Two weeks exploring one of Africa’s most unique destinations, a land of surreal desert landscapes, a hauntingly beautiful coastline, and a living culture reflected in its people, wildlife and ancient rock art at the heart of Namibia.
A trip to Namibia is a journey like no other. With its striking landscapes, from the towering dunes of the Namib Desert to the shimmering salt pans of Etosha, and wildlife that includes the Big Five and desert adapted species, Namibia offers an unforgettable experience. Best of all, its wide open spaces and low tourist density makes it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Sunset in Sossusvlei (Sandra Fernandez)
English is the official language, making travel logistics easy, though you’ll also hear Afrikaans as it is the most widely spoken and understood second language. Other languages includes German, and several indigenous languages such as Oshiwambo and Herero. The currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand. Both currencies are best for gratuities when using cash. Be aware that internet and mobile signals can be limited in remote areas, so is advised to prepare yourself ahead download offline maps along with let your loved ones know you might go off-grid.
Namibia Itinerary (Sandra Fernandez)
Packing for Namibia turned out to be an adventure in itself. Between all the different and necessary items from the suggested packing list, and having to fit it all within a weight restriction for fly-in safari (20kg – 44lb), it was a real puzzle of prioritizing what I truly needed versus what I thought I might want.
Light aircraft for our flight to the Sossusvlei area from Windhoek (Sandra Fernandez)
Besides choosing my camera equipment wisely, the next item to consider was clothing. Neutral-colored clothing is the way to go on safari, as bright colors can attract the wrong kind of attention from both animals and insects. Layering became my best friend, with mornings starting off chilly and afternoons heating up fast. Essentials include good walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. A flashlight and a light scarf came in handy more often than I expected, especially on breezy desert evenings. Looking back, there are a few small things I wish I’d tucked into my bag, but all in all it was a good balance.
Namibia is one of those rare destinations that balances raw nature with moving silence. Whether you are camping under the stars or tracking wildlife across the plains, your time here will be as humbling as it is thrilling.
