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
Wolwedans Boulders Camp
Wolwedans Boulders Camp is best for a 2-night stay and is ideally booked in combination with 1 or 2 nights at any of the other camps in the dunes, which makes for the ultimate dessert experience, sleeping a maximum of 8 guests in 4 spacious tents.
Boulders Camp is located within the private and spectacular NamibRand Nature Reserve.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
The Hoanib River Camp is located in Damaraland within a few metres of the iconic Hoanib Riverbed that offers up exceptional sightings of desert wildlife and birdlife.
The Hoanib River and Palmwag concession offer up some of the most amazing scenery to be found in Namibia, a truly wild and remote stretch of land waits.
Mushara Lodge
Located only 8kms from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern outskirts of the Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is ideally situated for travellers visiting the park, 10 thatched chalets are found in a horseshoe shape around the swimming pool.
Mushara Lodge, home to fantastic wildlife sights and safari experiences.
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Tented Camp is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in a privately owned Ongava Game Reserve, built from stone, canvas and thatch 16 guests are accommodated in Meru-style tents.
Excellent game viewing and safari drives are on offer, Ongava, one of the best lodges in Etosha.
Kalahari Anib Lodge
Kalahari Anib Lodge is the ideal destination from which to explore and experience all that the surrounding Kalahari has to offer.
Located with the Anib Kalahari Private Game Reserve, game drives and sunset drives are part and parcel of one's stay.
Kalahari Anib Lodge is located between Windhoek and the attractions in the south of Namibia, including the Fish River, Kgalagadi and the Southern Namib.
Namushasha River Lodge
Namushasha River Lodge on the Kwando River offers easy access to Bwabwata National Park and surrounding wildlife and cultural attractions.
The perfect destination from which to explore and experience the magical wildlife and birdlife on display.
Okaukeujo Rest Camp
Okaukuejo Rest Camp is located within Etosha National Park, 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting.
One of the few properties located within the park, home to exceptional wildlife.
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.