Namibia

Namibia is situated on the dry, arid south west coast of Africa. The western boundary of the country is washed by the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean, along the desolate Skeleton Coast.

It is a natural landscape of strange beauty; home to the world’s oldest desert, rugged mountains, unique flora and fauna, excellent game reserves, fascinating rock paintings, modern cities and coastal resorts. The country has a rich culture of people, from the San hunter-gatherers to the Herero and Himba tribes in the north.

The capital city, Windhoek, has settled on a range of low hills in the central highlands. It is a perfect blend of colonial Germany and modern city architecture, best viewed during a walk down Independence Avenue. Windhoek’s oldest surviving building is the Alte Feste (old fort), built in 1889 to house the first German protectionary troops.

Swakopmund is Namibia’s premier seaside resort. The town reflects a strong German influence, evident in the spoken language, architectural features and food. It is a perfect base from which to explore Cape Cross seal colony, the Namib Desert and Sandwich Harbour.

The Namib Desert is thought to be the oldest desert in the world, and is characterised by its majestic shifting dunes. The central region of the country alternates between ridged mountains and savannah plains, while southern Namibia is dominated by the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop, and the towering dunes of Sossusvlei.

In the northern regions the landscape varies from the dense woodland thickets and shimmering salt pans of Etosha Pan, to open grasslands and the ancient welwitschia plant, some of which are believed to be at least 2000 years old! The Etosha Pan and surrounding Etosha National Park is a sanctuary teeming with a staggering variety and number of wildlife. It is home to the largest black rhino population in Africa; and a must-see for any visitor to this breathtaking part of the world.

With vast open spaces, naturally beautiful scenery, a dry and sunny climate, and only one to two people per square kilometre, Namibia has become a tourists’ Mecca with all the ingredients for an incredible African desert experience.