Namibia is a beautiful and fascinating country located in southern Africa. It is home to a diverse landscape, rich culture, and intriguing history. To help you learn more about this amazing nation, here are 43 riddles about Namibia along with their answers.
Geography Riddles
Riddle 1
I am a desert that covers much of Namibia. With towering red sand dunes, I am considered the oldest desert in the world. What am I?
Answer: The Namib Desert
Riddle 2
I am a canyon found in the south of Namibia that plunges up to 550 meters deep. Formed by the Fish River, I feature striking rock formations and am considered the second largest canyon in Africa. What am I?
Answer: The Fish River Canyon
Riddle 3
I am a mountain range located in central Namibia. My name comes from the Khoekhoe language meaning “a place where one gets lost.” I am known for my unique geological formations. What am I?
Answer: The Naukluft Mountains
Riddle 4
I am a coastal city in western Namibia. I am the capital and largest city of the Erongo region. Known as the “diamond city,” I am home to diamond mining and processing. What city am I?
Answer: Swakopmund
History Riddles
Riddle 5
I was a fort built in Namibia in 1890 by Curt von François. I was the first German military base in South West Africa and served to establish control over the region. What am I?
Answer: Fort Namutoni
Riddle 6
I was a genocide carried out by German colonial troops in Namibia from 1904 to 1908. Over 65,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama were killed in this brutal campaign. What was I called?
Answer: The Herero and Namaqua Genocide
Riddle 7
I was the first president of Namibia, serving from 1990 to 2005. I led the country to independence from South African administration. Prior to becoming president, I was a founding member and leader of SWAPO. Who am I?
Answer: Sam Nujoma
Riddle 8
I was a diamond rush that took place in southern Namibia in 1908 after the discovery of diamonds near Lüderitz. I led to an influx of prospectors to the area hoping to strike it rich. What was I called?
Answer: The Diamond Rush
Culture Riddles
Riddle 9
I am the most commonly spoken language in Namibia. A West Germanic language, I was declared the national language after independence in 1990. What language am I?
Answer: German
Riddle 10
We are indigenous peoples making up about 7% of Namibia’s population. We were traditionally hunter-gatherers and many of us still practice our traditional lifestyle today. Who are we?
Answer: The San People
Riddle 11
I am a Namibian style of music that combines Khoisan chants, African drum beats, and modern instruments like keyboards or guitars. Popularized in the 1950s, I am an important part of Namibia’s musical heritage. What am I called?
Answer: Damara Punch
Riddle 12
We are antelope endemic to Namibia and Angola distinguished by our long, spirally twisted horns. We are the national animal of Namibia and appear on the coat of arms. What antelope are we?
Answer: The Giant Sable Antelope
Wildlife Riddles
Riddle 13
I am a large flightless coastal bird named for my grayish plumage. I am the national bird of Namibia and have become a symbol of the country. My population is concentrated along the Namibian coast. What am I?
Answer: The Gray Crowned Crane
Riddle 14
I am a big cat native to Namibia and other parts of Africa. I am the fastest land mammal and can reach speeds of up to 80 km/hr when hunting. My spotted coat provides ideal camouflage in the savannas where I roam. What feline am I?
Answer: The cheetah
Riddle 15
I am a large flightless bird native to Namibia and South Africa. I am the world’s tallest and heaviest bird, standing up to 2.7 meters tall. I am hunted for my plumage and leather, leading to an endangerment of my kind. What bird am I?
Answer: The ostrich
Riddle 16
I am an antelope that inhabits the arid regions of Namibia and surrounding countries. My long spiral horns and striking black and white facial markings make me unmistakable on the open plains. What antelope am I?
Answer: The oryx
Food Riddles
Riddle 17
I am a traditional porridge commonly eaten for breakfast in Namibia. I am made from maize meal and can be enjoyed with milk, sugar, or other savory ingredients added. What am I called?
Answer: Pap
Riddle 18
I am a type of dumpling popular in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. I consist of dough balls made from maize meal and are commonly served with stews or curries. What am I?
