Namibia

Our Self-Drive 15 days Namibia Botswana and Vic Falls Itinerary – An African Adventure

October 9, 2019 by admin 8 Comments

Victoria Falls on the Zambian Side

I am sharing our self-drive 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary a thrilling African adventure that you need to add to your bucket list.

I have previously shared posts from my trips to Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is a slightly condensed version of our trip around southern Africa.

We spent a little over a month traveling around this part of Africa. This is very much a self-drive road trip itinerary through southern Africa exploring safari parks and African towns Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

So if you have been wanting to explore Africa, this should definitely help with planning your trip to Africa.

The itinerary is packed with adventures, from cruising the Chobe River in time for sunset, enjoying a scenic flight into Okavango Delta to witness the whirlwind adventure.

Taking a traditional makoro ride through the watery wilderness of Okavango to dune bashing in Namibian dunes and more.

Africa is what bucket list dreams are made of. Below is a Nambia and Botswana itinerary with the addition of a quick stop to see Victoria Falls.

Livingstone 2 Days (Zambia) And Victoria Falls

Getting to Livingstone: We arrived in Lusaka and booked a flight with Proflight via Expedia from Lusaka to Livingstone.

Depending on where you are coming from you can book flights to Livingstone. There are no direct flights so you will either have to use South African, Namibia, or Zambia as a hub and then take a local flight.

Or you can actually start this itinerary from the bottom up. Start with Namibia and work up to Livingstone.

The other option which I have done with no issues and I will share a post soon is drive from Lusaka to Victoria Falls. This is a 6 hour drive.

Where to stay in Livingstone: Also for tourists who are eager to witness the beauty of Victoria Falls, you can stay either in Zambia or Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls.

You can still experience both sides of the Victoria Falls; Zambia for a Livingstone Island and Zimbabwe for the incredible views of the Victoria Falls in all their glory.

We have stayed at Olga’s Italian, Tongabezi, Maramba River Lodge, Royal Livingstone Hotel but will share more on hotels in Livingstone soon.

Our lodgings at Tongabezi on the banks of Zambezi River.

Day 1 – Livingstone Town And Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls might not be the tallest waterfall but it is the most beautiful waterfall in the world. It is classified as the largest waterfall for the combination of the tallest and widest waterfall.

At times there is so much spray from the waterfall, that you can’t see the water but the “smoke” only.

Because of the sound of the water dropping from such a height, you can hear the sound of the water in the surrounding, earning a name Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”.

Wonder the craft markets nearby to explore the Zambian souvenirs and pick up some unique items or choose from one of the many optional activities available in Livingstone.

Whether it be a visit to the Mukuni Cultural Village, a tour of Livingstone Island, a Safari in Mosi-oa-Tunga National Park which I shared on Instagram, sunset cruises down the Zambezi, diving into the Devil’s Pool, river-boarding, horse riding or helicopter or micro flights over the falls.

When you’re in Livingstone, don’t forget to visit the Livingstone Museum, the oldest and largest of all the national museums in Zambia.

This museum is unique as it houses the most comprehensive memorabilia of Dr. Livingstone, including his original maps and personal effects and diaries in the Livingstone section.

This museum will provide you an extensive insight into the cultural heritage and the history of Zambia. Next to the Museum just a few meters you have the Livingstone curios market. For more on things to do in Livingstone check out my post.

Knife Bridge on Victoria Falls

In the evening, after having an adventurous day out, now is the time to get relax and the best place to do so is to have evening drinks and a lavish dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant.

As for the day, we suggest you have a delicious lunch at Olga’s Italian to promptly celebrate the beginning of your adventurous journey.

Pro Tip: Book your Livingstone Island and Devils Pool tour and other tours in advance as they need to arrange hotel pick up the day before also to avoid disappointment.

Also note the Devil’s pool is only available for a short period. Check out my post for more details.

A hippo in the foreground, with a river cruise boat in the background

Day 2 Livingstone Adventures

Have an amazing start of your day by having breakfast with elephants. Yes, you read it right, at The Elephant Café, you can have a delicious breakfast while enjoying the beauty of majestic elephants to kick start your adventurous day.

Do not miss this wonderful experience while in Livingstone as this café is now one of Zambia’s top-rated cafes and it encompasses three wonderful experiences and guaranteed to be a significant highlight of your Livingstone adventure.

After having an energetic breakfast with the wild, you can head back and visit the Victoria Falls, or head to check out the majestic crocodiles at Crocodile Park.

This attraction is just to the south of Livingstone and provides the opportunity to see some huge crocs at close quarters – behind the safety of a strong chain-link fence of course. It provides a great photographic point to made memories.

If you booked your Devil’s pool tour, this would be a great day to do it. If the answer is yes, in the dry seasons, the Zambezi River level drops quite significantly and with the help of an experienced guide.

You can actually walk on the falls and swim across the Zambezi the river to the Devil’s Pool, where you can behold the beauty of Falls by looking over the Falls to an almost one-kilometer drop below.

Feel the real adrenaline rush by experiencing the beauty of Victoria Falls in its earnest. For more details on this read about our experience of the Devil’s Pool and the Livingstone Island Tour.

For the evening entertainment, you can book dinner at the Royal Livingstone Hotel which has a few restaurants and amazing views. I will post more about this soon. There is also Avani as well as a lot more places to eat in the town center of Livingstone.

Sitting on the edge of Victoria Falls – AKA Devil’s Pool

Victoria Falls From The Zimbabwean Side

Day 3 Victoria Falls On The Zimbabwean side

As 90% of Victoria Falls is in Zambia’s side, the Vic Falls can be a witness its earnest from the Zimbabwean side. So it is a must to see the beauty of mighty Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side.

After crossing the Zimbabwe border, it is a short drive to the mighty Victoria Falls. The spray from the waterfall creates a natural rainforest so feel this breathtaking natural phenomenon in its fullest.

Feel the wonder in its other form by having an afternoon tea at Victoria Falls hotel, situated at a prime location overlooking Victoria Falls. An Edwardian-style hotel, it provides a unique view of the Falls.

Before having your afternoon tea, if you’re planning to have the adventure of your life, then we suggest you opt for the original and ultimate thrill.

The Victoria Falls Bungee jump that takes place in front of the largest curtain of falling water in the world. Having a Bungee jump in “no man’s land” is often voted as one of the top five adrenaline rush experiences.

To avoid moving to a new hotel for day 3 you can still base yourself in Livingstone and just day trip to Zimbabwe for Vic Falls views and afternoon tea.

Pro Tip: Make sure you enter Zambia or Zimbabwe with a multi-entry visa KAZA UNIVISA which costs $50. Bring dollars to make life easier. This saves you having to pay multiple times to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Be sure to also check out my post on the best times to visit Botswana.

Botswana 3 Days Kasane And Maun

From Livingstone, you have the option of doing a day trip to Chobe National Park for safari, but I would recommend heading to Kasane at the end of day 3 so that you start day 4 from Botswana. You can book the safari to start from Kasane as well.

Getting to Kasane: This is a short drive from Livingstone to Kasane via Kazungula Ferry crossing.

Where to stay in Kasane: I have also shared tips on where to stay in Kasane included details of where we stayed.

15 Days Namibia Botswana and Vic Falls Itinerary - Sharing our adventure please tips on how to plan your own African adventure. Everything from driving in Africa, safari tours, where to stay, Victoria Falls adventures, Botswana safari, Namibian dunes and More! #sossusvlei #dun45 #dune7 #chobe #vicfalls #livingstone #zambia #mosioatunya #nationalpark #safari #africa #traveltips #adventureawaits #etosha

Tourist watching an elephant crossing a river in the Chobe National Park in Botswana, Africa.

Day 4 Exploring Chobe National park

After starting your adventure with a bang at Victoria Falls, now is the time to pack your bags and move to another destination, Botswana.

If you’re traveling from Zambia to Botswana, you can stay close to Chobe National park which is home to the most diverse and majestic wildlife in Botswana by basing yourself in Kasane. In addition to Chobe, ther are many other tours from Kasane.

Situated on a vast 11,000 square kilometer of diverse wilderness, forests, swamps, and floodplains, Chobe National Park provides you spectacle view of all manners of animals and birdlife. Embark on a Chobe River cruise to get a different perspective of animals, cruise the river on sunset to witness elephants, buffalos, kudu, giraffe, bushback, and hippo along the water’s edge.

The Chobe National Park is divided into four distinctly different eco-systems: Scerondela with its lush plains and dense forests along with the areas of Chobe River, the Savuti Marsh, the Linyanti Swamps and the dry hinterland.

Our lodgings in Kasane Botswana

Day 5 Visit Kasane Town And Travel To Maun

Explore Kasane in the morning as it is situated right alongside the National Parks. You’ll get to witness hive of elephant, zebra, and giraffe.

Elephants splashing water and drinking from watering holes, zebras and giraffes blinking back at you from the roadside and elephant crossing the road, scenes like these will make your morning unforgettable.

When you’re in Kasane, grab your supplies for your long journey to Maun, Botswana’s primary tourism hub. Also note that you are likely to see elephants, baboons, monkeys, and other animals as there is no fencing around Chobe National Park. Please DO NOT feed any of the animals!

Maun – the main gateway to the Okavango Delta – serves as the main tourist attraction. With good accommodation options and a reliable mad mix of bush pilots, campers, volunteers and luxury safari files, it serves as a thrilling base for a day or two.

When you enter Maun, you embark on the journey to explore Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s great wildlife habitat and provides refuge to huge concentrations of game. You can read about our experience of the Okavango Delta on the blog.

Pro tip – Take local transport from Kasane to Maun and then rent a car from Maun. This is because there aren’t many rental companies that allow you to pick up from Botswana and drop off in Namibia. Currently, only Avis does this.

When we did Nambia, Botswana and Zambia, we used taxis in Livingstone mostly as they are cheap. Also as most tours will also include pick and drop off to hotels, we didn’t feel the need to have a rental car here.

Day 6 The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland. Covering somewhere between 6,000 to 15,000 square kilometers, the delta has the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and owes its existence to the Okavango River which flows through the Angolan highlands, across Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and into the harsh Kalahari Desert.

Very much at the center of Botswana’s safari industry, the Okavango Delta offers some of Africa’s premier camps and lodges, providing a variety of options to enjoy the superb wildlife, large populations of mammals and excellent birding particularly in the breeding season.

Make sure you book your Okavanage tours in advance so that your hotel pick-up can be arranged in advance of your early morning pick-up for the safari.

Evening drinks at The Old Bridge Backpackers in Maun on the riverbank.

There are plenty of things to do in Maun, if you have the flexibility to extend your time in Botswana. Another option for chilling out in the evening is to head to The Old Bridge Backpackers for evening drinks by the river. You can see pictures in my post on things to do in Maun.

Where to stay in Maun: There are plenty of options for where to stay in Maun, from hostels like the Old Bridge Backpackers and Motsebe Backpackers to mid-range hotels like Sedia Riverside Hotel and The Waterfront to luxury safari lodges like Thamalakane River Lodge.

Day 7 – Explore Maun And Grab Some Snack For Drive To Namibia

After experiencing the wilderness of Okavango Delta, you can explore Maun and work through the list of things to do in Maun or just chill by the pool as tomorrow you are embarking on a 10-drive to Namibia.

In the evening or early in the morning I would recommend heading into the Maun city center to buy some supplies before starting your journey. The drive from Maun to Namibia is very long! This is 10-hour of drive. Yes, we did this.

There were 3 of us so we switched drivers and had several stops along the way. If you want to avoid driving as well as the car rent you can book a flight from Maun to Windhoek. One way is about £300 so works out a lot more expensive if there are a few of you on the trip or travelling as a family. The drive wasn’t bad at all.

Many old timers speak fondly of the old days when all roads leading to Maun, and in the town itself were rutted and sandy.

That was a time of a “wild frontier” charm to the city but in recent years, the town has seen almost humongous development.

The town has shopping centers abound and luxury goods are easily accessible. The town is now a lot friendlier for self-drive safari-goers, making it a perfect stop to refill your supplies for a long journey ahead. There is a Shoprite, Nandos and many other stores to buy food and supplies for the trip.

Pro Tip: Pick up your rental car from Maun on day 7 to get ready for your drive to Namibia. I have shared tips on driving in Botswana. Will share more tips on driving in Namibia but roads are mostly good in Namibia.

Maun town centre where we rented our car

Namibia 8 Days Capital – Etosha & Skeleton Coast

Namibia is such a beautiful country and there so many amazing places to visit in Namibia. At a minimum you should be looking at a 7 day Namibia itinerary or 14 days in Namibia to fully see all that this country has to offer.

From safaris to the most stunning coastline you will ever see. You have seen nothing like the Skeleton coastline where deserts meet the ocean. Something to behold.

I am still longing to get my arse back to Namibia soon as I write this.

Day 8 – Drive From Maun To Etosha National Park

On the next day, start your journey and set off for Namibia after getting your supplies from Maun. It is advisable to bring all necessities for a self-drive safari because then you’ll be traveling for more or less 10 hours non-stop, with fewer stops for fuel.

But if needed, most requirements for a Namibia self-drive safari can be acquired in one of the shops on the way from Maun. Start your drive from Maun as early as possible. I recommend leaving by 5 am!

When driving from Maun to Etosha, I would suggest you book your accommodation in advance as you will most likely be arriving in the evening and will just want to head to bed as soon as you arrive.

As to enter Etosha National Park, move right onto the road up towards Shakawe and the Namibian border at Mahengo where after transiting Mahangu NP, you’ll reach Divundu.

From there along the Caprivi to reach Etosha. This route is a nice choice to move to Etosha as Mahangu NP provides you with a good half way stop with nice lodges and the chance of wildlife.

The road is pretty good as compared to other routes going to Etosha from Maun.

Where to stay in Etosha National Park: There are plenty of lodges to stay within Etosha National Park, many of which offer free breakfast and dinner.

Pro Tip: Stop for fuel as and when you see them because they are few and far between.

