Namibia offers a unique safari experience with its diverse landscapes, from the vast desert dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. Known for its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, Namibia also showcases rich cultural heritage through indigenous communities like the Himba people. Its remote, untouched environments provide an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers seeking a true African wilderness experience. Contact us now
Namibia, officially known as the Republic of Namibia, is located in Southern Africa and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south and southeast. Although it doesn’t directly border Zimbabwe, a narrow stretch of the Zambezi River—less than 200 meters wide—separates the two nations. Namibia gained independence from South Africa on 21 March 1990 after a prolonged struggle known as the Namibian War of Independence. The capital and largest city is Windhoek. Today, Namibia is a proud member of the United Nations, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Commonwealth of Nations.
The region now known as Namibia has been inhabited for centuries by the San, Damara, and Nama peoples. Around the 14th century, Bantu-speaking groups, mainly the Ovambo people, migrated into the area. These groups eventually became the dominant population in Namibia. In the late 19th century, during the era of European colonization, Germany established control over much of Namibia, declaring it a protectorate in 1884. The German colonial government invested in infrastructure and agriculture until its defeat by South African forces during World War I in 1915.
Following the end of World War I, the League of Nations assigned Namibia (then South West Africa) to the United Kingdom, with South Africa administering the territory. South Africa imposed its laws, including apartheid policies, on the region. In 1966, the United Nations revoked South Africa’s mandate and assumed direct responsibility for Namibia, but South Africa continued its control. The South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), largely supported by the Ovambo people, was recognized by the UN in 1973 as the official representative of the Namibian people. After years of guerrilla warfare, an interim government was formed in 1985, and Namibia eventually gained full independence in 1990. Walvis Bay and the offshore Penguin Islands, however, remained under South African control until 1994.
Namibia maintains an independent foreign policy, with close ties to countries that supported its independence movement, such as Cuba. With a small military and developing economy, the country’s key foreign policy goal is to foster strong relationships within the Southern African region. Namibia plays an active role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and advocates for regional integration. On 23 April 1990, it became the 160th member of the United Nations and the 50th member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Namibia is divided into 14 administrative regions, which are further subdivided into 121 constituencies. The boundaries and divisions are determined by Delimitation Commissions, with the most recent changes implemented in 2013. Regional councillors are elected by secret ballot, and local authorities are structured as municipalities, town councils, or village councils, depending on the population and size of the area.
Namibia’s economy is closely linked to that of South Africa due to their historical connection. Major economic sectors include mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Mining alone contributed 10.4% of GDP in 2009. The country boasts a well-developed banking system and offers modern services such as mobile and online banking. The central bank is the Bank of Namibia, and the country hosts several commercial banks including Bank Windhoek, First National Bank, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and the SME Bank.
As of the 2012 Namibia Labour Force Survey, the national unemployment rate stood at 27.4%. The “strict unemployment” figure, which includes only those actively looking for jobs, rose from 20.2% in 2000 to 29.4% in 2008. Namibia passed a labor act in 2004 to prevent workplace discrimination, particularly for pregnant women and people living with HIV/AIDS. The government mandates that all unskilled and semi-skilled labor be sourced from within the country.
Namibia has made efforts to attract foreign investment by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. In 2013, Bloomberg ranked Namibia as the top emerging market economy in Africa and 13th globally. The World Bank classifies Namibia as an Upper Middle Income country and ranks it 87th out of 185 economies in terms of ease of doing business. Despite this, high import costs and monopolies in some sectors contribute to a relatively high cost of living, especially in the capital, Windhoek.
Though only about 1% of Namibia’s land is arable, nearly half the population is engaged in agriculture, mostly subsistence farming. Despite a relatively high per capita GDP, most Namibians live in rural areas and depend on informal economies. The country suffers from high income inequality due to the divide between urban and rural livelihoods. About 4,000 commercial farmers, mostly white, own nearly half of the arable land. The government, with support from Germany and Britain, is working on land reform to redistribute land to landless black Namibians.
Wildlife conservancies have emerged as a vital source of income and job creation in rural areas. In addition, the discovery of the “Ohangwena II” aquifer in the north, with enough water to serve 800,000 people for 400 years, presents major opportunities for sustainable development.
Mining is Namibia’s most important economic sector, accounting for around 25% of its revenue. The country is the fourth-largest uranium producer in the world and has rich diamond reserves. Namibia is also a source of lead, gold, copper, zinc, and other minerals. Offshore natural gas reserves are planned for future development. Historically, companies like De Beers have dominated the diamond trade in Namibia.
