Namibia had been on my bucket list for years, ever since a colleague (we’re talking about Joyce H.) chatted about the uniqueness of the desert elephants that live there. I have to say my week-long visit to this unique country exceeded my high expectations. It was so different from other African destinations I’ve travelled to.
So, to get back to the desert elephants or desert-dwelling elephants. They are not a genetically distinct species of elephant but are African bush elephants with unique characteristics. These elephants have made their home in the Namib desert in Namibia, Africa, and subsequently, these elephants exhibit small adaptations to the extreme temperatures and terrain.
You’d think they’d be hard to miss. You would be wrong. Elephants move quietly along the savanna, shying away from the open plains and tending to stay in herds along the periphery.
You first see them come out one by one. Then another, then a baby. It’s a breathtaking experience. And they were stunning. We sat and watched from a distance as the majestic beasts wandered, and I was struck by how much like humans they are. Mothers out with their young walked protectively around them. They sized us up from afar and, when they were satisfied we’d keep our distance, let the little ones wander off to play. It was a joy to watch them. Babies rolled in the dirt. Leaves were pulled down to help the little ones get a nibble before the adults stretched for the best bites up top.
Namibia is still relatively unknown.
Travellers are increasingly looking for unspoiled, unique destinations. With globalization, it’s getting harder and harder to find those special places. In Namibia, you can take in some spectacular sights such as desert sand dunes and mountain sunsets.
To visit Namibia is to encounter local culture.
Today’s travellers crave the opportunity to discover local people and their culture. Namibia provides plenty of opportunities to meet locals who still live a traditional lifestyle.
You’ll enjoy a different kind of wildlife experience.
You’ll see plenty of animals in Namibia, but it’s not the same concentration you’d see in other destinations like South Africa or Kenya.
What is truly exceptional is the sheer variety of bird species. Namibia is a birder’s heaven, with more than 700 kinds. Admittedly, viewing birds has never been on the top of my list of animals to see in Africa, but I was pleasantly surprised. I wound up enjoying seeing so many different species. Once a herd of ostriches suddenly crossed the road in front of our approaching vehicle. We had a great view of them as they passed just a couple of feet in front of us.
The diversity of the landscapes is stunning.
The three regions I visited were the Namib Desert, Damaraland, and Etosha National Park. The difference between each was vast. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the desert, but it was absolutely gorgeous and different than anything I had ever seen in Africa before. The hills and mountains of Damaraland are extremely different from the desert but every bit as dramatic. And the vast arid space of Etosha serves as a backdrop for the plentiful wildlife that makes their home there.
You’re supporting a country engaged in sustainable travel.
You will see many examples of employment to locals, ways to conserve wildlife and nature, and creative eco-friendly lodging and activities. As one example, when I arrived in Namibia, I received a water bottle. At every camp, I was able to refill and reuse that bottle at water stations.
Namibia is perfect for people who have visited Africa at least once.
It’s not a traditional “first time to Africa destination” for people looking for the quintessential safari experience. Instead, people will enjoy the vast, untouched landscapes, unique cultures, and the variety of living things.
Namibia is one of those jaw-dropping, mind-blowing places that gets under your skin and really takes hold of your heart. There are practically no tourists. Aside from there being ridiculously few people in Namibia to begin with (it’s actually the second least densely populated country on earth), there are hardly any tourists, even at the most popular spots.
