Namibia’s Northern Gems: Journey with an Expert Driver-Guide

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Windhoek. Start by exploring the striking landmarks on Robert Mugabe Avenue by car or on foot. Visit the renovated State House, the erstwhile seat of former South West African administrators, and now the official residence of the country’s Prime Minister. Then, head to Christ Church, or the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was built in 1910. See the influences of Neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and Art Nouveau styles in its architecture. Do not miss the stained-glass windows donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Later, walk east to the Tintenpalast, which means Ink Palace, housing the Namibian Parliament and overlooking the beautiful Parliament Gardens. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Stop by the legendary Joe’s Beerhouse in Windhoek in the afternoon or evening. The quirky restaurant is decorated with old trinkets, road signs, barrels, and bottles, and styled like a rustic village with thatched roofs, courtyards, and archways. Choose to sit around one of the makeshift barrel tables with wooden tops, and sip chilled Namibian or German beer from the bar. Relish Namibian cuisine with a German twist, including the tastiest cuts of game meat, in the partially open dining area. After your enjoyable meal, head back to your hotel. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting the settlement of Solitaire in the Khomas region, near the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is situated at the junction of two major tourist routes C14 and C24. The area was originally owned by homesteader Willem Christoffel van Coller, and was made famous in the book ‘Solitaire’ by Dutch author Ton van der Lee. Visit the local bakery for freshly baked apple pie, cakes, and breads along with hot coffee. Or, you could relax with a drink at the bar, and opt for the set menu at the restaurant. After, explore the desert landscape and observe the native cacti growing amid the old, broken down vehicles, a disused gasoline pump and other vintage discarded items. Refuel your vehicle as this is the only gasoline station in the 210 miles between the Sossusvlei dunes and the Walvis Bay coast. There is also a general dealer, public restrooms, a laundry service, as well as internet facility in the main office. Secure parking is available as well. (Duration: 2 hrs; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon. Located in the heart of Namibia’s ancient desert, Sossusvlei is captivating with its towering apricot-red dunes, some of the highest in the world. At a convenient time, drive to the dunes. Spend some time savoring their beauty. You can also opt for a guided excursion to the iconic Deadvlei clay pan. Then, travel to nearby Sesriem Canyon, a striking natural wonder carved by the Tsauchab River over millions of years. Tour the narrow canyon on a guided walk and discover dramatic rock formations, shaded pools, and fascinating geological history.  (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Fitness level: moderate; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Swakopmund. This historic coastal town, which means ‘Mouth of the Swakop’ in German, is sandwiched between the Atlantic ocean and the Namib Desert. Learn about the colonial history of the town that was founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German southwest Africa. Visit the National Marine Aquarium that features aquatic creatures from the cold Benguela Current in the south Atlantic Ocean. Drop by the Woermannhaus, with its prominent Damara tower, which is now a public library. Gain an understanding of Namibian history at the Swakopmund Museum. Admire incredible crystal formations, including the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster in the Kristall Galerie. You could also visit the lighthouse that was built in 1903 and the pier known as the Mole. Explore the Altes Gefängnis prison, designed by Heinrich Bause in 1909. End the day at the Swakopmund jetty, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting the Tug Restaurant. Situated meters from the town center, the restaurant lies at the entrance of Swakopmund’s iconic jetty. Built around the original Danie Hugo Tugboat, it features indoor and outdoor dining areas that overlook the waterfront. Feast on a diverse menu of dishes, comprising locally sourced fruit and vegetables, seafood dishes and prime cuts of meat prepared on flavorful mopane wood charcoal. Pair your meal with a wide variety of fine South African wines, premium spirits and French champagne. Try John Dory goujons with tartar sauce, crispy kingklip burgers or garlic prawns in melted cheese. Sample three-week, wet-aged cuts of beef, which include rump steaks, springbok Cordon Bleu and panko and parmesan beef filet. For dessert, indulge in a chocolate fondant or a flaky pastry made with Marula nuts and dry fruits that is served with Greek yogurt ice-cream and Amarula liqueur. