The 7 Best National Parks in Namibia for Nature Lovers to Visit

In our experience, Namibia is truly a one-of-a-kind country. It’s unspoiled, untamed, and relatively untouched by development.

It’s the type of place where the sand dunes are way taller than the buildings, and where going on a roadtrip means you probably won’t see another soul the entire day. 

There are just two million inhabitants in a territory that exceeds 300,000 square miles. It’s one of the world’s least populated countries and as you wander around the country, you’ll start to see why. 

Namibia is almost entirely covered by some of the world’s largest deserts.

There’s the Namib, after which the country takes its name, which runs the entire length of the country’s coastline. And there’s the world-renowned Kalahari, which covers the Eastern half of the country and extends into Botswana. 

People come to Namibia for its vast space, extensive wildlife, and dramatic scenery. There are the ghost trees of the Deadvlei, the vast Fish River Canyon, and the incredible animals roaming the Etosha Pan.

With 12 national parks in Namibia, as well as numerous other nature reserves and protected areas, there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore in the Southern African nation.

Read on to learn more about our favorite Namibia National Parks, include info on each park’s size, history, main attractions, and the wondrous wildlife you can expect to see there!

READ MORE: The 20 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit

Best National Parks in Namibia Guide

(Arranged Alphabetically)

1. Ai|Ais/Richtervelds Transfrontier Park
2. Bwabwata National Park
3. Cape Cross Seal Reserve
4. Etosha National Park
5. Khaudum National Park
6. Namib-Naukluft National Park
7. Skeleton Coast National Park

1. Ai|Ais/Richtervelds Transfrontier Park

This Namibian national park was created in 2003 by combining Ai|Ais, a national park in Southern Namibia, and Richtervelds, a park across the border in South Africa. 

The most notable feature in the park is the Fish River Canyon. This is Africa’s largest canyon at about 100 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over 1500 feet deep. 

Hiking the Fish River Canyon is one of Namibia’s great adventures. But it’s also one that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly: There is literally nothing in the canyon, and the hike normally takes four to five days.

If you choose to tackle it, please plan accordingly and make sure you have all the necessary hiking essentials. 

READ MORE: 3 Countries in Southern Africa…