History
Llittle was known by the outside world about Namibia, which for many years was referred to by its geographic location: South West Africa, before the middle of the nineteenth century when explorers, ivory hunters, prospectors and missionaries began to journey into its interior. The country was colonized by Germany in 1884. Information about this huge and geographically daunting land began trickling out to the rest of the world when early missionaries, who commenced their work in the country.
Country Profile
Although not as well known as some of its African neighbours, Namibia is a gem for those in search of the wilderness. Namibia is a large, and sparsely populated country on Africa's south-west coast, which has enjoyed more than a decade of stability since achieving Independence on 21 March 1990.
Today Namibia is a peaceful country which is economically prosperous as a result of its productive mining, fishing, tourism and agricultural industries. Essentially a desert country, Namibia offers contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its 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 vegetation. The Etosha national park, the third largest in Africa, owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of approximately 5 000km². A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often spectacular game viewing. Germanic influence can still be found in the country's good road infrastructure, well-equipped rest camps throughout the country and most cities' architecture. The perfect choice for nature lovers and amateur photographers alike.
Tourism
Hunting:
Hunting activities include trophy & safari hunting, bird hunting, as well as the ancient art of bow hunting. The hunting season for huntable game is restricted to 01 February to 30 November. Written permission must first be obtained from the farmer, before a hunting permit will be granted. The term “huntable game” strictly excludes protected animals. Further information can be obtained from the Namibia Professional Hunters Association (NAPHA).http://www.natron.net/napha
Accommodation:
The Namibian Tourism Accommodation Industry is rich in diversity, ranging from one- to four-star hotels, pensions, guest-farms, lodges, restaurants, rest camps, Bed & Breakfasts and Self-catering establishments. The wide variety of establishments across Namibia enable tourists to make their choices based not only on the prices or rates charged, but also on the level of infrastructure, services and added activities offered by the establishments. It is fair to say, that the Namibian Tourism Accommodation Industry has something to offer for every taste and pocket. As representative of the commercial tourism accommodation sector, the Hospitality Association of Namibia has set as one of its most important principles and goals the establishment and maintenance of internationally acceptable standards of quality at the various hospitality establishments. Quality, service and value for money are the issues that tourists take into consideration, when choosing their holiday destination. Competition is growing and H.A.N continuously strives to inform its members of the importance of maintaining a high standard, both in terms of the infra-structure as well as the customer service provided at the establishments.Only satisfied tourists will consider visiting this country a second and third time and a tourist can be satisfied, if he is made to feel, that his stay in Namibia was worth every cent that he paid, irrespective of whether this tourist was a backpacker or an executive traveler. H.A.N’s hope for the future is that all hospitality establishments realise the importance of striving for excellence.Visit the HAN Website http://www.hannamibia.com/to see the variety of establishments and services offered. The site also reflects those establishments who have in the past gained the Award of Excellence, for quality of service offered to the international and national travellers.
Adventure
Air:
• Ballooning & Sky Adventures
Adding an exhilarating dimension to a visit to the Namib Desert is a trip in a hot-air balloon.
• Skydiving
For those individuals who enjoy nature best by taking their lives into their hands and having adrenaline pumping through their veins, skydiving over land and sea is the answer.
• Paragliding
Paragliding enthusiasts occasionally undertake powered paragliding excursions along the coast.
Birding:
Namibia is home to over 630 bird species. While the majority of these occur in the water-rich north-eastern regions of Kavango and Caprivi, a considerable number are found in the desert proper, such as Dune lark and Hartlaub's francolin. Birding at the coast, especially at Walvis Bay Lagoon, is a particularly rewarding experience.
Water:
White-river rafting, has taken off in a big way on the Kunene River. An irresistible attraction of the Kunene is the Epupa Falls with its scenic surroundings and interesting vegetation and bird life. Canoeing safaris are offered down the Orange River, departing from Noordoewer or Aussenkehr and ending at Aussenkehr or the Fish River mouth respectively.
