Excursions – 1st African Buiatrics Congress – Namibia 2027

1st African Buiatrics Congress

Excursions
25–27 November 2027 · Windhoek, Namibia

Explore Namibia before or after the congress

Iconic deserts, wildlife, coast and canyons — a selection of destinations for pre- and post-congress excursions.

Why add an excursion?

Namibia is one of Africa’s most spectacular travel destinations. The congress in Windhoek is an ideal base for combining science with landscapes that range from the oldest desert on Earth to Big Five safari country and the Atlantic coast.

Official pre- and post-congress tour packages will be announced closer to the event. The destinations below are indicative highlights you can plan around independently or with a local operator.

Featured destinations

Desert

Namib Desert

Namib-Naukluft · Sossusvlei · Deadvlei

The world’s oldest desert, famous for towering red dunes, the white clay pans of Deadvlei and the photogenic landscapes of Sossusvlei.

  • Sunrise on Dune 45
  • Deadvlei dead camel-thorn trees
  • Sesriem Canyon
Wildlife

Etosha National Park

Northern Namibia · salt pan & waterholes

Namibia’s premier safari park. Herds gather at waterholes around the vast Etosha salt pan — elephant, zebra, giraffe, rhino, lion and more.

  • Game drives to waterholes
  • Floodlit night viewing at camps
  • Best dry season: July–October
Coast

Swakopmund

Atlantic coast · adventure capital

German colonial seaside town where desert meets ocean. Adventure sports, cafés, and a relaxed base for coastal excursions.

  • Sandboarding & quad biking
  • Historic architecture & lighthouse
  • Gateway to the Skeleton Coast
Coast

Walvis Bay

Lagoon · marine wildlife · Dune 7

Namibia’s main port and a lagoon rich in flamingos and wetland birds. Boat trips, kayaking with seals, and nearby desert dunes.

  • Lagoon flamingo colonies
  • Marine cruises & kayaking
  • Dune 7 — among Namibia’s highest
Canyon

Fish River Canyon

Southern Namibia · Ai-Ais

One of the largest canyons on Earth — vast rock walls, viewpoints along the rim, and the classic multi-day hiking trail (seasonal).

  • Rim viewpoints & scenic drives
  • Fish River Canyon Trail (May–Sep)
  • Ai-Ais hot springs
Desert

Kalahari

Eastern & southern Namibia

Red dunes, acacia savannah and unique desert-adapted wildlife. A quieter contrast to the Namib’s coastal dunes.

  • Red sand landscapes
  • Desert-adapted antelope & meerkats
  • Lodge and self-drive options
Plateau

Waterberg

Waterberg Plateau National Park

A dramatic table mountain rising above the plains. Known for rare antelope, rhino conservation areas and hiking on the plateau.

  • Plateau walks & viewpoints
  • Rhino & rare antelope programmes
  • Approx. 3 hours from Windhoek
Rock

Spitzkoppe

Damaraland · “Matterhorn of Namibia”

Striking granite peaks rising from the desert floor. Popular for climbing, rock art, camping under vast skies and stargazing.

  • Iconic granite formations
  • Bushman rock paintings nearby
  • Camping & night skies
Falls

Ruacana Falls

Kunene River · northern border

Dramatic falls on the Kunene River at the Angola border. Most impressive in the rainy season when the river is in flood; a remote highlight of the far north.

  • Kunene River gorge & viewpoints
  • Best after good rains (peak flow)
  • Combine with northern / Kaokoland routes
Coast

Skeleton Coast

Atlantic north · shipwrecks & fog

One of Africa’s most haunting coastlines — shipwrecks, seal colonies, desert meeting cold ocean, and vast empty beaches under coastal fog.

  • Shipwreck sites & seal colonies
  • Skeleton Coast National Park
  • Often combined with Swakopmund / north

Planning tips

Distances in Namibia are large. Allow realistic driving times, and consider combining destinations into a coherent loop rather than isolated day trips from Windhoek.

Indicative travel times from Windhoek (one way, approx.)
Waterberg ~3 h · Spitzkoppe ~4 h · Swakopmund / Walvis Bay ~4–5 h · Etosha (southern gate) ~5–6 h · Namib / Sossusvlei ~5–6 h · Kalahari (nearby reserves) ~3–5 h · Fish River Canyon ~8–10 h · Skeleton Coast (via coast) ~5–8 h+ · Ruacana Falls ~9–11 h

Road conditions, seasons and park bookings vary. Self-drive is popular; guided tours and fly-in options are widely available. Official congress excursion packages (if offered) will be published on this site and in the programme booklet.

1st African Buiatrics Congress

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