Answer: Vetkoek
Riddle 19
I am a Namibian beef dish made from strips of meat and potatoes cooked over an open fire or coals. My name comes from the Afrikaans words “braai” meaning barbecue and “broodjie” meaning sandwich. What dish am I?
Answer: Braaibroodjie
Riddle 20
I am a fermented dairy product commonly consumed in Namibia. I am made by allowing raw milk to naturally curdle and then draining off the liquid whey. I can have a custard-like texture. What am I?
Answer: Maas or sour milk
Miscellaneous Riddles
Riddle 21
Built in 1912, I am a Lutheran church located in the Namibian capital of Windhoek. With my 14 meter high bell tower, I am a prominent landmark and popular tourist attraction in the city. What am I called?
Answer: The Christuskirche or Christ Church
Riddle 22
First issued in 1993, I depicted the Quiver Tree and was the first banknote of independent Namibia. I was replaced in the 2000s but still hold value as a 1 Namibian dollar banknote. What am I?
Answer: The 1 dollar banknote
Riddle 23
Namibia has the world’s oldest what? These rare specimens found in Namibia are estimated to be around 2000 years old.
Answer: Welwitschia plants
Riddle 24
Before Namibia’s independence in 1990, the territory was known by what name when under German and South African rule?
Answer: South West Africa
Riddle 25
Which major river forms part of the border between Namibia and South Africa?
Answer: Orange River
Riddle 26
Which desert covers much of eastern Namibia, featuring red sand dunes that can reach over 300 meters in height?
Answer: The Namib Desert
Riddle 27
Namibia shares which political border with Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana?
Answer: The Caprivi Strip
Riddle 28
Which major port city is located in central Namibia on the TransNamib Railway?
Answer: Walvis Bay
Riddle 29
The Kunene, Kavango, and Zambezi are all examples of what geographical feature found in Namibia?
Answer: Rivers
Riddle 30
Which Namibian city beginning with O is considered the wildlife capital of Namibia?
Answer: Otjiwarongo
Riddle 31
Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is home to which distinct white and black striped animal?
Answer: Zebras
Riddle 32
Namibia has the largest population of which large, flightless bird that can grow over 9 feet tall?
Answer: Ostriches
Riddle 33
Which major Namibian city’s name comes from the Khoekhoe word meaning “place of steam”?
Answer: Windhoek
Riddle 34
Which strait separates Namibia from the South American country of Brazil?
Answer: The Atlantic Ocean
Riddle 35
I am a 48,000 year old archaeological site in Namibia containing rock art paintings and engravings. I was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. What am I called?
Answer: The Twyfelfontein site
Riddle 36
Which major desert covers parts of Namibia, Angola and South Africa, and features unique flora like the Welwitschia plant?
Answer: The Namib Desert
Riddle 37
Over 70% of Namibians belong to which Bantu ethnic group?
Answer: The Ovambo
Riddle 38
Which African country borders Namibia to the north and the Caprivi Strip borders a salient of?
Answer: Zambia
Riddle 39
Which major Namibian city is located on the central plateau and features German colonial architecture?
Answer: Windhoek
Riddle 40
Namibia’s coastline borders which major ocean?
Answer: The Atlantic Ocean
Riddle 41
Which major desert covers much of western Namibia and features awe-inspiring red sand dunes?
Answer: The Namib Desert
Riddle 42
Which river forms part of the northern border between Namibia and Angola?
Answer: The Kunene River
Riddle 43
The Brandberg Massif containing famous rock paintings is found in which Namibian region?
Answer: The Erongo Region
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these 43 riddles about the amazing country of Namibia! From its breathtaking landscapes and iconic wildlife, to its rich cultural heritage and history, Namibia has so much to offer. These brain teasers cover a range of topics from geography and food to landmarks and cities, providing a fun way to learn more about this southern African nation. Let me know if you have any other questions – I’d be happy to share more facts and trivia about the stunning country of Namibia!
