Nature-filled Namibia holidays

Holidays in Namibia unlock the natural beauty of southwest Africa. Explore along the super-surreal Skeleton Coast and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped onto the set of Star Wars. This is where the silken sand dunes of southwest Africa rise like tsunami-sized waves before slipping into the South Atlantic Ocean.

Travel further inland and the sand merges into vast canyons and flamingo-fringed salt pans as Etosha National Park conjures up opportunities to observe elephants, rhinos, zebras and lions in their natural Kalahari habitat. If you’re looking for a really wild holiday in Namibia this is certainly the best place to head to first.

Elsewhere, the capital, Windhoek, and smaller seaside towns such as Swakopmund, bring the country’s German and Dutch colonial influence to the fore. Following the threads of African and European heritage is made all the more fascinating in the company of an expert local guide. After all, the legendary tales of Africa are just as bright and abundant as the stars twinkling high above the folds of the desert.

Escape into the russet red hues of the Kalahari Desert on your Namibia holidays and there’s bound to be more than a hint of old-fashioned romance in the air. Towering sand dunes give way to acacia and camel thorn trees as well as the stomping grounds for elephants, meerkats and black-maned lions. Some of the sunsets are simply sublime and there’s no better guide than an indigenous bushman to lead you on an African adventure that will no doubt stay with you for many more moons to follow.

This is the largest canyon on the continent and an absolute ‘must see’ for anyone travelling in Namibia. Situated in the south of the country, inland from the Namib coastal desert, Fish River Canyon is made for exploring, with rafts, hikes and sunset drives all available for eager adventurers. Whether you’re interested in walking around the rim or just staying nearby and enjoying the peace, quiet and star-filled nights, Fish River Canyon is certain to be one of your all time Namibia highlights.

Set out onto the salt pans of Etosha National Park and you’ll be treated to an area of Namibia that’s renowned for its wildlife. This is where elephants, giraffes and endangered black rhinos are free to roam in the park’s protected perimeters. Visit just after the rainy season – March or April – and you’ll find a flurry of feathers with everything from flamingos to ostriches enjoying the replenished oasis.

Although Namibia has more than enough highlights for a holiday here, alone, you can also join an organised tour that will take you into some of the neighbouring nations, too. Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa can all be reached overland, or you can opt to fly from Hosea Kutako International Airport. Comparing and contrasting the countries of southern Africa is an absolutely incredible experience and bound to create innumerable adventures you’ll want to recount again and again.