City: Namibia
Top Things to do in Namibia
10 Deserts in Namibia That You Shouldn't Miss
Coordinates: 22°S 17°E / 22°S 17°E / -22; 17
Restaurants in Namibia
1. Namib Desert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
This barren red-sand desert lies along the coast.
Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, United States
It's not "technically" one of the great wonders of the world, but I reckon it ought to be. Stunning views, gorgeous colors, hearty wildlife, deadly quiet at times...the Namib Desert is a marvel. It's also incredibly vast (I actually learned moments ago that Namib means "vast place"), and surprisingly varied. Home to the second-largest sand dunes in the world, gravel plains, sand seas near the coast, scattered mountain outcrops, and more, it's mind-boggling how someone could say there's "nothing much to see and offer, distances between sight[s] of interest are far," as one reviewer wrote. A) It's a desert; what exactly are you expecting to see? B) Part of why it's so great is b/c of how desolate it is! There are virtually no people throughout the whole desert--aside from small settlements here and there comprised of indigenous pastoral groups--and to me, that's rejuvenating, much-desired, and fantastic. I feel bad for people who visit the Namib Desert and write things like, "If you expect something special driving from Walvis Bay towards Sossusvlei, you will be dissatisfied." I'm thankful I can find awe and wonder and beauty in a place as cool as the Namib Desert. A few other notes: - Yes, it's hot. It's the, ahem, desert...isn't it? Cover up, wear sunscreen, and take water when you hike around the dunes or wherever. - Look for wildlife wherever you are; it's there. While in Sossusvlei and driving between Sesriem and Walvis Bay, we saw vultures, squirrels, warthogs, springbok, ostrich, zebra, giraffe, little crabs and beetles in/on the dunes, and the quite-impressive-and-hardy gemsbok. Probably more that I'm just not remembering right now. - Appreciate silence, and desolation, and stark beauty; there's no place quite like the Namib Desert. - Also, if you don't like crowds, driving behind "clouds of dust you can hardly see through", or being anywhere that you feel is too touristy, maybe go in the off season. We were there at the end of December, and the only places that had virtually any people were Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Otherwise, we felt like we had the country mostly to ourselves, and many of the campsites at which we stayed all over weren't even close to full.
2. Sossusvlei
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,298 reviews
Reviewed By PerM928 - Copenhagen, Denmark
The photographic possibilities are outstanding and it is a real pleasure to walk around the dead trees. Not to be missed. However, do not take your own vehicle unless you are very experienced driver.
3. Gobabeb Desert Research Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Gobabeb Research station is a wonderful place for nature enthusiasts who prefer not to be surrounded by other tourists. Although remote Gobabeb is not far from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and offers free and easy access to the dunes. Uniquely situated among three ecosystems (the Kuiseb River, the Namib Sand Sea and the vast gravel plains) Gobabeb provides days of exploration and hiking opportunities. With a wide range of accommodation options, swimming facilities and braai facilities Gobabeb is unique in that it also offers tours around the dunes, the Station itself and several night time activities, including Star talks and Scorpion Hunts. The centre is a research station and as such there are tours aimed at adaptations of the Namib and up to date with current research occurring on site. The centre is tourist and family-friendly, offering catering, accommodation and amazing scenery.
4. Namib-Naukluft National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, United States
It seems like Namib-Naukluft National Park is other-worldly, that it has alien landscape, that it's on another planet, and yet the cool thing is: it's right here on our own beautiful, amazing, incredible planet. (Excuse me, I'm feeling very saddened right now w/ the bushfires raging across Australia and decimating wildlife and natural spaces). This park has some of the biggest sand dunes in the world, some of the coolest and hardiest animals on the continent (like the gemsbok, who seem impervious to the blazing sun, scorching temperatures, and tremendous lack of water), and a whole lot of peaceful, desolate spaces to enjoy. Camping (or lodging) inside the park is a great way to ensure that you get an extra hour in the morning and an extra hour at night to experience the park (before and after the general public is allowed in), and the park is definitely worth at least one full day and night of your time. Hiking Elim, Dune 45 and/or Big Daddy offers a good chance for some exercise while admiring stunning vistas (especially at sunrise and/or sunset); trekking out to Hiddenvlei offers the opportunity to experience one of the quietest places in Namibia (or maybe in Africa, or maybe in the world); Sesriem Canyon (which is outside the park, but only just) provides the chance to meander through a cool little canyon and do a spot of scrambling; and Deadvlei makes for awesome photos. Be sure to watch for wildlife as well--even in/on the dunes (look for little tracks, and you might find beetles and lizards not far away)--because it's definitely there. Ostrich, springbok and gemsbok are most abundant, but you might also see jackals, warthogs, vultures, and who knows what else. To the person who said it's too touristy: my advice is to go in the low season. We went at the end of December and felt like we pretty much had the park--and most of the country, in fact--to ourselves. To the person who said the dunes are only beautiful if they have shades of the rising sun: a) that's absurd (look for the animals, and you'll surely find the dunes beautiful simply for sustaining life), and b) then stay in the park and go for sunrise and/or sunset. To everyone who rates this "average": I feel sad for you. Also, the fact that you consider a place like Namib-Naukluft NP "average" makes me wonder where else on Earth (or maybe in the whole Solar System) you've been. I grew up in Alaska, and I still thought this place was incredible.
5. Big Daddy Dune
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 512 reviews
Reviewed By EMIELANDMARLEEN - De Haan, Belgium
It is worth climbing the dunes, both Big Mammy or Big Daddy Take your time and you will reach to top possible for almost everyone great views, and most colors around sunset or sunrise
6. Dune 45
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
Reviewed By 208erwinh - Antwerp, Belgium
The dune is located +/- 45 km from the entrance. Great views from the top The park opens from sunrise Entrance fee for the ‘park’: 80N$/ person and 10N$ for the car Go early to beat the heat and bring enough water with you
7. Dorob National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By europeholidays - South Africa, null
A wonderfully quiet and deserted area. Do not drive arouund off the beaten tracks, as you will damage the nature. Always make sure you have plenty of water with you, and tell someone where you are going. Amazing area.