Pictures from our Okavango Delta safari tour

Day 9 – Etosha National Park

After entering into Etosha – as from the name “Etosha” meaning “great white area” – you’ll get an impressive sight of the dried pan in the middle of Etosha.

It is the biggest salt pan in Africa. Etosha National Park is the gateway to Northern Namibia and Ovamboland, making it a dream stop on any Namibian tour.

It is Namibia’s prime wildlife location. Its unique location and landscape provide you with the opportunity to see lion, elephant, leopard, hyena, springbok, giraffe, cheetah, zebra and much more. You can do a self-drive safari in Etosha but if you dont feel comfortable doing that on your own you can book a game drive safari in Etosha.

Explore the Etosha National Park in its earnest on this day. What makes this park unique is floodlit waterholes at all the main camps, making it any photographer or nature lover’s dream.

Most of the lodges have private patios o observe the landscape around you. The wildlife can be easily spotted because the park is so vast and the plant life is so sparse.

To sum it up, Etosha is a unique landscape that gives you an incredible and unforgettable experience.

In the evening I would suggest making your way from Etosha to Windhoek. The drive from Etosha National Park to Windhoek is just under 4 hours. A pleasant drive.

Day 10 – Explore Windhoek

After having an unforgettable experience in Etosha National Park, explore Windhoek, an urban city in Namibia that is well developed and provides affordable and comfortable accommodation options.

Situated in a valley surrounded by the Eros and Auas Mountains, with the Khomas Highland in the west, Windhoek provides some of the spectacle views. Windhoek’s architecture is a blend of both the modern and German colonial era.

Give this ancient city a tour to make some unforgettable memories. There are many interesting sights in the city, amongst them are Palace, Christuskirch, the monumental Supreme Court Building, and the Reiterdenkmal.

You can also visit the Old Fort Alte Fest – which is now the National Museum and the National College of the Arts – are some of the oldest buildings.

You have the option to do a Windhoek City and Township Cultural Tour, a cooking class and many other tours leaving from Windhoek.

Driving in Botswana

Day 11 – Drive From Windhoek To Swakopmund

On the day 11 of your 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary, its time to head to another one of Namibia’s central city; Swakopmund.

This a very popular Namibian seaside resort with pleasant summer temperatures. Swakopmund houses some of the many interesting historic buildings and an ancient lighthouse standing 21 meters high.

Note the drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund is about 4 hours. We set off from the city just after breakfast around 9am and arrived in Swapmund early enough to explore the town in daylight.

There are plenty of activities here to keep you busy for a while. You can visit the aquarium, situated along the Namibian coast.

You can see sharks and stingrays there. You can enjoy the scenic views by driving along the dune lined coastlines. Welwitschia drive which goes to the Moon Landscape at the Swakop River and further north into the Namib Naukluft Park is a must for self-driving safari-goers. We had dinner on at the pier restaurant

Swakopmund in Namibia

Day 12 Explore The Desert Around Swakopmund

This is the town where the desert meets the ocean. Dunes and crystal clear water invite the visitors to take part in various outdoor activities, like sand-boarding, quad biking or dolphin cruises.

The Bavarian-style town is surrounded by sand and a great way to explore the dunes is on a fat bike. Fat bike’s wide tires handle the sand brilliantly and you can have a thrilling adrenaline rush experience by tackling some monster dunes.

Namibia offers incredibly adapted wildlife that only a skilled guide can show you. There is a wide range of tours in Swakopmund to choose from, choose one and discover sand-diving lizards, web-footed geckos, scorpions, spiders, snakes and a variety of strange plants that you’ve never seen before.

Where to stay in Swakopmund: We stayed at the Gecko Ridge Lodge in the desert. There are more options in Swakopmund, including hostels and other hotels in Swakopmund.

Day 13 – Explore Walvis Bay

Only a 30 min drive from Swakopmund, another Namibian central town full of life exist which will enhance your experience of Namibia.

Walvis Bay is a harbor town with thriving fishing industry and sea salt production plant. Being a Bay area, it has some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars and a variety of affordable accommodation options if you wish to stay here.

We stayed in Swakopmund and did a day trip to Walvis Bay. Your planned itinerary in Namibia is incomplete without Walvis or Swakopmund.

Spending a day in Walvis is fairly easy as the journey to Walvis Bay from Swakopmund isn’t bad. There a few adventurous activities in Walvis Bay, from watching dolphins and pink flamingo on the bay to a catamaran cruise to see seals and dolphins, to kayaking and many other tours from Walvis Bay.

Another attraction worth checking out is the large natural Lagoon where thousands of seabirds, flourish. You can view Flamingos and Pelicans that are joined by at least 200,000 migratory species on the beach.

Another place you can add to your itinerary is Langstrand along the Namibian coast toward Swakopmund. This drive is scenic drives as is the Swakopmund to Walvis Bay drive.

Also On the outskirts of the town, the famous Dune 7 is the highest sand dune in the area where you can climb to the top to enjoy a great view.

On the evening of day 13 start your drive to Sossusvlei or you have the option of leaving in the morning of 14 of your Nambia itinerary.

Dolphins and flamingo on Walvis Bay in Namibia

Day 14 – Explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

On day 14 Start your day by traveling to the sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. Head for Dune 45 as early in the day as possible to bit the heat.

From Dune 45 drive to Deadvlei. This is a 20-minute drive from Dune 45 to Deadvlei. You cannot travel to Sossusvlei without visiting Deadvlei.

There is something eerie and unsettling about how everything looks there, as though it’s from another world or time. Enjoy the unrealistic scenery that you will never find anywhere else, in Deadvlei.

Getting to Sossusvlei: The drive from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei is about 5 hours but you can break up this journey by driving from Swakopmund to Solitaire and staying overnight and then driving to Sossusvlei to explore the Dunes.

Where to stay in Sossusvlei: There arent many places to stay within Namib-Naukluft National Park. The closest are around towns on the edge of the national park, like Solitaire hotels, Sesriem hotels or even Naukluft Mountains.

Deadvlei Namibia surreal landscape of dead trees

Day 15 – Back To Windhoek For Flight Back Home

This is the last day of the 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary. We had such an amazing time on this trip. I certainly hope this African itinerary inspires you to visit the continent if you haven’t already done so.

On day 15 you can head back to Windhoek for the flight back to home. The drive from Solitaire to Windhoek is 3 hours and 15 minutes or a little over that depending on how many stops you have.

If you leave in the morning that may give you some time to explore the city or even take a tour to see any of the cultural groups in Namibia.

Planning Your Trip

Namibia was one of our best adventures yet! I am sure you will love your visit. As always, if you have any questions. Comment below and I will be glad to help, otherwise, see more details on how to plan a trip to Africa.

As far as basics go:

Start saving money!
Check for flight deals on Expedia or Ebookers. You can start this itinerary from Botswana, Namibia, Zambia or even from South Africa.

Book your safari lodges in advance on Booking.com, Agoda or Hotels.com. Places like Tongabezi can only be booked via Expedia.
Check whether there are package tours available the make your first trip to Africa easier. Look at Contiki, GAdventures, and for similar itineraries.

Book your tours for safaris, river cruises as soon as you nail down your itinerary. You can find tour deals on Viator or Get Your Guide.
While all three countries are pretty safe to travel to. We didn’t have any issues at all. Make sure you have travel insurance to cover missed flights, accidents and everything in between should the worst happen.

Estimate your car rental from lots of pickups and drop off points. Depending on your starting point. You can also reserve your car rental via Expedia or directly via Avis.
Get planning and start your count down to doing your very own self-drive 15 days Nambia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary or perhaps even do a longer trip.

Sunrise on the Spitzkoppe stone arch of Damaraland Namibia

Additional Tips For Planning A Zambia Namibia and Botswana Itinerary

Don’t feel obligated to do safaris in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Research the animals that can be found in each of the parks and then pick two destinations. For example the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park does not have cats but I still had a safari in there.

Choose a variety of safaris, we have done a river cruise, safari drives, flight safari. Get a different experience from each country.
Look at different Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe tours on offer first and do a list of the ones that appeal to you. That way you are not essentially doing the same or too similar a tour in a different country.

Vary your accommodation options. We have stated in lodges, chalets, luxury tents, and hotels while doing the Namibia and Botswana self-drive itinerary.
There are multiple ways to save money on these trips. Some times that might mean doing a tour, sometimes it means doing a self-drive. Calculate how much budget you have for the African safari trip and look at where you can cut costs and still have a fantastic experience.

There you have it, our African adventure! So have you been to Africa, have you been inspired but the 15-day African itinerary? Where else in Africa would you like to visit. Comment below.

Also See

Share On Facebook or Pin To Board

An African Adventure – 31 Beautiful Places To Visit In Namibia

September 6, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Among the most underrated places on the earth is the southern African country of Namibia. Below are some of the best places to visit in Namibia. If you love adventure, nature, and culture then Namibia is the country you should visit if you have crave an African adventure – There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Namibia that will blow your mind! For tips on planning a trip to Africa make sure to check out my post with tips and a checklist.

Namibia is home to the oldest desert in the world, the tallest sand dunes, the game filled National Parks and games reserves. I have shared some of my adventures sandboarding in Namibia, road-tripping and exploring through Skeleton Coast, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Windhoek. There Below is not only a comprehensive list of funfilled and memorable places to visit in Namibia but also pictures of tourist attractions in Namibia.

Amazing places to visit in Namibia - Tops tips on the best places to visit in Namibia Africa - From Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Himba people, Skeleton Coast, Etosha Park, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Dune 45 and experience sandboarding and dune bashing, kayaking the Atlantic, and amazing safari parks. #africa #traveltip #adventure #sandboarding #flights #packingtips www.itsallbee.com

Swakopmund town in Namibia

ADVENTURE AND ACTIVITIES IN NAMIBIA AWAITING YOUR VISIT

There are plenty of tours in Namibia, from day tours to multi-day tours. These include safari tours, adventure tours where you can sandboard the dunes, kayaking as well as cultural tours exploring Namibia and its people. There are tours that give you all the highlights of Namibia all you can do single adventure tours like the following:

Dune bashing
Fat bikes
Camel riding
Climbing desert dunes skeleton coast
Forest walk
Sky dive over the desert
Capricon crossing
Boat ride in crocodile filed river
Dolphin spotting and flamingoes
Kayaking to pelican point and visiting seal colonies

EXPLORE THE CAPITAL OF NAMIBIA – VISITING WINDHOEK

There are plenty of cultural attractions in Windhoek to name a few interesting things to do in the capital;

Visit Nambian natives Kunene region
Visit Himba tribes (here you must show respect to the tribes and ask before taking pictures of and with tribe people)
Okakarara settlements
Visit the Herero people, the Kung San people near Tsumkwe
Fish river canyon

31 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN NAMIBIA & THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA

Namibian tourism and Namibia as a tourist destination, in general, has been growing in popularity over the recent yes with so many beautiful photography locations in Namibia and amazing adventures its no surprise. Below you not only get the best places to visit in Windhoek but places to visit in Swakopmund, amazing places to visit in southern Namibia as well as the northern side of the country. My husband and I had an amazing time exploring with all of our exploring done by road tripping around the country. So if you are worried about safety in Namibia, you need not be!

DEADVLEI & SOSSUSVLEI

This is among the 10 best places to visit in Namibia. One of Namibia’s most iconic sights is the unique dead trees surrounded by red sand dunes. The shifting of these massive sand dunes turned what was once a fertile marsh into a dry barren pan. Over time the winds move the massive dunes and have cut off water to a series of “dead vlei which translated means dead marsh. The ground dried into a cracked and crusty salty-clay and the only thing left is the skeletons of twisted Acacia trees. The trees are thought to be around 1000 years old, they are not petrified, but they have not decomposed because the air is so dry here. A visit to one of the few Deadveli’s is a must-see attraction in Namibia.

Deadvlei Namibia surreal landscape of dead trees

DUNE 45

Namibia’s most famous dune is none other than Dune 45. One of the best places to go in Namibia and among the popular and beautiful places to visit in Namibia. While Dune 45 is not the tallest in the Namibian desert, it is the most popular because you are allowed to climb this perfectly shaped sweeping sand dune. Every morning a handful of adventure ready visitors make the trek up to the top of this 80 meter (i.e 262 feet) tall dune. While it may look like an easy trek while looking up from the base, climbing Dune 45 at sunrise is no easy task, but worth every step.

FISH RIVER CANYON

One of the largest canyons in the world and the biggest in Africa, located in the very south of Namibia and is a sight to behold. The Fish River has carved out a massive canyon that winds its way through southern Namibia. Fish River Canyon is a great place to hike or just take in a sunset at the rim.

THE HIMBA PEOPLE

One of the most fascinating and rare groups of people that call Namibia home is the red-clay covered tribes of Himba people. They are most well known for their unusually red pigment that comes from spreading red clay on to their face and hair. This tradition dates back hundreds of years and is still practiced today. The clay is used as protection from the sun and pests and each application can stay on for weeks. The women of the Himba people also do not wear any clothing on the top of their bodies only the red clay.

Kaokoland is where the Himba people live. Yes, the real Himba, not the ones available to tourists for photos at the popular hotspots. The Himba are considered to be one of the last tribes of Africa living as they have for centuries with little use of modern technology.

They are frequently the subject of photographers who come from all over the world to capture their images. As a tribe that places importance on tradition of mutual and individual respect, it is expected of tourist and photographers to show high level of respect and cordiality when meeting the Himba People. Also tourist are mostly required to be respectful and seek their consent before taking pictures of and with the Himba tribe people.

Himba People

SPITZKOPPE

Known locally as the Matterhorn of the south, Spitzkoppe is a 120 million year old chunk of granite that sprang up out of the desert floor. Spitzkoppe is a 1784 meter tall rock formation is surrounded by nothing but miles and miles of flat desert. Although it comes up a little short compared to the real Matterhorn, Spitzkoppe is a sight to see in Namibia. If you make a visit staying the night is a must, the stars in the dry desert air will amaze you. You can stay in one of the chalets at Spitzkoppen Lodge.