Electricity in Namibia is generated mainly from hydroelectric and thermal power plants, with increasing interest in nuclear power due to the country’s uranium resources. Plans are in place to build Namibia’s first nuclear power station and initiate uranium enrichment projects.
Namibia has a well-developed transport network that includes seaports, airports, highways, and railways. The country aims to become a regional transport hub, particularly through the strategic use of its ports and central plateau, which connects the north to South Africa. About 80% of Namibia’s imports come from South Africa.
A Namibia safari is an epic journey across a land of vast contrasts—rugged 4×4 roads cut through arid thirstlands, past mighty rivers and dusty towns that whisper of ancient stories. Whether you choose to travel overland or opt for faster transfers with Namibia’s excellent state-owned or private airlines, every moment promises adventure.
Kenlink Tours has handpicked a few of the most captivating and diverse safari destinations in Namibia, from legendary wildlife parks to surreal desert landscapes. Even if you can’t fit them all into one trip—we’re confident you’ll want to come back for more.
Often considered the crown jewel of Namibian safaris, Etosha National Park is a must-visit. The name “Etosha” means “Great White Place”, referring to the vast, shimmering salt pan that dominates the landscape—so large it’s visible from space.
Wildlife Paradise: Declared a protected area in 1907, Etosha is home to hundreds of species including endangered black rhino, elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and countless bird species.
Etosha Pan: Spanning 22,000 square kilometers, the salt pan once held a massive lake fed by rivers that have since changed course.
Flamingo Haven: During the rainy season, the pan turns into a vibrant wetland that attracts flamingos by the million—a breathtaking sight.
Ideal for Photography: With dramatic contrasts and wildlife congregating around waterholes, it’s a dream for photographers and birders.
A conservation success story, NamibRand is one of the largest private nature reserves in Southern Africa, founded by JA Brückner in 1984. It covers over 200,000 hectares of rehabilitated farmland, now teeming with life.
Four Ecosystems: Sandy dunes, rocky hills, gravel plains, and mixed sand-and-gravel zones create rich biodiversity.
Wildlife Sightings: Oryx, springbok, kudu, zebras, giraffes, leopards, caracals, hyenas, jackals, and over 150 bird species.
Migration Corridor: Large herds of elephants and wildebeest roam freely between NamibRand and neighboring protected areas.
Sustainable Tourism: The reserve is a non-profit and financially self-sustaining through high-end, low-impact tourism.
Perhaps one of the most iconic and surreal landscapes in the world, Dead Vlei is located within the Namib-Naukluft Park near the famous Sossusvlei dunes.
A Photographer’s Paradise: Dead camel thorn trees stand blackened against a white clay pan, surrounded by red dunes under brilliant blue skies.
Ancient History: These eerie trees are estimated to be over 900 years old, preserved by the extreme dry climate.
Dune Adventures: Climb Big Daddy, one of the tallest sand dunes in the world, for panoramic views of the desert.
Survivors of the Desert: Hardy species like salsola and nara persist thanks to dew and rare rain, supporting wildlife adapted to this hostile environment.
Both haunting and magnificent, Skeleton Coast National Park is a coastal stretch like no other—where desert sands meet the Atlantic Ocean in a dramatic display of nature’s extremes.
Ghostly Landscapes: Massive shifting sand dunes, canyons, and mountain ranges meet cold sea breezes and dense fog from the Benguela Current.
Ship Graveyard: Dozens of shipwrecks litter the coast—silent monuments to those who braved the “Gates of Hell.”
Unique Wildlife: Desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, lions, hyenas, giraffes, and elusive creatures like the Gerrhosaurus lizard roam freely.
Birding & Marine Life: Over 250 bird species, Benguela dolphins, killer whales, humpbacks, and even Nile soft-shelled turtles thrive here.
Gemstone Beaches: Discover rainbow-hued beaches near Möwe Bay, with semi-precious stones glistening amongst whale bones and shipwreck debris.
The Fish River Canyon, located in southern Namibia, is the largest canyon in Africa and one of Namibia’s top tourist attractions. Spanning 160 kilometers, with widths up to 27 kilometers and depths reaching 550 meters, this dramatic landscape is a haven for hikers and nature lovers.
Carved by the Fish River, which only flows seasonally, the canyon is dry for most of the year—leaving behind a string of narrow pools bordered by a rugged, stony terrain. The canyon features two biospheres: the upper canyon formed by hard gneiss bedrocks and the lower canyon shaped by the erosion of these rocks over centuries.
