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Written by: Johanna Höß on 5 November 2020

Social distancing holiday: Safari in Namibia

Solitude at Spitzkoppe

Namibia is often jokingly referred to as “one big desert”, a country full of sand but without people. As one of the least densely populated nations on earth, Namibia really is one of the best spots to spend a social distancing holiday. With its beautiful landscapes, impressive wildlife and welcoming people, your trip to this part of the world will be a once in a lifetime adventure. If you’re asking yourself where to travel as a social distancing holiday, a safari in Namibia might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Night shot campsite at Spitzkoppe

Looking for a social distancing holiday – Why Namibia?

The name “Namib” is of Nama origin and means “vast place”. Home to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib desert, the inhospitable Kalahari Desert and the Skeleton Coast, Namibia is a country of wide-open spaces and dramatic landscapes. When travelling Namibia, the feeling of vastness will truly leave you humbled. And it is this vastness that also ensures the inherent isolation of so many of Namibia’s destinations.

No people at Sossusvlei dunes in Namibia

With a population of around 2.5 million people, Namibia’s population density is just under 3 people per square kilometre, second only to Mongolia. To get a sense of how little that is, we can compare these numbers to Germany, which has a population density of 240 people per square kilometre. Namibians also live concentrated in areas, mostly in the far north and in urban centres. In between, there is more than enough space for you to never encounter any human beings you don’t want to encounter.

Is a safari a good option for a physical distancing holiday?

Picture endless sand dunes, limitless horizons, and captivating wildlife: This and more is what awaits you in Namibia. Namibia offers a variety of travel options, and a safari in Namibia is so much more than game drives and being driven from one place to another. And yet the best thing about going on safari in Namibia is that it’s perfect for the ‘new normal’. Safaris take place in the most fundamental setting that’s at the core of everything: Nature. Here, you can reconnect, refresh, reboot your mind.

Namibia is a dream destination for self-drivers, with its stunning landscapes and the country’s good roads and infrastructure. If you want to discover Namibia’s solitude at your own pace and be completely in charge who you’re travelling with, why not consider a self-drive safari? If you don’t feel like driving, a guided lodge safari could be the right choice for you. Just make sure that you pick a travel operator that lets you travel in small groups or even privately and opts for small lodges and camps. We at Namibia-Experience have always hand-picked accommodations to provide you with the most exclusive and private safari experience. With us, you will only ever travel in small groups or with friends and family.

Tour vehicle for small group safaris

We understand that travelling during Corona can feel daunting. That’s why we’re here for you. And we’re right where you need us: We have an operations office in Windhoek. We know what’s happening on the ground because we are on the ground.

In these times more than ever, it is important to have someone competent by your side. Speak to one of our experienced travel experts to find out more about how you can safely enjoy a social distancing holiday in Namibia during Covid.

Author: Johanna Höß

Born in Germany, Johanna studied Media in Mainz before she visited South Africa for the first time in 2016. One year later, she relocated to Cape Town and has made it her mission to spread her love for Africa. Johanna writes in German and English. Besides writing, she is also passionate about photography. She has always been intrigued by travelling and is constantly looking for the next adventure.