6 Signs indicating that you need to travel to Namibia

Inspired by some film photo memories, join me as I delve into the six undeniable signs that point you toward the extraordinary experience of traveling to Namibia. The ultimate destination for those seeking “something more.”

1. You're Tired of Crowds and Want to Be Alone with the Stars

If you're weary of the turmoil that city life can so eagerly heap upon one's shoulders and if you dream of gazing at the celestial canopy in solitude, the vast desert landscape will provide you with all the isolation your soul has been yearning for. Who needs human interaction when you can chat with the Milky Way?

I suggest you stay at Namib Dune Star Camp on your star-studded trip through Namibia. It's here where I shared my secrets with the likes of faithful old Venus and her friend, the Southern Cross.

2. You're Secretly Training for a Mars Mission

Still stuck on interstellar explorations? If you've been reading the newspapers or just chitter-chattering with anyone, you'll be well-aware of the Mission to Mars. Perhaps you've developed a secret ambition to be the next space pioneer of our generation. Or whatever your astronautical plans may hold, Namibia welcomes people from all walks of life and is ready to welcome you to training camp.

The rusty desert vistas will transport you to a place that feels straight out of the Red Planet. It comes as no surprise that Namibia's otherworldly scenery has become a go-to destination for films in the sci-fi genre.

3. You've Got an Unquenchable Thirst for Adventure

Tired of the same-old-same-old boring bungee jumping or ice climbing? In Namibia, extreme adventure is the name of the game. From skydiving (or paragliding) over surreal landscapes where the desert meets the sea, quad biking through the world’s oldest desert, surfing the longest barrels up for grabs, conquering the hike up the Fish River Canyon, to abseiling down age-old granite kopjes— the list of adrenaline-pumping escapades is as endless as your thirst for the thrill.

So, really? Ditch the mundane, pack your sense of adventure, and head to Namibia.

4. You're a Wildlife Paparazzo

It’s a fact by now: Namibia’s diverse wildlife scenery is so photogenic that even the most seasoned photographers (I might be referring to the National Geographic brigade) get jealous.

From chasing the big cats (I mean this VERY figuratively) to the desert elephants or the more intricate tiny role-players of our ecosystems like the shy Namib Web-Footed Gecko. Namibia is and will always remain what they call 'a photographer’s paradise.'

Pack those bazooka lenses and a little bit of patience to capture the best in the modelling industry. Even more than wildlife, the breathtaking landscapes, dunes, and dramatic sunsets provide endless opportunities for capturing near-perfect moments.

5. You're Convinced that the “Road Less Travelled” Is Actually a Joke

If you've always believed that "off the beaten path" was just a phrase people used to make their vacations sound interesting – you know, those stories that always ignite an unwelcome sensation of jealousy - Namibia is here to prove you wrong, and them right. Jealous again?

Prepare to navigate roads so remote that even your GPS will question the choices that have brought your life to this point. But don’t be fooled because there’s a fairly good reason that the American poet Robert Frost once said, “and I, I took the one less travelled by.” They lead to prepossessing destinations and must-see sceneries that you might just miss on the beaten track – there’s only like one of those “beaten” ones in Namibia, in any case.

6. You're Desperate for a Digital Detox

If your smartphone or social media addiction has reached epic proportions, and you need a break from the endless notifications or the notorious keyboard warriors, head to Namibia's remote regions. There's weak to no cell signal, leading to the biggest treat of all: NO SOCIAL MEDIA. Embrace the peace, freedom and quiet as you embark on an involuntary digital detox journey (bet you couldn't read that without twisting your tongue), one that we all know we need to take nowadays.

My suggestion? Go camping in the Zambezi or the Etosha area. There's an abundance of fauna and flora activities to engage your mind, allowing you to forget about those pesky blue lights that seem to follow your gaze all day long.

Whether you've found yourself nodding in agreement with all 6 signs or you're purely intrigued by the allure of this captivating land, one thing is certain: Namibia leaves an indelible mark on the souls of those who seek her wondrous offerings—count me among them.

As we conclude our journey through these six undeniable signs, know that Namibia's call will forever echo in your heart—a reminder that there's always "something more" to discover in the world outside, and it all begins with taking that first step... to Namibia, of course.

Author – Hi! I am Marlene Orffer, a connoisseur of Southern Africa (I do hope). I've been lucky enough to call Namibia my home for the past 7 years. A fool for anything concerning poetry, plants, or photographs … and I might suffer from some type of addiction to Namibian sunsets. But that’s up for discussion.