If you are a fan of exploring strange places and discovering bizarre attractions, Namibia is more than happy to oblige. Did you know that Namibia houses the only desert in the world where you can find large mammals like elephants, rhinos, lions and giraffes? It is also home to some of the world’s largest sand dunes and the world’s second largest canyon. Read on to discover our top 5 fascinating and unusual things to see and do and prepare to be dazzled by a country that can only be described as an enigmatic land of marvels.
The Namib Sand Sea is a unique sight to behold as one of the world’s only coastal deserts spanning three million hectares of undulating red sandy dunes that meet the majestic waves of the Atlantic ocean. This vast sea of sand boasts some of the tallest and most spectacular dunes in the world ranging in colours from vivid hues of pink to orange and red. This arid region incredibly boasts a wide array of endemic wildlife including invertebrates, reptiles and mammals that are nourished by the fog which is the primary source of water here. It is a place of outstanding natural beauty and as such it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Often overlooked by tourists, this unique holiday town is sandwiched between the sea and the desert and is defined by its fascinating early 20th-century German-style architecture. The town and has a somewhat post-apocalyptic vibe to it and you’ll certainly feel like you have stepped back in time. The nearby ghost towns of Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay, and the wild horses at Garub all add to the mystery of the area.
Among the towering red dunes in the central Namib Desert lies the strange and eerie landscape of Dead Vlei (Dead Marsh). Characterised by a white clay pan dotted by dead camel thorn trees and surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world (reaching 400m) this haunting location, with its stark contrast of dark trees against the white clay and the vibrant orange dunes, creates a surreal and almost otherworldly atmosphere. It’s a must-see destination for anyone travelling to Namibia and its surreal beauty makes it an ideal spot for instagram worthy photographs. It’s also a popular place to watch the sunrise, sunset or spend an evening stargazing under one of the world’s clearest night skies.
Known locally as the ‘footprints of the gods’ the fairy circles of Southern Africa are somewhat of an enigma. These mysterious circular bald patches are forming across the vast grasslands of the Namib Desert and punctuating the arid landscape. The circles are uniform in size and shape which has intrigued locals and scientists alike. Their mysterious origin has lead to local legends ranging from tales of god's footprints to international recognition as a "UFO hot spot" however bona fide scientific research has led to the conclusion that there is nothing supernatural going on and while it’s certainly not a hoax the origins of these natural phenomena remain a subject of active scientific investigation.
The Namib Desert is known for being barren, deathly hot and mostly devoid of life, but incredibly it is home to a a bizarre plant that can live for centuries in this arid region. Considered a living fossil the Welwitschia plant is fed by the desert fog and it can live for hundreds of years, and some of the oldest known Welwitschia are 2000 years old. At first glance they look like a pile of dying leaves on the surface of the desert floor but underneath lies a large, taproot trunk with a cork-like bark that can absorb large amounts of water. These plants are so rare and unusual they are highly coveted and are now at risk of becoming endangered.
If you are looking for a unique holiday destination in Africa, Namibia is an exquisite land of contrasts offering a kaleidoscope of adventures and memories to last a lifetime. If you want to learn more about this fascinating country simply visit our website www.bestofsouthafricatravel.co.uk or gives us a call on UK 01233 80 27 27.
