The 5 Most Romantic Experiences in Namibia

Phantoms of the Skeleton Coast – Namibia’s desert lions
February 20, 2019
Journey to the heart of Serra Cafema
February 20, 2019
Phantoms of the Skeleton Coast – Namibia’s desert lions
February 20, 2019
Journey to the heart of Serra Cafema
February 20, 2019
Compiled by: Nina van Schalkwyk

What makes a moment truly romantic? Is it about the atmosphere, the candles and the roses? Or the fact that it is you and your significant other spending time together? Does it have to be at a remarkable destination, or is it about the journey there?

When it comes to romantic experiences, Namibia is full of them. Here we have listed the top five activities that are sure to send sparks flying.

1. Float over an ancient desert in a hot air balloon

It’s not every day that you get to experience the magic of the Namib Desert from above. There is something other-worldly about taking off in a giant’s thimble-like basket, attached to a massive colourful balloon, slowly rising and rising until the ground drops away below. And then the silence envelops you as you drift along on the air currents, surveying the dramatic landscape of purple mountains, ochre desert sands and yellow grasslands pockmarked with fairy circles. Now’s the time to pop the champagne.

2. Explore the rivers of the Zambezi

The northeast protrudes like a thumb perpendicularly to the hand that is Namibia. This area is known for the animal-rich reserves of the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. As a result of all the water, the best way to explore the area happens to be by boat. Relax as your vessel glides downstream, only stopping for sundowners on an exclusive island. Hear the hippos snort and watch the waterbirds fly overhead as they return to their nests.

3. See the fire in their eyes

Reignite your romance around the crackling flames of a campfire. Feel your soul touched by the tranquility of nature as you immerse yourself in its stillness. Slip into your tent, cuddle up close and fall asleep to the sound of lions roaring in the distance.

4. Starry, starry night

Marvel at the sheer majesty of one of the clearest night skies in the world. In fact, the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia’s south is Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve, an accolade which acknowledges the reserve’s consistent efforts in reducing light pollution in the area. Explore the dramatic starry skyscape through the eye of a telescope, or sit back and enjoy the absolute stillness of the Namibian night as the constellations turn above.

5. Walks along the beach, anyone?

Sand between your toes is probably the most obvious romantic activity to do at the coast, so why not try something completely different? We’re talking about jumping out of an open plane, kilometres above the earth and plummeting to the ground in an adrenalin-filled skydive with your significant other. But, if that is a little too “out there” for you, stay seated and take a scenic flight along the coast, exploring the Skeleton Coast from above, checking out its famous shipwrecks, abandoned mining towns and the massive seal colony at Cape Cross.

An honourable mention

No list on romance in Namibia can ever be complete without mentioning the sunsets. Oh, the sunsets. If you don’t know why Namibia is famous for its sunsets, you need to find yourself a spot with a good view, preferably somewhere with a bar service or restaurant, and just wait. Our only tip? Make sure you don’t do the above at eleven in the morning, or you will be waiting a really, really long time.

Uploaded 20 February 2019.

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