Situated in south western Africa, Namibia is a vast but sparsely populated country known for its abundant sunshine, beauty and a feeling of unconfined space.
With its unspoilt landscapes and huge array of wildlife, Namibia draws an increasing number of tourist from around the world. The country is fast becoming the favourite hunting region in Africa.
Despite its unfriendly climate, Namibia has some of the most spectacular national parks in the world. These range from the Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, to desert plains of the Namib-Naukluft Park in western region of the country. The desolate Namib Desert, said to be the world’s oldest, is a popular destination, and so is the majestic Fish River Canyon National Park in the south.
Most of the African animals species are represented in Namibia, with the largest concentration in the Etosha National Park – one of the most popular national parks in Africa. Namibia is home to the largest population of cheetah still in existence as well as a huge population of bird life comprising over 600 bird species.
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is a great place to start your trip. It is the travel hub of Namibia and offers good night life, hotels and nice sights. Hosea Kutako International Airport, situated some 45 minutes outside the city, is a common entry point for most international travellers on safari to Namibia.
When To Go:
Namibia weather is not conducive for safari all year round. The coutry’s climate has variations corresponding to its geographical subdivisions. In the arid central Namib Desert, daytime temperatures may rise to over 40°C in summer and drop to below freezing at night.
The northeast, which has a subtropical climate, experiences the highest rainfall (over 600mm annually) along the Okavango River. The northern and central regions experience ‘light rains’ from October to December.
The ideal time to go on a Namibia safari is between April and November, when a huge number of animals migrate towards the waterways of the Okavango Delta. The summer rainy season (November to April) is ideal for bird watching and tours to the Kalahari.
Things To Do:
Game viewing, snorkelling, diving, desert tours, and more.
Quick Facts About Namibia:
Time: GMT/UTC +2
Population: 1.83 million
Seasons: Long rainy season (January to April); dry (May to September); short rainy season (October to December).
Telephone: Country code 264; international access code 00
Capital: Windhoek
Namibia Visa: None required for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Canada or the USA.
National carrier: Air Namibia
Area: 825, 000 sq km
Language: English, Afrikaans, German, Owambo, Kavango, Herero, Khoikhoi (Nama/Damara), San dialects.
Namibia Currency: Namibian dollar (N$)