Namibia

Petrified trees with a clear blue sky in Deadvlei, Namibia

In the southwest of Africa, bordering Angola, Botswana and South Africa, lies Namibia, one of the least populated countries on Earth with a little over 2 million inhabitants. The natural landscapes and abundance of wildlife is what draws many visitors to Namibia. In October, towards the end of the dry season, many animals congregate at waterholes, increasing the chances of seeing wildlife. Hence, why I decided to visit that time of the year.

I arrived at the capital Windhoek, ready to embark on a 3-week adventure through red sand dunes, deserts, coastline, and the much-anticipated Etosha National Park. The best way to travel through Namibia is by renting your own 4×4 jeep. Unlike other countries in Africa, where the infrastructure often isn’t as developed or it’s simply not safe, driving in Namibia is fairly easy. Most roads are in great condition and having your own car allows you to explore the most remote areas of the country. It also allows you to observe wildlife at your own pace.

Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert is one of the driest places on earth, yet some of Namibia’s wildlife have learned to adapt to these harsh conditions. Here you can catch a glimpse of ostriches, giraffes, wildebeest and kudu. If you’re lucky, you can even spot white rhinos!

Another animal that has adapted very well to the Kalahari desert is the meerkat. Around sunset, these adorable creatures will roam the desert floor in search of food. Careful where you step as they love to cross your path!

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Ostriches in the red sand of the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaGiraffe eating leaves in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaA kudu antelope in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaWildebeest on the run in the red sand of the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaSouthern yellow-billed hornbill in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaA cape ground squirrel in the red sand of the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaA meerkat on the lookout in the red sand of the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaA meerkat on the rocks in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaClose-up of a meerkat in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaTwo young meerkats in the red dirt of the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaMeerkats in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaMeerkat on alert in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaA meerkat in NamibiaClose-up of a white rhino in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaWhite rhinos with horns in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaTwo white rinos in the Kalahari Desert, Namibia at sunriseWhite rhino walking through the red sand of the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaOstriches protecting their babies in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaOstrich with baby chicks in the Kalahari Desert, NamibiaAn oryx in the sand dunes of the Kalahari Desert, Namibia

Quiver tree forest

After leaving the Kalahari desert, I headed further south to explore one of the most alien-looking plants in the world; the Quiver Tree forest. Quiver trees are endemic to this part of Africa and are not really trees. They are giant aloe plants that can grow up to 8 meters tall. Visit late in the day and observe the changing colors on the Quiver trees as the sun sets.

Quiver trees at sunset in Keetmanshoop, NamibiaQuiver tree forest in the south of NamibiaSilhouette shot of the Quiver tree forest, known as the Kokerboomwoud, in NamibiaPink colored sky at the Quiver Tree forest in Namibia

Kolmanskop abandoned village

Another place that I had heard of before and I was excited to see, was the deserted village of Kolmanskop. A hundred years ago, diamonds were found in this area, and it quickly became the hotspot for diamond mining with a village that even had a hospital and a school. When the diamonds were becoming increasingly scarce, the village became abandoned and now the sand has taken over. This gives Kolmanskop an eerie feeling and makes photographing the houses filled with sand so photogenic. I went at sunrise and had the entire place to myself. Signs indicated that there could be hyenas roaming the premises, so I stayed alert. Luckily I didn’t encounter any, although that would have been a cool shot!

Abandoned house filled with sand at Kolmanskop, NamibiaHouse filled with sand at the Kolmanskop abandoned village in Namibia

Namib Desert at Kanaan

Further north, the Namib desert starts. This is one of the oldest deserts in the world and it’s hard to grasp the size of this desert. Vast landscapes with high sand dunes dominate this part of Namibia. In the southern part of the Namib desert, I stayed at the Kanaan Desert Retreat, an isolated location with spectacular views of the desert. Less known, and a bit harder to get to, you truly feel the remoteness of this desert. I had an experienced local guide take me through the landscapes, ranging from endless vistas over the plains to sand dunes that constantly changed color at sunrise. You hear absolutely nothing…just wind blowing over the sand.

Endless plains of the Namib Deseert, NAmibiaPetrified tree in the Namib Desert at sunsetOryx walking through the Namib Desert of NamibiaQuiver tree in the Namib Desert, NamibiaSunrise over the sand dunes of the Namib Desert, NamibiaSunrise in the Namib Desert with the endless sand dunesGolden sand dunes of the Namib Desert at sunrisePink sky over the sand dunes of the Namib Desert, Namibia

Deadvlei

In the middle of the Namib Naukluft National Park lies Deadvlei. This part of Namibia is perhaps the most iconic location of the country and draws tourists from all over the world. As I had seen images of the petrified trees at Deadvlei for the longest time, I just knew I had to maximize my time at this surreal spot. So, I based myself inside the national park grounds so I could take advantage of the sunrise. Staying within the park gives you the advantage of getting an early morning start, allowing you to go inside the park 1 hour before everybody else. The views in Deadvlei are at its best early in the morning as the first light hits the valley, illuminating the 900-year old petrified trees, basking the sand dunes that surround the valley in a golden hue.