MOON LANDSCAPES

A short drive outside of Swakopmund will take you to what looks like another world. Among the most interesting places to visit in Namibia. The Moon Landscapes of Namibia look as their name suggests like the surface of the moon. The dusty barren hills full of craggy holes and stones looks like something a lunar lander would encounter.

CHEETAH RESCUE

If you are looking for fun places to visit in Namibia then this has to be up there on the list. Namibia is home to the largest population of wild cheetahs in the world. More than 20% of what’s left of the world’s wild cheetahs can be found here. Unfortunately, cheetahs can sometimes prey on domestic animals like cattle and when that happens they are usually shot or trapped. An effort to save the cheetahs a few groups have started rescue efforts to relocate and rescue cheetahs instead of killing them. While in Namibia you can visit one of these rescues to see the cheetahs and here you can even interact with them.

SKELETON COAST

This has to be in the top 5 places to visit in Namibia and among Namibia’s tourist attractions. The harsh Atlantic Coast of northern Namibia has been dubbed the skeleton coast that is littered with shipwrecks. One of the best tourist attractions and places to visit in Namibia. The coastline quickly rises to a wall of sand hundreds of feet high. The Skeleton Coast is a sight you have to see for yourself. An epic way to experience this piece of Nambia is by helicopter or small plane to get a one of a kind ariel view.

ATV OVER THE SAND DUNES

Need more fun things to do in Namibia, how about riding through dunes? Hop on an ATV to combine the natural beauty of Namibia with adrenaline. Cruise on the expansive dune field up and down the tall dunes. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Namibia. If you ask me it’s one of the best ways to explore the dunes.

KOLMANSKOP SAND COVERED HOUSES

Made famous over the past few years by photographers this small once prosperous mining village is now overtaken by sand. This sand were known to be aided by the numerous sand-storm prevalent in this area.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Among unmissable the best places to visit in Namibia. This is Namibia’s premier game park is located in the northern part of the country and is full of wildlife and adventure. Inside the park, you can see everything from elephants to lions, even giraffes, and rhino. Due to the arid climate, the animals you’ll find here will be uniquely adapted to life in the desert. The best part of this park is how everything revolves around the watering holes bringing all animals close together to drink. For additional tips on Etosha National Park, check out this guide by The Unending Journey.

SANDBOARDING DOWN THE WORLD’S LARGEST SAND DUNES

If it’s adventure you are after then strap on a Namibian style snowboard and hit the sandy slopes. The only downside is there is no lift between runs making this sport quite the workout, so get ready to shed some calories.

STONE ARCH AT SPITZKOPPE

If you are looking for best photo spots in Namibia and cool places of interest in Namibia then another amazing sight near Spitzkoppe is the giant stone arch. An impossible-looking arch topped with large rocks is a photographers dream. The picture opportunities with the stone arch are endless and amazing, it’s definitely a must-visit in Namibia.

Sunrise in Spitzkoppe area with picturesque stone arches and unique rock formations in Damaraland Namibia

SEE ANCIENT CAVE PAINTINGS

Namibia was home to ancient cultures and there are many sites where cave paintings can be found. If you are visiting Spitzkoppe there is a site called Bushman’s Paradise where you can find drawings of animals dating back thousands of years drawn by man’s first ancestor (early men). Some of the best cave paintings can be found in Namibia’s UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein. Here you will find more than 2500 rock carvings and historical rock art in this 6000 year-old site.

STARGAZE IN THE DESERT

The dry cool desert air at night is perfect for gazing up into the night sky. Without moisture in the air, the night sky is crystal clear and stars are very visible. If you want to stargaze in Namibia plan your time during a new moon and the less light in the sky will make the stars shine even brighter.

LEARN A FEW WORDS OF A CLICK LANGUAGE

Another unique thing about Namibia is the many languages spoken in the country. None of which are more fascinating to visitors than a few remaining click languages. Speakers use a clicking or popping sound generated by the cheeks and tongue to accentuate their language. Sit down with a local and learn a few of their sounds and get a deeper look into the culture.

CHECK OUT THE CLASSIC CARS LEFT IN THE DESERT

Another trippy thing to do in Namibia is going on a classic car tour. Scattered all around the country are old cars left in the desert. The dry air keeps them in good shape and they are quite a sight to see among the dry barren landscapes of Namibia. A few places like the Canyon Roadhouse have a small collection of classic and antique cars parked forever in the desert.

JOE’S PLACE IN WINDHOEK SERVE DELICIOUS ZEBRA AND OTHER GAME MEATS

A must stop on any Namibia itinerary is Joe’s Beer House in the capital city of Windhoek. On the menu, you find a very exotic set of animals. Joe is a specialist in Namibian game meats including oryx, Crocodile, ostrich, and even zebra.

GET LOST ON THE PAN

Inside of Etosha National Park, there is a giant salt flat that stretches lot of miles. Here at the Salt flats you can put your photograph skills into use by taking those lovely shot with friends. There are diverse perspective here to toy with, while making your subjects bigger or small by positioning them on the endless horizon of the salt flat of the pan.

DAMARALAND

One of the most scenic areas of Namibia. A huge, uncharted, rugged and beautiful region that offers travelers an intriguing experience. The region is mostly inhabitted by the tribe called “Damara people” hence the name Damaraland. Here there are twyfelfontein rock engravings made by the infamous Bushmen dating back to thousands of years before civilization. Damaraland also host Namibia’s highest mountain and home to the famous white lady Bushman painting. More captivating is the over a million year old petrified forest.

HANGOUT AT THE ETOSHA WATERING HOLE AT SUNSET

Another top thing to do in Etosha National Park is to hang out by the watering hole located just on the other side of the fences to the park’s campground. At dusk, you’ll find all kinds of species of animals making their way to the waterhole for a drink. The wildlife activity goes on all night with elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and even lions if you are lucky.

SEE PREHISTORIC PETRIFIED FOOTPRINTS

This is no doubt one of the most famous site in Namibia. The unique climate of Namibia has frozen time in a few places around the country. A unique process and petrified footprints of animals and even dinosaurs for millions of years. One of the easiest places to see one of these sites is on a day trip from Swakopmund on ATV. Here you’ll also see footprints of people as well, more on the tour here. If you want to see dinosaur footprints you’ll need to make the trip up to Otjihaenamaparero Farm in northern Namibia. Here there are several examples of dinosaur prints (a ceratosaurus to be specific) frozen forever in 200 million year old sandstone.

THE TROPIC OF CAPRICORN CROSSING

One of the most photographed spots in all of Namibia is the big white sign precisely placed at the 23°26’13.0” South Latitude line along the dirt highway in Namibia. The sign is located along route C14 about an hour outside of Solitaire, Namibia.

Tropic of Capricorn crossing

ENJOY THE SEASIDE CITY OF SWAKOPMUND

Namibia is the 2nd least populated country in the world, but this seaside city of 44,000 people is a must-visit while in the country. The town has a low key atmosphere with lots of local eateries and specialty shops. Swakopmund is one of the top places to visit in Namibia, it is a great place to get gear and take a break during an adventurous trip to Namibia. Swakopmund is also a great place to base yourself in Namibia with lots of top attractions nearby.

DIVE OVER THE NAMIB DESERT

Get a face full of dry desert air while falling at over 100mph toward the Namib desert when you take the leap while skydiving in Namibia. Probably the most adventurous thing you can do in Namibia is jumping out of a plane. Skydiving here will give you some epic views of the desert and sand dunes along with an adrenaline rush.

SEE THE WILD HORSES OF AUS, NAMIBIA

Near the southern city of Aus, there is a herd of wild horses known as the Namib Desert Horse. They are thought to be some of the last remaining herd of wild horses left in Africa. If you want to see the wild horses a great place to spend the night and get more info on the horses is at Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Campsite.

CAPRIVI REGION

Going on a boat ride in the crocodile-filled rivers of the Zambezi in the caprivi region. Don’t worry about the crocs, they love to mind their business.

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING

Take a sea cruise with dolphin & whale; While Namibia is often thought of a desert country, its coastline stands in quite a stark contrast. Another spot on the top ten places to visit in Namibia. Travellers who chose to visit the Skeleton Coast can see the largest fur seal colony in the world, or take a whale and dolphine cruise. You could also be lucky enough to see one of the strangest looking fish known to man. The “mola” fish, also known as Moonfish or sunfish, are common in these waters where they feed of jellyfish.

WALK THROUGH THE QUIVER TREE FOREST

14 km north-east of the town of Keetmanshoop is the Quiver Tree Forest. Namibia is blessed with unique trees and plantation, some are the quiver tree can be found throughout Namibia, but the Quiver Tree Forest boasts 300 of these iconic Namibian trees in a very small area making it the perfect and guaranteed spot to see the trees.

Be sure to watch out for the quivers as they have poison-tipped arrows. Although the poison part makes us quiver at the thought, the trees are considered good luck for those who worship and nurture them.

CHECK OUT KUNENE REGION

Formerly known as Kaokoland, the few visitors that make it to this region of Namibia are rewarded by proximity to desert elephant, giraffe, lions, and the Himba people. Kaokoland also known as Kunene region is one of the last wilderness areas in Southern Africa, but visiting here doesn’t come easy, takes a lot of commitment and courage

You’ll need a four-wheel drive vehicle and have to be self-sufficient on your journey north. Roads here are a limited patchwork of dry riverbeds and rough paths that are more often trails or dry riverbeds.

BWABWATA NATIONAL PARK

Unlike most of Namibia, The Bwabwata National Park, which is located in the Caprivi Strip, is fertile and green thanks to the rainfall and the Cunbango River, a river that forms the famed Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Bwabwata is known as the “people’s park” because it is home both to wildlife and several villages in Namibia. Thanks to a progressive restock and relocation program of rare species such as the red lechwe and sitatunga, the park’s non-human population has increased in recent years. This focus on becoming an ecotourism destination has benefitted humans as well by increasing business and creating new jobs for the local population.

The park is a route for migrating elephants traveling from Southern Angola to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Popularly called “the KAZA region”, five countries collaborate to protect the majestic pachyderms’ seasonal path: Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Planning Your Trip To Namibia

So, is Namibia a good place to visit? Yes, it is! I certainly hope the above list Namibia’ must-see places and places of interest have managed to convince you just how amazingly beautiful this country is. Make sure you check out my other tips on how to plan a trip to Africa if you want to feast your eyes on more of the beautiful and famous places in Africa. Also, join my Facebook group on Africa Travel Planning where you can as many questions as you like and get tips on itinerary planning for your trip.

Also See

Pin For Later

How To Plan The Perfect African Trip In 13 Easy Steps

June 11, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

With another adventure, actually two adventures in Africa in about a month and 2 months after I thought I would share tips on planning a trip to Africa as I have been meaning to do that since the last adventures on the continent.

So if you are one of those asking yourself ‘how do I plan a trip to Africa? Well, this is the post for you! Whether you are looking to start planning a trip to South Africa, or Tanzania, or looking for tips on how to plan a mission trip to Africa.

The majority of the topics below are what you will need to consider when planning a luxury once in a lifetime trip to Africa or just how to plan a trip to Africa on a budget. So keep reading for the best travel tips to Africa!

Africa is not all just about Safaris, there are amazing beaches in Africa , amazing bucket list places like Lalibela in Ethiopia, mountain ranges like Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, not to mention we are blessed with Amazing weather so for those that are looking for the perfect sunny escape I have shared a couple of beaches to get your salivating over.

13 Things To Consider When Planning A Trip To Africa

First things, first, Africa is a continent and not a country. It is far bigger than people realise and this is something that is important when considering just how many places you can travel to in one trip. To give you an example, one of the Facebook groups I am in, there was someone who wanted to see Ghana, South Africa, Seychelles and Egypt in a 14-day itinerary for Africa. Those places are in four different corners of the continent!

This person would have spent half their time flying. Not to mention just how costly it is to fly around the continent, as we don’t yet have an abundance of cheap airlines like those found in Europe. The likes of RyanAir, EasyJet, Wizz don’t yet exist in Africa.

Even then it still doesn’t change the fact that travel from North Africa down to the South is still a few hours of flying.

One of my pet peeves is when people treat the continent as if it’s one country. There are 54 countries in Africa, thousands of languages, different terrains, landscapes, tribes, and oh so many beautiful and amazing destinations that will BLOW your mind.

Bear that in mind when planning. With regards to safety, rather than let the fear of exploring this amazing and varied continent, let’s get you planning a trip to Africa!

Safety In Africa – Let’s Talk Misconceptions

For decades the media has portrayed Africa in a bad light and one of the reasons tourism has been slow to take off in African countries. The fact is all that is BS. Africans are the friendliest bunch you will ever meet.

Travel in Africa is pretty safe, if anything the main things you need to worry about safari animals when driving through rural areas at night. As always just practice common sense in busy areas like markets with wallets and bags – like any place around the world. If you can get pick-pocketed in Europe, that can also happen anywhere and that includes Africa.

All my travels in Africa have gone without a glitch and the majority of them are self-organised. I booked everything myself from tours to accommodation, driving around from Zambia to Botswana and then onto Namibia., all of which are among the safest countries in Africa that you can visit.

My family since growing up have always driven between Tanzania and Zambia where I am from as well as Zambia to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and never heard of any incidents apart from cheeky monkeys a couple of safari animal at night…other than that I have driven at night from Botswana to Namibia all perfectly fine! You can certainly take on an itinerary of South Africa’s garden route with no issues.

So, like I said common sense is all you need. As far as anyone asking themselves ‘is Africa safe to travel to? Yes! I am not just talking about the popular destinations of Morocco, Egypt and South Africa.

So branch out My next African adventure is a solo trip so I will keep you posted on that trip soon! For additional tips on putting together the perfect itinerary for Morocco check out this 9 day itinerary from Lina.

Pick A Country In Africa – Flight Routes

As popularity for African tourism grows the more flights that now have routes from Europe, the Middle East and American continents into Africa.

