The Uyaphi team has compiled a list of the top Namibian destinations, which most safari itineraries would include.
Namibia is different from most African safari destinations. Instead of lush green forests or open savannas, Namibia's primary attraction is vast, open deserts interspersed with canyons, mountain ranges, and oasis.
The light quality is so clear that you have to check whether you have stumbled into some Imax experience. The same effect strikes you when you look at the night stars.
We have compiled a Top 10 list, and in no particular order they are:
Kolmanskop
Originally, a prime diamond mining destination and once populated by wealthy German Diamond miners. Now that the diamonds are all gone and the land has no financial value, it is an eerie ghost-town, offering only the rugged remnants of the town that once was. Located a few kilometres from the coastal town of Lüderitz.
Twyfelfontein
In the Damaraland region, this area contains one of the largest groupings of rock engravings in Africa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Most of which were made over 6,000 years ago by its ancient inhabitants. Archaic in design, they were crafted with stones and tell the stories and history of those times. The area is also well known for its scenery and desert Rhino populations.
Skeleton Coast
Off the north coast of Namibia, this area is a ship graveyard due to the harsh winds and wild waters which punish ill-prepared Mariners. One of the more remote regions of Namibia, it offers the sights of eerie abandoned ships, deserts landscapes, black-backed jackal, brown hyena, Cape fur seals and (if you are very, very lucky in the far north) Desert Lions.
Caprivi Strip
Featuring an area with an incredible amount of rainfall, the Caprivi strip has a wide variety of wildlife. Animals gather to drink in the lush, clean water of the Okavango River. It is currently a reserve with no fences, so tread carefully.
Spitzkoppe
A beautiful area that hosts a gathering of granite rocks created by volcanoes thousands of years ago. Spitzkoppe is located not far from the main road between Windhoek and Swakopmund and is definitely worth the stopover to see and photograph these spectacular rock formations.
Swakopmund
Namibia's most popular coastal town, featuring an extensive beachfront. It's the prime holiday destination for Namibian residents; to take in the sun and enjoy the warm Atlantic waters (in summer).
Cape Cross
This location is host to the largest gathering of Cape Fur seals in the world. They gather every year to breed around November and December. When they are all gathered together, it is a sight to behold.
Sossusvlei
A desert landscape that is vibrantly coloured by the sun at various times of the day. The colours and textures are gorgeous, but be warned; it can get extremely hot! Sossusvlei is included in almost every safari itinerary, and for a good reason. Simply spectacular.
Fish River Canyon
The second-largest canyon in the world (behind the Grand Canyon in America), this canyon is immense. With a gigantic river at its bottom, it offers travellers a long, beautiful experience. Sights, sounds, walks, hot springs, and sunsets all set the stage for a destination that is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is the premier location for a safari experience in Namibia. It features a wide variety of wildlife and beautiful surroundings. This is the place to go to experience the animals of Namibia.
Top 10 Best Places to visit in Namibia by Uyaphi.com
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Desert Lodge is surrounded by rocky outcrops that form the foothills of the Nubib Mountains; lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the desert from the comfort of your private veranda or experience the luxury of an outdoor shower with a view.
One of the few safari lodge options with both a main swimming pool as well as suites, each with a plunge pool.
Zambezi Queen Houseboat
Zambezi Queen, a luxurious floating Chobe River Houseboat, offers something very different from the normal lodges on offering the region.
Two or three-day cruise options are available on the Chobe River.
Swakopmund Hotel
The Swakopmund Hotel offers up a unique experience in the heart of the city centre; built in and around the old Station Building, the hotel combines architectural beauty with first-world comfort.
Excellent facilities, friendly staff and a casino option for those interested in a late-night round of blackjack.
Kalahari Farmhouse
With only 11 chalets, the Kalahari Farmhouse is small and intimate and ideally suited for those self-driving in this region of Namibia.
Kalahari Farmhouse is the perfect safari destination for those self-driving and exploring the Kalahari region of this fantastic country, Namibia.
Visits to a nearby Kalahari Game Lodge for game drives and nature walks can be arranged.
Onguma Bush Camp
Situated on the eastern side of Etosha National Park, accommodation consists of six en-suite luxury bungalows and one family room.
Onguma Bush Camp is ideal for families who would like to have a base from which they can explore Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
The Ongava Lodge is situated on one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, covering 125 square miles and offers game drives into Etosha, with luxury accommodation in 14 en-suite suites made from rock and thatch.
Ongava Lodge in a private game reserve bordering the Etosha National Park.
Kwessi Dunes Camp
Kwessi Dunes Camp located deep in the heart of Namibia's private NamibRand Nature Reserve, a mere 75-minute drive from the famed Sossusvlei.
A camp with a swimming pool that is open to guest year-round and is specially designed for those wanting to explore and experience everything that the Namib desert has to offer.
Doro Nawas Camp
Doro Nawas Camp is situated in the beautiful Damaraland on a small, rocky outcrop within the floodplain of a small tributary of the Huab River; guests are housed in 16 natural walled units that blend in with the surrounding scenery.