Petrified trees in the Deadvlei of NamibiaPetrified trees in front of the orange sand dunes at Deadvlei, NamibiaOrange sand dunes and petrified trees at Deadvlei, NamibiaSunrise at Deadvlei, Namibia during a travel photography tripSoft colors of sunrise in the Deadvlei, NamibiaFirst sunlight hitting the petrified trees of Deadvlei, Namibia

Sossuvlei

The valley leading up to Deadvlei will take you along the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei. Here, you will find some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, some as tall as 300 meters. Several of them can be climbed, such as Dune 45 or another one called Big Daddy. The climb up the loose sand is tough, but the views from the top are so worth it. Although you might not expect any animals in this dry landscape, wildlife somehow has learned to adapt, and oryxes roam the sand dunes. It’s incredible how these animals can live in a place so dry.

Oryx walking on the tall sand dunes of Sossusvlei, NamibiaDune 45 at sunset in the Sossusvlei, NamibiaGiant sand dunes of Sossusvlei, NamibiaBig Mamma sand dunes of Sossusvlei, NamibiaBig Mamma sand dune in Sossusvlei, NamibiaOryx footprints in the tall sand dunes of Sossusvlei, NamibiaEndless sand dunes of the desert in Sossusvlei, NamibiaSossusvlei sand dunes with the Deadvlei salt pan in the backTravel photography Namibia at the Sossusvlei, NamibiaOryxes on the run in the Sossusvlei, Namibia

Flamingos and sea lions along the Atlantic Coast

Namibia has a very long coastline along the Atlantic ocean, boasting an abundance of marine wildlife. As I was driving from the south to the north of the country, I broke up my trip in half by stopping at Walvis Bay. This uninspiring town has a lagoon where you can see different types of flamingos up close, feeding off the shallow waters at low tide. A bit further north, I then stopped at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. This is the largest colony of sea lions in the world, with tens of thousands of these marine animals congregating in a natural harbor that protects them from predators.

Flamingos in a lagoon at Walvis Bay, NamibiaPelican landing in a shallow lagoon in Walvis Bay, NamibiaPelicans and flamingos in a shallow lagoon in Walvis Bay, NamibiaCape fur seals in NamibiaCape fur seal pup at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, NamibiaCape fur seal on the beach at Cape Cross Seal Reserve, NamibiaMany cape fur seals on the rocks at Cape Cross Seal Reserve, NamibiaCape fur seals mating at Cape Cross Seal Reserve, NamibiaClose-up of a Cape Fur Seal in Namibia

Spitzkoppe

As I left the coast, the landscape changed drastically and it became rockier. Out of nowhere, the Spitzkoppe mountain range appeared. Often referred to as the Matterhorn of Namibia, the rock formations here are beautiful and reminded me of Arches National Park in the U.S. I spent the night at a nearby camp site, allowing me to explore the area close to sunset. As the sun was setting, the colors on the Natural Rock Arch, the most iconic rock formation in this area, changed and turned the landscape to a beautiful deep orange hue.

Natural rock arch at Spitzkoppe, NamibiaGranite rocks of Spitzkoppe, NamibiaSunset over the mountains at Spitzkoppe, NamibiaTravel photography at Spitzkoppe, NamibiaDusk at the natural rock arch of Spitzkoppe, NamibiaSunset over the natural rock arch at Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Desert elephants

As I left the Namib desert, I made my way over to Twyfelfontein. This small settlement drew my attention as it is one of the very few places on Earth where you can see the desert-adapted elephants. These elephants have learned to survive in one of the driest regions of Africa, covering long distances in search of food and water. Unlike their relatives that live in other parts of the country, the desert elephants have smaller bodies and wider feet, perfect for making their way to the rough terrain of the Kunene province.  I spent a full morning tracking these unique elephants as they were slowly walking through the dry riverbeds. It was such a peaceful experience, and I really got up close to a herd without disturbing them.

Desert elephants at Twyfelfontein, NamibiaA desert elephant walking through the desert at Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Epupa falls

As I made my way further north, I ended up at literally the end of the road, in the town of Epupa. Here, on the border with Angola, you can admire the impressive Epupa Falls. These waterfalls have got to be some of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen with its lush surroundings of palm trees and even baobabs!

Epupa is also known for its tribal villages. Here in Kaokoland, the Himba can still be found living their semi-nomadic lives. I dedicated a special post about this unique tribe, which you can find here.

Waterfalls of Epupa Falls in Namibia on the border with AngolaBaobab at the waterfalls of Epupa Falls, NamibiaSunset over the Epupa Falls, NamibiaSunset at Epupa Falls, Namibia during a travel photography trip

And then, there’s the star of Namibia, and perhaps of the entire Southern African area: Etosha National Park. As you can imagine, I took so many photos of the wildlife in this park that I decided to create a separate post about this park.

© 2025 Dario Endara