Namibia Activities

Namibia offers children the chance to see many of the world’s endangered species close up and in their natural habitats. The focus is on the outdoors and everything that comes with it. Open spaces, national parks and game reserves are all to be found in abundance, housing countless wild animals. While there may not be the offerings of theme parks and water parks, there are far more exciting adventures awaiting children of all ages. Safaris are great fun for children and a perfect way to fully experience the wide diversity of flora and fauna.

AfriCat Foundation
This rehabilitation centre located in Okonjima offers guests the chance to stay in a luxury lodge while watching injured wild cats being nursed back to full care. Close-up sightings of many large cats are guaranteed because the animals have been fitted with radio collars allowing the guides to locate them easily.

Etosha National Park
This national park is regarded by wildlife enthusiasts as one of Africa’s greatest and most captivating wildlife sanctuaries. The park is home to over 340 bird, 110 reptile and 100 mammal species, which include 3,000 elephants, 300 black rhino, 27,000 wildebeest and 7,000 zebra. There is also the chance to see rare antelope such as the black-faced impala, Damara dik dik and suni species. Lions, cheetahs and leopards are common sights and will give the entire family tales to tell when you return back home. There is an excellent network of roads which makes Etosha an ideal self-drive destination, although there are organised safaris for those who would rather be part of a tour party.

Khaudom Game Reserve
This reserve is located in the northeastern corner of Namibia in the stunning Kavango region. The reserve is largely undeveloped and therefore not crowded with tourists. It is ideal for families who want to escape the commercial parks and see the ‘real’ Namibia. There is the chance to see wild elephants, lions, dogs, giraffes, wildebeest and rare antelopes.

Etosha National Park is one of the best wildlife conservation areas in Africa, allowing for excellent opportunities for big game viewing. However, this is not the only place to spot the ‘big five’. The Mamili and Mudumu national parks offer a lush alternative to the dry stretch of Etosha.

If you prefer birds to cats, Namibia's diverse habitats make it a popular bird-watching destination. Etosha National Park is home to more than 340 bird species such as flamingos, the namaqua sandgrouse and the black korhaan as well as babblers and francolins. The Caprivi Strip is home to approximately 400 species of birds that thrive in the wetter and greener environment. These include the squacco heron and the African pygmy goose. For sea birds, the Skeleton Coast, Walvis Bay and Luderitz Bay are all home to an abundance of bird species.

If you would rather get more active, Sossusvlei is home to the tallest sand dunes in the world. The dunes are not only spectacular to look at, but also see many extreme-sports enthusiasts taking advantage of them. Sandboarding, also known as duneboarding, is the equivalent of cold-climate snowboarding. Boarders ride down and across a dune with both feet strapped onto the sandboard, which have the potential to reach speeds of up to 45kms per hour.

A trip in a hot-air balloon is one of the most exciting and relaxing ways to view the scenery across the country. The view from a hot-air balloon allows people to fully appreciate the vastness and beauty of Namibia as well as to enjoy the thrill of the ride. Balloon rides are available from tourist offices across the country.

Quad biking is sometimes the only way to reach the most remote parts of the desert. They can travel to parts that four-wheel drives can’t. There are designated routes over many of the dunes which offer minimal damage to the environment and the chance to get some excellent photographs.

Namibia’s cuisine is largely meat based, with what many people regard as exceptional cuts of meat on offer. The meat available is usually beef, venison and ostrich, and as the animals feed completely on natural pastures, there are no added chemicals or other preservatives.

Seafood is also popular and includes fresh fish, crayfish, mussels and oysters. Fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables is scarce in rural areas and the north of the country, while in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo, fresh foods are plentiful.

Many of the local dishes originated in South Africa and have been adapted by the local Namibians over time. A favourite among locals is biltong, which is oryx antelope meat cut into thin stripes and dried in the sun. It is enjoyed as a snack with drinks or eaten in between main meals. Rauchfleisch is another meaty favourite which is smoked meat, usually antelope. Potjiekos is a bush stew made with venison and any vegetables that can be found.

Restaurants and cafés can be found in all of the main cities and reflect the German influence in Namibia. In the larger cities, most restaurants offer a good choice of local and international cuisine. In the smaller towns, it is unlikely that you will find many international restaurants, although you will find some very good local ones. These however are not usually suitable for vegetarians.

Namibia is not renowned for its shopping opportunities as most people travel for the safaris and natural beauty. The larger cities such as Windhoek offer a selection of fashionable shops selling clothes, souvenirs and local handicrafts. For unique handicrafts, visit Windhoek Street Market where specialised shops sell a variety of locally made products such as carvings, weavings and rugs. The market is open every second Saturday.

Shops in Windhoek also sell diamonds and semi-precious stones, Herero dolls, jewellery, liqueur chocolates and Swakara garments. All items are fixed price and you will find that most are of excellent value.

Shopping hours are generally 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Some larger supermarkets are also open on Sundays between 11:00 and 13:00, and again from 16:00 to 19:00.