, bush camps and luxurious safari camps offer up sublime views of the desert and vast open skies.

Direct flights to Namibia are available from Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg, while connecting flights to Namibia are available from most big cities and towns in South Africa. Air Namibia and Kulula operate non-stop flights to Namibia and South African Airways operates connecting flights to Namibia. The main airports in Namibia are Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), Eros Airport (ERS), Walvis Bay Airport (WVB), and Swakopmund Airport (SWP). Your estimated travel time to Namibia on a direct flight is about three and a half hours from Cape Town and Durban and about two hours from Johannesburg. The travel time on a connecting flight from South Africa to Namibia with more than one layover can be over 10 hours.

You may have seen it on travel websites or in magazines, but nothing can prepare you for the striking splendour of Sossusvlei. Situated in Namib-Naukluft National Park in the southern part of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is a white clay pan dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient camel thorn trees and surrounded by staggering tangerine and rusted red dunes. The dunes are some of the highest in the world. Big Daddy is a whopping 325 metres and Dune 45 is 80 metres. Climbing these bad boys gives you ultimate bragging rights, but the real magic is witnessing the sun rise over Deadvlei and the Namib Desert. Stay in a desert camp or lodge to make the most of this magnificent piece of Africa.