The 5 highlights of our Namibia holiday

1. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is unique in Africa because its main feature is a vast salt pan. It boasts a large wildlife population that doesn't just congregate at waterholes, guaranteeing animal sightings.

The park is accessible with a regular compact car, but our 4x4 Toyota Hilux was definitely an advantage. You have to register your vehicle at the entrance, as you must leave the park by sunset unless you have accommodation within the national park. There are numerous campsites with overnight options within the park, as well as restaurants, viewpoints, shops, and gas stations. It's best to get a map at the gate beforehand, as the park is vast and there's a lot to explore.

We drove for over 8 hours through Namibia's largest park and were fortunate enough to experience giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, elephants, rhinos, and even cheetahs and lions up close. These memories will stay with us forever.

Etosha National Park in Namibia is home to four of the BIG5.

2. Himba Village

I had specifically booked the Ozhere Campsite next to a Himba village, because in order to get to know the country and its people better, one should also engage with the culture.

The Himba are an indigenous people who live almost untouched by civilization. Ochre-colored skin, traditional hairstyles, and a wide variety of jewelry define the Himba woman's ideal of beauty. Cattle herding is their pride and joy.

We spent the sunrise/sunset with the UNFOLD blanket at the top of the mountain next to the campsite. Up there, it was just us and this incredible view and silence.

The owner of our campsite took us to the village after breakfast, where we received a warm welcome. There we learned a lot about the daily lives of the Himba people in Namibia, although they also had many questions for us and about our lives in Germany. It was a wonderful exchange between two cultures.

Once my son Marcio spotted the other children, he didn't care much about their conversations; he grabbed a ball and started playing football. Barefoot on gravel, pretty awesome.

3. Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe is one of Namibia's most photographed mountains, rising 700 meters from a relatively flat landscape. Due to its distinctive shape, it is often called the Matterhorn of Namibia and is visible from a distance.

Our camp was situated amidst the imposing mountain landscape. There are numerous campsites around the mountain, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

It's pretty basic, as there's no electricity on the site, just a toilet block.

There is a good restaurant, showers, and sinks for washing dishes at the reception. However, our pitch was a good 3 km away, which wasn't a problem.

There's so much to do in the area, from Spitzkoppe The Arch to the Bushman paintings. But the highlight is the night sky, because there are no light sources around, allowing us to observe the stars at night with the UNFOLD while sitting in our camping chairs. PRICELESS!

4. Soussevlei

My personal highlight on this trip, because I love the desert; it's a place of peace that makes me especially happy.

Soussevlei is one of the most famous sights in Namibia and is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is a desert landscape with impressive red sand dunes, some of the highest in the world.

The famous Dune 45 is also located here; it's worth climbing it because the view is stunning.

The red sand deserts offer a spectacular backdrop, especially at sunrise and sunset. Another highlight is Deadvlei, a dried-out clay pan dotted with dead acacia trees, surrounded by red dunes.

It is important to note that this area is very dry and hot. Temperatures can be extreme, so it is advisable to bring plenty of water and protect yourself appropriately.

To reach Deadvlei, you'll need to let air out of your tires for the last 4-5 kilometers through the desert to reach the parking area. (4x4 only)

Our camp was right outside the gates of the NP, however there is also a campsite inside which made a good impression from the outside.

5. Kalahari Desert

This desert is a thornbush savannah, but is also sometimes referred to as a dry savannah.

We chose the Janssen Kalahari Guestfarm, which had wildlife on the grounds. In the mornings, you could watch zebras right from your window, or during a walk, you could see giraffes eating.

Here, the vegetation constantly changes from lush green to dry savannah or red sand desert. A brilliant display of nature's colors and highly recommended.

Namibia is the perfect starting point for a self-drive safari; it's not for nothing that it's called: Namibia: Africa for Beginners :)

Don't forget, anyone traveling to Namibia during our summer holidays should pack the UNFOLD; that way you can sit comfortably outside in the mornings or evenings and observe the world. During the day, a T-shirt is sufficient, as temperatures climb to 30 degrees Celsius.

Namibia is the perfect starting point for a self-drive safari; it's not for nothing that it's called: Namibia: Africa for Beginners :)

Don't forget, anyone traveling to Namibia during our summer holidays should pack the UNFOLD cuddly blanket , so you can sit outside comfortably in the mornings or evenings and watch the world go by. During the day, a T-shirt and shorts are sufficient, as temperatures climb to 30 degrees Celsius.

We experienced so much in 14 days and can highly recommend a holiday trip to Namibia to every family.

Whether you choose camping or a tour with lodges or guest farms, the range of options is huge and diverse.