Dune Adventures:
Namibia is one of the best places in the world to enjoy sand skiing, the best venues for sand skiing is the 30 km coastal dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
Abseiling:
It is one of the most spectacular rock sports. Once you have overcome the fear of stepping backwards into the void, however, it is surprisingly easy.
Golfing:
• Windhoek
The Windhoek Country Club in Windhoek, on the outskirts of Windhoek, offers an 18-hole golf course.
• Swakopmund
Rossmund is a grass golf course at the edge of the Namib Desert some ten miles from the coastal town of Swakopmund where golfers are invariably greeted by a herd of springbok quietly grazing on a fairway, or by a gaggle of Egyptian geese.
• Henties Bay
Besides being visited by anglers from all over Southern Africa, Henties Bay is also frequented for its unusual nine-hole golf course with its well-tended greens and fairways of virgin desert.
Stargazing:
Namibia's climate, altitude, minor light and air pollution offers stargazers sights of the southern as well as the northern hemisphere, missing only a few degrees around the celestial north pole. The Hess Telescope is situated 100 km west of Windhoek, an area well known for its excellent optical quality.
Fishing in Namibia:
• Coastal Angling
Aspects that make angling from the beach especially enjoyable are the peaceful desert environments and the uncrowded beaches despite thousands of anglers flock to the coast during the holiday seasons.
• Freshwater angling
Namibia's dams in the interior offer several options for those wishing to try their hand at freshwater angling.
• Fly-fishermans paradise
The far eastern tip of Caprivi, at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, is regarded as a fly-fisherman's paradise second to none.
Horse & Camel riding:
Namibia has the perfect conditions for horse riding, with routes crossing mountains, bush and wooded areas to desert plains and dunes.
• In and around Windhoek
There are several stables in the capital that offer bush rides into the surrounding mountains.
Spelology Scuba Diving:
• Dragon's Breath
The largest known subterranean lake in the world is in the cave referred to as Dragon's Breath on the farm Harasib. Requires valid cave-diving qualifications.
• Lake Otjikoto
Situated 24km Northwest of the town of Tsumeb and is 76m deep. Qualified divers can explore an underwater museum of armament and weaponry from the First World War.
• Harasib Cave and Lake
Close to the Dragon's Breath, is the Harasib Cave and Lake, entered via an opening on top of the Ghaub Mountain. A special feature of this lake is the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
• Scuba diving
Namibia's coast presents a daunting challenge, as sea temperatures vary from 9-C to 17-C and visibility is often as little as half a meter, at best no more than three meters.
4 x 4 Trails:
• The Dorsland Trek 4x4 Route
Stretching from the Marico Region of the western Transvaal and ending in Humpata in Angola, is an adventurous 2 000-km, selfguided, 4x4 route following the tracks of the epic 1878 Dorsland Trek from South Africa through Namibia to Angola.
• Kalahari-Namib Eco 4x4 route
The Kalahari-Namib Eco 4x4 Route is an action-packed adventure with the landscape, ranging from the ancient red dunes of the Kalahari to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib.
• Uri Desert Run
Follow a desert-to-desert circular route, which starts and ends in Keetmanshoop, exploring terrain from the Kalahari across Namibia's south to the Namib Desert.The Isabis 4x4 Trail, part of the Gamsberg Trails, runs through the 40 000 ha catchment area of the Gaub River, a tributary of the Kuiseb, where plenty of game is seen throughout the year.
• Saddle Hill
A 430km guided Trail, with a spectacular terrain varying from gravel plains to dunes. Highlights of the second day include a visit to the wreck of the Otavi and the remains of the Arcona, a vessel that ran aground with a clandestine cargo of ammunition.
• Topnaar 4 x 4 Trail
This is a guided tour between Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Highlight of the Conception Bay route (725km) is the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, while the shorter Sandwich Harbour route (542km) offers a bird's eye view from the dunes over the lagoon.