A major highlight is the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort, situated at the lower end of the canyon. It lies within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, while the remaining parts of the canyon are owned by private concessions.
The 88-kilometer Fish River Canyon hiking trail, taking about 5 days to complete, ends at the Ai-Ais hot springs. It’s a raw, immersive experience with no campsites or amenities along the way. Hikers carry their own gear and sleep under the stars. Permits are required for the hike, available from May to September, and hikers must be at least 12 years old. Older hikers are required to provide a medical certificate of fitness.
Situated in northeast Namibia within the Caprivi Strip, Bwabwata National Park spans over 6,300 square kilometers, bordered by the Okavango River in the west and the Kwando River in the east. The park plays a critical role as a wildlife corridor connecting Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and Namibia, allowing animals like elephants, wildebeests, and various antelope species to migrate freely.
What makes this park unique is its community-based approach to conservation. Locals are allowed to live within the park and participate in managing its resources—an innovative model for conservation and sustainable tourism.
The terrain includes shrub savannas and various woodlands such as Caprivi mopane and Okavango floodplain forests. Bwabwata is especially popular with bird watchers, with sightings of rare birds like the black-winged pratincole, slaty egret, wattled crane, and African skimmer. Larger predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas also roam the park.
Known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia,” Spitzkoppe is a group of bald granite peaks located between Usakos and Swakopmund. The tallest peak rises to 1,784 meters above sea level, towering some 700 meters above the flat Namib Desert.
These peaks, dating back over 120 million years, attract geologists, rock climbers, photographers, and stargazers. The surrounding region is also called the “Bushmen’s Art Gallery” due to the abundance of ancient rock paintings by early San people.
Evenings at Spitzkoppe are magical, with the desert sky offering some of the clearest views of the Milky Way, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Located in the Huab Valley of the former Damaraland, Twyfelfontein is home to one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engravings in Africa. These petroglyphs, created over 6,000 years ago by early hunter-gatherers and later pastoralists, depict animals, humans, and abstract patterns.
The name Twyfelfontein means “Doubtful Spring” in Afrikaans, given by a farmer in 1946 who was unsure if the spring would sustain his farm. Declared a National Monument in 1952 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the area offers insights into the spiritual life and rituals of the Khoi-San people, making it an invaluable cultural heritage site.
Cape Cross is a small headland along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, famous for hosting the largest colony of Cape Fur Seals in the world. The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is government-protected and plays an important role in both conservation and local livelihoods.
Seals are culled seasonally at Cape Cross and Lüderitz to manage their population and mitigate their impact on the fishing industry. The hides are sold as part of a community initiative supporting local fishermen.
Cape Cross was named after the stone cross (padrão) placed by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. Today, two replicas of the cross stand at the site, commemorating the explorers who braved the Atlantic seas in search of a route to India.
Brandberg, meaning “Fire Mountain” in Afrikaans, is Namibia’s highest mountain at 2,573 meters above sea level. Known to the Damara people as Dâures (“burning mountain”) and to the Herero as Omukuruvaro (“mountain of the gods”), Brandberg is visible from miles away, especially when it glows red in the setting sun.
Located in the Erongo Region, near Uis, Brandberg spans around 650 square kilometers. The mountain is famous for its ancient rock paintings, especially the White Lady rock painting, and is also a hotspot for hiking and geological exploration.
The Brandberg Massif was formed by a granitic intrusion over 130 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. Its complex geology includes rare minerals such as pyrochlore and bastnaesite. The dome-shaped mountain is a significant geological wonder and a sacred site for local communities.
Tourism plays a vital role in Namibia’s economy, contributing approximately 14.5% to the national GDP and supporting 18.2% of all jobs in the country—either directly or indirectly. Each year, Namibia welcomes over a million tourists, making it one of Africa’s top travel destinations, particularly known for ecotourism and its rich, diverse wildlife.
Namibia offers a wide array of lodges and nature reserves catering to eco-tourists. In addition to wildlife safaris, sport hunting contributes significantly to the tourism sector, accounting for 14% of all tourism activity in 2000, generating an estimated $19.6 million USD. The country is home to a variety of sought-after game species that attract international hunters.
