Why a Top Travel Company Lists This African Country as a Top Place to Travel in 2024
The post-pandemic world has long since dusted off its luggage, and bucket list items are once again being checked off.
A trip to Africa is a milestone for many travel lovers, and more than ever, the world is making a push to realize these goals! But when it comes to such an enormous continent, where is the best place to start?
It appears that the trend is toward getting away from the crowds and discovering what the road-less-travelled might have to offer. One African country that this road is heading for is Namibia, according to ‘Explore!’, a well-known and trusted adventure travel company out of the UK.
And I have to wholeheartedly agree! Namibia is one of my favourite African countries. It’s worlds away from what travellers expect from an African nation, and that’s part of the fun.
Read on for 6 reasons why Namibia should be a part of your 2024 travel plans:
Why You Need to Take a Holiday to Namibia
1. Namibia has fantastic infrastructure, especially compared to some other southern African countries.
While a 4WD is desirable in some places like the Skeleton Coast or parts of Fish River Canyon, it’s entirely possible to have a great trip travelling only on 2wd-worthy roads.
Nearly the entire country is for a road trip. In the south, explore the Fish River Canyon. If you happen to be there from May through mid-September, take on the canyon hike.
Lace up your hiking boots and set out on a trek that is between 14 and 86km. This discrepancy lies in the number of shortcuts available you decide to take.
Travel wide open, paved roads north to Swakopmund, the adventure capital of the country. Visit Windhoek, the actual capital, then carry on to the mysterious Skeleton Coast and famous Etosha National Park for a safari.
If you’ve got time, investigate the wilds of the Caprivi strip. The sights are endless!
2. Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in Africa.
With only about 3 people per square kilometre, it has a lot of room for visitors! To put that number in perspective, neighbouring South Africa has about 49 people per square kilometre.
This is due in large part to the fact that so much of the country is covered with sand. Namibia is home to 2 deserts – the Namib, which is the oldest desert in the world, and the Kalahari. While this does make much of the country uninhabitable, it also provides us with some epic sand dunes!
Namibia has some of the tallest dunes in the world. The country’s highest dune is named Dune 7 and rises 383 metres above the desert floor.
Dune 45 is the most well-known and is often the one climbed by visitors to the Sossusvlei area. At only 170 metres tall, it’s still a pretty good-sized dune. But it’s dwarfed by the area’s Dig Daddy, standing 325 metres.
3. It’s full of fantastical landscapes.
The dune in #2 above is one example of these landscapes. Another is found in Namib-Naukluft Park. Deadvlei is one of the most photographed panoramas in the country.
The camel thorn trees are a dramatic contrast against the white pan, red dunes and the deep blue of the sky. The arid conditions have preserved these trees, halting decomposition for over 900 years. A dead tree never looked so good.
Another stunning sight is the Skeleton Coast, a remarkable blend of desert and sea. The large sand dunes, created by constant winds, meet the mighty Atlantic Ocean along a stark and uninhabited shoreline.
Scattered shipwrecks contribute to the landscape’s story, emphasizing its isolation and lack of human habitation. The Skeleton Coast will remind you of nature’s strength and ruthlessness.
4. You can take advantage of epic stargazing.
The small population and large uninhabited areas mean there is minimal light pollution. You don’t need to venture far from any Namibian city to find huge, unspoiled and utterly dark desert landscapes.
This profound darkness makes for world-class stargazing. If you’ve never spent a night in a genuinely remote location, prepare to be mesmerized.
In fact, the NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia has achieved recognition as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
And if you’ve never witnessed the glory of the Milky Way, the sight will leave you breathless.
5. It’s home to wild Africa in the Caprivi Strip
The Caprivi Strip is the northern ‘panhandle’ arm of Namibia, stretching between Botswana and Angola. This remote region, still largely untouched by tourism, offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed African wilderness.
Caprivi is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, providing a chance to witness animals in their natural habitat while enjoying a feeling of solitude.
It’s one of the last remaining true wilderness areas in Southern Africa, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and unspoiled African adventure.
But be aware – if you plan to add Caprivi to your itinerary, a 4WD is the way to go.
6. Etosha Park Wildlife!
This extraordinary park is a unique and easily accessible opportunity to witness the remarkable variety of African wildlife in their natural habitat. Etosha’s huge salt pan, waterholes, and open plains provide amazing animal viewing, including four of the iconic Big Five.
The park’s well-maintained roads and selection of accommodations make it a convenient and comfortable base for your safari adventure. It’s a blend of natural beauty and abundant wildlife experiences.
Summing It Up: Take a Holiday to Namibia!
Namibia’s inclusion on Explore’s list of top travel destinations for 2024 reflects the country’s undeniable awesomeness. Its otherworldly landscapes like Deadvlei and its rich cultural heritage, not to mention beautiful Etosha Park make it irresistible.
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting adventure, Namibia’s got it for you. Its natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and warm hospitality make it a standout choice for those looking to explore the extraordinary in the heart of Africa!
Happy travels!
Read More:
➵ 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Namibia
➵ Namibia’s Best Beaches for a Blissful Summer
