After taking annual vacations to Europe for over a decade, I followed my dream and moved abroad right after my 32nd birthday. I initially did a six-month stay in Bordeaux, France, before heading to Barcelona, Spain, in early 2020.
21.07.2023 - 08:00 / roughguides.com
From a deserted town to enormous sand dunes and sunset cocktails above the city, here are ten unforgettable things to see and do in Namibia.
Second only in size to America’s Grand Canyon, Namibia’s Fish River Canyon is one of Africa’s unsung wonders. Starting just south of Seeheim, it winds 161km south to Ais-Ais and plummets to depths of 550 metres. Watching the sun rise and set over its layers of sandstone and lava is epic, but fit travellers can up the adventure by attempting one of southern Africa’s greatest hikes: a 85km five-day trek along the riverbed. Talk about off the beaten track.
Rise early and drive 10km east of port town Lüderitz to watch the first fingers of sunrise reach across the desert and light up the sands that have piled up high and inhabited every nook of this once-thriving town. The honey-toned beams reveal peeling wallpaper in empty kitchens, ceramic bathtubs waiting forlornly for a filling and empty picture frames dangling from unsteady nails. Pay a little more for a photography pass: it allows you to enter early and beat the tour-group crowds so you can explore this ghost town with soul in peace.
Kolmanskop, Namibia © Shutterstock
Forget springbok steak or biltong, Namibia’s culinary highlight is its homegrown ultra-fresh oysters. Thanks to the cold Benguela current that sweeps up the coast from Antarctica, the nutrient-rich waters means these pearly beauties can be harvested in just eight months instead of the three years it takes to grow French oysters. Join a boat tour to visit the nurseries and nibble them onboard, or order a platter with a glass of chilled white wine at a dockside restaurant.
Namibia’s foremost attraction doesn’t disappoint. The sand dunes inside Namib-Naukluft National Park are some of the highest in the world and seeing them light up at sunrise is a sight that shouldn’t be missed. Sossusvlei is in fact only one dune, but the name is often used to collectively describe a handful of others. The most photogenic are the 170 metre-high Dune 45 and Deadvlei, whose dried up clay basin is punctuated with the sculptural silhouettes of long-dead acacia trees.
Namib desert, Sossusvlei, Namibia © JaySi/Shutterstock
Few tourists venture northwards to visit this narrow finger of lush land that juts out into Botswana, Zambia and Angola – those that do will be rewarded. The landscape is dotted with rondavel huts, roadside stalls selling fruit, and women in colourful clothes going about their daily business. Plus, two of the region’s national parks – Mamili and Mudumu – are becoming good safari destinations.
Etosha translates as “Great White Place” – an apt description for this endless pan of silvery salt-encrusted sand, which is all that remains of a large inland lake
After taking annual vacations to Europe for over a decade, I followed my dream and moved abroad right after my 32nd birthday. I initially did a six-month stay in Bordeaux, France, before heading to Barcelona, Spain, in early 2020.
Located in the southern part of Queensland, Australia, the city of Toowoomba is a perfect spot for a getaway. Here are the top attractions and things to do in Toowoomba. Picnic Point Provid
I'm a pretty goal-oriented traveler. I fill my days with as much sightseeing as I can handle. Forget the hotel pool. I'm checking off national landmarks and natural wonders from a carefully researched list.
We might not have a Kardashian-level budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an equally luxurious vacation to Morocco. And the “Red City” of Marrakech is the perfect place to start. With over a million people calling it home, and millions more visiting every year, Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most popular cities. The city’s culture is reflected in its architecture, which includes traditional Islamic designs as well as influences from Europe and North Africa. This extends to the city’s luxury hotels. From riads — a traditional property set around a central garden or courtyard — marble clad opulent palaces accommodations, to big-name hotels, there’s an impressive collection of stunning properties scattered across the bohemian city. To help you make an informed decision about your vacation to Morocco, here is a list of some of the best Marrakech hotels.
The most iconic structure in the United States is not the Empire State Building, but like the emblematic skyscraper, it’s located in New York. The Statue of Liberty, known throughout the world as a symbol of the United States’ most important values: freedom and democracy, remains mysterious to many. From its color to its origins and its weight, there is plenty people want to know about Lady Liberty (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984) before they pay it a visit.
French Polynesia, often just called “Tahiti,” in reference to its capital island, is just a speck in the ocean on a world map. The 118 islands and atolls that make up the region are remote from the rest of the world — it’s a seven-hour flight from Los Angeles. The location is perhaps why, historically, Tahitians were some of the world’s best navigators. They sailed between Tahitian islands and nearby neighbors as early as 200 BC in narrow outrigger canoes called va’a.
Namibia is fascinating — from its diverse geography and vibrant culture to its incredible wildlife. With vast deserts, lush forests, and an awe-inspiring coastline, there’s something for everyone in this African nation. If Namibia isn’t yet on your travel bucket list, it’s time to add it.
Located in the midst of stunning landscapes and the beautiful nature of Namibia, Sonop Lodge offers a tranquil oasis to escape from reality. With its luxurious decor, breathtaking views, and world-class amenities, Sonop Lodge will surely provide an unforgettable experience.
One of South America 's booming capitals and major cities, Buenos Aires is a seductive and cultured city with an eclectic mix of people and places. Vicky Baker has the lowdown on the newest things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina .
Namibia has some of the world's most astonishing landscapes. It's home to the world's oldest desert , a long and undeveloped coastline and national parks that teem with wildlife. After spending ten days exploring this vast land, Lottie Gross shares some of her favourite photos from Namibia.
Say Senegal or mention West Africa and misinformed mutterings of ebola start to spread quicker than the virus itself. Sitting on the western shoulder of Africa, Senegal is frequently overlooked by travellers – but for little good reason.
The historical gateway to Japan, multicultural Yokohama will host several important games at the 2019 Rugby World Cup this autumn, including the final. Here’s everything you need to know about this dynamic city along with some of the top things to do in Yokohama, whether you're watching the rugby or not.