Adventure seekers are also drawn to Namibia for extreme sports, including sandboarding, skydiving, and 4×4 excursions, with numerous tour operators available in major cities. Popular tourist destinations include:
Windhoek (the capital city)
Caprivi Strip
Fish River Canyon
Sossusvlei
Skeleton Coast Park
Sesriem
Etosha Pan
Coastal towns such as Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Lüderitz
Windhoek plays a central role in Namibia’s tourism industry due to its strategic location and proximity to Hosea Kutako International Airport. According to the Namibia Tourism Exit Survey (2012–2013), 56% of all tourists visited Windhoek during their stay. The city also hosts major tourism institutions and stakeholders, including:
Namibia Wildlife Resorts
Air Namibia
Namibia Tourism Board (NTB)
Hospitality Association of Namibia
Well-known accommodations in Windhoek include the Windhoek Country Club Resort, as well as international hotel chains such as Hilton Hotels and Avani Hotels & Resorts.
Established under the Namibia Tourism Board Act of 2000 (Act 21 of 2000), the NTB is the official body tasked with regulating the tourism industry and promoting Namibia as a travel destination. Several key trade associations also represent the tourism sector, including:
Federation of Namibia Tourism Associations
Hospitality Association of Namibia
Association of Namibian Travel Agents
Car Rental Association of Namibia
Tour and Safari Association of Namibia
Namibia is unique in Sub-Saharan Africa for providing water services through municipal departments. The country’s sole bulk water supplier, NamWater, distributes water to municipalities, which then handle local distribution. In rural areas, the Directorate of Rural Water Supply under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry is responsible for water access.
While access to safe water has improved since independence in 1990, many Namibians still rely on traditional wells due to the high cost of water and the distance to water points in rural areas.
Sanitation remains a major challenge. According to the UN:
Over 298 schools lack toilet facilities.
More than 50% of child deaths are related to poor water, sanitation, or hygiene, with 23% attributed to diarrhea alone.
The country is facing a “sanitation crisis”.
Most townships lack adequate sanitation, with private flush toilets being unaffordable for many due to high water and installation costs. In rural areas, access to improved sanitation increased only marginally—from 8% in 1990 to 13%. In the absence of proper facilities, residents often resort to “flying toilets” (defecating in plastic bags and discarding them), or use open areas, posing serious health hazards.
Namibia has the second-lowest population density in the world, after Mongolia. The population is largely of Bantu-speaking origin, with the Ovambo being the largest ethnic group, constituting about 50% of the population, mainly in the north but increasingly urbanized.
Other ethnic groups include:
Herero and Himba (linguistically related)
Damara, sharing a click-language with the Nama
Khoisan groups (Nama and San), descendants of the region’s original inhabitants
Refugees from Angola
Mixed-race communities: Coloureds and Basters (together 8%)
Namibia also has a Chinese minority and a white population (4–7%), primarily of Afrikaner, German, British, and Portuguese descent. Many whites speak Afrikaans, with around 30,000 German-speaking descendants preserving German culture and institutions. The Portuguese community primarily descends from Angola.
The 1960 census reported a total population of 526,004, with 14% being white. Modern censuses (conducted every ten years) show population growth slowing from 2.6% (1991–2001) to 1.4% (2001–2011). As of the 2011 census, the population stood at 2,113,077.
Christianity is the dominant religion, adhered to by 80%–90% of Namibians:
75% Protestant
50% Lutheran (the largest denomination)
This is a legacy of German and Finnish missionary work. Other Christian groups include Roman Catholics, Methodists, Anglicans, Dutch Reformed, African Methodist Episcopal, and Mormons.
Other religious affiliations:
10%–20% follow indigenous beliefs
Approximately 9,000 Muslims, primarily Nama
A small Jewish community of about 100 people
Languages in Namibia
While English is the official language, Namibia is multilingual. Until 1990, German, Afrikaans, and English were official languages. After independence, the government made English the sole official language to promote unity and avoid ethnolinguistic division. However, only 3% of the population speak it as a first language.
Other widely spoken languages include:
Oshiwambo (spoken in 49% of households)
Nama/Damara (11.3%)
Afrikaans (10.4%)
Kavango (9%)
Otjiherero (9%)
Afrikaans and English are mainly used as second languages. Most of the white population speaks Afrikaans (60%) or German (32%), while 7% speak English, and 1% Portuguese. Due to Namibia’s proximity to Angola, there are around 100,000 Portuguese speakers, making up about 4–5% of the population.
Though English is used in government, education, and media, challenges persist. The monolingual policy has led to high dropout rates and low academic proficiency in any language for many students. Some local languages are still used as the medium of instruction in early education.
Cheetah Capital of the World
Namibia is home to the world’s largest population of free-roaming cheetahs—about 2,500 to 3,000! I had the chance to see a few at the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Their chirp-like calls while waiting for food were so unexpected—more bird than big cat!
