Namibia is Africa’s youngest nation, gaining independence from South Africa only in 1990. Together with the arid wilderness regions of Kaokoveld and Damaraland, the Namib desert occupies much of the country. This stunningly beautiful desert is a result of the cold Benguela Current, which flows northwards from Antarctica and prevents the development of moist onshore conditions. Namibia is home to the world's oldest desert and to a sea of towering red sand dunes that glow in the morning sun as if on fire. The legendary Etosha National Park - known for its elephant and lion populations — is the flagship of Namibia's well-managed wildlife reserves, and the country boasts of vast areas of complete wilderness.
Situated on the southwest coast of Africa, it is an ancient and ever-changing land. Desert elephant and desert adapted black rhino range free through Damaraland and the mighty lion is still king in Etosha National Park. Namibia provides travelers with stunning landscapes and remote wilderness areas unique to its arid environment.
Namibia is a country of contrasts straddled between two deserts — the Namib along its coastline, and the Kalahari in the eastern interior. It covers a large area of over 800,000 square kilometres, close in size to Botswana and Zimbabwe put together. Namibia is more than twice the size of Japan, yet its population is only a mere 1.5 million people. There is a great deal of open space and ample blue sky all year.
Germany, Great Britain (via its Cape colony) and more recently South Africa governed Namibia or parts of it at various stages of its history. The country finally gained independence in 1990. Since then the world has seen the country mature and develop a character of its own.
The rich and colourful African culture has blended nicely with German, European and South African traditions, customs and architecture, resulting in a unique atmosphere. There is nothing quite like being in an arid climate and walking down streets with names like Bismarck Strasse (named after Otto von Bismarck, former Chancellor and founder of the German Reich), looking at roofs built at very steep angles (to keep the snow off), while encountering vibrant and cheerful Herero women on the streets dressed in their traditional clothes. Contrast this with being out in the widlife reserves and parks and watching giraffe walking across the extensive salt pans of Etosha, observing masked antelopes — Gemsbok (also known as Oryx) and Springbok — striding up the steep arid red dunes of Sossusvlei or tracking desert elephants in the Skeleton Coast. The contrasts are everywhere for everyone to savour, enjoy and photograph.
The country is gaining maturity as a safari destination and is fast becoming one of Africa's hottest attractions. Visiting the hauntingly diverse Skeleton Coast has to be one of the best safaris in Africa. Etosha National Park, the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the interior of Damaraland and the Kaokoveld and more recently Serra Cafema on Namibia's remote northern border with Angola have started to draw seasoned travelers to Africa looking for an African experience with a difference. New small intimate camps and lodges have been built in remote locations to cater for these new visitors looking for that wonderful safari experience.
As distances are so vast in Namibia, we prefer to fly our clients from camp to camp. This gives more time for exploring on the ground. Longer driving safaris are only recommended if you have upwards of 10 or 12 days. The roads are well-marked and smooth but long and often dusty. Time is needed to make a driving safari enjoyable.
Namibia is the ideal destination for those in search of unforgettable scenery. With the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls being next door, many combine a Namibia safari with a Botswana or a Zimbabwe safari for the ultimate bush and desert experience. Cape Town is only two hours' flight away from Windhoek, and this also makes a great combination.
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