Namibia Archives - Venues4Africa

5 Travel Rules

If you are looking to take a break and really want to unplug and detach from your daily life, there are 5 travel rules you need to abide by to get the most of your experience.

1. Travel with someone you love

There is no point in sharing a special moment with someone that does not add value to your life, or at least someone that doesn’t’ share your passion or have the same dreams as you. If you do, you will regret this time wasted.

2. Collect moments not things

Things wear out, they get lost, they lose importance and value with time, at some point you will even forget you ever collected something. But moments will always stay attached to your mind and the memories are unforgettable. Take loads of pictures, loads of selfies, capture every moment.

3. Indulge

Be adventurous and try something you’ve never done before. Try skydiving, bungee jumping, shark cage diving, whatever it is you choose to do, be sure it gets your blood rushing. Eat a lot and drink a lot- otherwise there no point of travelling in the first place. And don’t hesitate to try the weird food too!

4. Don’t regret anything

If you spend too much money and go over your budget – don’t regret it, because it’s money well-spent. Remember travelling is not about money, it’s about courage. Do and see everything you possibly can and make sure you do not regret not having done something – that will just be a total waste of time and energy.

5. Share the experience

Be sure to always have your smartphone or tablet with you. Take pictures of the food, the drinks, the places that you get to see and post them on social media. Check in at every place you visit – believe it or not, people want to see those pictures and want to know where you’ve been.

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Five Reasons to Self-Drive Namibia

The vast Namib Desert has innumerable trails for you to explore. There’s no better feeling than jumping into the driver’s seat, and setting out into the illustrious desert. If you’re planning to self-drive Namibia, or you’re yet to be convinced, we’ve got a few reasons why it’s the adventure you’ve been looking for.

Discover the desert at your own pace
The beauty of self-drive Namibia is that you’re your own boss. The choice is yours to decide which side road to take, when to pause, and how much is enough for one day. With a flexible, self-determined itinerary, you can stop for every photo opportunity and take as many detours as your heart desires. Enjoy the freedom of encountering the desert on your own terms.

Sleep under the stars
As the sun sets the sky lights up. Gaze up at the dazzling Milky way and other galaxies that you don’t normally get to see. There is something humbling about witnessing the expansive desert as it meets the vast and beautiful African night sky.

Spot wildlife on your doorstep
Cruise past herds of impala and park beside riverbeds for a chance to see incredible wildlife as they go about their daily activities. Marvel at Etosha National Park, home to one of the largest concentrations of black rhino, which features a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. The Park boasts an abundance of wildlife and some of the best watering hole viewing spots you’ve ever laid eyes on. Not that you need to go into a park to get your nature fix. Namibia is one of the only countries where animals still roam freely, without being restricted by fences. Visit Damaraland where you’ll most likely have to stop for migrating elephants wanting to cross the road.

Chase the setting sun
Watch as the setting sun makes a silhouette out of the towering baobab. Or chase the horizon as the sky reflects the desert earth. Sunsets in the the Kalahari Desert are something to write home about. And with self-drive, you’ll always have front row seats.

Stumble upon treasure you would have otherwise missed
Stopping for lunch underneath an inviting tree could bring you face to face with a family of monkeys, or a rare bird you’ve never seen before. Off the beaten track travel has the potential to show you something no one else has seen before. Take your Namibia travel experience into your own hand, and discover this expansive country from your own perspective.

Venues4Africa has you covered with the ideal Namibia accommodation for your adventure. With excellent routes and a multitude of new and exciting destinations, don’t hesitate, visit our website and start planning your self-drive Namibia today!

Image Credit:
Eric Bauer
jbodane
marusz kluzniak
Martin Heigan
Massmo Relsig

The Best of Namibia Hiking Trails

There is no better way to experience the illustrious Namibian desert than to feel the sand shift beneath your feet. Whether you’re looking to climb into rocky canyons, or conquer sand dunes and horizon-touching plateaus, Namibia has a number of hiking trails that’ll take you directly into the heart of this epic country.

Naukluft Hiking Trail
This circular route takes you trekking through the rolling dunes, and dramatic desert expanse of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Witness the magic of one of the oldest deserts in the world first hand, with this treacherous and rewarding hiking trail. The full route takes a total of eight days, though there is an option to tackle just the first four, which are known to be the easier portion. So don’t fret if you’re pressed for time, or worried about fitness.

Open: 1st March to 31st October due to extremely high summer temperatures
Distance: 120km
Duration: 4 day or 8 days

Fish River Canyon Hike
The largest canyon in Africa, the Fish River Canyon is a hiker’s mecca. The pinnacle of Namibia hiking trails, this 85km trail starts from the main Canyon view point near Hobas, and ends at Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa. Trek for five days through sand and stone, alongside the intermittent river, with the Namibian sun on your back. Ease into the rhythm of the elements, as you rise with the sun and rest with the starry night sky above you. The startling beauty of the Canyon is something you won’t easily forget.

Open: 1 May – 15 September
Distance: 85km
Duration: 5 days

Sweet Thorn Trail
You’ll find the Daan Viljoen Game Park near Windhoek, and when you do you’re in for a treat. Traverse the beautiful Khomas Hochland mountains and spend a cozy night in the halfway point hut. With commanding views and captivating wildlife, the Sweet Thorn trail is the perfect pause after a busy week in the bustle city of Windhoek.

Open: All year round
Distance: 32kms
Duration: 2 days

Waterberg Hike
Mountainous and lush with vegetation, the Waterberg Plateau Park is teeming with all kinds of exciting fauna and flora. With distinctive red-stone cliffs and over 200 species of bird, you’ll have trouble watching where you’re walking. Basic shelter is provided so, unlike the other hikes in the area, you won’t need to carry a tent. Some of the Namibia wildlife heavy-weights to keep an eye out for are rhino and shy mountain leopard.

Open: April – November
Distance: 42km
Duration: 4 Days

Olive Trail
A beautiful, shorter hike in the Naukluft Mountains, the Olive Trail gets its name from the Wild Olive trees along the route. Descend a spectacular gorge and follow an easy walk along the dry river bed. The highlight, and arguably trickiest section of the trail, involves a chain bridge and a rocky ledge. Keep an eye out for kudus and baboons along the way!

Open: All year round
Distance: 10km
Duration: 1 day

After exploring the vast number of Namibia hiking trails, you’ll need a peaceful place to rest your head. Visit Venues4Africa to find diverse and comfortable Namibia accommodation so you can start planning your desert adventure today.

Image Credits: jbdodane, Bobulix, tomorrowmayrain.wordpress, thefoxtakespictures.wordpress.com, Joachim Huber, Massmo Relsig