With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding just hours away, there’s much anticipation about the expected honeymoon that will follow. It’s been widely reported that couple expects to touch down in the country of Namibia after their big day, to enjoy a honeymoon filled with romance and adventure. So we asked the experts at Insight Guides Namibia, 5th Edition and Lance Mayhew, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Namibia, to share his tips and insider favorites to help you plan a royal honeymoon in Namibia. You might just bump into Harry and Meghan on your honeymoon travels if you follow these tips!
JF: When planning a honeymoon to Namibia, what are some top attractions not to miss?
LM: Etosha National Park is a must visit with over 110 different mammal species and 340 different species of birds inhabiting the park, and, of course, don’t miss out on hiking up one of the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, which can reach as much as 1,000 feet over the valley floor. The coastal towns of Ludertiz and Swakopmund, with their 19th century German architecture, are charmingly quaint and romantic.
JF: For adventure-seeking honeymooners, what activities are available for that extra active couple?
LM: Swakopmund, or “Swakop” to the locals, is Nambibia’s largest coastal town and the perfect base for an adventurous couple. The best surf spots in Swakopmund are north of town, or head out to the sand dunes to do some sandboarding. You can learn to skydive at the Swakopmund Skydiving Club or take a hot air balloon or helicopter tour around the Namib desert (the oldest in the world) or up to the Skeleton Coast.
JF: What is the best safari for honeymooners and what can couples expect to see?
LM: There are several safari companies that operate out of Windhoek and Swakopmund and your best bet is to go on a guided tour. Tour operators have access to restricted areas of the park that self-guided tourists aren’t able to access. For a very special safari, stay at the Onguma Bush Camp is at Etosha National Park, where you are likely to see elephants, giraffes, lions and zebras. If you are really lucky, perhaps you’ll spot a cheetah or a rhinoceros or even a ground pangolin.
JF: Any cultural nuances or information that would be important to know before you go?
LM: The local greeting, “Howzit?” is a common courtesy and should be used when entering shops, taxis or speaking to the locals. People won’t be offended if you forget, but it’s definitely appreciated.
JF: If a couple wants to embrace the culture as they plan a royal honeymoon in Namibia, what local food and drink should they not miss trying?
LM: It’s not easy to characterize Namibian cuisine as there are 11 different ethnicities in the country. That said, Namibia is famous for the quality of their meats, and game meats like kudu, ostrich and springbok are common. Potjie Kos, a spicy stew cooked in a 3 legged pot over and open fire is a popular dish, and Namibians love their Boerewors, a sausage specialty served grilled. And to wash it all down, don’t forget a crisp Windhoek lager beer or even try Oshikundu, a mildly alcoholic beverage made from fermented millet.
Thank you Lance for sharing your wonderful tips to help couples plan a royal honeymoon in Namibia! To learn lots more about the region, pick up a copy of Insight Guides Namibia, 5th Edition. Now we just wait and see if the royal couple jumps on these ideas too!
All Photos Courtesy of Insight Guides.
