10 magical things to do in Namibia

As a French jewellery designer living in London, it’s no surprise that travel is one of my greatest passions. I love discovering new places, planning the details, listening to people’s adventures, and sharing stories from around the world. Travelling is not just about ticking off destinations — it’s about soaking up inspiration, beauty, and perspective.

Namibia, with its vast open spaces and surreal landscapes, offered one of the most unforgettable journeys of my life. Whether you're dreaming of going one day, remembering a past visit, or simply looking to escape into a story, I think you'll enjoy this list of 10 things to do in Namibia. These highlights are drawn from our recent dream family holiday, all photos are my own, except for the Milky Way image, which my phone just couldn’t capture (credit below).

And if you're planning a trip and want more specific recommendations, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to share more details. Now let’s get into it…

1. Fall in love with the Namibian wildlife

To be honest, I didn’t think that watching wild animals would be my thing — but helping feed rhinoceroses, searching for a single elephant in the wild for hours in an open jeep, and watching lions walking directly towards us to reach their den just below our car… there’s something truly exhilarating about it.
You'll also discover so many beautiful animals in Namibia you may never have encountered before, such as kudus, springboks, and wildebeests.

2. Brush up on your geography and history knowledge of Africa

While travelling through Namibia, you’ll cross the landmark of the Tropic of Capricorn, observe the contrasts between deserts like the Namib and the Kalahari, learn about colonial history, and discover bushman paintings dating from 1,000 to 10,000 years ago.

3. Watch the sun dip below Namibia’s desert horizon

Namibian sunsets are pure magic — the sky ignites with deep oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a golden glow over endless, untouched landscapes. It feels like the whole world pauses to watch the light slip away. And while you’re watching the sun go down in front of you, the full moon is rising behind you. It just reminded me this French song « Le soleil a rendez-vous avec la lune », a classic French chanson that playfully imagines a love affair between the sun and the moon whilst they never manage to meet up as one constantly arrives as the other one leaves.

4. Stargaze under the Milky Way arch in Namibia’s night sky

I couldn’t capture it with my phone, but when we were in Etosha I saw the most beautiful night sky of my life — the full arch of the Milky Way, and so many stars that my brain couldn’t quite focus. Please see above a photo I purchased from Yongyut Kumsri, who captured it far better than I could. Spectacular, isn’t it?

5. Climb some of the highest dunes in the world

Whether you climb Dune 45, Big Daddy, or one of the smaller nearby dunes, you’ll get a good little workout and be dazzled by the colours and shapes. The spines of the dunes are so neatly defined, the ochre colour coming from iron oxide. I had no idea that some dunes stay anchored (thanks to rocks, vegetation, or moisture), while others travel, slowly “eating up” whatever lies in their path. Don’t worry — you’ve got plenty of time to climb up! And if you're not sure about climbing them, you can always take a hot air balloon ride to admire them from above.

6. Roller-coaster in a 4x4 through the dunes at Sandwich Harbour

Where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean... the scenery is so dramatic that film crews from Dune 2 and The Mummy chose to shoot scenes there. You can go on a 4x4 adventure where the driver will race up, down, and sideways across the dunes — so much so that it took me almost a full day to recover from the experience! But my husband and sons loved every second.

7. Self-drive through the country

Namibia is one of the safest countries I’ve visited, and I even met a few women travelling alone. That said, if you decide to self-drive, expect miles of gravel roads with potholes and long stretches where you might not see a single soul. So — brush up on your tyre-changing skills, carry plenty of water and snacks, get a local SIM card, and consider hiring a satellite phone. We drove over 2,500 km, and the way the landscape shifts around you is simply fascinating.

8. Get to know the people of Namibia

Of all the places we stayed, Jansen Kalahari Guest Farm gave us the best insight into Namibian farm life. The lodges were stunning, the surrounding wildlife was abundant, trekking was fantastic, and excursions at the nearby partner game farm were surreal — but the highlight was the sundowner with the owner, a local farmer running a 5,000-hectare farm (originally 10,000 hectares before half had to be sold due to five consecutive years of drought and COVID).
Besides, if you listen closely to local radio or conversations around you, you’ll also notice some tribes using clicking sounds as part of their language. The subtle differences between each sound are fascinating to hear.

9. Feast on Namibia’s delicious and sustainable game meat

And pair it with a glass of South African wine — or better yet, enjoy a Namibian gin and tonic before your meal! If you're a meat lover, I highly recommend trying kudu or oryx. Sustainably sourced and full of flavour, it’s a real culinary treat.

10. Glam up a simple white tee-shirt in the evening with a lovely light pair of Helene Elisabeth Jewellery statement earrings

I made the most of this holiday to bring along a few pieces from my latest jewellery collection (not even online yet!) to see how they’d hold up to real travel. Two weeks, six different locations, all in one tangled-up jewellery pouch — and they still looked perfect!

After a long day exploring or a quick dip in the pool, nothing feels better than a refreshing shower, a change of clothes, and finishing your look with a pair of earrings. If you're looking for something stylish yet travel-friendly, have a peek at our latest Helene Elisabeth Statement Earrings — lightweight, bold, and desert-tested!

A Final Word

Et voilà!  My 10 magical things to do in Namibia.

Namibia was one of those trips we’ll remember for a long time — full of contrasts, wide open spaces, and moments that surprised us. Writing this post brought back so many little details, and I hope it’s given you a taste of what the country has to offer.

Whether you're planning a visit or just dreaming for now, I hope this inspires a bit of wanderlust.

And if you need a little sparkle for your next escape, you know where to find me ✨