If you love open spaces and skies that seem to go on forever, a great destination is Namibia. This African country is large but has a small population, so you can have vast areas to yourself with nobody else to bother you. Its German colonial past means that it has a slightly different atmosphere than most Southern African countries. Moreover, it's a wonderful place to see animals in their natural habitat and you'll be surprised at how affordable Namibia safari packages are.
The country lies along Africa's southwestern coast. To the north is Angola; to the south, South Africa. Botswana is its eastern neighbor. The capital is Windhoek, located more or less in the center and by far one of the most pleasant capital cities in the world.
The desert that gave the country its name is the Namib, which covers the western coastal area. It's not only this part that is hot and dry, though. Summer temperatures can be unbearable so it's best to visit in winter, which is mild. Besides, in winter there is less vegetation, making wildlife-spotting much easier. While you're here, you may also want to visit the lovely town of Swakopmund, the Fish River Canyon, rock art and the mysterious Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the desert.
The Namibian coast is almost entirely made up of the Namib Desert, which is the world's oldest. There are stunning sand dunes here, especially in the vicinity of Sossusvlei. The northern part of the desert is home to the ominously named Skeleton Coast, where shipwrecks are a stark reminder of how rough this part of the world is. At the seashore you'll find seals while more inland you may see jackals, oryx, springbok and, surprisingly, elephants. Large areas of the Namib are only accessible if you have a special permit due to the diamond mines here but one national park to visit is the Namib-Naukluft, which is the largest on the continent.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest in Africa. However, Etosha National Park is not far behind in terms of size. It's located in the north and is a prime wildlife-viewing destination. This is mainly because the vast Etosha Salt Pan attracts animals looking for water, especially in winter. You may spot zebra, oryx, springbok, giraffe, elephant, rhino, warthogs and lions, among others.
Not too far from Etosha by Namibian standards is the region known as Damaraland. Here you'll find a vast lunar landscape with stunning rock formations. One of these is the prominent Vingerklip, which means 'finger rock'. Brandberg, the country's highest mountain, is located here too and is home to a famous rock painting known as the White Woman. Twyfelfontein has more rock paintings and the area also has a petrified forest. For wildlife, try tracking elephant and rhino on a safari presented by the local community.
In the vicinity of the Kunene River is Kaokoland, where cheetah are among the animals you may spot. This is also the place to visit traditional Himba villages and learn more about these beautiful people with their elaborate hairstyles. For lush vegetation and plenty of water, try the remote Caprivi Strip. The Kavango River which flows through here provides water for the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Finding a safari package to suit your budget and needs is easy. One option is to book once you've landed at the airport in Windhoek. However, you can also book through travel agents or online. Many packages are all-inclusive.
The country lies along Africa's southwestern coast. To the north is Angola; to the south, South Africa. Botswana is its eastern neighbor. The capital is Windhoek, located more or less in the center and by far one of the most pleasant capital cities in the world.
The desert that gave the country its name is the Namib, which covers the western coastal area. It's not only this part that is hot and dry, though. Summer temperatures can be unbearable so it's best to visit in winter, which is mild. Besides, in winter there is less vegetation, making wildlife-spotting much easier. While you're here, you may also want to visit the lovely town of Swakopmund, the Fish River Canyon, rock art and the mysterious Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the desert.
The Namibian coast is almost entirely made up of the Namib Desert, which is the world's oldest. There are stunning sand dunes here, especially in the vicinity of Sossusvlei. The northern part of the desert is home to the ominously named Skeleton Coast, where shipwrecks are a stark reminder of how rough this part of the world is. At the seashore you'll find seals while more inland you may see jackals, oryx, springbok and, surprisingly, elephants. Large areas of the Namib are only accessible if you have a special permit due to the diamond mines here but one national park to visit is the Namib-Naukluft, which is the largest on the continent.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest in Africa. However, Etosha National Park is not far behind in terms of size. It's located in the north and is a prime wildlife-viewing destination. This is mainly because the vast Etosha Salt Pan attracts animals looking for water, especially in winter. You may spot zebra, oryx, springbok, giraffe, elephant, rhino, warthogs and lions, among others.
Not too far from Etosha by Namibian standards is the region known as Damaraland. Here you'll find a vast lunar landscape with stunning rock formations. One of these is the prominent Vingerklip, which means 'finger rock'. Brandberg, the country's highest mountain, is located here too and is home to a famous rock painting known as the White Woman. Twyfelfontein has more rock paintings and the area also has a petrified forest. For wildlife, try tracking elephant and rhino on a safari presented by the local community.
In the vicinity of the Kunene River is Kaokoland, where cheetah are among the animals you may spot. This is also the place to visit traditional Himba villages and learn more about these beautiful people with their elaborate hairstyles. For lush vegetation and plenty of water, try the remote Caprivi Strip. The Kavango River which flows through here provides water for the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Finding a safari package to suit your budget and needs is easy. One option is to book once you've landed at the airport in Windhoek. However, you can also book through travel agents or online. Many packages are all-inclusive.