There are already a couple of routes from Dubai. Making it easy to do weekends in Zanzibar from Dubai. Also, there are now direct flights from the USA to South Africa. Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, KLM, British Airways all now fly frequently to African destinations.

You can usually get great deals from Expedia, Lastminte, Ebookers and directly from Emirates. So the first thing to do when planning a trip to Africa is really picking a destination.

That will determine everything from activities, packing, vaccines, visas and accommodation. Another thing, as I mentioned above, picking your destination will determine what other countries nearby you may be able to add to your African itinerary.

Visa Applications

If you have a European or American passport then the majority of African countries will have visa-on-arrival which usually means you will also need to pay cash for your visa so always bring at least a couple of hundred dollars cash with you, especially for those that like to use credit cards. It may not always be possible to pay by card. Most visas will set you back $30-50 depending on your passport.

My husband paid $50 the Zambian visa and I think the others ranged from $20-40. That adds up if you are doing multi-country like my husband and I did. Luckily for me, I have a Zambian passport and can travel visa-free to most countries in Southern Africa.

Different story for the countries in the North as I have paid for visas ranging from $40-60. Still cheaper than how much I pay for visas across Europe and my £100 visa to the USA.

Note: Many African countries expect you to not turn up with your passport expiring within 3-6 months. You risk being sent back!

15 Important Things To Consider When Planning A Trip To Africa - How To Plan The Perfect Trip!

Victoria Falls from the air in the afternoon

Health and Vaccinations Required In African Countries

Many countries require you to take shots for Yellow fever and have the certificate with you, for your own health and safety research each county’s requirements as well as taking malaria tablets before travelling.

Before our multi-country African adventure and Asia as they were done in succession with not too long a gap we had a trip to the General Practitioner in London to run through the countries we were visiting and which vaccines we needed.

I would advise you to do the same. Most vaccines last between 5 to 10 years so you may not need them if you travel often and keep your vaccine update.

I recently came across my notes on the vaccines I had done, which have now expired so I need to book for more needlework. I guess I better get to those squats to make sure the glutes are ready for the injections 😀

Another important accept to think about is the water. While the water on taps might be safe to drink unless you are moving to the African country you are visiting I would advise you to buy bottled water instead.

Avoid tap water and ice in drinks. If you are moving to Africa you still need to acclimatise to the local water.

Packing anti-diarrhea pills tablets, especially for those moments you forget and add ice to your drinks like we did. Yep – ended up having to cancel one of tours because we had a case of the runs!

Thankfully we were staying in this beautiful Garden Lodge we had two ourselves which thankfully had two toilets. To this day it gives me the giggles to think about that day.

How To Plan A Trip To Africa On A Budget (Your Budget!)

Majority of the expenses on your trip to Africa will be your flight the rest can be planned depending on your style of travel. If you are looking for how to plan a trip in Africa on a budget, you can easily save money by staying in guesthouses, hostels as well as booking cheaper tours.

If you like a luxury style of travel there are plenty of places from amazing hotels, to stunning luxury safari tents in the middle of a game park. There are ways to save if you are traveling on a shoestring.

Accommodation

Dependent on type of activities you have book on your trip, there are stunning luxury and budget accommodation all across Africa. Whether you are looking to stay in luxury safari tents in the wilderness(if doing this make sure you book in advance).

Whether you are looking to stay in the dessert and experience Bedouin culture in Morocco or experience nights under the star-lite skies in the Namibian desert, luxury accommodation on the Zambezi as hippos, crocodiles roam freely – read about our experience in at Royal Victoria Hotel and Tongabezi.

If you want to experience budget or lux accommodation while sampling Africa’s many stunning beaches from The Red Sea to the Indian Ocean to Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean. There are plenty to choose from.

Luxury Safari Tents: This is glamping on steroids. A tent with all mod-cons of a luxury hotels room plus fabulous views overlooking rivers or game park. Within this there are different levels of luxury too. From the luxury tent, we stayed in at Maramba River Lodge to the super luxury the likes of The River Club.

Guesthouses and Lodges – With this option, you get the best of both worlds. You have solid walks but with the option of having accommodation still located near or within a game park.

Chalets: Traditional round huts with similar offerings to what a hotel room would offer.

Camping: While some may offer to rent the majority of our tents of accommodation that offer camping spots, you have to bring your own tent. For those doing a longer trip, there are tours that offer camping in the wild. Always make sure you ask as many questions about safety, especially if camping in places near wild animals. This is their territory and not yours.

Hotels: This needs no explanation.

Booking Accommodation: We booked the majority of our hotels and lodges on Booking.com and Expedia.

Travel Insurance

Never travel without travel insurance. Whether you are doing an easy city break or adventurous activity like white water rafting on the Zambezi, hiking in the Atlas Mountains or a walking safari with wild animals.

All of these activities are not covered in standard insurance so always make sure you check what is covered as well as whether they cover for cancelled flights, lost gadgets and anything else that may be of value to you. For the best deals check out Insure for Travel, Alpha Insurance or Travel Super Market,

African Trip Cost – Planning Your Budget For The Trip

Just like with any trip, there are so many little things you will need to purchase that all add up. Things like trips for vaccines, insurance, gadgets, clothing and activities specific shoes, your flight, hotel, transportation, tours, food, travel books and guides.

All these things no matter how little all add up, so in addition to looking at everything else mentioned in this post always look at what your limit is and then cut where possible.

So you might want to splurge on a luxury safari camp, but then cut down on certain tours or go budget on accommodation for some places you visit. Also while combined Safari packages may not suit all budgets, there are cheap alternatives too.

The beauty of costing the trip is that if you are traveling from Europe or the USA your dollar, pound or Euro will go very far in most African countries because of the currencies being lower. We have luxury hotels and budget ones so you can extend your spending as much as your bank balance will allow.

For our tips in southern Africa, we splurged when we started at Tongabezi and then went budget during our other stays at Maramba River Lodge and then accommodation in Nambia and Botswana was super cheap for really comfortable stays. We had a lovely guesthouse in the desert in Swakopmund that I shared on the blog.

Activities and African Itinerary Planning

There are plenty of tours throughout Africa, from glamping tours in Africa to River cruises on the Zambezi, walking Safaris, to sandboarding in the Namibian desert. The world is your oyster. Most of these you don’t have to back in advance if you have a fairly relaxed itinerary.

If you have a fixed African itinerary I would suggest booking way in advance for activities like glamping in safari parks, especially if you are looking to experience an African Safari with accommodation in any of the national safari parks in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi.

This is truly a majestic continent with endless bucket list activities. From sandboarding in Namibia to surfing in Senegal or deep sea diving in the Red Sea or Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda to shark diving in South Africa.

Best Time For An African Safari – Best Times To Travel To Africa

There are several safari parks in Africa, from Kruger National Park in South Africa, Moremi and Chobe National Park in Botswana, Etosha in Namibia, to Masai Mara in Kenya and Ngorongoro in Tanzania.

All offer an amazing experience to see not only the Big Five but beautiful pink flamingo, wild cats that you never even knew existed. Any time is a great time to have an African safari, but if you planning a safari trip to visit during the Wildebeest migration then make sure you are visiting during that particular season.

The animals tend to follow where the water is. During the dryer months, they tend to be more scattered as they move in search for water. For tips on the best African countries for a safari check out the handy guide by Adventurous Feet.

Wildebeest Migration – If you are visiting especially for The Great Wildebeest Migration, any time is good as these amazing creatures are always in search of water much like all the animals. They will always be on the move for fresh grazing water.

If you are especially booking for this make sure you tell the tour operator you end up booking with. The best places to see this is Tanzania during the months of June and July as they cross the Mara River from Tanzania to Kenya.

Self-Drive or Arranged Tour – A self-drive allows you the freedom to plan out your own adventure. Also, make sure you have an international driver’s license. Also, depending on the time you are visiting you will need to make sure that you book a suitable car.

During some periods, like the rainy season its usually preferable to have a 4×4 so your car doesn’t get stuck in the mud but these really depend on which park you visit.

Another thing to note is safety, make sure you don’t do unnecessary stops to get out the car while exploring the national parks. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the surroundings. We have seen some crazy stuff during our adventures. Just don’t be those crazy tourists.

What to pack for an African Safari

I will do a full post on this but when it comes to what to wear on a safari is that its best to keep it simple. Keep to creams, khaki’s and beige shades to help you blend in with nature of the safari landscapes.

Stay away from bright colours, not just because of the safari animals but because of insects as they love strong and bright colours. So, in order not to attract them, keep it simple.

When To See Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls draws in crowds all year around but there are some activities on the Zambezi that can only be done during particular times in the year.

Activities like visiting the Devil’s Pool, white water rafting on the Zambezi, bungee jumping, scenic flight over the falls by helicopter or microlight to abseiling.

The Zambezi is usually at its lowest between October and December and its highest between March and May. Depending on when you visit some of these activities may not be available as they are seasonal. For the full list of tours check out Aviator.

Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls

Getting Around African Countries – Flights, Buses And Rental Cars

Travel between cities and between countries gets better and better by the year. As I said above my family is used to driving between countries in Africa as it was easier and cheaper when flights weren’t readily available or were too expensive.

Although not many, there are also budget flights between cities, for example when I took my husband for a little exploring back home we landed in Lusaka and after a few days of explore we booked flights with Proflight from Lusaka to Livingstone.

Just do a little research as some of them may not have the same level of advertising as budget airlines like RyanAir or EasyJet but airlines are there. With China moving to invest in Africa(worryingly so – considering we are yet to recover from colonisation but that’s another post for another day.)

As far as public transport goes, there are buses between cities and between countries. While we found buses to be easier for intercity travel, I prefered rental cars when getting around.

It just gave us so much freedom. We had a wide range of transportation modes. While we were in Zambia we used a combination of taxis and buses. The crossing from Zambia to Botswana was via the ferry at Kasungula but more post on that to come.

Rental Cars In Africa

There are plenty of rental cars throughout the continent. For my last trip some areas we drove, some we book flights and some places we used buses. For example, taxied from Livingstone to Kasane and then from Kasane to Maun we traveled by bus and from Maun to Namibia we rented a car.

You can book a car rental in advance from sites like EasyCar which has a wide range of coverage from Avia, Almo, Budget, Thrify and more. Many of these you can collect right when you arrive at the airports. If you are doing your own self-drive itinerary in Namibia or self-driving in Botswana as we did you need to make sure the rental company provides you with additional paperwork to cross the border.

The border checkpoint will ask you for this paperwork. Failure to provide it make means may not be allowed to cross the border. When it comes to road conditions, the majority of the roads are great but there some potholes in some areas.

Roads from Botswana to Namibia, Zambia to South Africa or Zambia to Namibia are all pretty great it’s only when you are in some rural areas that there may be potholes.

Exploring Africa and Interacting with people

I have resisted doing tours like seeing the Himba people because in my eyes the treatment of those people is usually as if they are props.

I love that people are taking an interest in visiting Africa but please treat people with respect and know that poor does not equal stupid. Do not use people as props in your pictures and videos. If you are going to take pictures with people, be respectful and always ask!

Also, when taking pictures of/with children – avoid this if possible unless you ask for consent from an adult guardian of the children where possible. If you want to learn about the culture and the languages(of which there are many), do this while showing respect to your fellow human being.

Solo Travel In Africa

As I mentioned above, Africa is as safe as any place when it comes to travel. I know many females that have traveled from North to South of Africa without many issues. Consider the above tips when planning your trip for Africa. If you are looking for inspiration or tips planning specific countries in Africa.

Check out Travel With Katchie who has travelled solo from Tunisia to South Africa passing through The Gambia, Ghana, Gabon…all the way to South Africa where she is from. Also, check out Lee Litumbe’s Spirited Pursuits who has many posts on West Africa.

Group Travel Tour Or Self-Organised Itinerary

When it comes to how to plan travel to Africa, there is the self-organised route or doing a tour. Sometimes doing a tour allows you to explore many different places with ease as everything is all arranged for you.

Especially if you want to cover a lot of ground in a new place. If you visiting Africa for the first time, sometimes this may provide a great introduction to the continent.

There are tours in varying sizes from small group tours to tours in varying lengths of the trip. Below are a couple of tour companies that offer tours around Africa. Single countrie and multi-country. From private to group tours.

GAdventures – They do tours around the globe and have plenty of amazing deals to Africa throughout the year. They also do a tour similar to our itinerary covering Victoria Falls, Botswana and Namibia. They also have tours that combine South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania tour as well as Uganda for gorilla trekking. You can also read G adventures reviews here.

Contiki – They do tours similar to GAdventures but are geared towards the 18-35 year olds.

Aviator – They do an amazing collection of tours from around the world. I love that they have tours that range from 30 minutes to a few hours and multi-day tours. While the above tour will have specific tours covering mainly southern safari countries, Aviator has tours spanning the whole continent. From adventure tours in Africa to food tours, walking tours, hiking and everything in between.

Lonely Planet – They do great travel guide for destinations around the world but as I am currently planning my next trip to Africa I have recently found out they do tours as well.

Trip – They specialise in multi-day package tours to Africa that range from private to group tours.

Exodus Travel – Out of the above Exodus Travels covers a wide range of destinations in Africa and many of their tours include flights whereas the above don’t. If you have a set limit of how much you want to spend on your trip to Africa this is a great way to get your trip within a certain budget and set time with flights, accommodation and tours all sorted out for you. All you have to do is pack(and sort out visas and vaccines of course!)

How Long To Travel In Africa

How much time you spend in Africa will depend on how much time you have. I would highly recommend at least 2 weeks in Africa, especially if coming from far away.

My trips to Africa are usually 3-weeks to a month-long but your don’t necessarily have to spend that long. How long you have will determine just how much you can do on your trip.

If you want to do a multi-country itinerary in Africa I would advise you to stick to one region. Say, you want to do 3 or four countries in 2-3 weeks just stick to Southern Africa, or West Africa or East Africa.

Don’t try and East, South, West and North in such a short time. It’s not only near impossible but tiring. Katchie did Tunisia to South Africa in 6 months, all by land.

