Namibia is celebrated for its wild beauty and vast and contrasting landscapes. The many national parks and game reserves boast a huge variety of wildlife in a kaleidoscope of diverse environments: giraffes amble across the blinding white saltpans of Etosha National Park, oryx plunge headlong up impossibly steep red dunes at Sossusvlei, and seals in their multitudes colonise lonely beachheads along the Skeleton Coast. Astonishing contrasts are everywhere for the visitor to savour, enjoy and photograph. Namibia is one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations. Safaris in Namibia are generally less expensive than in Botswana and Tanzania.
Etosha National Park in the north is one of Africa’s great game parks and is a prime game viewing and safari area. Elephant mingle with rhino, cheetah, leopard and lion in a harsh desert environment.
The south of Namibia is dominated by the enormous and empty Namib desert which is the oldest on the planet. The giant orange sand dunes of Sossusvlei are the largest in the world, the sense of space is awe-inspiring.
To the west of the country is the remote Skeleton National Park. Its chilly coastline is littered with mysterious shipwrecks and has intriguing desert adapted plants and animals.
The distances between destinations in this huge and breathtaking land are enormous. It is essential to fly between destinations and this allows guests a great appreciation and compelling perspective of Namibia.
Namibia has just over 1.5 million inhabitants; its population density is less than two people per square kilometre – one of the lowest in the world. Its people are composed of 11 ethnic groups; among them are the San Bushmen, the Khoi-Khoi, the Herero, the Ovambo and white Namibians descended from colonial settlers. There is great opportunity to interact with these indigenous people which is a very special experience. Up in the very North West of the country are the Himba, some of the last true nomadic people in Africa. During a visit to the incredibly remote Serra Cafema Camp these wonderful and colourful people can be seen wandering around, going about their daily business and tending to their animals.
Over the years, there have been a number of cultural influences that have all contributed to the unique atmosphere of Namibia. At various times Germany, Great Britain and South Africa have all governed the territory, but it was with the eventual independence of Namibia in 1990 that the country was able to develop its multi-cultural character and reinvent itself. There is a rich and colourful uniquely African vigour that now freely blends in with the colonial influences on architecture, food, customs and art, all merging to create a distinctive Namibian character.
Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination with a difference, known for its remote and intimate lodges, interaction with the indigenous people as well as the wildlife, and offering unique opportunities to become involved with the cultural heritage of all its peoples.
With the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls being nearby, many guests combine a Namibian safari with one in either Botswana and or Zambia.