POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN NAMIBIA

Namibia is a country of scenic contrasts, fascinating cultures and abundant wildlife.

The North
Etosha National Park
Covering 22 270 km², Etosha National Park is one of the largest parks in Africa. Its unique feature is the 5.000 km² Etosha Pan, whose waterholes guarantee excellent game viewing.

The West
Damaraland and Kaokoland
Inhabited by the semi-nomadic Himba tribe, the rugged mountains and arid sun baked valleys of Kaokoland is one of the least visited yet most fascinating areas of Namibia. This remote area is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the famous desert elephants, mountain zebras and springboks. The many attractions of Damaraland include several collections of Bushmen rock paintings, the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain, Vingerklip and Organ Pipes.

The Kunene River, bordered by palm forests, winds its way west to the Atlantic Ocean, tumbling over a series of spectacular waterfalls such as Ruacana and Epupa.

The Namib Region
Stretching 1200 kilometres in length, and 140 kilometres wide, the Namib Desert is the oldest and most southerly desert in the world. The cold Benguela current, flowing northwards from Antarctica, is rich in nutrients, sustaining a great quantity of marine life. The mist it generates ensures the survival of a fascinating variety of animals and plants, adapted to conditions in the desert. The Skeleton coast is one of the most desolate, yet hauntingly beautiful regions of Namibia.

The Eastern region
The thin belt of land in the Northeast corner of Namibia is known as the Caprivi strip and is the most tropical area of Namibia with 4 of Namibia’s 6 rivers flowing through the corridor. This is an excellent region for game viewing, community based activities and fishing.

Bushmanland
Home to more than 15 000 Bushmen, this densely vegetated area is one of the least known in Namibia. The remote wilderness of the Khaudum Reserve is only accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicle.

The Central Region
The vibrant capital city of Windhoek, is home to excellent hotels, sophisticated shops and many attractions such as museums, art galleries and the National Botanical gardens.

The South
Bordered by the Kalahari Desert to the east and the Namib Desert to the west, this region offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country including the breathtaking Fish River Canyon with its ancient rock formations and strange plant life Eroded over millions of years, the canyon is 160 km long, 27 km wide and 550m deep and shelters a variety of wildlife. The 90km long Fish River Canyon hiking trails is considered one of the greatest in Africa taking 4 to 5 days to complete. Accommodation is available at the Ai-Ais Hot Spring Resort and Hobas campsite.

The Namib Naukluft National Park covering an area of 50.000 km², protects the widest variety of landscapes in Namibia from the red sand dunes of Sesriem and Sossuvlei, to the Welwitschia trail, from Sandwich Harbour to the Naukluft mountains. Accommodation in the area ranges from rudimentary campsites to luxurious lodges.

The magical Sossusvlei is internationally known as a photographers’ paradise, with sand dunes measuring 325 metres high. For the best photos it is worth climbing the dunes before sunrise to get the red glow of the morning light.

Founded in 1908 after the discovery of diamonds in the area, the ghost town of Kolmanskop lies 20 km east of Luderitz. The buildings are now being enveloped by the encroaching dunes, creating an eerie scene. In 1980, the mining company Namdeb, restored some of the buildings and opened a museum.

Situated amongst the red hills, 72km southwest of Maltahohe, lies Duisweb castle, built by the legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife. Today, the castle houses a collection of furniture, 18th and 19th century weapons and original art.

The Quiver Tree Forest, 14 km northeast of Keetmanshoop is a favourite subject for photographers.

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