I also know another person that started from Egypt to South Africa in about 6 months to a year! Again all was by land.

What To Pack For A Trip To Africa

As I mentioned above, Africa is HUGE! This means all manner of weather but for the most part packing for a trip to Africa involves plenty of summer dress due to the amazeballs weather we have throughout the year.

There are places that see snow sometimes, like Tunisia, parts of Morocco and being on the Atlantic coast Namibia and South Africa can have some colder and cooler months.

What you pack for your trip to Africa will very much depend on what your activities are. Surfing, hiking, diving, or plain old beach holiday.

Just check the time of the year and park according to what the weather says and what you will be doing. Essential items include insect repellent, sunscreen as well as binoculars when doing a safari. You will thank me!

Africa Travel Checklist

Below is a checklist for everything mentioned above to help you put your trip together. You can pin the Africa travel checklist as well as print it out and tick off items as and when you put your travel plans to Africa into fruition.

There you have it! How to plan a trip to Africa in tips. Have you been to any of the African countries? Is this your first trip? What are your thoughts on anything missing on the tips below to get your planning a trip to Africa?

Also See:

Found this post useful? Pin it to your travel board.

Swakopmund Accommodation | Tips On Where To Stay For Every Budget

July 26, 2015 by admin 4 Comments

When it comes to Swakopmund accommodation there is plenty to choose from. We had an amazing adventure in Namibia and below I will share tips on everything from cheap accommodation in Swakopmund, affordable self-catering accommodation to luxury accommodation in Swakopmund on the beachfront. I have always believed that where you stay when you are on a holiday or an extended road trip can make or break a holiday.

Staying in the busy, noisy and hectic parts of a city when you travel don’t do your search for rest and relaxation any justice, nor does staying so far away that it makes exploring difficult. Out African vacation last year saw my boyfriend and I explore Zambia, before driving to Botswana for his first African safari vacation, then extending our road trip to Namibia’s desert dunes. This was of course where we were going to be doing the sandboarding in the desert dunes, the thing that bucket lists are made of. It’s been on my bucket list for a long, long time. My brother who now lives in Botswana joined us for this part of the trip too, which also made things easier as we could take turns to drive the long distances.

If you are a lover of road trips I would highly, highly, recommend driving in Namibia! The roads are endless with beautiful backdrops of mountains and desert landscapes. There are many stops for markets, small townships along the way, not to mention the roadsides have small tables and seats built for pit stops for a break from driving or just a stop for lunch. It’s great to see that the roadsides have designated stops, almost as if to encourage resting between long drives. For additional tips make sure you check out my itinerary post on how to do 15 days in Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls.

self catering accommodation in swakopmund namibia | swakopmund accommodation specials | municipal accommodation in swakopmund swakopmund self catering holiday accommodation | cheap holiday accommodation in swakopmund

swakopmund accommodation bungalows | swakopmund hotel accommodation | accommodation in swakopmund near the beach |

Our Stay In Swakopmund At Gecko Ridge

With a hectic and packed itinerary, I wanted us to have peaceful and comfortable places to stays. Having driven 10 hours from Maun in Botswana, we landed in Windhoek, Namibia late in the night. With a few hours to explore Namibia’s capital the following day, we then set off for the Skeleton coast but based ourselves in Swakopmund. People almost always assume visiting Africa is expensive. It’s not! The main expensive thing is the flight but even that these days, if you know where to look you are in for an adventure.

You will find most of the hotels typically available in Europe and most come with an even better view of nature than a view of the concrete jungle. Our stop in Windhoek for the night cost well under £100. So you will get more for your money too. That’s for a small suite, and a double room, all including breakfast for the 3 of us. There are plenty of options to choose from. You can also opt to do camping in Namibia if you wish.

This was also the last minute booking because we couldn’t find the hostels we thought we were going to stay in, having arrived so late and me getting a little bit on the hungry and cranky side. This was very much last minute of the next available place I could find.

With only a day to explore the capital, we set of for Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. This is the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean and stretches up towards Angola. The local people refer to it as “The Land God Made In Anger” while the Portuguese sailors apparently refer to it as “The Gates of Hell”, because of whale and seal bones as well as the many shipwrecks that litter the shore.

We based ourselves in Swakopmund. A town that seems as if it had been plucked right and of Germany and dropped in Namibia. Architecture and language spoken is mostly German. As beautiful as the town is with its gorgeous beaches on one side and sand dunes on the other. I wanted a low key and quiet spot. I found Gecko Ridge Guesthouse in Swakopmund.

The owner an architect who made a deal with the landowner to be paid in land for helping the owner of the land to divide the acres of desert lands he owned. His portion of the land he builds this beautiful guest house which also comes with private chalets on the grounds. For more options on where to stay in Swakopmund, check out this list of hotels and guest houses in Swakopmund.

As the chalets are almost in the middle of the desert, we had uninterrupted views from either side. This has I witnessed the sun setting and the moon rising. I had sat by the window which gave way to the view of the sun setting – this huge, boldly orange bulb lowering into the horizon. It looked so beautiful and mysterious at the same time.

I had to run back in and get my boyfriend and my brother to have a look, and of course my camera! From a picturesque and hypnotising sunset to a moon rising all in one beautiful evening. I was so hypnotised that I fumbled my way through camera settings, being more interested in actually enjoying it that capturing Instagram worthy shots. They don’t call this place a “haunting beauty” for no reason.

One of my reasons for choosing this place was because I knew it would be away from the small town’s light pollution. This gives me ample opportunity for a diamond lit skies that I was looking forward to. The thing that Rhianna’s “Shine bright like a diamond” are made of, but even better.

My boyfriend and I had a chalet, basically a fully kitted out one-bedroom house with lounge, kitchen and private backyard perfect for summer barbecues. My brother had a double room in the main building. The house and chalets were all designed and built but the owner. All modernly decorated.

The pool is definitely one of the house’s main features. The breakfast room opens up to the pool area, this is also where one of my favourite features is. An onsite garden with peacocks roaming the grounds. The whole place is tranquil and idyllic.

affordable self catering accommodation in swakopmund | namibia self catering accommodation swakopmund | luxury accommodation in swakopmund

swakopmund guesthouse accommodation | swakopmund accommodation sea view | cheap accommodation in swakopmund self catering

Where To Stay In Swakopmund | Available Options For Swakopmund

Whatever your budget there are plenty of options for where to stay in Swakopmund. There are plenty of options, from pet-friendly accommodation in Swakopmund. If you are after budget accommodation that is that too, including plenty of options for backpackers too. For a full list of hotels in Swakopmund click here.

Budget Hotels And Hostels

All of these places are all under £40 per night. With many starting at £20 per night. Whether you are looking for affordable accommodation in Swakopmund near the beach, there are many cheap hostels and hotels close to the beach and also offer many activities on site.

Salty Jackal Backpackers: Located only 0.7 miles from Otavi-Bahnhof, Salty Jackal Backpackers offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. There is free WiFi throughout the property. The property offers bike hire and features a garden and barbecue.
Desert Pillow: Located 0.6 miles of Woermann Brock Vineta Shopping Centre and 0.7 miles of Ocean View Shopping Centre, Desert Pillow provides accommodation with a garden and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property offers garden views, a barbecue and a 24-hour front desk.
African View Accommodation: Located only 1.5 miles from Woermann Brock Vineta Shopping Centre, 1.7 miles from Martin Luther Steam Locomotive, and 2.2 miles from Otavi-Bahnhof.
Marula Cottage: Boasting a terrace and luggage storage space, Marula Cottage is attractively set in Swakopmund, 1.2 miles from Ocean View Shopping Centre and 3.1 miles from Woermann Brock Vineta Shopping Centre. This apartment has a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking. If you are looking for cheap self-catering accommodation in Swakopmund Namibia, it doesn’t get better than this.
Bushbabies Inn: Situated in Swakopmund and with Otavi-Bahnhof reachable within 1.2 km, Bushbabies Inn features a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and barbecue facilities. The property is close to National Marine Aquarium, Marine Denkmal and German Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Swakopmund Backpackers: Swakopmund Backpackers is located in Swakopmund, 200 yards from National Marine Aquarium (Swakopmund) and 200 yards from the Ministry of Fisheries. There is a fully-equipped kitchen and the rooms have a shared bathroom fitted with a shower. Swakopmund Adventure Park & Paintball Centre is 450 yards from Swakopmund Backpackers, while Living Desert Snake Park (Swakopmund) is 450 yards from the property. The nearest airport is Walvis Bay Airport, 21.7 miles from the property.
Sea View Backpackers: Set 0.7 miles from Atlanta cinema, Sea View Backpackers offers accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a tour desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hostel has family rooms. At the hostel all rooms have a wardrobe and a private bathroom. Sea View Backpackers offers a barbecue. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Swakopmund, like cycling. Popular points of interest near Sea View Backpackers include Artist Arcade Elton Mugomo, Otavi-Bahnhof and Kristall Galerie.

cheap accommodation in swakopmund self catering accommodation near swakopmund | swakopmund budget accommodation

holiday accommodation in swakopmund namibia | swakopmund self catering accommodation on the beach |

Mid-Range Hotels

The following guesthouses and hotels all offer amazing value for money fall between £45 and £85 per night. If you are looking for affordable self catering accommodation in Swakopmund, there are amazing options. Below are some of these

House Brucken: Located just 200 yards from Otavi-Bahnhof, House Brucken offers accommodation in Swakopmund with access to a shared lounge, barbecue facilities, as well as dry cleaning services. This apartment provides free private parking, a shared kitchen and free WiFi. The apartment features 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. A bicycle rental service is available at the apartment.
Sea Wind Self Catering Cottages: Offering free WiFi, Sea Wind Self Catering Cottages is set in Swakopmund, a 5-minute drive from Ocean View Shopping Centre. Every room includes a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a seating area and built-in, outdoor BBQ facilities for your convenience. Enjoy a cup of tea on your patio. Each cottage has a private bathroom. Sea Wind Self Catering Cottages offers a free daily cleaning service for your convenience. Platz Am Meer Shopping Mall, Paddock Garden park and the beach are all within a 10-minute walk of Sea Wind. Swakopmund Airport is 5.6 miles away from the property. Very affordable and in my eyes perfectly cheap self-catering accommodation in Swakopmund.
Salty Breeze Holiday Flat: Offering barbecue facilities and city view, Salty Breeze Holiday Flat is located in Swakopmund, less than 0.6 miles from Atlanta cinema and a 12-minute walk from Artist Arcade Elton Mugomo. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
Stay @Swakop: Situated 1.1 miles from Otavi-Bahnhof, Stay @ Swakop features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a garden and barbecue facilities. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a tour desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house has family rooms. At the guest house, the rooms are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Stay @ Swakop offers a continental or buffet breakfast. The accommodation offers a sun terrace. Martin Luther Steam Locomotive is 1.4 miles from Stay @ Swakop, while Atlanta cinema is 1.5 miles from the property.
Prost Hotel: Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Prost Hotel Swakopmund Namibia offers accommodation in the heart of Swakopmund. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea-and-coffee making facilities and private bathroom. Laundry services are available for guests and airport transfers can be arranged for a surcharge. Free private parking is available on site. Walvis Bay Airport is 28.6 miles away.

swakopmund waterfront self catering accommodation | cheap self catering accommodation in swakopmund namibia

swakopmund accommodation guest houses | accommodation swakopmund bed breakfast | pet friendly accommodation in swakopmund available accommodation in swakopmund | swakopmund b&b accommodation | swakop accommodation self catering

Luxury Hotels In Swakopmund

The luxury accommodation in Swakopmund below ranges from £100 and above. You can choose from beachfront accommodation in Swakopmund to hotels, spas and villas with beautiful views of the ocean.

Seaside Hotel & Spa: Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, all rooms and suites at SeaSide Hotel & Spa are right by sandy Swakopmund Beach. The spa provides massages, a sauna and Roman bath facing the ocean. Including a balcony or terrace and a private bathroom, all the air-conditioned accommodation is decorated in neutral colours. Some have direct access to the beach. Featuring a spa bath, the suites also have a separate lounge with fireplace and chandeliers. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering ocean views, the restaurant serves a daily breakfast and a range of seafood and international cuisine. Room service and packed lunches can be arranged and the bar has several wines and cigars. Pedicures, manicures and other wellness treatments are available at the spa. The 24-hour front desk can book tours such as dolphin-watching cruises, camel rides and desert trips. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Central Swakopmund is 4.7 miles from Hotel SeaSide and there is free parking on site.
Swakopmund Beachfront Apartment: Featuring sea views, Swakopmund Beach Front Apartment features accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 0.9 miles from Otavi-Bahnhof. The air-conditioned accommodation is 0.8 miles from Artist Arcade Elton Mugomo, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site. A car rental service is available at the apartment. Popular points of interest near Swakopmund Beach Front Apartment include Atlanta cinema, National Marine Aquarium and Hohenzollernhaus.
Rössmund Lodge: Set 3.7 miles from Martin Luther Steam Locomotive, Rössmund Lodge offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property offers car hire and features a garden and children’s playground. Rössmund Lodge offers a continental or buffet breakfast.
Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre: Built in and around the old German Station Building, this modern hotel features 2 cinemas, a casino and a squash court. The outdoor pool and health club offers guests a variety of leisure options during the day. Including free Wi-Fi access, all air-conditioned rooms at Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre come with a TV, minibar and private bathroom. Some rooms have a private terrace overlooking the gardens. For dinner, there are a variety of Namibian and international dishes on the menu. Room service is conveniently available 24/7. Guests can practice their skills on the tennis court or work out in the gym. A shuttle service can be arranged to the nearby desert golf course, which is a 10-minute drive away.

self catering accommodation langstrand namibia | self catering swakopmund accommodation | self catering accommodation in swakopmund

langstrand | beachfront accommodation swakopmund |accommodation in swakopmund beach

pet friendly accommodation in swakopmund available accommodation in swakopmund | swakopmund b&b accommodation | swakop accommodation self catering

Shots From Our Stay In Swakopmund

Below are some of my shots from our stay at Gecko Ridge, our memorable little oasis in the desert. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write about this place. If you are in Swakopmund, make sure you stop by. If you are travelling with family or pets the chalets are perfect as they are just like having your own little holiday home.

