Unusual Things To Do in Namibia | Activities & Attractions

Namibia offers unique, surreal experiences like kayaking with seals at Pelican Point, exploring the sand-swept, abandoned diamond town of Kolmanskop, and witnessing massive sand dunes collapse into the ocean at Sandwich Harbour. Other highlights include stargazing in the Namib Desert, tracking desert-adapted rhinos, and walking in Deadvlei’s white clay pan surrounded by petrified trees.

There are so many things to do in Namibia that it can overwhelming to plan a trip around the desert country. Namibia is a country unlike any other and sits at the top of our list of favorite places in the world.

There are so many things to do in Namibia that it can overwhelming to plan a trip around the desert country. Namibia is a country unlike any other and sits at the top of our list of favorite places in the world.

I remember our trip to Namibia like it was yesterday. The deep red sand, the silence of the desert air, wild animals, desert tribes, and encompassing landscape all grab ahold of you. Namibia is like another planet. We talk about returning to many countries, but Namibia will be a reality.

On top of that, it’s one of the easiest and safest countries in Africa to travel around. Just like us, Namibia will enchant and leave you yearning to explore more. This is surprising as the country is empty and the population is sparse, but don’t be deceived. There are so many wonderful things to do in Namibia. Wondering what to do in Namibia?

Things To Do in Namibia

Namibia offers breathtaking desert landscapes, world-class safari experiences, and high-adrenaline adventure sports. Top activities include climbing the red dunes of Sossusvlei, exploring the haunted ghost town of Kolmanskop, tracking desert-adapted rhinos in Damaraland, and wildlife spotting in Etosha National Park. It is a premier destination for self-drive adventures.

Top Attractions and Activities in Namibia

  1. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei: Climb “Big Daddy,” one of the highest dunes in the world, and walk through the iconic white clay pan of Deadvlei, surrounded by 900-year-old dead trees and orange sand.
  2. Etosha National Park: One of Africa’s best safari spots, famous for its vast salt pan. Visit waterholes to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and endangered black rhinos.
  3. Swakopmund and Walvis Bay: Known as the adventure capital, offering sandboarding, quad biking, and skydiving. Take a catamaran cruise in Walvis Bay to see seals, dolphins, and pelicans.
  4. Skeleton Coast: Explore the rugged, fog-covered coast known for its shipwrecks and colonies of Cape fur seals.
  5. Kolmanskop Ghost Town: Tour a derelict diamond-mining town near Lüderitz where houses are filled with sand.
  6. Spitzkoppe: Known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia,” this area is popular for hiking, camping, and viewing ancient bushmen rock art.
  7. Damaraland: Visit Twyfelfontein to see over 5,000 petroglyphs and track desert-adapted elephants.
  8. Fish River Canyon: Trek the largest canyon in Africa, particularly popular for hikers between May and September.
  9. Sandwich Harbour: Visit the unique spot where the massive dunes of the Namib Desert plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

Cultural and Unique Experiences

  • Himba Village Tours: Visit the semi-nomadic Himba tribe in the Kunene region to learn about their traditional lifestyle.
  • Stargazing: Due to very low light pollution, Namibia is one of the top destinations for viewing the night sky, particularly in the Namib Desert.
  • Cheetah Conservation Fund: Visit the center near Otjiwarongo to learn about the preservation of cheetahs.
  • Windhoek City Tour: Explore the capital’s history, including the Christuskirche and the Independence Memorial Museum.