Why You Should Add Namibia to Your Bucket List

 

Last year, travel blogger Vera Pujadas of the travel site The Flash Window, had an unforgettable experience when she visited the southwest African contry of Namibia. Located by the Namib desert, along the Atlantic coast; Namibia is regaled for its wildlife (it is said to be home to a significant cheetah population!). With a diverse landscape and friendly locals, Vera shares why Namibia should be added to your travel list; read on!

 

Exploring the Delta of the Okavango

Flooded by the waters of the Okavango River, the northern region of the country, the Caprivi, has probably some of the most staggering landscapes I’ve ever seen. The nature’s perfect balance between the infinite blue waters and the lively green of its trees is something truly admirable; there are countless things to do here but snapping photos at sunset by the river or embarking on a safari to see the wildlife are some of the more notable activities.

 

The Coastal Diversity

If there is something really special about Namibia’s Sea Line, it is the enormous range of activities offered. From just relaxing at the various idyllic beaches along the western coast to driving a 4×4 through the sand dunes, there are a million options for you to choose from. If you love animals then visit Walvis Bay where you can find a huge seal colony. If you are more of an urbanite, then check out Swakopmund where you can relax at charming cafes and shop at local boutiques. If you are like to wander “off-the beaten-path,” then the Skeleton Coast is for you, where you can find more than a thousand kilometers of almost nothing but anchored boats in the sand.

 

The Kindness of the Locals

 

The locals of Namibia are lovely people; no matter their age or their work or their origin everybody was genuinely nice to talk to and willing to help you in whatever you needed. It was incredibly interesting to chat with the locals and hear their exceptional stories about their life and their culture!

A Visit to the World’s Oldest Desert

 

Of all the scenic landscapes Namibia boasts, the Namib Desert is by far one of the more stunning views. Found on the southwest of the coast line, the desert is considered to be the oldest on earth and one of the most beautiful too. Its large dunes (including the famous Dune 45, which takes visitors up to the top to see a breathtaking view of the whole desert), its dried trees and its sand seas are a perfect combination to transform those red, brown and orange colors into a unique scene of lonely sand and infinite horizons.

A Worry-Free Visit

 

Whenever you tell someone you are traveling to Africa, invariably questions of safety will come up. However, during my travels in Namibia I felt safe and ran into virtually no problems. I drove through both main and back roads with no interruption, sampled the local cuisine and had a worry-free visit without fear of sickness, theft or danger.

 

The Wildlife of Etosha National Park

 

No matter your grade in biology, when it comes to wildlife most people are all too excited to explore the animals and landscapes of the African savannah. In Namibia’s Etosha National Park you can chase black rhinos throughout the steppe or try to find some lions sleeping, hidden by the low bushes; perhaps you’ll have an unexpected adventure like waiting for your Jeep to be refilled while you watch elephants bathing nearby. Namibia is a unique country, which offers some of the most diverse and special landscapes, the most exciting adventures and the most beloved memories. Of all the places you might travel to, of all the stories you might tell, the ones from Namibia will always leave you breathless with excitement and nostalgia.

 

About the Author

Vera Pujadas is a guest blogger who is an avid traveler and shares stories from her adventures on her blog, The Flash Window. One part Argintenean, one part Spanish and one part Portuguese; Vera is multilingual and aspires to visit more than 100 countries and all continents. To pitch a guest post to The Pin the Map Project, visit the guest post page here!

 

Have you visited Namibia? Are you planning on going? Share you stories, comments and questions below!