Namibia gained a hard-won independence from South Africa in 1990, and has quickly become one of the “buzziest” travel destinations in Africa. Namibia is situated on the west coast of the continent, above South Africa, and what it lacks in people it most certainly makes up for in surreal landscapes. Here are five compelling arguments that makes Namibia one of the best destinations for an endlessly scenic African honeymoon.
Affordability
This is definitely our first reason. Luxury lodges, experiences and meals are already very well priced; which means only good things for newlyweds who are trying to save more money. For example, It’s not uncommon to find a mouthwatering primo cut of Namibian–raised beef filet for less than 20 dollars.
Adventure
From tiny planes soaring over plateaus, sand dunes, desert and riverbeds to driving into the unknown on oftentimes dirt or gravel roads; If you’re not navigating these snaking roads between camps you’re hopping on minuscule airplanes for scenic, stunning flights. According to Brides.com Those who want to immerse as much as possible in wildlife conservation can also consider a little voluntourism as part of their honeymoon. For the right passionate animal lovers, N/a’ankusê is a wildlife conservation organization that also offers opportunities to feed baby baboons and stroll with others, hang out with meerkats, and walk beside a pair of gorgeous cheetahs. And if you really want to spike the excitement, slide down a massive sand dune like it’s a snow-covered hill in winter, head out surfing or try surf fishing with a 15-foot rod on the Skeleton Coast (at Shipwreck Lodge).
A sense of peace and privacy
Peace and quiet are very important. Perhaps it’s the small population, or the dramatic landscapes that are so empty, but Namibia is one of the most peaceful places in Africa, let alone the world. It’s quiet in a way that’s almost impossible to find in this day and age, with a soulful energy reflected by its beautiful denizens, both human and not. On the Skeleton Coast, especially, you might realize you can hear your own breath clearly, maybe even your heartbeat, making it the kind of destination perfect for reflection, or alone time with your true love where you actually feel like the only two people on the planet.
Unreal environments
Namibia is home to some of the world’s most impressive sand dunes, others dusted in pinkish garnet sand; a seemingly never-ending desert so bare it invites mind-boggling mirages, fiery sunset skies made moody by subtle trails of dust obscuring zebras or giraffes; just enough to make it even more magical, and a long, unforgiving coastline of sometimes angry, sometimes sparkling blue icy Atlantic waves. It’s landscapes like these that are the truest signature of Namibia, as a place contrasts where beauty can be realized in the tiniest of details or the vastness of a wide swath of nothingness. It’s pretty common to feel as if you’re on another planet, when you are in Namibia, so make sure you bring a camera for your honeymoon in Namibia experience because the place is epic.
Spectacular wildlife
Travel experts like those at Scott Dunn oftentimes warn people that a Namibian safari is more about the flora than the fauna; but especially for those who have never been to Africa or on safari, it’s safe to expect more than your fair share of wildlife, especially if you know where to go. It’s much more rare to spot anything major around the seeming sky-scraping red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, for example (though these panoramas are some of the most amazing and otherworldly), than it is at the comparably lush and water hole–dotted Etosha National Park further north.
Similarly, the Hoanib Valley is home to plenty of elephants, rhinoceros, oryx, springbok, zebras, giraffes, ostrich and more. Even in the incredibly sparse desert and dry riverbeds of the Skeleton Coast one can find even deeper appreciation for animals spotted individually or in smaller groups; say an elephant walking across sand to audibly drink water from a small wet patch, or a pair of regal oryx superimposed against a wall of red rock.
Locals in Namibia are Friendly
English is the official language of Namibia, and the super sweet locals love to speak with travelers in it. Local Namibiana are mostly warmer, hospitable and very interesting to chat with. They are a genuinely curious collection of people representing diverse tribes and native languages. Their click language is also fascinating to hear. Make sure to chat with the friendly locals. Above all, stay safe, practice basic security protocols and enjoy your honeymoon.