Ancient Namib Desert
The country gets its name from the Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert in the world. Scientists estimate its sands have existed for over a million years!
Endless Space
Namibia is the second least densely populated country on Earth (after Mongolia), with only about 2 million people living in a land twice the size of California.
The Mysterious Skeleton Coast
This hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline earned its name from countless whale, seal—and even human—skeletons. Over 1,000 shipwrecks lie scattered here, thanks to dense fog and treacherous waters. The Bushmen call it “The Land God Made in Anger”, and the Portuguese, “The Gates of Hell.” Yet, it’s also home to nearly 100,000 Cape fur seals.
From Colony to Independence
Namibia was once a German colony, then came under South African rule after World War I. It gained independence in 1990, making it one of the world’s youngest nations.
Diverse Cultures
Despite its small population, Namibia is home to 13 ethnic groups. The Himba people are one of the most traditional, having only come into contact with the modern world in recent decades.
Eco-Conscious Constitution
Namibia is the first country in the world to include environmental protection in its constitution. This has led to thriving community-based tourism initiatives that benefit both locals and visitors.
Desert Elephants
Namibia is one of only two countries with desert-adapted elephants. These extraordinary creatures have longer legs, bigger feet, and smaller body masses, allowing them to traverse sand dunes in search of water—sometimes even sliding down them!
Sandboarding Thrills
There are two ways to sandboard in Namibia: lying down and racing headfirst (reaching speeds of 80 km/h!) or standing up, which is slower but trickier. I braved the headfirst ride—and let’s just say, I was terrible, but it was exhilarating!
Iconic Dunes
The Sossusvlei Sand Dunes are among the tallest in the world. Big Daddy stands at an impressive ~325 meters, while Dune 45 is the most photographed. Climbing them is breathtaking—literally and figuratively!
Black Rhino Stronghold
Namibia boasts the largest population of free-roaming black rhinos. I had the nerve-wracking thrill of tracking one on foot—only to later discover our guides were unarmed! Etosha National Park also offers incredible sightings of elephants, lions, and more.
National Pride in Song
Namibia’s national anthem, “Namibia, Land of the Brave”, reflects its fight for freedom. The chorus beautifully declares:
“Namibia our Country, Namibia our Motherland, we love thee.”
Gem of Africa
Namibia has maintained its raw, untouched beauty, making it a dream destination for eco-tourists. From deserts to coastlines, it’s packed with natural wonders.
Etosha National Park
A top-tier wildlife haven, Etosha is home to 91 mammal species, including the tallest elephants in Africa and the endangered black rhino. Its waterholes are a photographer’s paradise in dry season.
Vast Namib-Naukluft Park
One of the largest conservation areas in Africa—and the world—this park is a treasure trove of desert landscapes and biodiversity.
Twin Deserts
Namibia features both the Namib and Kalahari deserts, each with their own unique ecosystems and wildlife.
Stargazer’s Paradise
Clear skies in areas like the Namib and Damaraland make Namibia a top destination for astronomers and stargazers.
Fish River Canyon
The second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon, it’s 161 km long and up to 550 meters deep. A five-day hike through it is only possible during the cooler months (May to September).
Birding & Fishing
Namibia’s northern rivers, such as the Kavango and Kunene, offer excellent birding and fishing opportunities.
Shipwrecks & Sand Dunes
The Skeleton Coast is dotted with shipwrecks and dramatic dunes that descend into the Atlantic Ocean. Desert elephants have even been spotted wandering these surreal landscapes.
Dragon’s Breath Cave
This unique cave holds the world’s largest underground lake—another of Namibia’s hidden wonders.
The San Bushmen
Namibia’s first people, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari, traditionally lived as nomadic hunters. Their language features distinctive click sounds.
NamibRand Nature Reserve
One of Africa’s largest private game reserves, NamibRand supports sustainable tourism and volunteer opportunities in conservation.
Brangelina’s Namibian Connection
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie chose to have their daughter, Shiloh, born in Namibia in 2006. They donated $2 million to the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, helping both people and animals.
Volunteer Heaven
Namibia offers rewarding volunteer opportunities in wildlife conservation (cheetahs, lions, elephants), education, and medical support—especially with local communities like the San.
Perfect for Road Trips
Namibia is a top self-drive destination with excellent roads and infrastructure—ideal for adventure seekers!
Mostly Malaria-Free
Much of Namibia is free of malaria, making it safer and more accessible for travelers.
Year-Round Sunshine
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Namibia is an all-season destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
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