Namibia
Namibia
Namibia is one of my top five countries. Its relatively small population, desert landscapes, and wide open spaces reminded me of my home state of Arizona. After two visits to the country I cannot wait to return. Compared to neighboring South Africa, Namibia feels a bit sleepy...in the best possible way. Safari lovers will want to head straight to Etosha National Park in the north. I found the Mushara Collection online and was super pleased with the atmosphere. I’ll never forget looking out from my little chalet and seeing warthogs walking leisurely around the swimming pool at sunrise. You can drive yourself in Etosha or relax and go on a guided drive. We did a combination of both. If you opt to self drive, do not be tempted to get out of the car. You never know when you might stumble upon a nearby lion. True story. Trust me on this.
Windhoek, the capital is pleasant and good for a good night’s sleep before hitting the road to explore other parts of the country. It is extremely easy to rent a car online. Several of the major car rental companies are located in the Windhoek airport. To me, the easiest and most convenient way to see the country is to drive to various locations. Just one word of caution, you definitely want to take care on the roads. The highways are great and so are the gravel roads. But more than once I saw really horrible car accidents and it was really hard to guess what actually caused them other than speeding or a driver falling asleep. Anyway back to all the amazing things to do and see in Namibia. Sand dunes!
Swakopmund and Sossusvlei are incredible, but have different vibes. Swakopmund not only has sand dunes but is also right on the beach. The town is known for extreme sports. Adrenaline rushes are not really my jam so Sossusvlei was totally fine for me. I loved taking walks along the huge sand dunes, going on nearby guided game drives, having a nice sundowner, and seeing hot air balloon rides at sunrise. I told ya’ll I’m not about that adrenaline rush life. On both trips I spent a total of maybe three or four nights in the capital of Windhoek. The capital is pleasant and the German influence can be seen in some of the architecture and local beers. Maybe next time I will try to visit the Katutura Township. I know that some people feel that Township tours are exploitative, which I get. However, I don’t think that they necessarily have to be. One of the best tours that I’ve ever gone on was a township tour in Soweto, South Africa (hello Nelson Mandela’s home, Hector Pieterson museum, and a World Cup Stadium!!). I don’t want to digress too much, but I think if done thoughtfully, such a tour would be a lot of fun and educational. Not only that, I would love to eat in a shabeen, a modest bar/eatery in a township where listening to music, eating barbecue, and drinking some local beer is calling my name.
Fish River Canyon is also on my must see list, as well as the traditional homeland of the Himba people in the north. The Himba also live across the border in Angola, which is where I first learned about them some years ago. The Himba are known for their daily beatification ritual of applying a red ochre mixture to their skin and locks. Without fetishizing, I am curious about their traditions and learning about how they continue to protect and preserve their traditional way of life. I could go on and on about this incredible country but I will top here. Have you been to Namibia? Did you fall in love with the place? What were the highlights of your trip? Are you planning to go?? If so, I hope you have the most amazing time.
Stuff to know
Population: 2.6 million (Jul 2020 est)
Attractions: Sossussvlei sand dunes, Swakopmund (coastal city known for extreme sports), Fish River Canyon, Etosha National Park (safaris)
National Dish: Unofficially, meat and pap is the national dish.Pap—which is made from ground maize—is the Dutch name for porridge.
Language: 13 national languages (10 African and 3 European). English widelyspoken
Sports: Football (soccer), rugby, and cricket.
Credit: The Olive
