Attractions Nearby Namibia, Day Trips and Excursions

(Namibia, NA, Southern Africa)

Namibia can be neatly divided into four 'zones', each coming with their own set of attractions and excursion possibilities. The southern part of Namibia borders on Botswana and South Africa, close to the Augrabies Falls National Park, while the upper north of the country extends along the southern edge of Angola.

The north-east portion, namely the Caprivi Strip and Kavango areas, stretches to neighbouring Zambia. Namibia's western edge takes in the Namib desert and coastal regions, although has no land border as such, being instead edged by the Atlantic Ocean.

Botswana

Visitors often combine their Namibian holiday with a trip across the eastern border into neighbouring Botswana, via the Trans-Kalahari Highway, crossing at Buitepos / Mamuno. Like Namibia, Botswana boasts some unique landscapes. These range from the verdant Okavango Delta, which lies to the south of Namibia's Caprivi Strip, to the arid Kalahari Desert. Botswana is perhaps best known for its national parks, including the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Travel between these two countries is relatively straightforward. The Trans Kalahari Highway, which links Windhoek with Lobatse on the Botswana / South Africa border, is a convenient way travel if you are planning to explore the area by car. Specific attractions in Botswana include the ancient rock paintings at the Tsodilo Hills, the herds of wildebeest and zebras within the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans National Park, and the huge selection of wildlife within the Chobe National Park, as well of course as the capital city of Gaborone, where a climb up Kgale Hill is recommended.

Zambia

Travelling by road between Namibia and neighbouring north-easterly Zambia is made possible thanks to a border crossing at Wenela. From there it is easy to travel to Zambia's main attractions, including the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. If you've time to spare, the vast Kafue National Park, the Lower Zambezi National Park, the South Luangwa National Park and Lake Kariba are all quite tempting, as is Zambia's capital city of Lusaka. Visitors to Lusaka will find that highlights come in the form of the modern Soweto Market, the Anglican Cathedral, the Henry Tayali Gallery, the Kabwata Cultural Village, the Munda Wanga Environmental Park and the Zambia National Museum.

Angola

Angola has enjoyed peace since 2002, and ever since, it has started to grow in popularity as a tourist destination. Three border crossings currently exist between the countries of Namibia and Angola - Nkurenkuru and Cuangar, Oshikango and Namacunde, and Ruacana and Calueque. Sizeable game reserves, such as the Iona National Park located in the south-western corner of Angola, remain relatively unspoilt. Whilst animal numbers are still somewhat limited because of the civil conflict and poaching, the situation is improving, with lost wildlife being replaced. Together with Namibia's Namib-Nakluft National Park and the Skeleton Coast Park, the Iona National Park in Angola helps to form a continuous protected coastline that covers some 1,200 km / 745 miles. The capital city of Luana is a lively destination with much in the way of Portuguese influence when it comes to music and cuisine.

South Africa

Situated across the border from southern Namibia, South Africa is packed with quality tourist attractions. Just over the border is the Richtersveld National Park, home to an amazing assortment of plants, including several species that can only be found in the park. Nearby Alexander Bay, on South Africa's Western Cape, also makes for a pleasant excursion, with activities on offer including diamond mine tours. Further afield are the cosmopolitan South African cities of Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth.

Connected to Windhoek by the regular Intercape Mainliner bus (running four times a week), Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and lies on the south-western Atlantic side of the country, where it is famous for its iconic Table Mountain. Sun-worshippers based in Cape Town can choose between the beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton, False Bay, Kommetjie, Llandudno and Noordhoek, while families may like to check out the aquarium, the botanical gardens, and the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, and then perhaps take a boat trip across Table Bay, to reach the neighbouring World Heritage Site that is Robben Island.