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NAMIBIANamibia The Republic of Namibia is a vast, sparsely populated country situated along the south Atlantic coast of Africa between 17 and 29 degrees south of the Equator. With its surface area of 824 268 square kilometres, Namibia is the 31st largest country in the world. It stretches for about 1 300 km from south to north and varies from 480 to 930 km in width from west to east. .jpg "namibialong_wall_(Small).jpg") Namibia, previously known as South West Africa, is bordered by South Africa in the south, Angola and Zambia in the north and Botswana and Zimbabwe in the east. The oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert stretches along the whole west coast of the country, while the Kalahari Desert runs along its southeastern border with Botswana. .jpg "rogerdelaharpe30305_(Small).jpg") Image courtesy of Roger de la Harpe http://www.africaimagery.com/ .jpg "rogerdelaharpe100365_(Small).jpg") Image courtesy of Roger de la Harpe http://www.africaimagery.com/ .jpg "rogerdelaharpe31997_(Small).jpg") Image courtesy of Roger de la Harpe http://www.africaimagery.com/ The country is demarcated into 13 regions, namely the Caprivi, Kavango, Kunene, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto regions in the north, the Omaheke. Otjozondjupa, Erongo and Khomas Regions in the central areas and the Hardap and Karas regions in the south. The Capital City: The capital city Windhoek is situated 1 650 meters above sea level in the central highlands of the Khomas region and has an estimated population of 233 529 (2001 Census). Windhoek is a cosmopolitan city with excellent hotels, restaurants, shops, banks and hospital facilities and houses the three branches of government, namely the executive, legislature and judiciary. Namibia's Climate: The Namibian climate varies from arid and semi-arid to subtropical with the generally temperate desert coast offering sometimes fog-ridden days with temperatures between 5° C and 20°C. The central, southern and coastal areas constitute some of the most arid landscapes south of the Sahara. The hottest months are January and February, with average day temperatures varying between 9°C to 30°C. During the winter months that stretch from May to September minimum temperatures can fluctuate between –6°C and 10°C at night to recover to 20°C after 11:00 in the day. Frost occurs over large areas of the country during winter, but in general winter days are clear, cloudless and sunny. Overall Namibia is a summer rainfall area, with limited showers occurring from October and building up to peak in January and February. .jpg "namibiafascinating_dunes_(Small).jpg") .jpg "namibiagiraffe_at_sunset_(Small).jpg") .jpg "namibiaelephant_img000551crop_(Small).jpg") Image courtesy of Namibia Tourism - www.fotoseeker.com WHAT’S NEW IN NAMIBIA – 2008/2009 Are you wild about art? Art Safari (www.artsafari.co.uk/01394 382235) is a new concept in safaris and in painting holidays to enhance people's appreciation and knowledge of wildlife and landscape. Also guests are taught art (watercolour and pencil mostly), which can be developed into finished paintings at home - or just treat it as diary pages. Book now for 2009 and 2010 Rainbow In The Dunes tours which highlight Namibia’s stunning wildlife, dramatic seascapes and red and orange landscapes. Budding Ray Mears and Bear Grylls’ experience survival of the fittest! –(www.woodsmoke.uk.com/p/v/Expeditions/Kalahari+Bushcraft+Adventure/) Woodsmoke Bushcraft & Wilderness is offering the chance to learn desert survival skills with the world’s last hunter-gatherers, Namibia’s San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. The two-week wilderness expedition is a hands-on experience teaching participants to hike, build, gather, trap, dig and cook within the incredible desert landscape. 2009 dates are 28 October – 11 November and costs £1,995 (excluding flights). NEW Windhoek luxury boutique hotel – The Olive Grove is a stylish new guesthouse which has opened in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Located in a renovated house, the new boutique hotel features a sumptuous and delicate mix of Moroccan and Indonesian themes. Its 10 rooms and executive suite cater extremely well for the discerning traveller. Each room comes with a large veranda for al fresco dining, open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and access to the hotel’s tranquil gardens. For further information and rates visit www.olivegrove-namibia.com. Major Kempinski developments planned for Namibia – Kempinkski hotels are investing in four Namibia properties. A new Windhoek hotel will be built in the city centre, next to the Kaiser Krone shopping complex. In Swakopmund, the existing Strand Hotel will be completely rebuilt to complement the town's existing architecture. Further investment includes a major upgrade of Mokuti Lodge. Operating as Kempinski Mokuti Lodge, it will be the first five star lodge near Etosha National Park, and in Namibia. Large-scale developments are also planned for Chobe King’s Den Lodge on the Chobe River in the Caprivi. NEW Taleni Etosha Village! - The brand new Taleni Etosha Village, situated near the magnificent Etosha National Park, combines affordability with comfort and style. Situated near the magnificent Etosha National Park, the new family friendly development offers the balance of a modern resort with a traditional African village. Its forty safari tents are fully equipped with en suite bathroom, kitchenette and BBQ area. For more information visit www.etosha-village.com NEW Air Namibia Walvis Bay route launch – Air Namibia has launched its new international route, linking Cape Town and Johannesburg to Walvis Bay. Following both local and international demand, the route will improve access to Namibia’s harbour and Erongo mining region. Flights from Cape Town to Walvis Bay are direct, whereas passengers from Johannesburg travel via Windhoek. For more information visit www.airnamibia.com.na Gondwana Collection Namibia – The company’s Mule Trekking Trails across Fish River Canyon has enjoyed a very successful first season. Exploring the second largest canyon in the world, guests are able to hike freely across the scenic landscape and camp under the starry skies, accompanied by their four-legged hiking companions. Rates for the 2009 season (March – October) start from N$5,500 per person. Gondwana Collection Namibia has also launched its new Etosha Safari Lodge. Situated 10km south of the Andersson Gate, between Outjo and Okaukeujo, the lodge is the ideal start point to discover the park’s magnificent wildlife. Two kilometres away, Etosha Safari