Namibia Tours & Holidays

The best time to visit Namibia depends on what you want to see and do. The dry season (May-September) is considered the best time to explore the Nabim Desert and go on safari as the temperatures are comfortable, vegetation is thin and wildlife congregates around waterholes.

The shoulder months (April and October) may be a better option for a safari without peak season crowds; however, Namibia's national parks and reserves never feel too crowded.

While it can be trickier to spot game in the wet season (November-March), you might be lucky to see cute newborns as it coincides with the birthing season.

Learn more about the best time to visit Namibia

Human settlement in Namibia can be traced back to as early as 15000 BC. In the time since, a diverse mix of people and communities have inhabited Namibia, culminating in a unique cultural heritage made of symbolic beliefs, traits and traditions.

Today, most of the population sits within the larger Aawambo cultural group found mostly in the north of Namibia. Other large cultural groups that make up Namibia are the Nama, Damara, Kavango and Ovaherero people.

Namibia was colonised by Germany from the late 1800s until 1919. Because of this, Europeans now make up 5 per cent of the population. German influences can be seen throughout Namibia by way of cuisine, language, architecture and more. As much as 10 per cent of Namibia’s population is made up of people who have migrated from South Africa.

The national language is English; however, many Namibians also speak multiple Indigenous languages, such as the Aawambo language.

Like many countries, the majority of Namibia’s cuisine stems from the traditional cooking techniques and produce found in the area. In more recent times, immigrating cultures, specifically German and English, have added to the culinary scene. With a large variation of meats to cook with, it’s no surprise that many of the popular dishes feature meat in some way, often accompanied by a strong flavour and paired carbohydrate.

There are plenty of options for non-meat eaters, too. Some must-tries include green asparagus, omboga (dried spinach), Namibian olives, owawa mushrooms, geelrys (rice dish), oshigali (puree beans) and more.

Things to try in Namibia

Mieliepap

A staple daily dish to many, mieliepap is a porridge-like meal usually made with cornflour and served with a selection of vegetables or even a meat protein like fish or goat.

Potjiekos

A dish cooked in a small iron pot, potjiekos is a stew that typically combines game meat with hearty vegetables like cauliflower, pumpkin and cabbage.

Biltong

This dish is of Dutch and Afrikaans origin and serves as a way to store meat. By using a savoury rub of flavoured spices, salt and vinegar, then left to air dry, biltong is a tasty snack that can last for a long time if cured correctly.

Oysters

Namibian oysters are known to be meatier and fast-growing than in other areas of the world. They are likely to be prepared differently depending on where you go.

Fat cakes

Fat cakes are a very popular snack in Namibia and other parts of the world. Essentially, fat cakes are just deep-fried dough balls that can be made into sweet or savoury dishes. So, it's no wonder they're popular!

Red desert dunes, rugged bushveld, dense woodlands and plains of gravel make up Namibia's ancient terrain. Home to the monumental Fish River Canyon and sharing the iconic Kalahari Desert with South Africa and Botswana, Namibia has some of the most interesting landscapes in Africa, if not the world.

With little arable land and a warm climate, Namibia is prone to prolonged periods of drought, making farming difficult. Bordered by Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia, Namibia also has a stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean where visitors can see where the desert meets the sea.

1. Fish River Canyon

There's more to the Fish River Canyon than its sheer size. With remote hiking trails, magnificent view points and raging river torrents during the rainy season, visitors will be breathless at the epic views and sense of isolation when visiting this canyon, believed to have been formed more than 500 million years ago.

2. Damaraland

The timeworn terrain of Damaraland makes for interesting, otherworldly landscapes to travel through. The combination of strange rock formations, parched valleys, ochre boulders and amber sunsets makes for magic memories.

3. Sossusvlei sands

This huge clay pan wrapped in red sand dunes occupies a large part of southern Namibia. With some of the tallest dunes in the world, Sossusvlei's variety of colour, size and flora make it a glory to behold.

4. Cape Cross

This protected area on the cape of the southern Atlantic is most famous for its resident seal colony, one of the largest in the world.

5. Ship to shore

Namibia's Skeleton Coast has been called 'The Land God Made in Anger' by the San Bushmen and 'The Gates of Hell' by the Portuguese, and it's not hard to see why. With gale-force winds battering the shore, rolling surf and thick fog, the Skeleton Coast has ruined many a mariner over the years. Evidence of this is scattered along the coastal sands, with a collection of rusting ships resting on the beaches - an eerie yet enthralling sight.

6. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park might be one of the best places to see some of Africa’s iconic wildlife. With its artificial watering holes and wide clear spaces, it’s likely you’ll grab some stellar snaps of the hard-to-miss inhabitants, including elephants, zebras and even black rhinos.

7. Zambezi River

The Zambezi River isn’t just the fourth-longest river in Africa; it’s also the hangout spot for some pretty famous animals. Look for hippos, monkeys, elephants, buffalo, birds and more aboard a canoe or cruise.

8. Walvis Bay

Bird lovers should consider a stop at Walvis Bay, which is typically a stop on the way to nearby Swakopmund. Thousands of migratory birds, including the fan-favourite flamingos and portly-pouched pelicans are seen across the lagoons and bird sanctuaries

9. Swakopmund

If, while in Africa, you have a hankering for German architecture, stop by the spookily named Skeleton Coast for a visit to the town of Swakopmund. Wander through the mix of Namibian and German influences of this seaside stop, enjoying the open-air market and fresh sea breeze. You could also find yourself on a dolphin and seal boating adventure to nearby Cape Cross or out on a local fishing excursion.

10. Orange River

Named the Orange River for its unique hue, this waterway has been an important part of Namibian and South African history – namely, the diamond rush in the 1800s. While diamond mining is a continuing business in the region, many people simply come to enjoy paddling the waters

What’s travel without a meaningful souvenir or two? When in Namibia, Intrepid encourages travellers to support local makers who put time and effort into handmaking their wares. Culturally significant items are often available for purchase, especially in tourist areas. Speaking to the local sellers can be a great way to learn about their culture and understand the significance of what they are selling.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Namibia

Fabrics

Many of the beautiful textiles sold around Namibia can be used in a multitude of ways, e.g., for clothing, tableware, art and more. Look to buy from traditional artists and makers in craft markets to support local talent and local industries.

Wooden crafts

A hand-carved wooden object is a great memento to take home from Namibia. There’s likely a souvenir for everyone with crockery, bowls, animal figures, dolls, instruments and more. You’ll see traditional African masks for sale, which are often items that have a symbolic meaning to the local people.

Precious gems

As one of the largest producers of diamonds in the world, you’re likely to find a sparkly item or two in Namibia. Be sure to do some research or ask your guide about where to go, as not all shops will have the real deal.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• Workers' Day

• Cassinga Day

• Ascension Day

• Africa Day

• Heroes' Day

• Human Rights Day / Namibian Women's Day

 Please note Namibia public holidays may vary

Has Namibia caught your eye? If it has (and we can see why), take a gander at some of our other Africa safari destinations.

Botswana

• Botswana tours

South Africa

• South Africa tours

Zimbabwe

• Zimbabwe tours