NAMIBIA
Although dominated by the vast Namib dessert, Namibia is a land of spectacular contrasts.From the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the lush bush and abundant wildlife in Etosha National Park and the Caprivi Strip,to the ruggedly beautiful Damaraland and the stunning Fish River Canyon, Namibia is afascinating destination. Add the Skeleton Coast with its striking views of the desert, ocean, sky, bones and shipwrecks, the fascinating Himba culture in Kaokoland, the San rock paintings and the interesting architecture in Swakopmund and you have yourself a dream destination.
Etosha National Park is considered to be one of Southern Africa's finest places for game viewing.You can easily see the big 4(elephant, rhino, lion and leopard) in the park and it is one of the best parks to see the endangered black rhino and cheetah. At more than 22 000 square kilometers, it is Africa’s fourth largestnational park and consists of diverse features and vegetation ranging from grasslands, desert sand, pans, deciduous bush and mixed woodland. Oher animals to be seen include kudu, giraffe, gemsbok, zebra, hartebeest, jackal, sable and specials like the black faced impala, Damara dik dik, and roan antelope. In fact, Etosha is home to more than 110 species of mammals, over 340 bird species, more than 100 reptile species and 16 amphibian species.
Most of the game viewing is better in the drier months where animals congregate around the many pans in the park. The privately owned game reserves around Etosha offer the added experience of night drives and walking safaris which are not allowed in the national park.
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Damaraland is one of Namibia’s most scenic areas with a rugged beauty that takes your breath away.Famous for its desert-adapted elephant and black rhino, the region is also home to lion, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena, giraffe, kudu, gemsbok, mountain zebra and ostrich.
The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage of Twyfelfontein is known as the largest open air art gallery in the world with an estimated 5000 rock engravings.These rock engravings and paintings depict the inhabitants of this area and the animals they came in contact with dating back as far as 6 000 years ago.The Brandberg Mountain, which is the highest peak in the country contains a high density of San art including the famous White Lady rock painting is found in this area.
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The Zambezi region (Caprivi Strip) is a 450 kilometer strip of land which shares borders with 3 countries, Angola, Zambia, Botswana and whose border is only a kilometer from Zimbabwe. The area has 4 national parks – Mudumu, Bwabwata, Nkasa Rupara and Mahango. It is surrounded by 4 perennial rivers – Chobe, Kwando, Linyanti and the Zambezi.This well drained area is a significant wildlife area. Animals seen include elephant, buffalo,lion, leopard, roan, hippo, hyena, red lechwe, giraffe and even the elusive sitatunga. The area is also renowned to be great habitat for the African wild dog. The area is reputed to have 600 bird species! and is a prime fishing destination.The area can also be explored from one of many luxury house boats on the Zambezi River
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With some of the highest sand dunes in the world, Sossusvlei is one of the most visitedareas in Namibia. These star dunes reach heights of over 300 meters and the changing colours at different times of the day provide photographers with some of the most spectacular pictures ever. Situated in the Namib-Naukluft National Park,Sossusvlei includes Dead Vlei, anotherlandscape spectacle of dead thorn trees set in stark contrast to the white clay pan floor and the red dunes in the background.Part of The Namib- Naukluft National Park is in the Namib Sand Sea which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While one may see a few animals like black - backed jackal, springbok, oryx, and ostrich, the area is known and popular for its spectacular landscape and scenery
The Sisriem Canyon is another scenic offering in this area.The canyon,cut by the Tsauchab River is estimated to be about 2-4 million years old. It is about 40 meters deep and 3 kilometers long. It is one of the few places that hold water all year round.
Star gazing is one of the major attractions in the vast open area with very little light pollution. Most lodges and camps in the area offer a sleep under the stars option.
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Kaokoland is one of the most remote and remaining wilderness areas in Southern Africa. The main features in this spectacularly wild area are the Kunene River, The Epupa Falls, The Hartman Mountains, the Hartman Valley and Van Zyl’s Pass. This area is home to desert lions and desert elephants and the Himba and the Herero tribes.Other animals that may be seen include oryx, springbok, baboons and crocodiles
The Himba,a semi- nomadic pastoral people, who have largely kept their ethnic individuality and culture including their famous hairstyles, gleaming burnt orange skins and bare breasted women are worth a visit.
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