Namibia
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Namibia - situated in the south-west of Africa. Between the Orange River in the south and the Kunene River in the north - is a rough land, a country of contrasts and clear colours, a different world.
Namibia means open plains in the ancient Hottentot language. It is a
sought after tourist destination defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty
and unusual and contrasting topography. Namibia is sandwiched
between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the
world, on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern
interior. Northern Namibia features the great Etosha National Park, with
the countries largest concentration of game and in the south the majestic
Fish River Canyon plunges 550 m and extends for 160 km. Between these
four highlights lies over 820 000 km2 (the size of France & Britain combined)
of contrasting scenery.
The worlds highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber
reflection. Pre-historic rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia
mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient,
rocky mountain ranges.
Many of the features of this country are of particular scientific interest and
attract scientists from all over the world.
Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the
environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in its constitution. About
15,5% of the country has been set-aside as national parks. In these areas,
rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are
preserved and protected. They serve as a living reminder to us all, and to
the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa.
Swakopmund
A true oasis and respite from the solemn desert and its monotonous heat.
A seaside holiday resort full of old-world charm and modern amenities,
from the quaint German colonial influences to a funky Internet caf. The
tranquil setting includes promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended
public gardens, the Swakopmund museum (covering natural history,
mineralogy, botany, historical and ethnological aspects), the National
Marine & Research Centre, an aquarium, a public library, an Olympic
sized, heated indoor swimming pool and a grassed golf course in a desert
setting. This middle of the desert feel is one of its attractions one can
enjoy the wild expanse of the adjacent desert and sea and yet be within
easy reach of the creature comforts of Swakopmund's hotels, restaurants,
bars and a much-needed laundries!
There is plenty to see and do and activities include quad biking, sand
boarding, rock & surf fishing and skydiving. There is also a tannery,
manufacturing well-known kudu leather shoes, a brewery producing fine
beers in the German tradition.
Cape Cross Seal Colony
The Cape Cross Seal Colony is north of Swakopmund. During breeding
season as many as 200 000 Cape fur seals (the worlds largest fur seal)
gather in the cold waters along this coast. The numerous islets and
isolated parts of the shore are used as nurseries for their young.
Brandberg
About 100 km further south lay the imposing Brandberg massif, the highest
peak in Namibia at 2574 m. Besides being a major challenge to rock
climbers the Brandberg is most famous for rock paintings. One of the
paintings discovered in 1917, can be viewed on an overhang in Maacks
Shelter, named after this first discoverer. In 1955 however, Breuil, a wellknown
French archaeologist and historian copied, described and named
the painting as the 'The White Lady', thinking that the figure resembled a
lady of Greek or Egyptian origin. Although The White Lady has since
been the subject of much controversy, scientists now seem to agree that
the painting portrays a young man. This is due to the lower part of his
body being painted white, a magical hunting spell, as was customary to
the Himbas and the Hereros.
This area is also the haunt of the extremely rare Desert Elephant, one of
the true natural wonders of the word, surviving as they do in this thirsty
land. This is also one of the few places in the world where animals are
completely wild in a mountain desert landscape. With the help of locals
these elephants can be tracked an experience not easily forgotten.
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is known as Namibias largest open-air art gallery exhibiting
pre-historic artists. One of Africas richest collections of rock engravings is
on display. It is believed ancient hunters painted these Bushman Paintings,
mostly of lions, giraffes and elephants, while in wait for wild animals at the
waterholes. Although the exact age of the paintings are unknown, it is
estimated that they are between a few hundred and several thousand
years old.
Burnt Mountain, south of Twyfelfontein is a panorama of desolation, with
coloured rocks contrasting vividly against the grey-black surroundings.
The Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river,
is another geological curiosity in this area.
Kamanjab Himba Village
The name Kamanjab means Rock and it has been directly translated from
otji-herero. The Himba Village of the very well known guide and translator
Jaco will take you on a journey of cultural exchange and learning and
understanding of the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.
Jaco is an Afrikaans speaking white male, but lives for several years now
with his Himba family and speaks otji-hereo fluently. He was adopted in
the Himba culture by an old chief Tjskume Bhahona that lives in the
mountains at Onkongko near Opuwo. After spending a lot of time with his
new family Jaco decided to come home to his family farm near
Kamanjab where he was still farming with goats, sheep and nguni cattle,
the old chief then asked Jaco if he can send some of his people with him
to come and help him on his farm, Cauas Okawa to look after his goats
and cattle. They built a traditional village for themselves and do their
farming and also planting during the raining season. Please take note that
they only allow persons that are really interested in the culture and want
to have a cultural exchange, not only to take photos and go. Youll
experience the milking ceremony, the believes around the holy fire and
the ancestors, their herbal medicine and smoke bath. The meaning of
jewelry pieces and hairstyles to imitate the status of each tribe member
and their close relationship to nature, their cattle and their children.
Etosha
Consisting of over 22 000 km2 of saline desert, savannah and woodlands,
the Etosha National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and
one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife. Its definitive feature is the Etosha
Pan, a vast shallow depression of about 5 000 km2. This great, white
expanse locals call great place of dry water, often shimmers with
mirages and herds of game can be seen within this eerie setting.
There are 144 mammal species in the park, including elephant, giraffe,
blue wildebeest and black rhino, predators such as lion, cheetah,
leopard, wildcat, hyena and jackal.
The black rhino population of 300 is one of the few growing populations in
the world and the local elephant are reputed to be the largest in Africa -
the tallest standing at 4 m at the shoulder. Their tusks however are
relatively small due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their
diet.
The majestic eland, the tiny, shy Damara dik-dik (45 cm high) and the
striking gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings are
common. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified,
including Namibia's national bird, the vividly coloured crimson-breasted
shrike. During the more rainy seasons Etosha is also one of the most
important breeding grounds for flamingos.
Etosha is also known for its expert game management and attentive
protection of the unspoiled environment.
Western Caprivi
A part of the Western Caprivi previously known as the Golden Triangle is a
pristine wilderness area, practically untouched by any. The area was
formerly under government jurisdiction a no mans land so wild that
both private landowners and even nature conservation officials had no
authority until the early-nineties. The land was finally handed over to
nature conservation officials who now have prominent presence in the
area. A spectacular part of this area is well known as The Horseshoe, a
meandering part of the Kwando River now cut-off to from the flow to form
a horseshoe teeming with game. A 10-12 km drive through swamp and
savannah takes you directly there while the return trip follows the Kwando
River. Not only are hippos abundant in this area, but also a resident pride
of lions. The Horseshoe is also on the buffalo migration route north. Other
animals to be seen are elephant, giraffe, hyena, tebe, lechwe, kudu and
over 400 identified bird species.
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