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.
Namibia is a large country in the western part of Southern Africa. Its western border is formed by the Atlantic Ocean. To the south is the Orange River that separates the country from South Africa while up north, crossing the Kunene River will put you in Angola. To the east lies Botswana. The capital city is centrally located Windhoek.
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 Namib Desert stretches all along the Namibian coast. In the south, Sossusvlei is a popular destination because of its proximity to some very high sand dunes, among them the famous Dune 45. Towards the north you'll find the area known as the Skeleton Coast with its many shipwrecks. Animals in this desolate desert include oryx, springbok, jackal, desert elephants and, along the coast, seals. Parts of the desert are off-limits because of diamond mining, though.
The second-largest Namibian national park is Etosha. This is one of the best places to see a variety of wildlife, from antelope to lions. They come for the water of the Etosha Pan, a large salt pan that forms a gathering place for thirsty animals especially during the dry winter months.
Less visited but by no means less spectacular is Damaraland. This is a place of rocky, almost lunar landscapes. There are many surprises here, including the ancient rock paintings of Twyfelfontein and Brandberg, the rock formation known as Vingerklip and a petrified forest. It's not as desolate as you may think either. Local community organizations offer trips to go track rhinos and elephants.
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.
To make your African dream a reality, no matter what your budget, you only need to contact your local travel agent. Otherwise, book a package deal online. Many of these deals are all-inclusive and you only have to worry about getting to Windhoek and remembering to pack your camera.
Namibia is a large country in the western part of Southern Africa. Its western border is formed by the Atlantic Ocean. To the south is the Orange River that separates the country from South Africa while up north, crossing the Kunene River will put you in Angola. To the east lies Botswana. The capital city is centrally located Windhoek.
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 Namib Desert stretches all along the Namibian coast. In the south, Sossusvlei is a popular destination because of its proximity to some very high sand dunes, among them the famous Dune 45. Towards the north you'll find the area known as the Skeleton Coast with its many shipwrecks. Animals in this desolate desert include oryx, springbok, jackal, desert elephants and, along the coast, seals. Parts of the desert are off-limits because of diamond mining, though.
The second-largest Namibian national park is Etosha. This is one of the best places to see a variety of wildlife, from antelope to lions. They come for the water of the Etosha Pan, a large salt pan that forms a gathering place for thirsty animals especially during the dry winter months.
Less visited but by no means less spectacular is Damaraland. This is a place of rocky, almost lunar landscapes. There are many surprises here, including the ancient rock paintings of Twyfelfontein and Brandberg, the rock formation known as Vingerklip and a petrified forest. It's not as desolate as you may think either. Local community organizations offer trips to go track rhinos and elephants.
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.
To make your African dream a reality, no matter what your budget, you only need to contact your local travel agent. Otherwise, book a package deal online. Many of these deals are all-inclusive and you only have to worry about getting to Windhoek and remembering to pack your camera.
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