Our Top 6 Unusual Activities to Do in Namibia
The world's oldest desert, the planet's highest dunes, grandiose landscapes, extraordinary wildlife... A trip to Namibia promises unforgettable moments of wonder.
The world's oldest desert, the planet's highest dunes, grandiose landscapes, extraordinary wildlife... A trip to Namibia promises unforgettable moments of wonder. To discover all these marvels and venture off the beaten path, discover our top 6 unusual activities to do in Namibia.
1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Namib Desert
While the landscapes of the Namib Desert are breathtaking when discovered on land, imagine what they look like from the sky... From the world's highest dunes to the Naukluft Mountains to the coastline, a hot air balloon flight offers unparalleled views of the Namib Desert landscape.
Flying over the Sossusvlei region at the heart of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, you'll see the golden and red-hued dunes from a completely different perspective. Most flights take place at dawn to capture the mystical light of sunrise. An opportunity to enjoy a moment of absolute tranquility and step outside of time...
There's no doubt about it—a hot air balloon flight over the Namib Desert is an incomparable experience that will astound you and leave an indelible mark on your memory...
2. Paddle by Kayak with Thousands of Seals at Pelican Point
Paddling alongside thousands of seals sounds appealing? Head to Walvis Bay Lagoon where you can enjoy a kayaking excursion to Pelican Point, a peninsula that is home to up to 50,000 Cape fur seals that reside there year-round.
On the journey there, you may encounter other animals such as dolphins or numerous bird species including pelicans, pink flamingos, and cormorants...
The lagoon waters are calm and guarantee a smooth kayaking experience. For this reason, this outing is accessible to everyone, even beginner kayakers. This unusual activity can therefore easily be done with children for a truly memorable family experience...
3. Sleep in Solitaire, a Remote Settlement in the Desert
Solitaire is a remote settlement lost in the middle of nowhere in the Namibia desert. It often serves as a stopping point to refuel or purchase some supplies. Indeed, Solitaire is the only village with a fuel station and post office between the Sossusvlei dunes and the Walvis Bay coast.
With its rusted car wrecks and end-of-the-world atmosphere, Solitaire is often nicknamed the "Baghdad Café of Namibia".
On site, you'll find two gorgeous lodges (Solitaire Desert Farm and Solitaire Lodge) that allow you to spend the night in this remote village. Located in the heart of the desert with minimal lighting, it's the ideal place to observe the stars.
4. Set Off on a 4x4 Excursion to Sandwich Harbour
Want to blend discovery, adventure, and thrills? Head to Sandwich Harbour for a 4x4 excursion!
Located on the Atlantic coast in western Namibia, Sandwich Harbour is the stage for an extraordinary natural landscape where the desert meets the sea. The site is home to numerous wild animals: you can encounter a colony of pink flamingos, cormorants, oryx, springboks, and numerous small reptiles...
This desert area stretching along the ocean is accessible only by 4x4 or on foot. Driving on the sand at the ocean's edge will give you a sense of boundless freedom...
5. Explore the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop
The ghost town of Kolmanskop is an absolute must-see if you're looking for unusual activities in Namibia. Located about ten kilometers south of Lüderitz, the town of Kolmanskop was founded in the early 20th century, shortly after the discovery of a diamond deposit.
When mining operations were relocated near the South African border, the town was abandoned. In the absence of human activity, it thus became a ghost town. Houses, hospital, library, school, theater, bakery... All the buildings are now buried under meters of sand...
We recommend visiting the ghost town of Kolmanskop with a guide to learn more about its history and discover the mystical atmosphere of the place. Perfect for urban exploration enthusiasts and photographers alike.
6. Meet the Himba
As with any journey, the best moments are those spent meeting the local population. Namibia is home to many ethnic groups, including the Himba. An indigenous Bantu people originally from southern Africa, the Himba were traditionally pastoralists and nomadic herders.
Although they settled over the course of history (notably during colonial rule), the Himba have managed to preserve an ancestral way of life. To discover their traditions and customs, nothing beats an immersive stay with a Himba family.
To do this, head to the Kaokoland region, one of Namibia's least populated areas, considered the territory of the Himba people.
Interested in organizing a stay with the Himba? Find all our advice for meeting the Himba of Namibia ethically and responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
Hot air balloon flights over the Namib Desert are offered year-round, but the best period runs from May to October (dry season), with stable weather conditions and milder temperatures. Flights take place at dawn to capture the light of sunrise over the golden dunes of Sossusvlei.
No, the kayaking excursion to Pelican Point on Walvis Bay Lagoon is accessible to all skill levels, including beginners. The calm waters of the lagoon guarantee a smooth and safe experience. It's also an activity well-suited for families with children.
Visiting Kolmanskop requires an entrance permit that can be purchased from Namdeb (the mining company that owns the site). It is strongly recommended to visit the site with an official guide to learn about the history of this former diamond city and access all the buildings buried under the sand.
Sandwich Harbour is located on the Atlantic coast, south of Walvis Bay. The site is only accessible by 4x4 vehicle or on foot, as the track runs along the sea on soft sand. It is recommended to go on an organized excursion with a local guide who knows the tidal conditions, as certain sections of the track can be flooded.
To meet the Himba ethically and responsibly, it is advisable to work through a local organizer or specialized agency that works directly with willing Himba families in the Kaokoland region. Avoid visits to non-consensual 'tourist villages' and favor immersive stays that directly benefit the community. Respect local traditions and always ask permission before photographing.
Solitaire is an unusual stopover known for its rusted car wrecks, its end-of-the-world atmosphere, and its nickname as the 'Baghdad Café of Namibia'. Beyond the two lodges (Solitaire Desert Farm and Solitaire Lodge), you can admire an exceptional starry sky thanks to the near-complete absence of light pollution, refuel your vehicle, and purchase some supplies before heading back to Sossusvlei or Walvis Bay.
