Roading tripping through the United States is a great way to catch the Boomer travel bug—it’s not overly expensive and you can find lots of memorable destinations within driving distance of your home. But every so often, I like to challenge myself, and my Namibia trip was nothing short of that. There are long hikes and treacherous unpaved roads, but the reward is definitely worth it. Once you conquer those challenges, you get to enjoy out-of-this-world scenery, exciting cuisine, and so much history. If a trip to Africa is on your bucket list, remember, you’re never too old for a Namibian adventure!
See a World of Namibia’s Landscapes in One Drive
The first thing to note about Namibia is the sheer isolation of the place. Population centers are spread out throughout the country, with lots of empty space in between. It isn’t like most parts of the United States, when you can take a quick hour drive to a neighboring city. Instead, you’ll be in for a long journey across the ever-changing terrain.
As our guided tour group drove toward Swakopmund, I’d say every 50 miles or so it looked like we were in a whole different world. For a while, I would liken the area to White Sands National Park. But naturally along the long Atlantic Ocean coast, there are beautiful beaches, marine life and migratory birds. Walvis Bay was teeming with the greatest number of flamingos I’ve seen in all my travels combined.
Hike Up Africa’s Most Famous Dunes
While Namibia is more than sand and desert, the most popular tourist attractions certainly are. No Namibia trip would be complete without a photo at Deadvlei and a hike up the marvelous sand dunes. Now, I might usually say you’re only as old as you feel, and I usually keep myself feeling young and adventurous during solo travel. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t struggle trekking up those mountainous dunes! Luckily, I have lots of determination, , and I thought I ought to take the opportunity when I have it. After all, how often do we find ourselves in the far reaches of Namibia, visiting one of the most photographed places in the world? Looking back, I’m so proud of myself, and the aching calves and back were well worth it!
Check Out Carvings Frozen in Time
After braving the sand dunes and a long hike through the rocky desert, we were off to see some incredible petroglyphs. The Twyfelfontein rock engravings by the Bushmen are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and depict all kinds of wild animals. The oldest engravings are estimated to be as old as 10,000 years, and the newest ones were created in 1000 AD. These fascinating drawings are more than just art—they offer valuable information to historians today! The climb was ultra-rigorous, so make sure to pack some sturdy hiking boots.
Discover History in Real Time
If you’re a traveler over age 60 who prefers to sit back and relax, I suggest making museums a priority. One of my top recommendations for when you visit Namibia is the Damara Living Museum. I truly think this is one of the best places to visit in Namibia. History isn’t all stone artifacts and centuries-old books—you can explore a place’s history by visiting modern-day people. At the Damara Village, I got to meet some captivating people who taught my tour group about Namibia’s history before German colonization. Once the Europeans arrived, they prohibited traditions of the various indigenous tribes. Fortunately, the culture has survived until today! I had the pleasure of meeting one Damara woman who said there’s a chance we could be distant cousins, given Black Americans’ African ancestry. And you know that as a mother daughter travel advocate, I’m all about connecting with family! My visit to the Himba village was equally informative and gratifying.
Namibia is an off-the-beaten path choice to learn the history of colonization. If you’re looking for someplace closer to home, I recommend visiting Colonial Williamsburg and checking out the museum’s efforts to bring Black history to light.
Clicking With the Local Languages
Here’s something extra special about Namibia—the native languages. While English is the official language in the country, there are eight national languages you might hear spoken during your visit. Some of these languages have sounds “clicks” that are completely foreign to English ears.
The sounds? Think about the sound you make when you click your tongue or your mother says “tsk” after you left chores undone. These sounds, four in total, are all part of everyday speech in the language of several indigenous tribes. Even with years of practice, most native English speakers never quite master all the different clicks. It’s really fascinating to hear in person!
Are You an Adventurous Eater?
Anyone who knows me or checks my Instagram stories knows I’m not an adventurous eater. I’ll jump at any chance for international travel, but it’s always a challenge for me to try new cuisine. I’m proud to report that I pressed my boundaries on this trip! Throughout my guided tour, I was presented with lots of culinary options that didn’t quite mesh with my usual diet (think wild game, wildebeest, and smoked zebra). However, I managed to buck up and try some of the smoked zebra which was always available alongside bacon on breakfast buffets. It was surprisingly tasty and fit right in with a day of trying new things and seeing the sights.
Namibia Wildlife: A Highlight of My Trip
In the United States, we only get to see such majestic animals in zoos. But on a Namibian safari, you’ll observe all kinds of wildlife roaming free, especially their national animals, the exotic looking Oryx. I didn’t get too up-close-and-personal with the animals like my husband did years ago in Yellowstone, but I did enjoy an incredible sightings on our safari at Etosha National Park where we saw lions, elephants, White rhinos, guinea hen, oryx, giraffes, zebras (pre-smoked this time) and a minimum of 22 different species every day of our three day Namibia safari. Definitely include the unforgettable experience of game drives in your itinerary.
Opt for a Guided Tour in Namibia
Traveling to Africa is sadly overlooked by many U.S. travelers. If you’ve put off seeing this breathtaking continent, I say it’s time to book your trip! You simply can’t miss the stunning landscapes of Deadvlei, the peace and unique wildlife of the desert, and the warm friendly people anxious to share their culture around every corner. So next summer( it’s their comfy balmy winter) consider skipping the saturated European cities and airports (though Italy and Greece always make great destinations) and travel to beautiful Namibia in the southwest tip of Africa. You’re never too old for a new adventure!
There’s lots to see in Namibia—keep an eye out for more stories on my Instagram and maybe a part two here!