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Namibia - A landscape photographers paradise  © vince42, License

Discovery and experience are the two most important words when it comes to describing Namibia. When you look past the immense arid open spaces you will discover Namibia as it unfolds a wealth of geological and cultural history, an unexpected diversity of plants and wildlife, a rough and pristine coastline and an untouched wilderness. It's a place where you can climb the highest sand dunes in the world. Descend to the floor of the deepest canyon in Africa. Watch wildlife as they roam on one of the most spectacular pans on earth. And explore the oldest, driest desert in the world.

Two of Namibia's biggest calling cards are the Namib Desert and an almost hostile coastline. But beyond these two, the rough icy waters and the sea of sand, lies a rocky expanse that has been largely unchanged over the years. Rock formations such as Spitzkoppe or the Brandberg and the Fish River Canyon are obvious landmarks, but Namibia is dotted with other features such as underground lakes, strangely shaped rocks, meteorites, petrified forests, flat topped mountains and the Etosha salt pan that is so large that it can easily be seen from space.

But there is more to Namibia than dry open spaces. As a country, Namibia is home to vibrant cities where the population is excited about their future, while remaining deeply connected to their rich, cultural past. It is a country with a stable, democratic government, infrastructure that allows guests to move confidently off the beaten path.

To many South Africans and even some further afield, Namibia is remembered as South West Africa, but Namibia has much deeper roots. It was a 23 year battle for independence from South Africa which was started in 1966 by the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO). It was a war for liberation which was finally won on March 21, 1990 when Namibia became an independent state. But its history goes even further back than WW1 when Germany, who had colonized it the end of the 19th century, surrendered it to the South African expeditionary army. In fact, the history of this land can be found carved into rock paintings found to the south and in Twyfelfontein, some dating back to 26,000 B.C. Various people groups including San Bushmen, Bantu herdsmen and finally the Himba, Herero and Nama tribes have been making this rugged land home for thousands of years.

So don't just visit Namibia, Explore Namibia! Discover and experience Namibia for yourself!

Namibia is a country of stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences.

Here are 15 things to do or see in Namibia:

1. Etosha National Park: One of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves, Etosha is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. The park's unique salt pan landscape adds to its allure.

2. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei: Located in the Namib Desert, these iconic clay pans surrounded by towering red sand dunes offer surreal and photogenic landscapes. The stark contrast between the white pans and orange dunes is breathtaking.

3. Fish River Canyon: The second largest canyon in the world, Fish River Canyon offers spectacular views and hiking opportunities. The multi-day Fish River Canyon Hike is a popular activity for adventurous travelers.

4. Skeleton Coast: This remote and rugged coastline is known for its shipwrecks, seal colonies, and desolate beauty. The Skeleton Coast National Park offers a unique and eerie landscape to explore.

5. Swakopmund: A coastal town with German colonial architecture, Swakopmund is a hub for adventure activities like sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, and dolphin cruises.

6. Twyfelfontein: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein is famous for its ancient rock engravings and petroglyphs, showcasing the art and culture of early inhabitants.

7. Damaraland: This region offers stunning landscapes, including the Brandberg Mountain, the Petrified Forest, and the Organ Pipes rock formations. It’s also home to the rare desert-adapted elephants.

8. Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region): This lush, water-rich area contrasts with Namibia’s arid regions. It’s a great place for boat safaris, fishing, and wildlife viewing, particularly in Bwabwata National Park.

9. Namib-Naukluft National Park: Home to some of the world’s oldest and highest sand dunes, this park also features the Naukluft Mountains and a variety of desert wildlife.

10. Spitzkoppe: Known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia,” Spitzkoppe is a group of granite peaks offering excellent rock climbing, hiking, and stunning photography opportunities.

11. Windhoek: Namibia’s capital city offers a mix of modern amenities and historical sites, including the Christuskirche, Tintenpalast (Parliament Building), and the National Museum of Namibia.

12. Lüderitz: This coastal town retains its German colonial charm and is the gateway to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a former diamond mining town partially reclaimed by the desert.

13. Kolmanskop: Once a thriving diamond mining town, Kolmanskop is now a ghost town where buildings are being slowly swallowed by the desert sands, offering a hauntingly beautiful setting for photography.

14. Waterberg Plateau Park: This park is known for its striking red sandstone cliffs and diverse wildlife, including rare species like sable and roan antelope. It’s also a great place for hiking and bird watching.

15. Namib Desert: Explore the vast, ancient desert that is considered the world’s oldest. Activities include guided desert walks, hot air balloon rides, and visiting unique geological formations like the Moon Landscape.

These diverse attractions highlight Namibia’s rich natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

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