January 23

7 Reasons Why Namibia is So Special

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By Matthew Sterne on January 23, 2017

Namibia is like an exposed gem, just sitting out there in the desert waiting to be discovered and explored. It’s the remoteness – Namibia is one of the least densely populated places in the world – that makes it such a unique and stirring place to visit. But of course, there is more to it than just vast open spaces and hauntingly beautiful scenery. In fact, we can name seven things that make Namibia a place worth exploring…

1. The Landscapes

View of Fish River CanyonSunset view of Namibia's wildernessSunset in the Namib DesertUntouched, untamed and simply amazing, Namibia is all about the landscapes. It’s alien-like terrain will make you think of Mars or the moon. Expect massive dunes, remote valleys and huge gorges.

2. The Drives

On the road in NamibiaAn actual zebra crossing in Namibia Namibia is a driving adventure through remote areas. Because it’s so sparsely populated, it sometimes feels like you have the entire country to yourself. It’s the ultimate road trip destination and one you’ll never forget.

3. The Sossusvlei Dunes


Walking on the dunes in SossusvleiFootprints in Namibian dunes
The trees of aptly named Deadvlei These are the biggest dunes in the world and reach up to 325m in height! They are shaped like stars and have a red and orange hue best seen at sunrise and sunset. And while you’re there, don’t forget to make the short trip to the eerily beautiful Deadvlei, to see this ancient tree graveyard.

4. Etosha National Park

Gemsbok fighting with their horns in Etosha, Namibia An elephant stands among herds of zebra at the waterhole Zebra drinking at the watering hole, NamibiaEtosha Pan with a lone Gemsbok

Etosha, in the north of Namibia, has a five thousand square kilometre pan that was once an ancient inland sea. Now it’s a haven for wildlife and adored by all who visit this park, the most popular reserve in Namibia.

5. Skeleton Coast

Shipwreck on the Skeleton Coast of Namibia An aerial view of the Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is a seemingly endless expanse of dunes home to fascinating landscapes and the bizarre mix of desert and ocean.

6. Desert-adapted animals

Black Rhino in Namibia
Image credit: John and Karen Hollingsworth
Namibia's desert lion
Image credit: Flip Stander

Namibia’s deserts are home to some amazingly resilient animals adapted for survival. There are elephants with longer trunks to dig deeper for water, rhinos with longer horns to forage better and even lions that feed on seals.

7. Digital Detox

Couple enjoying sundowners in the desert of Namibia A dirt road in Namibia
Namibia is the perfect place to switch off. Just enjoy the open road, take in the landscapes and reconnect with nature.

 


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About the author 

Matthew Sterne

Matt discovered a passion for writing in the six years he spent travelling abroad. He worked for a turtle sanctuary in Nicaragua, in an ice cream factory in Norway and on a camel safari in India. He was a door-to-door lightbulb-exchanger in Australia, a pub crawl guide in Amsterdam and a journalist in Colombia. Now, he writes and travels with us.

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