Namibia
 Namibia
is a country of scenic contrasts, fascinating cultures and abundant
wildlife.
The
North
Etosha National Park
Covering 22 270 km˛, Etosha National Park is one of the largest
parks in Africa. Its unique feature is the 5.000 km˛ Etosha Pan,
whose waterholes guarantee excellent game viewing.
The West
Damaraland and Kaokoland
Inhabited by the semi-nomadic Himba tribe, the rugged mountains and
arid sun baked valleys of Kaokoland is one of the least visited yet
most fascinating areas of Namibia. This remote area is home to a
wide variety of wildlife including the famous desert elephants,
mountain zebras and springboks. The many attractions of Damaraland
include several collections of Bushmen rock paintings, the Petrified
Forest, Burnt Mountain, Vingerklip and Organ Pipes.
The Kunene River,
bordered by palm forests, winds its way west to the Atlantic Ocean,
tumbling over a series of spectacular waterfalls such as Ruacana and
Epupa.
The Namib Region
Stretching 1200 kilometers in length, and 140 kilometers wide, the
Namib Desert is the oldest and most southerly desert in the world.
The cold Benguela current, flowing northwards from Antarctica, is
rich in nutrients, sustaining a great quantity of marine life. The
mist it generates ensures the survival of a fascinating variety of
animals and plants, adapted to conditions in the desert. The
Skeleton coast is one of the most desolate, yet hauntingly beautiful
regions of Namibia.
The Eastern region
The thin belt of land in the Northeast corner of Namibia is known as
the Caprivi strip and is the most tropical area of Namibia with 4 of
Namibia’s 6 rivers flowing through the corridor. This is an
excellent region for game viewing, community based activities and
fishing.
Bushmanland
Home to more than 15 000 Bushmen, this densely vegetated area is one
of the least known in Namibia. The remote wilderness of the Khaudum
Reserve is only accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicle.
The Central Region
The vibrant capital city of Windhoek, is home to excellent hotels,
sophisticated shops and many attractions such as museums, art
galleries and the National Botanical gardens.
The South
Bordered by the Kalahari Desert to the east and the Namib Desert to
the west, this region offers some of the most spectacular landscapes
in the country including the breathtaking Fish River Canyon with its
ancient rock formations and strange plant life Eroded over millions
of years, the canyon is 160 km long, 27 km wide and 550m deep and
shelters a variety of wildlife. The 90km long Fish River Canyon
hiking trails is considered one of the greatest in Africa taking 4
to 5 days to complete. Accommodation is available at the Ai-Ais Hot
Spring Resort and Hobas campsite.
The
Namib Naukluft National
Park covering an area of 50.000 km˛, protects the
widest variety of landscapes in Namibia from the red sand dunes of
Sesriem and Sossusvlei, to the Welwitschia trail, from Sandwich
Harbor to the Naukluft mountains. Accommodation in the area ranges
from rudimentary campsites to luxurious lodges.
The
magical Sossusvlei
is internationally known as a photographers’ paradise, with sand
dunes measuring 325 meters high. For the best photos it is worth
climbing the dunes before sunrise to get the red glow of the morning
light.
Founded
in 1908 after the discovery of diamonds in the area, the ghost town
of Kolmanskop
lies 20 km east of Luderitz. The buildings are now being enveloped
by the encroaching dunes, creating an eerie scene. In 1980, the
mining company Namdeb, restored some of the buildings and opened a
museum.
Situated amongst the red hills, 72km southwest of Maltahohe, lies
Duwiseb castle,
built by the legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife. Today,
the castle houses a collection of furniture, 18th and 19th century
weapons and original art.
The
Quiver Tree Forest,
14 km northeast of Keetmanshoop is a favorite subject for
photographers |