Who knows, you might just be lucky enough to witness the moon rising as the sun is setting. While we were in town we also explored a bit more Swakopmund’s vast area of rolling sand dunes, desert-adapted animals, as well as heading over to Walvis Bay where we spotted dolphines and a sea of pink flamingos.

Note that if you need advice on activities in town they can help arrange that. Thankfully the host was on hand to help us arrange the sand boarding with Desert Explorers, who also picked us up and dropped us back at the guest house.

swakopmund accommodation | self catering accommodation in swakopmund | cheap accommodation in swakopmund |

accommodation in swakopmund bed and breakfast | affordable accommodation in swakopmund | holiday accommodation swakopmund

self catering accommodation in swakopmund namibia | swakopmund accommodation specials | municipal accommodation in swakopmund

swakopmund accommodation bungalows | swakopmund hotel accommodation | accommodation in swakopmund near the beach | affordable self catering accommodation in swakopmund

Planning Your Visit To Namibia

If you are dreaming of visiting Nambia for a safari or vacation I have shared a condensed version our out month-long itinerary for African adventures. I shared a 15-day itinerary for Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls.
Getting to Swakopmund is super easy. You have the option of arriving via Windhoek and then driving or taking a bus to Swakopmund. The drive is about 4 hours. We rented a car as it makes exploring easier. There are also two airports near Swakopmund. One airport in Swakopmund and the Walvis Bay airport is also close by. You can search for flight deals as well as internal flights within Namibia if you arrive from the main city and need to get to Swakopmund or Walvis Bay without driving the 4 hours.
If it’s your first time visiting Africa or Namibia I have plenty of posts covering travels in Namibia as well as a post with tips on how to plan a trip to Africa.
I have also shared tips on things to do in Swakopmund to get you exploring this beautiful city in Namibia.

holiday accommodation in swakopmund namibia | swakopmund self catering accommodation on the beach | swakopmund waterfront self catering accommodation

Swakopmund Sandboarding and Activities in Namibia

I share a post on our dune bashing in the Namibian dunes but there are many tours and adventures available in Swakopmund and nearby Skeleton Coast. You can find your pick of tours from Viator or Get Your Guide.

swakopmund accommodation guest houses | accommodation swakopmund bed breakf

Swakopmund Accommodation | Our Desert Stay at Gecko Ridge Guest House

There you have it, our stay in Swakopmund plus many options for affordable accommodation in Swakopmund, covering all budgets, including those looking for self-catering accommodation, beachfront accommodation as well as luxury accommodation in Swakopmund, Namibia.

So have you been to Swakopmund yet?

So you never miss a post, be sure to follow me on

BLOGLOVIN’

Also See

Pin For Later

cheap accommodation in swakopmund | accommodation in swakopmund namibia | cheap self catering accommodation in swakopmund

21 Best Beaches In Africa Perfect For Beach Holidays

May 31, 2015 by admin 29 Comments

Sit back and relax as I take you on a journey to experience the best beaches in Africa. Africa has become synonymous with safaris nowadays, but there is all so much more to this beautiful continent than just chasing the big five – so much more! Most people the moment they think beach holiday they usually think of escapes to the Caribbean or maybe some other European destination.

Oblivious to Africa’s thousands of beautiful beaches and landscapes that will satisfy even the most insatiable wanderlust junkies. From landscapes, you can try crazy sports such as sandboarding in the dunes to sitting on the edge of one of the 7 natural wonders like the Victoria falls.

Only a few people venture out to these beaches and those very people are usually hushed when it comes to revealing the paradise they have found. Maybe so they stay perfect. Well, with this post we are not talking about extreme travel experiences, that’s another post.

With this post, I wanted to show you some of Africa’s best beaches, so next time you want a relaxing beach escape that does involve fighting for your own little bathing spot, you know exactly where to head to. You will find it difficult to come across sand so white, the sea so breathtakingly blue.

Think unspoiled white pristine sandy beaches that go on for miles, where you can lounge with a cold drink topping up your tan as the light cool breeze gently soothes you into a dreamy state in paradise.

The beauty of it all is that none of it is a dream. These places really do exist, all but a just plane ride away…. Not many people venture to these places meaning that you will not have to share the beach with a soul, other than the person you decide to bring along to share the experience and perhaps the person that bring you drinks of course.

Below are just 20 among thousands of beautiful beaches to inspire your African beach holiday wanderlust. If daydreaming is not enough you can scope out African beach package holidays to Cape Verde, South Africa, Tunisia, Eygpt and Kenya and many more of Expedia’s package holidays. So, why follow the herds when you have options like these below?…

The Best Beaches In Africa

1. Tadjourah – Djibouti

This tiny country on the East coast of Africa is packed with stunning beaches, some of which is pure white and some with dark with volcanic rock features.

Whichever one you decide to venture out to disappointment won’t be part of the equation. Where to stay in Djibouti. For inspiration on things to do in Djibouti, in addition to the best tours in Djibouti, check out this post by Wilbur.

image source

2. Cape Vidal, KwaZulu-Natal – South Africa

Cape Vidal is one of the best beaches in South Africa. You will find this beauty on the Eastern shores of South Africa. The perfect spots for snorkeling at low tide with amazing wildlife and sea life.

You may be lucky enough to spot Humpback Whales that frequent the area and towards the end of the year, you will find rare loggerhead and leatherback turtles on the shores. Where to stay – Hotels in South Africa’s St Lucia.

image credit

3. Swakopmund Beach – Namibia

Swakopmund is one of Namibia’s largest coastal towns which draws in travelers from all over the world. It also comes with a little backdrop of German-inspired architecture as Namibia was colonised by the Germans. You can see more of my pictures from my trip to Swakopmund here. Where to stay in Swakopmund.

4. Nungwi Beach – Zanzibar

Tanzania is not just a must-see the beaches but offers amazing the best way to see wildlife in Africa. Tanzania sits on the northern tip of the island this quiet beach offers great access to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots on Zanzibar Island.

Some of the catch of the day served up in the restaurants are caught locally enjoyed while watching the sunset on the beautiful horizons beyond. There are many more beaches on Zanzibar worth checking out when you are visiting the Tanzania island. Where to stay in Zanzibar.

Credit

5. Indigo Bay Mozambique

This is one country that is blessed in so many ways in abundant and beautiful landscapes that I actually struggled to pick one for you. One of which is Indigo Bay Island. Surrounded by palm trees, white sand and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

While you are at it you can also check out Bazaruto Island too. Idyllic, unspoiled and the best place to experience some of the worlds best diving and fishing sites. Where to stay in Indigo Bay.

6. Hammamet – Tunisia

North African gem with golden sand beaches to match the golden sunsets in the evening as the Mediterranean sea glistens.

Hammamet is 40 miles from the capital with perfect beaches made for romantic evening walks or maybe riding a camel at the crack of dawn on the shorelines.

The choice is yours or you can sample of the bars that line the beaches offering respite from the heat before exploring Tunisia’s whitewashed buildings with their beautiful arched blue doors. Where to stay in Hammamet.

7. Banjul – Gambia

Sitting at the mouth of the stunning River Gambia, Banjul offers the African city break experience within easy reach of some of the beautiful beach resorts boasted by the Gambian coast.

Fantastic beaches where you can chill out on the sand or swim the Atlantic or chill with a cocktail knowing you have other beauties like Gunjur, Sanyang, and Kartong Beaches only a short ride away. Where to stay in Banjul.

image credit

8. Beyin Beach – Ghana

Ghana as a country is peaceful and its people warm and friendly, possibly to do with the fact that Ghana boasts one of the worlds best beaches. Beyin Beach is among the best beaches in West Africa.

Tall soaring palm trees line the beaches perfect for people watching or lounging. You can also mingle with the locals as this beach is frequented by local fishermen who pull in larger than life nets for the daily catch. Where to stay in Ghana.

image credit

9. Banana Beach – Sao Tome

One of the quietest spots among beaches in Africa. Banana Beach is on the tiny island of Principe, off the western coast of Africa.

It boasts clear, shallow waters with no tourists in sight you can have the clear waters to yourself. If the beautiful of the beach all becomes too much you can take refuge in the town as Sao Tome town which boasts beautiful architecture, museums and laid back culture and people. Where to stay in Sao Tome.

Credit

10. Boa Vista – Cape Verde

Dubbed a sunbather’s paradise. Isolated with striking dunes that run down into the Atlantic, Boa Vista offers perfect spots for the sun worshiping or dune bashing in jeeps.

As the evening draws in, shore-lined restaurants serve up freshly caught lobsters. What could be more perfect? Where to stay in Cape Verde. For tips on things to do in Cape Verde check out Zen Travellers.

Playa_de_Chaves_Boa_vista | The Best Beaches In Africa

image credit

Booking.com

11. Abidjan – Ivory Coast

Another West African country with stunning landscapes. Ivory Coast’s tropical climate and white sandy beaches make it a popular choice for many tourists that are in the know of this beauty. Where to stay in Abidjan.

image credit

12. Sierra Leone

A small country with a huge offering. On the topic of beaches, Sierra Leona’s beaches are lined with backdrops of lush vegetated mountains and pure white sand. If you can manage to tear yourself from the beach you can also check out the beautiful waterfalls lying at the foot of the rivers.

Credit – Dan Sadgrove

13. Diani Beach – Kenya

Diani Beach is made up of 25 Kilometers of an unadulterated beach. Soft white sand to match its cobalt blue waters of the India Ocean. Diani Beach is the quintessential tropical escape, palm-fringed beach with its blend of natural beauty and uptown chic. The beach is lined with little huts serving ice-cold beers to cool you down. Where to stay on Diani Beach.

14. Casamance – Senegal

The beaches here white, soft and if you take into account the lush tropical surroundings of Casamance you get the best spot for a relaxing vacation. Another attraction of Casamance is the unique culture of the Diola people, the major ethnic group of the region. Where to stay in Senegal.

image credit

15. Trou aux Biches – Mauritius

Trou aux Biches in Mauritius offers the perfect sand for building sand castles as it has few pieces of coral which of course makes it perfect for those that want to bring the kids along to see what paradise looks like. If you want adult only beaches there is plenty on offer too. If you love adventures then also check out diving in Mauritius’ Trou Aux Biches.

Trou Aux Biches is also great for snorkeling in Mauritius as you can swim around only meters in shallow waters before catching sight of the stunning coral reefs. The difficult part about being in Mauritius is leaving, as you will not want to leave once you have experienced its charm. Where to stay on Trou aux Biches.

16. Likoma Island Beach – Malawi

Landlocked Malawi may be, but when half the country is made of freshwater lake then you know you are in for something spectacular! Likoma is one the islands on Lake Malawi. Sunsets on the western side of the island are something out of this world: the big red-orange ball sinking into the lake and disappearing behind the distant hills of the Malawian mainland is a spectacular sight that has to be witnessed to be believed.

You can also explore surrounding areas on foot with many fishing villages on the coast of the lake. With no cars on the islands, you can relax and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Where to stay on Lake Malawi.

image credit

17. Mahé Island – Seychelles

I am sure you have seen many pictures of this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean on the coast of the continent that it really needs no introduction. Of Seychelles’ 155 islands, Mahe, La Digue and Praslin boast to be the most popular. Mahe’s beautiful beaches and the scenic atmosphere is the perfect royal retreat or getaway you could gift yourself.

The jade waters give off this laid-back vibe for relaxation beyond your imagination and Praslin is for the adrenaline-rush seeking travelers who long to scuba-dive or snorkel so who wouldn’t want to experience such paradise? For inspiration on things to do in Mauritius and Seychelles click here.

image credit

18. Ifalty – Madagascar

Where in the world can you combine sunbathing with whale watching without having to lift a finger or the hustle of getting on a boat? Here that’s where! If you’ve always longed to relax on a white stretch of beach where shade is provided by lazy palm trees, not striped umbrellas, Ifaty, on the southwest coast of Madagascar, could be your answer. Flanked by a coral reef, which you can explore with goggles and a snorkel or on the surface from a colorful dugout canoe.

19. Coco Beach – Kribi – Cameroon

Kribi is home to Cameroon’s best beaches: the sand is fine, the water crystal clear, fresh fish is on the menu and cold beer on tap; there are times when Africa hugs you and this is one of those. Most of Kribi’s hotels are on the coast usually with their own beach fronts. Beautiful sights await you in this West-African country. The Chutes de la Lobé, a few kilometers south of town have an impressive set of waterfalls that empty directly into the sea. A total must see! For Where to stay in Kirbi.

20. Calabar – Nigeria

When most people think of Nigeria, I doubt the pictures of stunning beaches are coupled with those thoughts of 419s. Well, think again! Tucked into Nigeria’s southeastern corner, the capital of Cross River state has a rich history and is well worth a trip. The Calabar Beach is located at the mouth of the Calabar River.

Visitors will feel like they’re walking into a mirage. Calabar occupies five kilometers of space on the coastline, giving the illusion of total privacy.Very few locals actually go to the beach except for the fishermen. It is not uncommon to see a fishing hut on the beach. Visitors come for the serenity to be found on the beach.

