Namibia Travel Information

Namibia is a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine, and a feeling of unconfined space. With it's unspoiled landscapes and large variety of game, Namibia is one of the larger countries in Africa and draws an increasing number of visitors from various parts of the globe.

A sense of freedom is generated by the wide horizons, the clear unpolluted skies and a population density which is among the lowest in the world. This feeling of tranquility and stillness combines with a landscape which is similar to it's colors, full of contrasts of light and shade. In addition, the diversity of it's people creates a rich blend of cultures and traditions.

Namibia has a colorful history. In the mid-19th century, German missionaries opened up the interior, paving the way for traders who came later. The annexation of the country by Germany in 1884 accounts for the distinctive German architecture and traditions. After a turbulent past, the country at last became independent on 21 March 1990, and has now peacefully entered into the twenty-first century.

Namibia is known for contrasting landscapes. There is the brooding, desolate Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, with it's high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with it's thorn bush Savannah and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fish River Canyon in the south.

In the north of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to woodland Savannah and lush riverine vegetation. Dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone, prehistoric rock art, and the ancient fossil plant "Welwitschia Mirabilis" bear witness to this ageless land.

Namibia is the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in it's constitution. About 15,5% of the country has been set aside as national parks. The most famous being the Etosha National Park, once an inland lake, today a dry pan surrounded by various types of vegetation with natural wells, that provide water for the different types of antelopes, elephants, black rhino and predators such as the lion, cheetah and hyena.

Other parks such as Mahango and Mamili in the Caprivi are well worth a visit. The Caprivi being Namibia's only real forest and swamp landscapes where hippos, red lechwe, crocodiles and elephants are found along with all the different fish species and prolific bird life. Magnificent lodges and camps cater for tourists. An excursion into the Caprivi should take you not less than four days.

The Namibian south is semi-arid and consist of sun baked Savannah with it's yellow-brown tints and characteristic euphobia and aloe plant species. It has a stark beauty which creates it's own mystery.

The most notable landmarks are the towering dunes of Sossusvlei. Oryx, Springbuck and Ostrich can be seen feeding on the sparse vegetation of the Naukluft area.

One of Africa's natural wonders is the Fish River Canyon. It is a 161 Km long, 27 Km wide ravine with a maximum depth of 550m and is surrounded by high cliffs. The awesome grandeur of the canyon is surpassed only by the Grand Canyon in the USA. In the lower section of the canyon the hot springs of Ai Ais offer accommodation for hikers and other visitors.

On the southern coast, the sleepy harbor town of Luderitz offers unspoiled beaches, caves, lagoons and reefs. We recommend boat trips around the bay to experience porpoises, seals and penguins. Luderitz is also famous for it's rock lobster industry which are offered at it's local hotels and restaurants.

The old ghost town of Kolmanskop near Luderitz is well worth a visit. In the 1950's diamonds were mined there.

Walvis Bay and Swakopmund are both located along the central coast, between the dunes and the sea. Walvis Bay is Namibia's biggest harbor and hub for the fishing industry. Swakopmund is located 30 Km's to the north and forms the southern boundary of the skeleton coast. It has a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens.

The particular attraction of the town lies in the fact that one can enjoy the wild beauty of both the desert and the sea while being within easy reach of the solid comforts of Swakopmund's hotels, pensions and restaurants. The local jail, for example, resembles a country mansion, and the railway station was transformed into the town's most luxurious Hotel with a restaurant and casino.

The source of Swakopmund's continental atmosphere is the graceful art nouveau buildings dating back to the turn of the last century. The tannery, which manufactures the famous Kudu leather shoes, is well worth a visit. The best beer in Africa is brewed in Swakopmund, available on tap in most restaurants.

There is plenty to see and do. Tour operators offer tours featuring the unique landscapes of the Namib Desert. There is sheltered bathing at Palm Beach and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. The museum of the town captures the colorful past and also highlights the desert flora and fauna as well as the marine life of the area.

The Ministry of Fisheries has built an aquarium depicting the rich marine life of the Atlantic ocean including sharks and the other numerous fish and crustaceans. North of Swakopmund, along numerous fishing spots, the town of Henties Bay is located. About another 40 Km's north from there, one can visit about a million Cape Fur seals at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve.