Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. The capital, Windhoek, and coastal town Swakopmund contain German colonial-era buildings such as Windhoek’s Christuskirche, built in 1907. In the north, Etosha National Park’s salt pan draws game including rhinos and giraffes.

Number 1. Sossusvlei

In Namibia, Sossusvlei is one of the most beautiful places to visit – the rust-red dunes, the bleached white pan, and the ancient trees gnarled by age. It is the oryx that flashes its flowing tail as it soars into the deep blue sky above the deep red dune of Sossusvlei. It is impossible to visit Namibia without visiting Sossusvlei, climbing Big Daddy, and watching a sea of equally big dunes disappear into the western horizon from atop the world’s tallest dune.

Number 2.  Epupa Falls

Epupa Falls can be found in Kaokoland, on the border between Namibia and Angola. Kunene River created these waterfalls over a mile long. Colorful rock formations, palm trees, and fig trees surround the falls.

The Epupa Falls remain a popular attraction in Namibia despite being remote and only accessible by 4×4. The majority of tourists who visit Epupa Falls stay overnight in nearby lodges. A river is also a great place to raft whitewater if you want some adrenaline rush.

Number 3. Etosha National Park

Namibia is a popular destination for first-timers in Africa and they want to see animals. They have only ever seen ferocious animals on television or in pictures. Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s greatest game reserves and guarantees a safari experience unlike any other.

With elephant, lion, leopard, black and white rhino, cheetah, caracal, brown and spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra, and many antelope, the mammal count is impressive – 114 to be exact. Raptors make up a large proportion of the birdlife, with 340 species recorded.

Number 4. Skeleton Coast

From Swakopmund, one of Namibia’s most visited attractions, one can explore the Skeleton Coast, a desert wilderness whose seas are ferocious, its interior appears lifeless, and its wildlife is rich. The Skeleton Coast is where the dunes meet the sea and Swakopmund is an ideal break between Sossusvlei and Etosha due to its many attractions.

Number 5. Victoria Falls

It may not be technically in Namibia, but Vic Falls is so close to the Caprivi (via Botswana’s Chobe game reserve, no less) that it’s a very popular add-on to our private, tailor-made tours. How would you describe Victoria Falls to someone who hasn’t seen it? Even those who think it’s “just a waterfall” will be amazed by the sheer power of nature and brought it down to size.

It’s a 100m drop down a mile-wide cliff. 90 million liters of water a minute pour over this precipice. A rainforest across the gorge is mesmerizing, with its waterfall and frightful noises. You’ll be soaked to your underwear in the high water season.

Number 6. Kaokoveld

Located in Southern Africa, Kaokoveld is an otherworldly and mountainous landscape of rugged beauty. The region is home to rare desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, oryx, and even lions, just like Etosha. Flying into Kaokoveld is the best way to experience this uninhabited and silent area. There is only one person per two square kilometers (0.8 square miles) in Kaokoveld, and about a third of its residents are Himba:

Number 7. Swakopmund

Known as one of Namibia’s most surreal and unique destinations, Swakopmund blends its German colonial heritage with an African character. Swakop is a great place for self-drivers to refuel and rest during a Namibia safari thanks to its palm-lined streets, seaside promenades, and pleasant summer climate. A wide range of activities is available in Swakopmund, including sandboarding, quad biking, and 4×4 driving in the dunes. Swakop also offers boat excursions to look for seals and dolphins, as well as restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and museums.

Number 8. Okonjima Nature Reserve

Okonjima is conveniently located halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park. It is also home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Namibia’s large carnivores like leopards, cheetahs, and brown hyenas in their natural habitats.

Number 9.  Kaokoland

Probably the world’s least explored region, Kaokoland is like Damarland on steroids due to its remote location, difficult access, and impossibly stiff competition before it. Kaokoland is a special place. Massive mountain ranges, desert-adapted wildlife of Damaraland in the south, and miles upon miles of untouched, scenic beauty. This is Kaokoland, where the fascinating Himba people live in harmony with nature.

Number 10. Kolmanskop

There is a famous ghost town in the Sperrgebiet (forbidden territory) of Namibia. The discovery of a diamond in Kolmanskop in the early 1900s led to a frantic diamond rush. A small town soon developed into a bustling center with elegant houses, a hospital, a ballroom, a school, a casino, and an ice cream factory. During the 1920s, the town reached its zenith, but after World War One, diamond prices crashed, causing the town to decline.

Namibia is a dream destination for travelers. Being one of Africa’s most sparsely populated countries, Namibia is home to many different landscapes and wildlife. Its coastline, in particular, is fringed with gorgeous beaches, perfect for enjoying the sun in between activities.