From Namibia with Love!
My dream of visiting Namibia began to take shape long before Covid-19, as I envisioned taking a group of sand-loving adventurers on a camping trip to paradise!
As we all know, many plans changed in the years that followed, and life led me in new directions and to other exotic locations—but my dream never faded.
In 2024, after exploring five continents multiple times, I realized I could use a short break. That break came in the form of Namibia. This is my vacation—a time entirely devoted to discovering a new place and its incredible beauty.
I had expectations of what it would look like, as I remember being glued to the TV as a child, watching the incredible BBC series “SURVIVAL”, which took place mostly in Etosha.
The experience of Namibia was so much more and with many great surprises along the way!
Anita Djordjevic
Expect lots of driving through spectacular scenery, which I personally appreciate, as it allows ample time to soak in the landscape and write.
Things to Know About Namibia Before You Go (and you absolutely must go!):
- Namibia is very safe, exceptionally clean, and one of the more prosperous countries in Africa.
- English is the official language, making communication a breeze.
- No mandatory vaccinations are required.
- The food is fantastic but definitely caters to meat lovers—be prepared for some fresh game!
- It gets hot in the desert, but cool by the ocean.
- The beach in Swakopmund is calm and swimmable for the brave—don’t forget your swimsuit!
- It’s not just beautiful dunes and Etosha; you can go whale watching, kayaking with seals, and tasting fresh seafood.
- The photo opportunities are phenomenal—if you’re an avid photographer, bring your camera and your big lens!
- Be prepared for plenty of driving, as distances are vast.
- There are almost no mosquitoes at all. Bring repellent, but it’s likely you won’t need it.
- Whatever you forget at home, you can find in the malls and shops along the way between towns.
Traveling in a small group is the best way to go! The great distances, bumpy roads, and few pit stops make for a fun and safe experience.
Our group turned out to be a blast! We embarked on the National Geographic G tour for 10 unforgettable days, and I would love to include you in one of these adventures!
Just two days into our journey, it felt as though a week had passed, as our days were filled with activities and adventure. The breathtaking scenery from the very first moment and the changing colors of the landscape made me feel like we were traveling on another planet.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED GOING DURING THE RAINY SEASON!
I had imagined Namibia to be nothing but endless sand, flatlands, and, you guessed it, more sand. But to my delight, Etosha was a lush paradise—completely green! The rain we received (mostly overnight!) transformed the landscape into a vibrant place that got greener with each passing day. Trust me, this is not the Etosha you see in those animal documentaries.
But – there’s more! One of the coolest things about visiting during the rainy season is that it’s baby boom time! We spotted adorable little baby elephants, zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, and even cheetah cubs. To top it all off, on our last day, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some lion cubs hanging out in the shade with their mom. It was magic!
The iconic red sand dunes of Namibia are a must-see; no picture can truly capture their beauty. This is the oldest desert in the world, millions of years in the making.
Within the dunes, the desert conceals a variety of renowned and photogenic spots, such as the 900-year-old camel thorn trees in the clay pan of Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, and countless sundowner rocks.
No matter where you are in the desert, don’t miss the sunset. While I’m naturally a sunrise person and always try to wake early for them, the sunsets in the desert are like watching a silent movie…
The largest sand dunes in the world are located in the vast Namibian desert, and they are impressively large and somewhat alluring. Standing before these enormous orange dunes, which rise to an astonishing 300 meters—100 meters higher than their nearest rivals in Arabia—I felt a mix of curiosity and hesitation. Climbing them barefoot seemed like a natural choice. (and YES!)
Initially, I faced some difficulty with the shifting sand that made each step feel heavy. However, we all found a rhythm and continued upward. In the end, reaching the top offered a great satisfaction, and the view was rewarding every time, making the effort worthwhile!
One delightful surprise in Namibia was a boat trip along the Atlantic coastline.
After spending ample time in the desert, a day on the ocean felt like a refreshing break and a chance to clear my sinuses.
On our boat, we were greeted by a pink pelican (the size of a human!) and a fur seal that hopped aboard. We arrived at the seal colony, where we kayaked for an hour, surrounded and followed by hundreds of playful baby seals and their songs. Did you know there are over 4 million seals in Namibia?
After this extraordinary experience, we followed a small humpback whale and a few local dolphins under the sunny skies and sparkling waves before returning to the harbor—ecstatic!
My Instagram stories overflowed with comments like, “Are you still in Namibia?” And yes, we were!
Namibia is Kid-Friendly!
If you’re considering bringing your children, they will absolutely love it. My daughter joined me, and I’ve seen families with younger kids enjoying the adventure too.
Shopping?
It’s okay but can be pricey. There are nice unique items available, yet most quality or unique products tend to come with high tourist prices.
Must-Bring Items:
- Sunscreen
- Flip-flops
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Wind jacket
- Friends
If you’d like to chat about Namibia or are thinking about visiting—whether on a budget or a luxurious safari journey—I would be thrilled to help you plan or put an itinerary together for you.
For all nature and animal enthusiasts, and especially desert lovers—Namibia is a destination you must include on your list!
For those interested in joining me on a SAFARI in 2026 – I will be doing South Africa, from Capetown to Kruger for 14 nights in July of next year. I will be posted in my private groups soon, but feel free to email me in the mean time for info!
Anita Djordjevic
905-545-5900 ext 166
