5 reasons why you should visit Namibia

It’s not easily accessible from the UK, that’s true. You’ll have an 11 hour flight to Johannesburg, a fairly lengthy transfer, and then another 2 hours on a plane, just to arrive 45 minutes outside Windhoek. But it’s all worth it, let me explain why.

Here are just 5 reasons of the thousands of possibilities

Unbeatable scenery

The fact that the country is so sparsely populated (right up the top of the rankings with Mongolia and Australia) means that there are uninterrupted vistas at every turn.

Sense of emptiness

As soon as you leave Windhoek city the reality of what lies ahead will dawn on you. Barely 10km out of the city and the tarred road ends and the adventure begins.

It’s a thrill to see “turn right” in 200, 300, 400km instructed on your google maps directions. It can also be daunting as you begin to run out of light at the end of a long day’s travel. On our longer journeys we would count the time between cars, frequently passing an hour or more before a single soul came in the opposite direction.

World-class wildlife

Etosha is a one-of-a-kind destination, surely the premier spot for a self-drive safari. The sheer concentration of game at some of the waterholes is breathtaking. First-timers are often thrilled to see a zebra for the first time, but Etosha you’ll see hundreds at once.

I cannot overstate how special it is to see Black Rhino in the wild, at night at one of the camp waterholes we saw 6 (six!) at once, interacting with each other, and standing up to the elephants. It’s great to see they are protected so well

Changing landscapes

Not going to lie, there’s a lot of desert. Sandwiched between the Namib and the Kalahari deserts: more desert.

But a trip into Damaraland is special – and if only we had more time it would be so much fun to push on into the even more empty Kakaoland. The rock formations are unique, and the sunsets more spectacular than anywhere.

However the real treat is the Caprivi strip. Home to three perennial rivers, the trees, the birds, the sounds and the smells are just completely different. If time permits, make sure you visit.

It’s an adventure you’ll never forget

It’s not a cop out, it’s the truth.

When you plan the trip yourself, and have to carry all the logistical worries with you, and make all the quick decisions when you find yourself in tricky situations, that’s what makes the memories. Sure you’ll have a great time on an organised tour, but you won’t get a feel for the country unless you do it yourself. Namibia is a safe and welcoming destination, and what’s more it’s super easy to plan yourself, so give it a go.

Small Holiday Big Dream