Home to the oldest desert in the world, Namibia is distinguished by its astonishing landscapes, wide open spaces and limitless blue skies. A feast of dramatic and beautiful vistas will keep the most ardent photographer occupied for hours. Vast in area but sparsely populated, it is also a haven of peace and seclusion for those seeking something away from the madding crowd. Namibia is a destination for those seasoned African safari-goers who are usually returning for their 2nd or 3rd time, looking for something different in their travel experience. Fortunately, a good road network facilitates easy access to many of these hidden scenic treasures. And it is not just about the dramatic vistas – there are also many interesting game-viewing opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
NAMIBIA
- The Namib Desert is a fascinating area with the distinctive red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, offering rare, interesting plants and animals that have adapted to desert life.
- The Skeleton Coast is so named from the slew of shipwrecks and whale bones scattered across this dramatic, often fog-bound, stretch of rugged coastline. It is where coast and desert meet. Swakopmund is the main town of interest, but the haunting ghost town of Kolmanskop is not to be missed.
- Etosha National Park was once a great inland sea, and is now a vast salt pan, known for its spectacular game viewing around the waterholes, particularly in the dry season when the animals move en-masse in search of water.
- Damaraland, wild and largely uninhabited, is characterised by many dramatic geological features, ancient rock art, and interesting wildlife – notably the desert lion, desert elephant and Hartman’s Zebra – which have adapted to the harsh conditions here.
Time: GMT + 2 hours
Language: English is the main language, but German and Afrikaans are also spoken.
Health: It is a low-rainfall country so malaria is not a high risk, but please consult your doctor before you travel.
Visas: Visas are not required for UK, USA, Australia and most of Europe. Please check with your local embassy as visa criteria does change regularly.
When to go: Most of the year is suitable for travel but the best time is winter from April to end October when it’s a bit cooler. The summer months can be very hot and dry. The rains make an appearance in January and February.
- HIGHLIGHTS
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- The Namib Desert is a fascinating area with the distinctive red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, offering rare, interesting plants and animals that have adapted to desert life.
- The Skeleton Coast is so named from the slew of shipwrecks and whale bones scattered across this dramatic, often fog-bound, stretch of rugged coastline. It is where coast and desert meet. Swakopmund is the main town of interest, but the haunting ghost town of Kolmanskop is not to be missed.
- Etosha National Park was once a great inland sea, and is now a vast salt pan, known for its spectacular game viewing around the waterholes, particularly in the dry season when the animals move en-masse in search of water.
- Damaraland, wild and largely uninhabited, is characterised by many dramatic geological features, ancient rock art, and interesting wildlife – notably the desert lion, desert elephant and Hartman’s Zebra – which have adapted to the harsh conditions here.
- USEFUL INFORMATION
-
Time: GMT + 2 hours
Language: English is the main language, but German and Afrikaans are also spoken.
Health: It is a low-rainfall country so malaria is not a high risk, but please consult your doctor before you travel.
Visas: Visas are not required for UK, USA, Australia and most of Europe. Please check with your local embassy as visa criteria does change regularly.
When to go: Most of the year is suitable for travel but the best time is winter from April to end October when it’s a bit cooler. The summer months can be very hot and dry. The rains make an appearance in January and February.
- MAP
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