Hiking:
Owing to high summer temperatures, tough terrain and scarcity of water, hiking in Namibia requires careful planning. Hiking is not advisable in the summer months when temperatures often exceed 40 C.
• Fishriver Canyon
By far the most popular hike in Namibia and one of Southern Africa's top five. The route takes hikers through an ancient landscape of rock and utter silence.
• The Namib-Naukluft Hiking Trail
Traverses the rugged Naukluft Mountains. Hikers have several options ranging from a tough 120 km long circular route over eight days to a less strenuous 60 km circular four-day trail, demanding a high degree of fitness.
• Ugab River Hiking Trail
In the south of the Skeleton Coast Park, hikers follow the course of the Ugab River on this 50 km long three day route, and explore the fascinating granite rocks on the windswept plains adjoining the river.
• The Feral Horse Hiking Trail
A 28 km route on a farm bordering the Sperrgebiet provides hikers with viewpoints along the trail overlooking the seemingly endless Namib plains, home to the famed wild horses of the Namib.
• Dassie Trails
The Dassie trails network meanders through granite outcrops, secluded little valleys and the undulating plateau. Along the 50km selfguided trail hikers are rewarded with far reaching views over the Namib plains and the Gamsberg.
• Sweet Thorn Hiking Trail
Situated in the Daan Viljoen Park, 24km west of Windhoek. It is a 34km self guided trail traversing the undulating hills of the Khomas Hochland.
• Tok Tokkie Trails
This is a 17km guided trail, alternating between the gravel plains, sand dunes and inselbergs of the Namibrand Nature Reserve.
• Waterberg Hiking Trail
This is a self-guided 50km trail with the possibility of a face-to-face encounter with a black rhino or a buffalo.
• Waterberg Wilderness Trail
On this trail, hikers will gain a valuable insight into the complex and fragile nature of the environment, with the added attraction of stalking game on foot.
• Hardap Trail
Visitors to the Hardap Resort can explore the game park on foot by following the Hardap Trail, with a 15 km and 9 km option.
Mountaineering & Rockclimbing:
• Spitzkoppe
This vast granite dome rises about 1 000 m above the desert plains between Windhoek and Swakopmund. Also referred to as Namibia's Matterhorn, the Spitzkoppe with its almost perpendicular slopes is one of the great mountaineering opportunities in Africa.
• Brandberg
Brandberg is a sought-after area for both mountaineers and backpackers. Due to the extremely rugged terrain and limited water, excursions should only be undertaken by experienced and fit backpackers.
Hunting:
Hunting activities include trophy & safari hunting, bird hunting, as well as the ancient art of bow hunting. The hunting season for huntable game is restricted to 01 February to 30 November. Written permission must first be obtained from the farmer, before a hunting permit will be granted. The term “huntable game” strictly excludes protected animals. Further information can be obtained from the Namibia Professional Hunters Association (NAPHA).http://www.natron.net/napha
Accommodation:
The Namibian Tourism Accommodation Industry is rich in diversity, ranging from one- to four-star hotels, pensions, guest-farms, lodges, restaurants, rest camps, Bed & Breakfasts and Self-catering establishments. The wide variety of establishments across Namibia enable tourists to make their choices based not only on the prices or rates charged, but also on the level of infrastructure, services and added activities offered by the establishments. It is fair to say, that the Namibian Tourism Accommodation Industry has something to offer for every taste and pocket. As representative of the commercial tourism accommodation sector, the Hospitality Association of Namibia has set as one of its most important principles and goals the establishment and maintenance of internationally acceptable standards of quality at the various hospitality establishments. Quality, service and value for money are the issues that tourists take into consideration, when choosing their holiday destination. Competition is growing and H.A.N continuously strives to inform its members of the importance of maintaining a high standard, both in terms of the infra-structure as well as the customer service provided at the establishments.Only satisfied tourists will consider visiting this country a second and third time and a tourist can be satisfied, if he is made to feel, that his stay in Namibia was worth every cent that he paid, irrespective of whether this tourist was a backpacker or an executive traveler. H.A.N’s hope for the future is that all hospitality establishments realise the importance of striving for excellence.Visit the HAN Website http://www.hannamibia.com/to see the variety of establishments and services offered. The site also reflects those establishments who have in the past gained the Award of Excellence, for quality of service offered to the international and national travellers.