The Blue Lagoon on the beach provides more gentle water for weaker swimmers. The climate in the area is tropical so there is high humidity, which in turn heats the water. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant, relaxing swim. They are encouraged to try and explore the shoreline through the water instead of walking. The view from the swim is memorable and will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Swimmers can go snorkeling by the coral reefs and see the fabulous aquatic life. Originally a cluster of Efik settlements, Calabar was once one of Nigeria’s biggest slave ports, and later a major exporter of palm oil. A popular stopover for travelers heading to Cameroon. For places to stay in Calabar check out this list of hotel options.

african safari and beach holiday - holidays packages

image credit

21. Cliffton 4th Beach – Cape Town – South Africa

While there are plenty of things to do in Cape Town beyond the beaches, there are many beautiful and popular beaches to check out. Among the 13 best beaches in Cape Town are Silwerstroomstrand, Clifton 4th, Camps Bay, Llandudno, Mnandi Beach, Strandfontein Beach, Bikini, Muizenberg Beach, and Fish Hoek. Clifton 4th Beach is a blue flag beach and one of South Africa’s most popular and sought-after beaches. South African game parks are among the most visited in Africa but many also visit for the beaches. Visited by stars and the famous, 4th beach at Clifton is the in-scene. One of a series of small coves, 4th beach is on the Atlantic Ocean side of Cape Town. With all the beautiful beaches to check out in Cape Town make sure you venture off to the many cool day trips from Cape Town.

There you have it, 20 of the best beaches in Africa. So how many of these have you already been to or are now adding to your bucket list?

Like This Post? Share or Pin For Later.

Sandboarding In Swakopmund Namibia | Dune Boarding and Quad-Biking Adventure in Africa’s Desert Dunes

May 20, 2015 by admin 15 Comments

sandboarding namibia - For get sandboarding in capetown or sandboarding in peru or dubai. This is where the adventure is.

Sandboarding In Namibia

Finally, I get to share my pictures from the sandboarding in Namibia in addition to quad-biking around the Namibian coastal dunes. Forget all you have heard about sandboarding in Capetown or sandboarding in Peru or Dubai for that matter. Sandboarding in Nambia is where the adventure is. One of the main reasons for heading to this part of Namibia having visited Windhoek, the capital, was to visit the little German town that is Swapkomund.

In addition to that, I had been dreaming about sandboarding in the dunes for far too long, so it was my goal to make it happen while visiting an area with the tallest dunes in the world! Well if you are going to do something crazy why not go the whole nine yards, right?

We rented a little Chalet in the desert, about 15 kilometers outside the town. The owners of the chalet arranged the sand boarding for us withDesert Explorers, a local company that also runs a few other activities. They picked us up from where we were staying and drove to their office and back to our chalet. I only had eyes for two of their activities and that was the quad-biking and sand boarding.

Just to mention, we were going to go for normal boards but because I have never in the life of me do any boarding, whether on snow or sand or road, allaskate boarding. We opted for the flat board instead. This is a meter-long piece of hardboard which is waxed first so that you have better traction on the sand. You have to lie face down and bend the board just a little on the front to avoid getting sand all over your face as you basically get pushed off the cliff.

Where to stay: We stayed in a Chalet in the desert which I reviewed and linked above but for a full list of places available check out this list of hotels and guesthouses in Swakopmund.

Sandboarding Namibia | Sandboarding and Quad-Biking Adventure in Africa's Desert Dunes

Adventures In Namibian Sand Dunes

You don’t realise just how steep the dunes are until you have got to the top after weezing through and circling on yourselves on quad bikes. When we got to the top I nearly had second thoughts about heading down face first on the board but after watching my brother and my boyfriend go down at ridiculous speed in total excitement, I climbed on the board and had the guide give me a little push – OFF THE CLIFF!

Let’s just say that I can now understand why they call these the “ultimate speed machines”! The flat board can reach phenomenal speeds of 80km/h in these steep coastal dunes. In order to control your speed have use your feet to dig into the sand a little, but as I was with two speed junkies breaking speed was certainly not in their vocabulary that day as I watched them head down face first on full throttle a full-size person to them looking like tiny ants when they got to the bottom.

Hopefully, the pictures below give you an idea of just how high up in the dunes we were. Scary when you start but it is such an adrenaline kick that you want to go again almost immediately after you get down. There are many ways to experience Namibia and this is by far a cool way to see the and experience the dunes, albeit in a rather extreme sports kind of way.

In Pictures Sandboarding In Namibia

Check out the picture overload below for our time in the dunes, before we headed back to base to check out the within the offices of Desert Explorers. If you are not into boarding they also do skydiving(next on my list), kayaking, fishing, ballooning, camel rides and more.

I have looked everywhere for the video I took of the sandboarding and cannot find them although I have found all the pictures from the trip. If and when I do be sure tofollow me on Instagramto see the action.

Tip: You might be tempted to go with shorts or sleeveless clothes so take a light jumper or scarf, bear in mind that the temperature in the desert drops suddenly when the sun goes go while during the day it’s scorching! You can tell just how hot it was by all the blackened bits of sand in the pictures below.

Like This Post? Share this post or Pin It For Later.

Walvis Bay Namibia | Dolphin and Flamingos Spotting on Walvis Bay Lagoon

March 25, 2015 by admin 13 Comments

The morning of our last day in Swakop, Namibia I wanted to explore a bit of Walvis Bay in the last hours we had before embarking on the 5 hours towards Windhoek. We wanted to be closer to the airport for the early flight to Zambia. In my previous post, I mentioned that we had rented a car from Botswana. Thankfully we got my brother to drop us off at the airport in the morning before he set off on the 10-hour drive back to Maun in Botswana. I will be posting more from Botswana soon.

If you visit the beaches of Swakopmund, that I showed in the previous post then you have to stop by Walvis Bay. It’s a short drive, about 30 minutes. Namibia as a whole is stunning with absolutely captivating landscapes, from striking sand dunes, national parks teeming with wildlife, stunning beaches. A two-week road trip in Namibia is an absolute must have experience. For more amazing shots of just what to expect in this beautiful region, check out these highlights from Namibia by Global Gaz.

Another highlight of my trip exploring this beautiful country was spotting dolphins on the shores of Walvis Bay, among a sea of flamingos! Walvis Bay isn’t too far from the famous Skeleton Coast and Sandwich Harbour. Here you can watch seals, flamingos, whales and I have been told even hyenas will make an appearance from time to time. Definitely worth a stop, and you don’t have to get on a boat to set out to sea or pay anyone to see this.

Just wait on the beach for the show to begin. This wasn’t planned and we certainly didn’t have to check seasons when the wildlife flock here, so it may be worth a check if heading out to avoid disappointment. All along this coastline stretching either side of Walvis Bay beach, whatever the season you will still spot many a wildlife that will leave you speechless. Although I wish I could have gone in for a close look considering there was a low tide. I guess that’s for my next visit.

Where to stay | Walvis Bay Accommodation

When we visited we stayed in Swakopmund which was about an hour’s drive from here. If you want to stay locally then check out this list of hotels and guest houses in Walvis Bay.

Booking.com

Walvis Bay Namibia | walvis bay flamingos

Walvis Bay Activities

This beautiful bay has plenty to see and do for both those seeking an adventure and a bit of relaxed and chilled stay in Walvis Bay, Namibia. From Dune bashing to washing dolphins and flamingoes on Walvis Bay Lagoon. There are plenty of tours available on Get Your Guide as well as Viator Tours – a TripAdvisor company.

Walvis Bay Namibia | Walvis Bay Flamingos and Dolphins on Walvis Bay Port

Walvis Bay Namibia | walvis bay flamingos | Bay Photos

Walvis Bay Namibia | walvis bay Dolphins

Walvis Bay Namibia | Walvis Bay Photos | Port

Walvis Bay Namibia | walvis bay flamingos and Dolphins

Booking.com

Like This Post? Share it or Pin For Later.

Swakopmund Beach | The Blue Hues of Namibia

March 20, 2015 by admin 9 Comments

Swakopmund is one of Namibia’s largest coastal towns which draws in travellers from all over the world but a shame that not enough people know about this beautiful spot. In my previous post I showed you some of its European-style colonial architecture which takes a lot of influence its German colonisation. In my next post I will be showing you our next stop in the next town of Walvis Bay where we spotted dolphins and flamingos but not before taking to the nearby dunes. The cute town of Swakopmund is sandwiched between the dunes and the beach. So you can go from sand boarding to beach surfing within minutes. The choice of activities for such a small town is unbelievable. I may have to come back from surfing lessons but I while I was there I managed sand boarding which I have been dying to do for too long. Pictures in posts to come.

Swakopmund Restaurants | Jetty 1905 restaurant

Food Stop When you visit the town a must-stop is the Jetty 1905 restaurant on the pier in Swakopmund. Not only for the beach but the stunning views of the coastline as well as the sunset. There is indoor and outdoor seating so providing it’s not windy ask for a table outside. Some shots below of the grub, the pictures don’t do them enough justice and the service was super attentive. We stopped by during the day but as the evenings a popular you will definitely have to make a booking in advance for a table to avoid disappointment.

Where to stay: We stayed at Gecko Ridge Lodge which I have reviewed on the blog but for a full list of hotels and guesthouse in Swakopmund check out this list of hotels in the city.

Booking.com

swakopmund jetty | jetty 1905 swakopmund

Pin for later

Swakopmund Activities | 18 Cool Things To Do In Swakopmund Namibia

March 16, 2015 by admin 15 Comments

things to do in swakopmund | namibia swakopmund activities | swakopmund namibia

Love beaches and unique adventures? With so many cool Swakopmund activities, then you will love this hidden gem in Namibia! Below amazing things to do Swakopmund, a Germanesque town on the Atlantic coast of Nambia. I have been wanting to show you more of Africa. I have not shared tips on Zambia, Botswana, Egypt and now Nambia. So, here you have it! Why a visit to Swakopmund in Namibia is a must! Swakopmund is definitely one of those Namibia must-see places. Many of the cool places to visit and things to do in Namibia can be found in this town.

The charming town was founded in 1892 during German colonial rule as it served as the main harbour for several years. Located between beautiful desert dunes and the roaring Atlantic. There are plenty of spots in the town lined with beautiful palm trees and public gardens. In town, there are coffee shops and restaurants and small art galleries to explore.

The town has a lot of historical buildings many the German aristocrats used to stay in as well as those that house the German regiment that came to build the Jetty. Another prominent landmark is the Swakopmund lighthouse, the Old Iron Jetty built in 1911 and many more places as I share Swakopmund activities below.

namibia things to do and see | namibia things to do | namibia what to do | namibia what to see namibia to do

must do in namibia | namibia things to see | things to do in namibia | namibia top 10 things to do

Thing To Do In Swakopmund Namibia | Swakopmund Activities & Attractions

Below are the top 10 things to do in Swakopmund Namibia. There is, of course, plenty more places to visit in Namibia, but Swakopmund offers such a variety of activities from adventures to pure relaxation. Below are some of the main key Swakopmund activities on offer in addition to the many cool tours in Swakopmund that are available.

1. Sandboarding In Nambian Dunes

I thought I would start with something that I had absolute fun doing. If you are have tried snowboarding in the snow then you also have to try it on the sand. As my husband is a keen snowboarder this was something he was looking forward to the most. There are sandboarding tours if you love adrenaline junkie activities. This is such a great and adventurous thing to do in Swapkomund and one that you shouldn’t miss out on. I love that we go to use quad bikes to get into the desert too. I have shared a post in sandboarding in Namibia as well as in sandboarding in Dubai’s desert dunes.

2. Desert camping and Camel Rides In Swakopmund

I don’t make a habit of promoting animal rides on my blog but most desert camping offer camel rides just make sure the animals are treated with respect. Just imagine chilling to campfires under millions of stars as you reminisce on the day’s activities. There is no better place in the world for desert camping than Namibia’s vast and varied desert terrains. There are budget and luxury camping tent options in Namibia too.

3. Get On Your Bike! Check Out The Fat Bike Tours

Swakopmund has something called Fat Bike Tours as well as the city and township bike tour. With this tour, you can go on a beautifully scenic tour of Swakopmund and the surrounding deserts. Explore stunning dune ridges on the Namib. If you are not into group tours you can also rent the bikes and take to the city on your own. Just be sure to be safe on the bikes and get as many tips as possible on the areas you are hoping to cover.

4. Wilderness Exploring And Safari

Namibia is vast and with the surrounding desert, it also means a rich and varied animal that can be found. From the wild cats to small and dangerous creatures like snakes and spiders. There are plenty of tours to cover each and every interest and unmissable on any like of things to do in Swakopmund or Namibia in general. Check out this desert and dune 4×4 tour from Swakopmund.

5. Explore The German City

The German city is cute but has a dark history. Let’s not forget that Namibia only got its independence in 1990! Like many African countries it passed through several stages of colonisation and many Herero and Nama people suffered from a genocide at the hands of the German Empire. There aren’t many places in the city with details of history but you can read about it before traveling there. You can also take cultural tours in Swakopmund that give you more insight into the cultures and the different native groups of people in Namibia and Swakopmund.

6. Explore Swakopmund Museum

Another one of the cool points of interests in Swakopmund. This is the largest privately run museum in the country and includes everything from marine animal life found in Namibia, Minerals, transportation, naval history and people of Namibia. If you are interested in more of the historical aspects of the country also check out the public library which has a collection of historic photographs. You can also see newspaper cuttings dating back to 1898.

7. Grab A Bite To Eat At The Jetty Restaurant

Below I have shared some pictures from our dining experience at the Jetty Restaurant on the pier. This is a must if you are visiting Swakopmund and looking for cool places to eat in Swakopmund. There are also a few other local cafes that we had the pleasure of sampling. There are plenty of restaurants in town too, with ties to German history it means that you will find many German-style menus at many restaurants. Just out Bistro Zum Kaiser, Brauhaus or Wurstbude just to name a few.

8. Visit The Local Markets And Shops – Head To Sam Nujoma Avenue

There are shops, markets and local artist studios to check out in the city to get a feel of the local talent as well as being perfect if you are looking for some cool Namibian souvenirs to bring back from your trip. Check out Sam Nujoma Avenue which is lined with jewellery, arts and crafts shops, cafes, African art and specialist stores.

9. Explore The Amazing Beaches And Take To The Water

I shared a post on the best beaches in Africa that you need to check out. With Namibia having an extensive coastline it means plenty of opportunities for water sports and of course, the all-important sport of beach bumming. There is plenty of sunshine in Namibia so you can just chill by the beach or try surfing, windsurfing, paragliding and so many cool adventures or you can just people watch.

