Namibia is a country of deep cultural heritage, beautiful scenery and expansive wildlife, and visitors who leave its borders will most likely do so with a promise to come back.

But once the first-time travellers have explored the Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, and one or two of the major national parks, what is next for the return traveller? Tourism Update spoke to a few tourism players with a footprint in Namibia about what they would suggest for second-timers.

“Namibia is one of the countries with the highest percentage of return tourists,” says Nathaly Ahrens – Wilderness Safaris’ Business Manager, Namibia Travel Shop. “It also used to be an add-on or second- or third-time destination for Africa tourists (most travellers went to Kenya first, then South Africa and Botswana, etc.), but now Namibia is quite often a first-time destination.

“Namibia’s many national parks and game reserves boast a huge variety of wildlife in a kaleidoscope of differing environments: the white saltpans of Etosha National Park; the red dunes at Sossusvlei; isolated beaches along the Skeleton Coast and the uninhabited wilderness of the Kunene region. Astonishing contrasts are everywhere for the visitor to savour, enjoy and photograph. Namibia is as much about the scenic grandeur of its immense landscapes as it is about its fascinating, desert-adapted wildlife,” says Ahrens.

Namibia Sales Executive of aha Hotels & Lodges, Chantal Pinto, adds: “Second-time travellers tend to look at more remote areas with stunning scenery or the cultural experience, for example north-west Namibia, which is also known as Kaokoland; the Fish River Canyon and Lüderitz; the Caprivi strip, and ending off in Victoria Falls. Game viewing is therefore not as important once you’ve been to Africa before.”

As with first-time visitors, second-timers still tend to opt for pre-booked guided tours or self-drive. “Namibia is an easy country to get around, in that travellers can pre-book a rental vehicle with local car-rental companies and plan their route prior to arriving in Namibia,” says Pinto. “Alternatively, pre-booking a private guided tour also has its benefits as the local guide who will accompany the travellers throughout will have invaluable knowledge of the country to share with them.”

There is no particular recommended itinerary for second-time visitors, but Ahren says Wilderness Safaris has a variety of travel modes and activities that explore primarily the private concessions and wildlife areas exclusive to Wilderness Safaris guests. “All Explorations itineraries have set departure dates, and operate with a minimum of two and a maximum of seven confirmed guests per safari,” says Ahren. “There are numerous Guided Explorations or self-drive options that can be tailor-made to suit the exact requirements of each and every guest depending on their preferences, whether it’s food, culture, adventure or a combination of various experiences.”