Things to do in The Namib Desert

The Namib Desert boasts the dauntingly desolate landscape of the Skeleton Coast, some of the biggest sand dunes in the world, uniquely adapted desert wildlife, and a number of breathtaking natural attractions.

Highlights of the Skeleton Coast National Park include the Agate Mountain saltpans, the clay castles of Hoarusib, and the Cape fur seal colony at Cape Fria. The clay pans and huge orange sand dunes of Sossusvlei are among the most famous tourist attractions in Namibia.

One of the best places to stay when exploring the desert is the charming seaside resort of Swakopmund, located close to a number of superb desert landscapes. It has wonderful food, great beaches, and many water sports and extreme sports facilities.

Walvis Bay is a good base for travel in the Namib, particularly for birdwatchers. Many tour operators offer a variety of desert wildlife safaris, boat tours along the coast, and 4x4 jaunts through surreal terrain. Surfers should head to Skeleton Bay, and there will be no disappointment for those interested in dune boarding and scuba diving in Namibia.

Sossusvlei photo

Sossusvlei

The clay pans of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are one of the must-see attractions in Namibia. The dunes are among the highest in the world, reaching more than 960 feet (300m), an…

Sossusvlei

The clay pans of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are one of the must-see attractions in Namibia. The dunes are among the highest in the world, reaching more than 960 feet (300m), and are a wondrous sight of endless rolling shapes and sharp crests sculpted by the wind. The beautiful black and white Oryx antelope is occasionally spotted in the meagre shade of the thorn trees, lizards leave their tiny trails on the pristine mounds of sand, and the black 'tok tokkie' beetle is commonly seen stumbling over the red clay surface. The area is also home to ostriches and springbok. The dunes are located roughly 37 miles (60km) from the Sesriem Gate, which is the entrance to the park.

Skeleton Coast National Park photo

Skeleton Coast National Park

The Skeleton Coast National Park is infamous for inaccessible shores and rough waters. The local San used to call it 'The Land God Made in Anger', while Portuguese sailors named it…

Skeleton Coast National Park

The Skeleton Coast National Park is infamous for inaccessible shores and rough waters. The local San used to call it 'The Land God Made in Anger', while Portuguese sailors named it 'The Gates of Hell'. It's a barren yet hauntingly beautiful destination for photographers, its natural formations creating a surreal world. The Skeleton Coast National Park has some interesting attractions, including the Agate Mountain saltpans, the clay castles of the Hoarasib, and the large Cape fur seal colony at Cape Fria. Known as a great surfing destination and for having a stunning night sky, the heavens are undimmed by human settlements.

Swakopmund photo

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is an enchanting little seaside town in the middle of the Namib Desert, which has many colonial buildings and a distinctly German character. The region's food specialiti…

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is an enchanting little seaside town in the middle of the Namib Desert, which has many colonial buildings and a distinctly German character. The region's food specialities include rock lobster, fish, and Swakopmund oysters. Swakopmund is known as a paradise for extreme sports, and popular activities include sand boarding, paragliding, dune carting, hot-air ballooning, shark fishing, and quad biking. The stretch of coast is also famous for its beach angling. Visitors who aren't looking for death-defying activities will enjoy attractions in Swakopmund such as the Cape Cross Seal Colony, the National Marine Aquarium, and the Rossmund Desert Golf Course, which is one of very few all-grass desert golf courses in the world.