The ‘Slow Travel’ Check List

The ‘Slow Travel’

Check List

Namibia is a destination to be savoured and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Don’t rush through the vast vistas in order to tick as much as possible off your to-do list. Curate your itinerary, stay longer, explore more. Here is a list of ways to enjoy Namibia more thoroughly as part of our ‘Slow Travel’ theme for this issue.

Photographs   Elzanne McCulloch

From the Winter 2023 issue

  • Take your time and avoid rushing from one destination to another. Slow down and enjoy the scenery.
  • Stay at locally-owned and operated accommodations, such as guesthouses, lodges or homestays.
  • Eat at local restaurants and try regional cuisine. Sample the traditional dishes and immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Meet the locals and learn about their way of life. Attend community events, festivals or markets.
  • Travel off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known areas of Namibia.
  • Join a guided tour with a local expert who can share their knowledge and insights about the area.
  • Walk or cycle through the wilderness and take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature.
  • Camp under the stars and experience the beauty of Namibia’s night skies.
  • Take long drives through Namibia’s various national parks, stopping to take photos or enjoy a picnic along the way.
  • Visit local wildlife reserves and learn about conservation efforts in Namibia.
  • Take a boat trip on one of the northeastern rivers and watch the sunset over the horizon.
  • Go on a guided hike in the mountains or canyons and learn about the local geology and ecology.
  • Visit local craft markets and buy handmade souvenirs or gifts.
  • Attend a traditional music or dance performance and learn about the local culture and traditions.
  • Volunteer at a local conservation project or community development program.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride and see the vast landscapes of Namibia from above.
  • Learn about Namibia’s history by visiting local museums or heritage sites.
  • Take a mokoro safari on a river and see elephants, hippos, and other wildlife up close.
  • Attend a cooking class and learn to make traditional Namibian dishes.
  • Take a slow road trip through Namibia’s many scenic routes, stopping to explore small towns and natural attractions along the way.

Take the time to find these special species:

Dune Lark
Rockrunner

ENDEMIC & NEAR-ENDEMIC BIRDS OF NAMIBIA:

  • Dune Lark
  • Rockrunner
  • Herero Chat
  • Hartlaub’s Francolin
  • Monteiro’s Hornbill
  • Rüppell’s Parrot
  • Short-toed Rock Thrush
  • Cinderella Waxbill
  • White-tailed Shrike
  • Carp’s Tit

NAMIBIA’S LITTLE 5:

These animals may not be as famous as the ‘Big 5’ elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard) but they are unique and interesting in their own right. Delve deeper into the natural wonders of Namibia’s biodiversity, take the time to try and find the Little 5:

  • Elephant Shrew
  • Ant Lion
  • Rhinoceros Beetle
  • Buffalo Weaver
  • Leopard Tortoise
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