Visit Namibia - Experience Thrilling Adventures in Southern Africa
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Travel Notes: Africa - Namibia Travel Notes.
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Namibia Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
From the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei to the rugged Skeleton Coast, Namibia offers a myriad of thrilling travel adventures for the intrepid explorer.
About Namibia
Namibia is an arid country containing both the Namib and Kalahari deserts.
From the Skeleton Coast to the oldest desert in the world, Namibia's unique landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage offers plenty for visitors to discover.
Countries neighbouring Namibia: Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.
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Mapping Namibia
Map of Namibia
Namibia is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife diversity, cultural heritage, and commitment to environmental conservation.
Capital and Cities
Windhoek is the capital and largest city of Namibia.
Other major cities include Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Oshakati.
Namibia Overview
Namibia, officially known as the Republic of Namibia, is located in south-western Africa.
Namibia shares borders with Angola to the north, Zambia and Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south and south-east.
The country also has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
Cultural Heritage
Namibia has a rich cultural heritage, with various ethnic groups preserving their traditions, music, dance, and crafts.
The Himba people, known for their distinctive appearance and unique customs, are a notable cultural group in Namibia.
Early History
Cave paintings suggest that hunter gatherers may have lived in the area 25,000 years ago.
Notable early inhabitants of Namibia include the San, the Khoikhoi, the Ovambo and the Herero.
Not much European contact was made with the natives between Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias' landing, in 1488, and the German creation of South-West Africa in 1884.
Economy
Namibia's economy is heavily dependent on mining, especially diamonds and uranium.
Tourism and agriculture, particularly livestock farming, also contribute significantly to the economy.
Namibia has made efforts to promote sustainable development and community-based conservation to benefit local communities and protect natural resources.
Ethnic Diversity
Namibia has a diverse population with various ethnic groups.
The largest ethnic groups include the Ovambo, Herero, Damara, Nama, and San (also known as Bushmen).
Each group has its distinct cultures, traditions, and languages.
Geography
Namibia is a predominantly arid and semi-arid country, with the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world, occupying a significant portion of its territory.
The country also has diverse landscapes, including the Kalahari Desert, the Fish River Canyon (one of the largest canyons in the world), and the Etosha National Park.
Independence From South Africa
After the First World War, South Africa was granted a League of Nations mandate over the former German colony, but outstayed their welcome.
During the period of South African rule, the apartheid system of South Africa was applied to Namibia, and black nationalist parties were effectively banned.
In June 1971 the International Court of Justice finally ruled that the South African presence in Namibia was illegal. South Africa ignored the ruling and continued to profit from the mineral deposits until December 1988.
Namibia gained independence on 21st March, 1990, but South Africa remained in Walvis Bay, until February 1994.
Languages
Namibia is a multilingual country with English being the official language.
Other widely spoken languages include Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, Nama/Damara, and Afrikaans.
Political Stability
Namibia has enjoyed political stability since gaining independence.
The country has a multiparty system and holds regular democratic elections.
Namibia's government focuses on social and economic development, poverty alleviation, and reducing income inequality.
Tourism in Namibia
Namibia is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and adventure activities such as game drives, hiking, and sandboarding.
The country offers opportunities for exploring the Namib Desert, visiting Himba communities, witnessing the dramatic dunes of Sossusvlei, and experiencing wildlife safaris.
Wildlife and Conservation
Namibia is known for its rich wildlife and commitment to conservation efforts.
The country has several national parks and reserves, including Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast National Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park, and Bwabwata National Park.
Namibia's National Parks protect diverse ecosystems and numerous species of animals, including elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, and giraffes.
Visiting Namibia
If you're planning a visit to Namibia, here are some highlights and recommendations for your trip.
Remember to plan your trip well in advance, as Namibia can have extreme temperatures and limited infrastructure in some areas.
It's also important to respect the local culture and wildlife, and follow any guidelines provided by park authorities or tour operators.
Caprivi Strip
If you have the time, consider visiting the Caprivi Strip, a narrow panhandle in the north-eastern part of Namibia.
This region is characterised by rivers, wetlands, and lush vegetation; offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and river cruises.
Damaraland
Explore the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, characterised by vast plains, granite mountains, and ancient rock art.
Visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its exceptional rock engravings.
Etosha National Park
Start your journey by visiting Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves.
The park is home to a vast array of animals, including elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos.
You can embark on thrilling game drives and witness incredible wildlife sightings.
Fish River Canyon
Visit Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, and marvel at its dramatic landscapes.
Hiking enthusiasts can embark on the challenging multi-day Fish River Canyon hike, which offers stunning vistas and a memorable adventure.
Although the hiking trail is around 86km, Fish River Canyon itself is 550m deep, 27km wide and 160km long.
The Fish River Canyon is open for hiking from 1st May to 15th September, before it gets unbearably hot.
Himba Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Namibia by visiting an Himba village.
The Himba people are known for their unique way of life, distinctive hairstyles, and ochre-covered skin.
You can learn about their traditions, customs, and daily life.
Skeleton Coast
Journey along the mysterious Skeleton Coast, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert.
This remote and desolate coastline is known for its shipwrecks, seal colonies, and incredible desert landscapes.
Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert
Explore the mesmerising red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, located within the Namib Desert.
The towering dunes, especially the famous Dune 45 and Big Daddy, offer breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Deadvlei, a surreal white clay pan surrounded by ancient, dead camel thorn trees.
Swakopmund
Head to the coastal town of Swakopmund, which blends German colonial architecture with a vibrant seaside atmosphere.
Enjoy outdoor activities like dune boarding, quad biking, and skydiving, or simply relax on the beautiful beaches.
Windhoek
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Enter Namibia:
Getting to Namibia, and other information for tourists.
Namibian Cities:
The capital of Namibia is Windhoek.
Namibian Lodges and Safaris:
Places to stay in Namibia: wildlife lodges, desert locations and cosy guest houses.
Namibian News:
Keep abreast of what's happening in Namibia with these Namibian news resources.
Namibian Regions:
Explore the varied regions of Namibia online.
Namibian Wildlife:
Wildlife areas, photo safaris, and trophy hunting.
Namibia Maps and Travel Guides
Namibia Travel Guides - Namibia Maps.
Weather in Africa:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around Africa.
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