City: Namibia
Top Things to do in Namibia
What to do and see in Namibia, Namibia: The Best National Parks
Coordinates: 22°S 17°E / 22°S 17°E / -22; 17
Restaurants in Namibia
1. 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.
2. Spitzkoppe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
Though this is the country's most well-known mountain, at 180 meters it isn't the tallest.
Reviewed By yulneverroamalone - Montreal, Canada
Spitzkoppe is a beautiful location and should be included in anybody's Namibia exploration! The beautiful granite peaks have stood in this region for more than 120 million years and they are a marvel to photograph. We stayed at the Spitzkoppe Rest Camp which is a very affordable campground. Park entrance and permits for 2 people, plus one vehicle, was $360 N (about $32 CAD). There are a few lodges in the area, but the prices aren't even comparable. The park itself is beautiful and is well known for Natural Arch. Spitzkoppe is the perfect getaway, and with no light pollution, you're sure to experience a night sky filled with stars.
3. Nkasa Rupara National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By tonyb99 - Tucson, United States
We stayed at Jackalberry Camp, four “ tents” at the remote southern end of the park. The safaris, morning, afternoon, and river, were conducted by Robson, who did a magnificent job. Cheetah, hippo, elephant, many varieties of antelope etc. The biggest surprise was seeing dozens of pelicans! The camp was excellent, well run, good food, and an elephant munching on the branches above the tent at 2am one morning! He was standing up against the main picture window of the tent, and even sniffed us through the screen! You do need a 4x4 to drive yourself to the camp, but you can leave your vehicle in town and they will pick you up. Very few people in the park.
4. 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.
5. Rock Sculpture Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
6. Mangetti National Park
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 4 reviews