Camp has increased its capacity to 50 twin-bedded chalets. Excellent value rates start from N$650 per person at Etosha Safari Lodge, and N$395 per person at Etosha Safari Camp. Visit www.gondwana-collection.com for more details. NAMIBIA KEY THEMES FOR 2008/2009 ASTROLOGY As 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, Namibia’s clear, unpolluted skies offer the most breathtaking opportunities for stargazing, especially away from the lights of its capital city, Windhoek. Situated in the Southern Hemisphere, you can see 70% more of the galaxy than anywhere in Europe. Some recommended places to visit include: - Hakos Guest Farm, located at the top of the Gamsberg Pass offers guided star tours, and even has its own astronomical observatory. - Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge is in a perfect setting because of its rural location, in the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Tribute to its prime position is the lodge’s own observatory, housing the most powerful electronic telescope in Namibia. Every room has an expansive star-viewing window above the bed, as well as a personal compact telescope. The lodge even has its own in-house astronomer to guide you through the galaxy - Amani Lodge is at an altitude of 2150 meters in the Khomas Hochland Mountains. There you can view the stars through one of the biggest amateur telescopes in Africa. TRIBAL COMMUNITIES Namibia is a well-known destination for its rich ethnic diversity of cultures. The well-known examples are the Himba women, with their intricate hairstyles and ornamental copper necklaces and anklets. The Herero women are recognised with their distinctive Victorian-style dresses, whilst the Nama and Damara speak with fascinating click sounds along with the hunter-gatherer San/Bushmen. The people are very talented and contribute fully to the country’s tourism industry in terms of arts & crafts and music. The Namibian Community Based Tourism Association (NACOBTA) helps communities to understand the benefits of tourism. Not only does tourism help the country financially, but also helps sustain its time-honoured and valued traditions. NACOBTA offers a range of tours to experience the day-to-day lives these tribes lead. For more information visit www.nacobta.com.na FAMILY FRIENDLY DESTINATION Namibia has long been a favourite family holiday destination, with its unforgettable and interactive, touch-look-and-learn holiday approach, which can be enjoyed by all ages. Ideas for family fun include: - Sossusvlei Dune Experience – The garden sandpit pales in comparison; imagine how much the kids will enjoy careering down 300 meters of apricot coloured sand at Sossusvlei, home to the world's highest sand dunes. - Wildlife - Learn about the different animal species that Namibia has to offer, from the big five to the smallest reptile species. Namibia offers endless safe and exciting safari travel options. - Seal Colony and Ocean Cruise Safaris - The Cape Cross reserve is a breeding ground for Cape fur seals and is certainly worth a visit. Alternatively enjoy cruise safaris in Walvis Bay, Namibia’s major harbour town, and experience a magical encounter with seals and pelicans, which can be fed from the boat. - Living desert experience – There are many companies in both Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offering living desert tours that combine 4x4 or quad bike adventures and close interaction with the desert’s animals and plant life. Tours enter the nearby dune belt of the Namib Desert for an educational, yet fun experience. - Active adventures - Kids and parents alike will have a fabulous time sand boarding and quad biking on the dunes around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Known as Namibia’s activity centre, these towns offers a host of different activities, from quad biking to sand surfing. - Visit/learn from local communities – See how the Himba live and experience day-to-day life in their village. Kids will be fascinated as they go on guided walking safaris with the San people, learning ancient hunting methods and survival skills. FLORA IN NAMIBIA There is an abundance of unusual plant life in Namibia, which is not to be missed. Many of their features have been developed to survive and even thrive with the generally arid conditions and unpredictable rainfall. It’s true to say that Namibia’s desert truly blooms! There are also 200 endemic plant species, 4300 higher plant species and 422 grass species indigenous to the region. ANIMAL MAGIC Namibia has 26 parks and reserves making its abundant wildlife one of its greatest tourist assets. The most famous of these parks is Etosha National Park, home to 114 mammal species. Northwest of Etosha lies Kaokoland and Damaraland which is world famous for the desert adapted rhino and elephant. Namibia also has the largest and healthiest population of cheetahs left in the world. Because the Caprivi is ‘Namibia’s Wetland Paradise’ it is also a bird paradise with over 400 species of birds. Across the country 620 bird species have been recorded to date, and the Walvis Bay wetlands are internationally renowned for large concentrations of waders, flamingos and shore birds. A horse or camel riding holiday in Namibia can also be one of the most exhilarating ways of experiencing the natural environment, and a perfect alternative to see the country. LUXURY NAMIBIA Namibia offers luxury accommodation, some situated in the most remote and scenic settings, close to nature and wildlife. This provides an unbeatable African experience with all the luxury that you will require. The camps and lodges are beautifully designed, intimate and comfortable with delicious food and charming hosts. Usually each lodge or camp takes only ten to sixteen guests. Many of the lodges have their own landing strip, so visitors can travel in luxury and experience a bird’s eye of Namibia in a small 6 or 8-seater plane. VOLUNTOURISM P.A.W.S is a new initiative working alongside Namibia’s Conservation and Big Cat Rehabilitation Programme. The program enables volunteers to restore Africa’s fragile and delicate ecosystem and wildlife to its original state, and recreate sustainable tourism. Located at Okonjima, home of the AfriCat foundation, this eco-tourism project is committed to the long-term conservation and release of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. Tourists can visit the Africat Foundation and join activities like cheetah tracking, feeding and have the great opportunity of filming and capturing the cheetahs from close by. For more information visit www.pawsnamibia.org or call +264 (0)81 222 4684
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