10. Take A Day Trip From Swakopmund To Walvis Bay And Dune Climbing

There plenty of nearby cities with opportunities to do day trips from Swakopmund. You can check out Walvis Bay where there are plenty of beautiful pink flamingos, and dolphins. Considering the close proximity to these towns you can easily tick off things to do in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay with relative ease. Walvis Bay is another one of those places of interest in Namibia. You can also visit Dorob National Park which incorporates core conservation areas and multiple use areas for adventure tourism, is a park of great imagination. On the way to Walvis Bay you can also take on Dune 7.

11. Check Out Woermannhaus

This another place on the list of places to visit in Swakopmund that is well worth check out. Woermannhaus not only offers cool views of Swakopmund but is also a historical place in Namibia and Swakop. It provides a perspective in the lives of the history of German settlers arriving in Namibia. While German history and what they did to the people of Namibia is nothing to admire, they left some pretty buildings that are still standing today.

12. Go Paragliding Over Namib Dunes

The place where we stayed in Namibia offers Paragliding as well as many other tours. Learn the art of paragliding above the beautiful dunes of Swakopmund. Said to be the safest location in the world to go paragliding.

13. Chill Out On The Beaches In Swakopmund

The whole of the town of Swakopmund faces the Atlantic Ocean. You can stroll along the long stretch of the beach, you jog, have picnics, enjoy people watching and if you are up for it there are some water sports too. From windsurfing to diving.

14. Take To The Skies And Go Sky Diving In Swakopmund

If safaris are not enough of an adrenaline rush for you, there is also tandem skydiving over the oldest desert in the world. Sadly we didn’t get enough time to do this while we were exploring Namibia. If you love adventure and have a thing for heights this is one thing not to miss. Transfers and all the equipment are included in the skydiving tour, said to be the highest skydive in Africa.

15. Dolphine And Whale Watching

With the Atlantic Ocean at the doorstep there are plenty of amazingly beautiful creatures to see on the shores of Swakopmund. A whale watching and dolphin tour is not to be missed when visiting Swakopmund. Among the cool things to do in Namibia. You can also take a tour to explore Seal colonies.

16. Visit Swakopmund National Marine Aquarium

Exploring the waterfront aquarium is a must on the list of points of interest in Swakopmund to check out. An amazing place to visit with kids as well as adults. There is an impressive tunnel through the largest aquarium. Its open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Tickets for adults are N$40 and children cost N$20.

17. Take An Early Day Trip To Sossusvlei

You can opt to do a 3-day Soussuvlei safari with accommodation leaving from Swakopmund or you can do an overnight stay and head back. This is a couple of hours of driving from Swakopmund. A must-see while visiting the Skeleton coast. There is also a 2-night Sossusvlei tour which ends back in Windhoek.

18. Check Out Namibia’s Culinary Scene and Do A Food Tour In Swakopmund

Explore the local flavors instead on a walking tour of Swakopmund’s authentic haunts. A tour curated for foodies and history buffs alike where you are and your guide explore the city’s unusual palate unraveling the fascinating history and culture of the former German colony. Make sure you arrive hungry and indulge in African game meat, fresh fish, local beer, and sweets at a German-influenced cake shop. Book there Swakop food tour here.

what to do in namibia | namibia points of interest | namibia activities | namibia best places to visit

namibia must see places | camel rides swakopmund fishing swakopmund | history of swakopmund swakopmund

places of interest in namibia | namibia places to see | namibia beaches best | namibia swakopmund places to visit in namibia

What Exactly Does Namibia Have, Anyway? Why Visit Swakopmund, Windhoek…

If you have not heard or been to Namibia then you better move it close to the top of your bucket list, pronto! This is one place that will have folks flocking to it the moment they realise just what a gem it is. Yes, it’s even safe to explore with kids, check out this Nambia itinerary with kids by TraveLynn Family Perhaps you won’t see this place and those linked above in the mainstream media because they want these places to themselves.

Certainly do not wait until that happens, because by then you would have been left with spoiled fruit. So now is that time to go! If you are one for adventure there is plenty for you. Some of the best things to do in Swakopmund are quad biking and sand boarding in the Namibian desert dunes, sky diving and hot air ballooning over the Namib Desert. If you are more of the chill out on the beach type then you will be in good company as the beaches are a treat, not only for sunbathing but water sports too!

Did I also mention this is where you can see the world’s highest sand dunes?! The diverse landscapes of Namibia range from National parks like Etosha Park which consists of a large salt pan and safari parks, Caprivi Strip in the Northeast which meets the Zambezi, the Skeleton Coast to the west, where the sand dunes on the coastline meet the Atlantic ocean and reveal ghosts of the past in remains of shipwrecks, to the striking contrasts of Deadvlei with more dunes to trek. There are plenty of tours in Namibia showcasing adventurous and fun things to do in Swakopmund from multiday tours with the likes of GAdventureand Viator Tours to easy day trips.

The wide expanse of stark beauty in the country is truly mesmerising and form a million reasons to book a flight as soon as possible. My explorations of Southern Africa had started with a trip home in Zambia before heading to Botswana and then onto Namibia before heading back to Zambia and then London. To better explore Namibia you are better off renting a car. After exploring Botswana, we rented a car and drove the 10 hours from Maun in Botswana to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital and then on to Swakopmund and then Walvis Bay.

namibia places to visit | namibia places of interest | is namibia worth visiting namibia best places

Cool Things To Do In Swakopmund & Why You Have To Visit Namibia's Atlantic Coast

Our Swakopmund Itinerary Plans

Namibia boasts such a diverse landscape, from the built up city of Windhoek to small Germanic towns of Swakopmund. Having passed through the capital we based ourselves in Swapo(short for Swakopmund) where we roamed for 5 days, taking part in various activities. So more posts on that to come including Walvis Bay, where we were spotting dolphins among a sea of pink flamingos as well as quad biking and sandboarding in the Namib Desert.

When you arrive in Swapo you would think you had been tricked by your airline as it looks like you had been dropped in a small German Town. Founded in 1892, and not shocking, considering Namibia was colonised by the Germans so you find many people here also speak German in addition to many of the African Languages from the migration of people in and around surrounding regions.

Namibia was in the hands of South Africa when it was captured from Germany during WWI, so was very much linked to South Africa’s history of Apartheid and only got independence in 1990. Do not let that stop you from visiting the beauty that lies waiting for your gaze. Getting there and getting around: The town is fairly small so you can get around by walking while you are there.

There is a train that comes through from Windhoek. Although, I think you are better off getting a car so that you have the freedom of movement as well as the freedom to explore the dunes, nearing towns which are not really served well by public transportation.

A Trip To Jetty 1905 Restaurant Is Another Must To Add To Your Swakop Visit(Restaurant on the jetty bridge)

Why Namibia Is Worth Adding To Your African Bucketlist

Usually when I see people post about Africa its the same usual places like South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. I think to myself why are these folks missing out on the countries in the middle or further down the continent. There’s another 50 odd countries with stunning scenery, quiet beaches, wildlife and yet magazines still show you the same tried and test (about a million times) destinations. Namibia is another country that is in a league of its own, you only have to read this Nambia travel guideand you will come to the same conclusion.

And no, you will not catch Ebola! As unfortunate as that horrid disease is, it’s only in 6 out of 54 African countries! If you need more convincing then I would strongly recommend posts from fellow bloggers like Dave Cole at CookSipGo, who has been exploring Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, or going off-grid and checking out Kenya’s Central Island with Manouk from Bunch of Backpackers.

Ever head of Madagascar? Well if you haven’t then you might want to swing by The Crowded Planet and see Madagascar through the eyes of Margherita and Nick, whose travels around the country will have you clutching both your pearls AND passports as you race to your nearest travel agents for tickets to this diverse and magical island on the Indian Ocean.

Even tiny little-landlocked countries like the Kingdom of Swaziland are packed with much to see as shown by Heather Cole at the Conversant Traveller. One other place that is firmed placed close to the top of the list for my upcoming travels is Djibouti. Check out the post by Brock and Tanj’s Travelogues of this tiny country on the elbow of Africa.

Hopefully, these links have not pushed your wanderlust into overdrive or your bank balances into meltdown. Now, recent posts I showed you around Zambia’s capital, Lusaka and the Victoria Falls in Livingstone. I certainly hope you enjoyed those because it is now time to head South of the boarder and into Namibia.

Where To Stay In Swakopmund

There are hostels and hotels in the main town but we opted to stay at about at a desert chalet. I have shared tips on where to stay in Swakopmund as well as included details of where we stayed in Swakopmund. There are places with varying budgets but as Western currency will get you very far in Namibia you can stay comfortably without concerning your bank managers. For a full list of accommodation options in Swakopmund, here is a list of hotels in Swakopmund.

How To Get To Swakopmund

There are plenty of options for getting to Swakopmund. We had a car rental so were able to drive around. We drop from Botswana to Windhoek and from Windhoek to Swakopmund. There are plenty of flight deals to Windhoek and from there you can take a bus or you can hire a car. Another option is finding an internal flight from Windhoek to Swakopmund. The other option is to fly to Walvis Bay Airport and then taking a quick bus to Swakopmund from Walvis Bay. We didn’t really see that much frequent transportation so if you are going to use public transportation you will very much need a flexible itinerary for your visit to this part of the world as trains are not that available.

Note on Car Rental: Make sure you have all your paperwork, if traveling with rental cars between country borders as you may not be allowed to leave the country with the car. So be sure to mention to your rental shops if traveling between borders to provide inter-board paperwork which comes with an additional cost. Also, note that most of the rentals don’t have that many branches so you don’t have manydrop off points. We were lucky that we traveled with my brother from Botswana to Namibia and when we flew out from Namibia my brother drove the car back to Botswana with him and returned it to the rental shop on our behave.

With friendly town folk, cute cafes and galleries, beautiful landscapes from where you can watch the sunsets and watch the stars litter the pitch black skies and twinkle like diamonds. Why on earth would anyone wait to get on the plane to visit?

So, have you been to visit Namibia, or checked out any of the many Swakopmund activities above?

Also See

The Best Time To Visit Botswana
Sandboarding In Dubai
Things To Do In Kasane
Tips On Driving In Botswana
The Best Adventures Quotes For Adrenaline Junkies

Pin For Later

Cool Things To Do In Swakopmund & Why You Have To Visit Namibia's Atlantic Coast

Namibia

Livingstone 2 Days (Zambia) And Victoria Falls

Day 1 – Livingstone Town And Victoria Falls

Day 2 Livingstone Adventures

Victoria Falls From The Zimbabwean Side

Day 3 Victoria Falls On The Zimbabwean side

Botswana 3 Days Kasane And Maun

Day 4 Exploring Chobe National park

Day 5 Visit Kasane Town And Travel To Maun

Day 6 The Okavango Delta

Day 7 – Explore Maun And Grab Some Snack For Drive To Namibia

Namibia 8 Days Capital – Etosha & Skeleton Coast

Day 8 – Drive From Maun To Etosha National Park

Day 9 – Etosha National Park

Day 10 – Explore Windhoek

Day 11 – Drive From Windhoek To Swakopmund

Day 12 Explore The Desert Around Swakopmund

Day 13 – Explore Walvis Bay

Day 14 – Explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

Day 15 – Back To Windhoek For Flight Back Home

Planning Your Trip

Additional Tips For Planning A Zambia Namibia and Botswana Itinerary

ADVENTURE AND ACTIVITIES IN NAMIBIA AWAITING YOUR VISIT

EXPLORE THE CAPITAL OF NAMIBIA – VISITING WINDHOEK

31 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN NAMIBIA & THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA

DEADVLEI & SOSSUSVLEI

DUNE 45

FISH RIVER CANYON

THE HIMBA PEOPLE

SPITZKOPPE

MOON LANDSCAPES

CHEETAH RESCUE

SKELETON COAST

ATV OVER THE SAND DUNES

KOLMANSKOP SAND COVERED HOUSES

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

SANDBOARDING DOWN THE WORLD’S LARGEST SAND DUNES

STONE ARCH AT SPITZKOPPE

SEE ANCIENT CAVE PAINTINGS

STARGAZE IN THE DESERT

LEARN A FEW WORDS OF A CLICK LANGUAGE

CHECK OUT THE CLASSIC CARS LEFT IN THE DESERT

JOE’S PLACE IN WINDHOEK SERVE DELICIOUS ZEBRA AND OTHER GAME MEATS

GET LOST ON THE PAN

DAMARALAND

HANGOUT AT THE ETOSHA WATERING HOLE AT SUNSET

SEE PREHISTORIC PETRIFIED FOOTPRINTS

THE TROPIC OF CAPRICORN CROSSING

ENJOY THE SEASIDE CITY OF SWAKOPMUND

DIVE OVER THE NAMIB DESERT

SEE THE WILD HORSES OF AUS, NAMIBIA

CAPRIVI REGION

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING

WALK THROUGH THE QUIVER TREE FOREST

CHECK OUT KUNENE REGION

BWABWATA NATIONAL PARK

Planning Your Trip To Namibia

13 Things To Consider When Planning A Trip To Africa

Safety In Africa – Let’s Talk Misconceptions

Pick A Country In Africa – Flight Routes

Visa Applications

Health and Vaccinations Required In African Countries

How To Plan A Trip To Africa On A Budget (Your Budget!)

Accommodation

Travel Insurance

African Trip Cost – Planning Your Budget For The Trip

Activities and African Itinerary Planning

Best Time For An African Safari – Best Times To Travel To Africa

When To See Victoria Falls

Getting Around African Countries – Flights, Buses And Rental Cars

Rental Cars In Africa

Exploring Africa and Interacting with people

Solo Travel In Africa

Group Travel Tour Or Self-Organised Itinerary

How Long To Travel In Africa

What To Pack For A Trip To Africa

Africa Travel Checklist

Our Stay In Swakopmund At Gecko Ridge

Where To Stay In Swakopmund | Available Options For Swakopmund

Budget Hotels And Hostels