Do you know which country has the second-lowest population density in the world? If you said, “Namibia, since this article is about it,” you’re on the right track!
This fascinating African country, with an average of just 3.2 inhabitants per square kilometer, is a place where vast desert landscapes meet absolute tranquility.
But Namibia is much more than just an endless open space. Behind its apparent calm lie ten extraordinary facts that will lead you to discover the hidden wonders of this captivating nation.
10 things you didn’t know about Namibia
1) The Namib Desert is 80 million years old
Namib literally means ‘the land of open spaces,’ and its rusty-orange sandy landscape welcomes you to the oldest desert in the world.
In fact, it is an open space that generously offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
In short, the Namib is full of incredible surprises.
2) Dragon’s Breath is the largest underground lake in the world
Hidden beneath the hot Kalahari Desert in Namibia lies the largest underground lake in the world (non-subglacial).
The lake is located 100 meters deep inside a cave known locally as Dragon Breath Cave. The phrase ‘Dragon Breath’ oddly describes the cool “breath” that can be felt seeping from the mouth of the cave.
If you love bold adventures that involve descending 100 meters into a cave to plunge into the cool waters of nature’s largest underground lake, beneath a blazing desert, then this is the place to explore.
What’s more, the lake is also home to the rarest fish in the world (a unique species of catfish, of which only around 200 specimens are believed to exist).
3) The Republic of Namibia was the first country to include environmental protection in its Constitution
Namibia has only recently become an independent country, having gained sovereignty relatively recently (March 21, 1990).
This recent independence allowed Namibia to create a modern and forward-looking constitution, and we couldn’t be happier that a central part of its most important founding document includes the protection of its natural heritage.
Boasting one of the largest desert areas of any country, Namibia, through this legislation, creates the perfect conditions for a truly breathtaking and unique ‘unspoiled’ nature experience.
Read also: What to see in Death Valley
4) Namibia is home to some of the largest dunes in the world
The Namib Desert is home to some of the largest sand dunes in the world. These towering sand mountains are striking and great fun to climb and explore.
For example, Dune 7 reaches a height of 383 meters and is the highest sand dune in the country.
One of the most popular places to visit to admire these incredible giant dunes, however, is Sossusvlei.
Located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, it is a vast salt and clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Many of them exceed 200 meters in height, with the tallest reaching 325 meters.
5) Namib-Naukluft Park is one of the largest conservation areas in the world
Namibia has many conservation areas dedicated to protecting its natural habitat, and Namib-Naukluft Park is one of them.
One of the most beautiful is Etosha National Park, which takes its name from Etosha Pan, a huge flat salt pan that is mostly a dry lakebed with a high concentration of minerals and salt crusting its surface.
For a few days each year, Etosha Pan fills with water and flamingos can be spotted on its surface – needless to say, it is truly one of Namibia’s most magical sights.
Nestled in the Naukluft mountain range in the Namib Desert, Africa’s largest park boasts nearly 114 species of mammals and more than 340 species of birds.
6) Namibia was recognized by the World Wildlife Fund for its success in sustainable tourism
In 2013, Namibia received the Gift to the Earth Award from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for its progressive support of communal conservancies.
Local communities manage these conservancies and are directly responsible for protecting the land. This community-based initiative empowers indigenous tribes by providing social and financial support and encouraging sustainable experiences for travelers. We are proud to run tours in a country that is a globally recognized model of sustainable tourism and, whenever possible, to help give back to local communities through initiatives in which travelers can get involved.
7) The deadly Skeleton Coast is in Namibia
An incredible stretch of Namibia’s coastline has been named the Skeleton Coast. Historically, in this northern part of Namibia it was almost impossible to launch boats from the shore, and the only access to the Atlantic Ocean was through a vast marsh, reachable only by crossing a hot, arid desert.
Given its harsh conditions, the Skeleton Coast has been responsible for many deadly shipwrecks.
8) Namibia has one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in all of Africa
Located in Namibia’s Kunene region, Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings and rock art on the continent. It is believed that ancient hunter-gatherers, and later pastoralists, carried out shamanic rituals that involved creating these rock engravings.
The area was probably inhabited for 6,000 years, and the site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9) Fish River Canyon is second only to the Grand Canyon
Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and is one of Namibia’s many natural wonders.
The canyon has a total length of 160 km, a maximum width of 27 km, and a maximum depth of nearly 550 m. It is second in size only to the Grand Canyon and is well worth visiting for its impressive scale and breathtaking views.
10) Namibia has the second-lowest population density in the world
Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with just 3.2 people per km².
The vastness of Namibia’s desert scenery is heightened by its tranquility – especially in Sossusvlei and along the Skeleton Coast.
Read also: Skeleton Coast is amazing! Find out how to visit it on a tour around Namibia
Conclusions
Namibia is a fascinating destination that offers many extraordinary curiosities. From the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world, to Dragon’s Breath, the largest underground lake, Namibia amazes with its wild and unique nature.
It is interesting to note that environmental protection was included in the country’s Constitution, demonstrating Namibia’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
The towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert, the vast Namib-Naukluft Park, and the spectacular Skeleton Coast are just a few of the wonders Namibia offers visitors. Add to this its low population density and the immensity of its landscapes, and Namibia confirms itself as an ideal destination for those seeking authentic adventures in an unspoiled setting.
Want to set off for Namibia? Then you absolutely have to check out our amazing tour!
