If you have never visited Namibia, there are many reasons this Southern African country should be on your vacation bucket list.
But if you are a frequent visitor, the enthralling country is calling again for more thrills across its expansive 824,292 km² land mass and enthralling 1,572 km coastline.
Of course, from exciting city tours of Windhoek, its alluring capital city, to leisure-imbued frolicking on the beach sand of Swakopmund, its coastal city, to cultural and historical journey with the very hospitable indigenes at the country’s townships and to the daredevil and energy-sapping desert safari, amid adrenaline-imbued 4×4 rides and other activities, Namibia is simply, the adventures that await anytime and any season.
The country is also a haven for nature lovers with rare wildlife offerings that complement the African usual.
Let the adventure begin!
It truly begins with the warmth at the Hosea Kutako International Airport Windhoek, Namibia’s largest airport, about 45 km from the city centre.
On getting to Windhoek, the vibrancy of the capital city echoes, while further affirming it as the gateway to breathtaking and exclusive luxury experiences ahead.
The city’s unique blend of African and European cultures, with stunning German architecture and a range of gourmet restaurants and cafes, indulge an average visitor.
While in the city, the sprawling Heroes’ Acre war memorial commemorates Namibia’s 1990 independence, the 1890s Alte Feste, a former military headquarters with historical exhibits, and the Independence Memorial Museum on a hilltop in the city centre are, and relics of colonial influences in nearby buildings like the sandstone Lutheran Christus Church take you into the history of the country.
As well, almost all major global hotel chains have their outlets in Windhoek, making accommodation options in the city very competitive.
There are also malls and other recreational outfits across the city, but the one you need to see while on a visit is the Windhoek Go-Karting, which has been operational since 2010.
Visitors are enthralled with top-quality go-karting experience with 14 270cc Rimo karts from Michael Schumacher’s own track in Kerpen Germany. The track has 20 Rimo Karts from Germany of which 4 are custom-made. There is also Laser Tag recently upgraded to a maze-like battlefield for young and old visitors.
The Go-Karting family entertainment centre also offers team-building events, amid onsite bars and professional catering.
For those looking for water-based fun and more adventure in Namibia, the Walvis Bay International Airport, the second major gateway into the country, facilitates your visit, especially to Swakopmund, the major coastal city.
While in Swakopmund, the rich German history is glaring with a unique blend of history and natural diversity that promises an unforgettable experience for visitors. Obviously, the coastal city is generous with the relics and tales of its fascinating past intertwined with modern attractions.
The expansive bank of the Atlantic Ocean that stretches the length and breadth of the city offers quality leisure along the stretch. Fun is heightened on the white sand of the beach, while security is never compromised as the country is very safe.
From mild and wild swimming, snorkelling, fishing, skating, sand castle and shell hunting to beach sports, Swakopmund is all fun on the beach.
But the real fun for the more adventurous is not far from Swakopmund. It really starts from the coastal city and stretches into Walvis Bay. At the bay, the die-hard fan of adventure can join the Atlantic Namibian Coast Marine Dolphin Cruise to cruise farther into the ocean to spot the ocean’s “Big 5”: whales, dolphins, mola mola, leatherback turtles and seals.
But the most spectacular is spotting the Dolphins in an acrobatic display, singing and dancing for the visitors, while they enjoy a relaxing time at sea including refreshments and snacks.
Aside from the Dolphins, other marine wildlife are easily spotted while on the cruise, even rare whales that come to mate.
On the Atlantic coastal cruise, you can admire marine life on a relaxing boat with curious seals and regal pelicans, exploring all that the Walvis Bay coast has to offer and enjoying a Namibian coffee.
Also on the coastal stretch, visitors fete their eyes on pink flamingos, the majestic Dune 7, salt works, and even pink lakes.
Yet again, there is one major attraction, probably the best and not for the faint-hearted.
An encounter with the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, is the mother of all adventures in Namibia and probably in the whole of Africa.
With 4×4 SUV, safari in the desert pumps adrenalin more than anything you can think of.
The professional 4×4 SUV riders skillfully take visitors through some of the highest sand dunes in the world, amid bumps that can lead to vomiting and flying of unguarded personal items, among others.
But the fun is in the rough ride, occasioned by the nature-made bumps on the sand dunes. There are also safely designed kiddies tracks and something for everyone.
At Namib Desert, you will experience the awesome power of gravity on desert quad ride, dune board riding, quad bike and a nice sundowner before heading back. There are also night parties with 4X4 SUVs illuminating the dark horizons with their headlamps.
A spectacular sight in the desert is the spot where the ocean kisses the Namib Desert, a rare occurrence in the world.
Now and for wildlife lovers, Okaukuejo Airport comes in handy.
The airport in the Oshana Region of Namibia serves the Etosha National Park and its administrative centre, Okaukuejo.
About 90 percent of passengers on flights to the airport head to the national park because of the breathtaking games in the wildlife sanctuary.
The park, proclaimed a game reserve in March 1907, is one of the largest national parks in Africa, hence offers best sighting and closest encounter with the four of the ‘Big 5’.
Those who have visited will attest that Etosha’s best game viewing is at the many waterholes scattered throughout the park, with large treks of zebra and springbok mingling with Oryx and bathing elephants.
While in the camp, floodlit waterholes offer rare opportunities to spot rhinos, particularly, its healthy population of black rhinoceros, elephants and lions drinking from the same waterhole.
For culture lovers, a visit to Namibian rural communities commonly referred to as townships is worthwhile.
On a visit to Mondesa Township in Walvis Bay, visitors will encounter one of the most peaceful and hospitable people on the earth. There, you will discover the unique culture, warmth, and friendliness of the locals. You can walk or travel around by bike and learn about the fascinating history of the township and its people, then cook traditional dishes, as well as taste them.
Pictures of your visitor-to-people encounter, especially the cooking, eating and dancing will stay longer.
But do not forget to buy a souvenir to permanently preserve your visit and support local craft to grow.
However, access to Namibia is seamless with direct and connecting international flights to its two major airports, visa is easy, while accommodation is the cheapest in the Southern Africa region, even in the most luxurious sari camps and resorts.
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