Top 5 Ways to Experience Namibia

Upon gaining its independence in 1990, Namibia became one of the first countries in the world to include environmental protection in its constitution. Today, nearly half this country’s landmass is designated as national parks, communal conservancies, and private wilderness reserves.

Situated on the southwest coast of Africa, Namibia is a land of striking contrasts, from the harsh deserts to the lush Skeleton Coast, with rich ethnic diversity and abundant wildlife making it a frequent tourist destination. The region is one to be explored without inhibition, especially with minimal malaria concerns, safe drinking water, low crime rates and widely spoken English — Namibia is an ideal travel destination.

This short list will provide some ample inspiration for your extraordinary Namibia nature adventure.

Extraordinary Namibia

1. See some of the world’s last remaining rhinoceros roam free in the barren wilderness of the Namib Desert in Namibia. Black rhinos are perhaps some of the rarest and most fascinating of all rhino species, as they thrive in the one of the harshest environments on the planet. Select Namibia wildlife safaris offer travelers exclusive opportunities to search for black rhinos from the Desert Rhino Camp.
2. Sandboarding in the world’s oldest desert in Swakopmund. Sandboarding has become a national pastime for Namibians, with a seemingly endless vista of red sand dunes rising up from Namibia’s coastline. Maybe you can beat the Guinness World Record in speed sandboarding, which was set on one of the desert dunes by Henrik May, who reached a top speed of more than 57 miles per hour!
   

   Photo © John Lightbound

3. Discover the Makgadikgadi salt pans while riding ATVs. The salt pans are an immense ancient lakebed and an important habitat for migrating wildebeest and zebra. The water-filled salt pans also teem with flamingo and other migratory birds. Take the adventure up a notch by exploring this moon-like landscape on ATVs and then uncovering ancient archaeological sites. One of the best ways to access the salt pans is through safari itineraries that include Makgadikgadi.
   

   Photo © Siyabona Africa

4. Experience the Living Culture Museums, which offer educational programs and interactive experiences for both children and adults. You’ll meet Namibian villagers from different ethnic groups and learn how they track wildlife, hunt and create traditional crafts. The Living Museum works to fight against poverty, preserve traditional Namibian cultures, and create an intercultural exchange.
   

   Photo © Living Culture Foundation

5. Eat traditional Namibian food in the Xwama Cultural Village, located in Katutura. Here, you can sample the true taste of Namibia’s diverse indigenous cultures, from food to crafts and traditional artifacts. The local dishes include spicy Mopane worms, Oshiwambo chicken, dried riverfish and Mahangu porridge.
   

   Photo © Namibian Sun

These extraordinary offerings are just a sampling of the many experiences available in Namibia. Discover this fascinating land of contrasts for yourself on a Namibia wildlife safari.

This post is by our newest iSafari.com contributor, Maia Wikler, a Colorado College graduate with a passion for anthropology, human rights, travel and conservation. When she isn’t writing or reading, Maia loves to be active outside and planning for her next adventure.