It’s not a small country Namibia, but it is a beautiful country. From the air the vistas range from deep canyons and enormous salt pans to deserted beaches and rolling red sand dunes. This is one way to get around but if time is not so of the essence then I would highly recommend grabbing a map of the country, stocking up on water and hitting the open road.
As the second most sparsely populated country on the planet, Namibia is (possibly) home to more of the oryx antelope than people such is their abundance in this beautiful desert country, such sparseness of people combined with landscapes to die for makes for some of the most stunning drives that Southern Africa has to offer.
With a road system of typically German efficiency left over from the days of their occupation of Namibia there’s no need to worry about potholes on these roads – just keep a look out for sleeping kudus on the warm tarmac after sunset! If you are on the road at either sunrise or sunset it’s likely to be a highly memorable experience as there’s a strong possibility that you’ll be sharing it with no more than the odd jackal or giraffe.
Travel in Namibia is hugely rewarding if you’re looking for a complete contrast to the busy, crowded streets of your daily grind. So load up on sunscreen, buy yourself another memory stick (or two) and head for some of Namibia’s best landscapes where the journey is as great as the destination.
My standout journey has to be the one from the Sossusvlei area to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Leaving at dawn, the rising sun plays tricks on your eyes, creating shadows over gradually reddening dunes. Halfway there and you’ll encounter the dramatic Spreetshootge Pass which offers great photo opportunities down into the Kuiseb Canyon. Leaving the Kuiseb River behind, the hills give way to desert once more before you catch the sunset over the Atlantic. Arriving in Swakopmund, the perfect way to end another day of your Namibian adventure has to be feasting on the catch of the day at The Tug Restaurant on the beachfront.