Adventure
Air:
• Ballooning & Sky Adventures
Adding an exhilarating dimension to a visit to the Namib Desert is a trip in a hot-air balloon.
• Skydiving
For those individuals who enjoy nature best by taking their lives into their hands and having adrenaline pumping through their veins, skydiving over land and sea is the answer.
• Paragliding
Paragliding enthusiasts occasionally undertake powered paragliding excursions along the coast.
Birding:
Namibia is home to over 630 bird species. While the majority of these occur in the water-rich north-eastern regions of Kavango and Caprivi, a considerable number are found in the desert proper, such as Dune lark and Hartlaub's francolin. Birding at the coast, especially at Walvis Bay Lagoon, is a particularly rewarding experience.
Water:
White-river rafting, has taken off in a big way on the Kunene River. An irresistible attraction of the Kunene is the Epupa Falls with its scenic surroundings and interesting vegetation and bird life. Canoeing safaris are offered down the Orange River, departing from Noordoewer or Aussenkehr and ending at Aussenkehr or the Fish River mouth respectively.
Dune Adventures:
Namibia is one of the best places in the world to enjoy sand skiing, the best venues for sand skiing is the 30 km coastal dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
Abseiling:
It is one of the most spectacular rock sports. Once you have overcome the fear of stepping backwards into the void, however, it is surprisingly easy.
Golfing:
• Windhoek
The Windhoek Country Club in Windhoek, on the outskirts of Windhoek, offers an 18-hole golf course.
• Swakopmund
Rossmund is a grass golf course at the edge of the Namib Desert some ten miles from the coastal town of Swakopmund where golfers are invariably greeted by a herd of springbok quietly grazing on a fairway, or by a gaggle of Egyptian geese.
• Henties Bay
Besides being visited by anglers from all over Southern Africa, Henties Bay is also frequented for its unusual nine-hole golf course with its well-tended greens and fairways of virgin desert.
Stargazing:
Namibia's climate, altitude, minor light and air pollution offers stargazers sights of the southern as well as the northern hemisphere, missing only a few degrees around the celestial north pole. The Hess Telescope is situated 100 km west of Windhoek, an area well known for its excellent optical quality.
Fishing in Namibia:
• Coastal Angling
Aspects that make angling from the beach especially enjoyable are the peaceful desert environments and the uncrowded beaches despite thousands of anglers flock to the coast during the holiday seasons.
• Freshwater angling
Namibia's dams in the interior offer several options for those wishing to try their hand at freshwater angling.
• Fly-fishermans paradise
The far eastern tip of Caprivi, at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, is regarded as a fly-fisherman's paradise second to none.
Horse & Camel riding:
Namibia has the perfect conditions for horse riding, with routes crossing mountains, bush and wooded areas to desert plains and dunes.
• In and around Windhoek
There are several stables in the capital that offer bush rides into the surrounding mountains.
Spelology Scuba Diving:
• Dragon's Breath
The largest known subterranean lake in the world is in the cave referred to as Dragon's Breath on the farm Harasib. Requires valid cave-diving qualifications.
• Lake Otjikoto
Situated 24km Northwest of the town of Tsumeb and is 76m deep. Qualified divers can explore an underwater museum of armament and weaponry from the First World War.
• Harasib Cave and Lake
Close to the Dragon's Breath, is the Harasib Cave and Lake, entered via an opening on top of the Ghaub Mountain. A special feature of this lake is the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
• Scuba diving
Namibia's coast presents a daunting challenge, as sea temperatures vary from 9-C to 17-C and visibility is often as little as half a meter, at best no more than three meters.
