Why We LOVE Namibia

The most common statement I hear about Namibia is, ‘Isn’t that just a desert?’

I SUPPOSE it is a country named for the oldest desert in the World, so that is a very natural assumption, and I SUPPOSE that large swaths of the country are indeed a desert environment, but I believe the best single word to describe Namibia is diversity.

Diversity in its people

Namibia has the second lowest population density in the World, with only 2.2 million people living in an area that is 4 times the size of the UK or twice the size of California. Within that small population group there are more than 28 different languages spoken. (according the biodiversity database of Namibia)

Diversity in its landscapes

Namibia is home to the oldest desert in the World but travel to the North-East and you find the start of the Okavango Delta which offers the visitor a very different visage, with its reed-lined waterways and floodplains. So, within the span of 800 miles, you experience monumental geographical changes and incredibly different landscapes.

Diversity in its experiences

Namibia is not a typical safari destination it comprises so much more (but then, I may be biased), ranging from the never-ending vistas of the gravel plain deserts, the rocky granite inselbergs of the Erongo, the solitude of the ancient sand dunes to the riverine forests of the Caprivi as well as the Big Five experience.

Diversity in its Wildlife

Namibia doesn’t just boast the Big Five. We also have the Little Five (The Dancing White Lady Spider, Palmetto Gecko, Sandfish Skink, Namaqua Chameleon and the Sidewinder snake)

And the Ugly Five (Warthog, Wildebeest, Hyena, Vulture and Marabou Stork)

Joking aside, 42% of Namibia is under conservation of some sort (National Parks, private nature reserves and community conservancies)

Namibia was the first country in the World to enshrine conservation in its constitution; we have managed to buck global trends and are now home to the World’s largest Cheetah population, the last sustainable FREE-ROAMING Black Rhinos as well as growing Lion and Giraffe numbers. We must be doing something right.

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Namibia.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

For anyone travelling to Namibia, the best travel companion is an open mind, let your preconceptions about safari and Africa go out the window and Namibia is bound to delight and surprise you in many unexpected ways!