The Best African Travel Destination – Namibia (including itinerary)
Africa has been getting lots of bad press lately…if you leave it to the media you would think the whole continent was full of diseased people, warring factions and destitution but there are lots of success stories and I would like to share one with you. I had the honor and privilege of traveling to Namibia to explore the country as well as meet leaders of their animal and nature conservancy movement.
Animal and Nature Conservancy
As you may know, 44% of the land in Namibia has been set aside for conservation and the government have created 69 cultural cooperatives that care for the reserves, lodges and animals and are shifting increasingly more to the local people. As a result, Namibia has completely eradicated poaching and now has the fastest growing cheetah and rhino populations in Africa. Its elephant population has grown from 7,500 animals in 1995 to over 20,000 as of March 2016, unlike many places in Africa where the elephant populations are rapidly dwindling. According to the World Wildlife Fund, it is estimated that an elephant is being killed in Africa every 15 minutes for its tusks.
Namibia – a Geographic Wonderland:
It was a marvel to behold Namibia’s conservancy accomplishment as well as to see one of the most geographically unique countries in Africa. It is truly a photographer’s dream come true. Nambia has:
- The oldest desert in the world – a technicolor dreamscape, with swirling apricot colored dunes.
- The 2nd largest canyon in the world – after Grand Canyon.
- 5 distinct and drastically different ecosystems – its like visiting 5 different countries.
- One of the richest source of diamonds, uranium deposits in the world.
- Remarkably efficient infrastructure and roads.
- A modern cosmopolitan capital city – Windhoek.
- The earliest Sub Saharan civilization known to humans, the San People.
Nambia is:
- The second least populated country in the world, with it only 2 million people.
- Is the only place in the world where the desert meets the ocean.
Traveling to and through Namibia was a fantastic and informative experience and I highly recommend it. Visiting here in 2013 was my fifth time to Africa, my 7th country and my new favorite!
Itinerary:
Below is my travel itinerary. You should set aside 2-3 weeks for the journey. Wild Dog Safari’s coordinated most of my trip.
- Windhoek (was there during their jazz festival – big fun)
- Namibia Craft Centre
- Katutura Township
- National Museum of Namibia
- Parliament Gardens
- Mbangura Woodcarvers Market
- Etosha National Park – campsite Namutoni
- Outapi – Lodge
- Uukwaluudhi Lodge
- Opuwo – Camping
- Grootberg Camping
- Damaraland
- Skeleton Coast
- Back to Windhoek
- Walvis Bay
- Swakopmund
- Twyfelfontein
- Gobabeb Research Center
- Sossusvlei Fish River Canyon
- Back to Windhoek (My trip was there was routed through Frankfurt, Germany)
Elaine Lee, UGoGurl.com | March 9, 2017
Elaine Lee is a globetrotter and travel journalist. She is the editor of “Go Girl: The Black Woman’s Book of Travel and Adventure”. She has visited 59 countries and made two solo trips around the world. She lives in the San Francisco area and her cyberhome is www.ugogurl.com
I loved your article. I have shared it with several of my friends. You make Namibia sound so inviting. Keep writing those articles. They are so entertaining as well as informative!
April 4, 2017Wow! Your description of Namibia makes it a “must-see” for sure. Thank you for sharing your experience.
March 22, 2017It is great that you traveled to this country of such diverse landscapes . You have shared its beauty and it’s people to the world. Thank you.
March 16, 2017Wonderful photos. I’d really like to go to Namibia now and see the home of the world’s most ancient people.
March 14, 2017Amazing and very interesting- You are a very good writer!!
March 14, 2017This is absolutely fabulous! I marvel how you’ve managed to travel the planet and give us your birds-eye view perspective. Thank you for this truly informative and visual presentation!
March 14, 2017What a great article! The vivid descriptions and details of Namibia’s unique geographical characteristics are awe-inspiring! This amazing place is now on my must go list. You had me at jazz festival and “where the desert meets the ocean.”
March 11, 2017Wow–your article evokes such great imagery! The vivid descriptions and fascinating details of Namibia’s unique geographical characteristics are awe-inspiring. You had me at “the desert meets the ocean” and “jazz festival.” Thanks for sharing—Namibia is now definitely a must see for me!
March 11, 2017Great article. I need to add Namibia to my “must visit” list! I am intrigued….
March 10, 2017Sounds spectacular. Thank you for sharing this amazing itinerary and sparking my interest in visiting Namibia. It is a long way from here but I certainly hope to get there one day especially because it sounds like they are one of the few African countries that is respecting and protecting their natural assets: people, culture, animals and environment.
March 10, 2017Thank you so much for enlightenment. I have been concerned about wildlife survival, especially the elephants and the wildcats. The conservationist have made great strides.
March 10, 2017Thanks for the inspiration to plan my next Africa safari. Recently returned from a great Tanzania safari and now have the bug. I appreciate the highlights noted here and the knowledge of all the things Namibia is doing right to protect its wildlife.
March 10, 2017You make Namibia sound like a great place to visit. I am glad to hear about the conservancy accomplishments that are taking place there. Thanks for a positive report about Africa.
March 10, 2017