4 x 4 Trails:
• The Dorsland Trek 4x4 Route
Stretching from the Marico Region of the western Transvaal and ending in Humpata in Angola, is an adventurous 2 000-km, selfguided, 4x4 route following the tracks of the epic 1878 Dorsland Trek from South Africa through Namibia to Angola.
• Kalahari-Namib Eco 4x4 route
The Kalahari-Namib Eco 4x4 Route is an action-packed adventure with the landscape, ranging from the ancient red dunes of the Kalahari to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib.
• Uri Desert Run
Follow a desert-to-desert circular route, which starts and ends in Keetmanshoop, exploring terrain from the Kalahari across Namibia's south to the Namib Desert.The Isabis 4x4 Trail, part of the Gamsberg Trails, runs through the 40 000 ha catchment area of the Gaub River, a tributary of the Kuiseb, where plenty of game is seen throughout the year.
• Saddle Hill
A 430km guided Trail, with a spectacular terrain varying from gravel plains to dunes. Highlights of the second day include a visit to the wreck of the Otavi and the remains of the Arcona, a vessel that ran aground with a clandestine cargo of ammunition.
• Topnaar 4 x 4 Trail
This is a guided tour between Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Highlight of the Conception Bay route (725km) is the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, while the shorter Sandwich Harbour route (542km) offers a bird's eye view from the dunes over the lagoon.
Hiking:
Owing to high summer temperatures, tough terrain and scarcity of water, hiking in Namibia requires careful planning. Hiking is not advisable in the summer months when temperatures often exceed 40 C.
• Fishriver Canyon
By far the most popular hike in Namibia and one of Southern Africa's top five. The route takes hikers through an ancient landscape of rock and utter silence.
• The Namib-Naukluft Hiking Trail
Traverses the rugged Naukluft Mountains. Hikers have several options ranging from a tough 120 km long circular route over eight days to a less strenuous 60 km circular four-day trail, demanding a high degree of fitness.
• Ugab River Hiking Trail
In the south of the Skeleton Coast Park, hikers follow the course of the Ugab River on this 50 km long three day route, and explore the fascinating granite rocks on the windswept plains adjoining the river.
• The Feral Horse Hiking Trail
A 28 km route on a farm bordering the Sperrgebiet provides hikers with viewpoints along the trail overlooking the seemingly endless Namib plains, home to the famed wild horses of the Namib.
• Dassie Trails
The Dassie trails network meanders through granite outcrops, secluded little valleys and the undulating plateau. Along the 50km selfguided trail hikers are rewarded with far reaching views over the Namib plains and the Gamsberg.
• Sweet Thorn Hiking Trail
Situated in the Daan Viljoen Park, 24km west of Windhoek. It is a 34km self guided trail traversing the undulating hills of the Khomas Hochland.
• Tok Tokkie Trails
This is a 17km guided trail, alternating between the gravel plains, sand dunes and inselbergs of the Namibrand Nature Reserve.
• Waterberg Hiking Trail
This is a self-guided 50km trail with the possibility of a face-to-face encounter with a black rhino or a buffalo.
• Waterberg Wilderness Trail
On this trail, hikers will gain a valuable insight into the complex and fragile nature of the environment, with the added attraction of stalking game on foot.
• Hardap Trail
Visitors to the Hardap Resort can explore the game park on foot by following the Hardap Trail, with a 15 km and 9 km option.
Mountaineering & Rockclimbing:
• Spitzkoppe
This vast granite dome rises about 1 000 m above the desert plains between Windhoek and Swakopmund. Also referred to as Namibia's Matterhorn, the Spitzkoppe with its almost perpendicular slopes is one of the great mountaineering opportunities in Africa.
• Brandberg
Brandberg is a sought-after area for both mountaineers and backpackers. Due to the extremely rugged terrain and limited water, excursions should only be undertaken by experienced and fit backpackers.
If you want to be part of a wonderful adventure for 2-3 weeks e-mail me and I will send you all the info you need.