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Timings: 1700-2130 hrs (Mon-Fri), 1100-2130 hrs (Sat & Sun); Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting stunning Cape Cross. Located about 75 miles north of Swakopmund on the rugged Skeleton Coast, this protected reserve is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Cape Fur Seals. While traveling from Swakopmund to Damaraland or vice versa, stop here for a one-of-a-kind experience. Walk to the viewing platforms, from where you can watch thousands of seals basking on the shore, nursing their pups, or playing in the Atlantic surf. Cape Cross is also rich in history, marking the site where Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão erected a stone cross (Padrao) in 1486 on behalf of King João I of Portugal. Along with its fascinating maritime heritage, the reserve offers excellent birdwatching, spectacular coastal scenery, and outstanding photography opportunities as well. (Duration: 2 hrs; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; This activity can be done enroute from Swakopmund to Damaraland or vice versa; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Discover the pre-historic rock engravings at the ancient site of Twyfelfontein on this self-guided exploration. Reach the site of the petroglyphs, located on the banks of the Aba Huab River, at a convenient time. Join a guided tour once here. Walk down to the rocks that are located in a valley between the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. Marvel at some of the 2,500 engravings that have been discovered in this region as a guide shares interesting details about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop to admire some of the unusual natural geological formations. After you are done, head back to your accommodation. (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Fitness level: moderate; Guide not included; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; It is compulsory to be accompanied by a local guide who will escort you to and from the site)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting two unusual geological attractions in the Damaraland region. Make your own way to the outskirts of Khorixas town near the Burnt Mountain. Follow the path that leads to a small gorge that is home to a 328 feet stretch of unique basalt rock formations that resemble organ pipes. Get a good look at the cluster that is believed to be 150 million years old. Afterward, travel to the petrified forest where you can find ancient tree trunks. Get a close up view of the unique tree trunks that are thought to be 260 million years old. Learn about how the trees are said to have been swept downstream to this spot in a massive flood. After you finish exploring, head back to your accommodation. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Book a game drive to explore the southern part of the Etosha National Park. Drive through the wildlife rich park and admire the natural landscape teeming with life. Spot big cats, herds of elephant, wildebeest, zebra, eland and springbok, as well as the national park’s resident rhino population, on your safari ride.  Stop at one of the many waterholes dotting the park, where the animals congregate in the morning and evening. If you like, take a break at one of the government-run lodges within the park for a meal before you wrap up. (Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Go on a nature drive through Okonjima Nature Reserve, regarded as one of the world’s best places to observe leopards, hyenas and pangolins. After afternoon coffee, hop into an open-sided 4×4 and head into the Namibian wilderness. Travel through rolling hills, grassy plains and groves of native acacia bush. Try to spot free-roaming wild cats radio-tracked by AfriCat’s conservation programs. You could even see leopards climbing trees. As you traverse the rocky shrubland, learn about AfriCat’s rehabilitation efforts and conservation initiatives. Explore sections of the restored landscape where waterholes and salt pans are being introduced to preserve the small game population in the reserve. Keep an eye out for wild dogs, giraffes, mountain zebras, Damara dik-diks, and a variety of endemic birds along the way. Finally, enjoy sundowner cocktails by the river as you take in views of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains. (Duration: half day; Time:1530/1600 hrs; Private activity & transfer; Fitness level: easy)

Embark on a nature drive through Okonjima Nature Reserve, regarded as one of the world’s best places to observe leopards, hyenas and pangolins. At the scheduled time, hop into an open-sided 4×4 and head into the Namibian wilderness. Travel through rolling hills, grassy plains and groves of native acacia bush. Try to spot free-roaming wild cats radio-tracked by AfriCat’s conservation programs. As you traverse the rocky shrubland, learn about AfriCat’s rehabilitation efforts and conservation initiatives. Explore sections of the restored landscape where waterholes and salt pans are being introduced to preserve the small game population in the reserve. Keep an eye out for wild dogs, giraffes, mountain zebras, Damara dik-diks, and a variety of endemic birds along the way. Finally, enjoy sundowner cocktails by the river as you take in views of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains. (Duration: half day; Time:1530/1600 hrs; Private activity & transfer; Fitness level: easy)