NAMIBIA
The haunting landscapes of the Skeleton Coast and
the giant dunes of Sossusvlei, the animal wonderland of
Etosha and the awe inspiring Fish River Canyon – these
are just some of the diverse and enduring memories that
visitors to Namibia will savour for years after.
Often
referred to as Africa’s Gem, this desert wilderness
boasts prolific wildlife and Big Game exposure, yet the
abiding impression will be the vast landscapes and
plains that seemingly stretching into infinity. Namibia
has a rich ethnic diversity, perhaps most visible in the
dramatic dress styles of groups such as the Herero and
the Himba. It is also one of the last refuges of the San
(Bushman) who still practice their hunter/gatherer way
of life in remote areas. The heritage of the country’s
German colonisers endures strongly through the
architecture, place names, language and beer.
Namibia's
perennial sunshine makes it an excellent destination for
outdoor activities. The coast is a fisherman’s paradise
and there are excellent opportunities for dune skiing,
hiking and climbing. Horseback and camel safaris,
gliding, sky diving, and mountain biking are also
popular and different pastimes.
The
magnificent national parks and game reserves,
particularly the renowned Etosha to the north, offer
endless opportunities for bird watching and Big Game
safaris.
Hotels and
game lodges are of an international standard. Among the
special features of the country are the comfortable
guest farms.
Area Size:
825 000 sq km
Population: 1,83-million
Capital: Windhoek
Language: English, Afrikaans and German
Climate:
Namibia is generally hot and dry, however climates
in local areas vary considerably. The Atlantic coastal
desert strip is characterised by cold, moist mists which
come ashore in summer and hot dusty winds from inland in
winter. Mountain areas are cooler with higher rainfall.
The northern regions on the Angolan and Zambian borders
are tropical, hot and humid.
Health:
Visitors need take no special precautions for their stay
except anti-malarial treatments for those visiting the
northern game reserves and tropical areas
Safety:
Namibia is a relatively safe destination. Crime is not
serious, and country regions may be regarded as safe
while the normal precautions apply elsewhere.
Accommodation: Throughout the country there are many
excellent facilities for travellers in all towns on
major routes. The country has one of the world's highest
proportions of tarred roads per capita.
