Namibia
Prices are per person based on:
2 people US$ 5,335
4 people US$ 5,005
6 people US$ 4,730
per person
Namibia tour
Namibia
Namibia is a rough diamond as a travel destination for travelers who long for wild horizons. The country borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Angola to the north, South Africa to the south, Botswana to the east, and Zimbabwe and Zambia to the northeast. With the help of its magnificent and varied landscapes, Namibia offers you an unimaginable adventure.
Regions to be visited
The Central Plateau
The Central Plateau stretches from north to south and is bordered by the Skeleton Coast to the northwest, the Namib Desert to the southwest, the Orange River to the south, and the Kalahari Desert to the east. Most of the population and economic activities reside and take place in this region. Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia. This region is also suitable for agriculture and livestock farming. Although only 1 percent of Namibia can be used for agriculture, it is a striking statistic that almost half of the population is engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. The abiotic factors are similar to those found along the Great Escarpment but with less topographic complexity.
Waterberg Region
The moister climate of this region results in a landscape that looks greener than the majority of Namibia. Historically, the Waterberg is extremely important as it was near this sandstone formation that a significant battle between the Germans and the Herero took place on August 15th, 1904, which also marked the beginning of the first major genocide of the twentieth century. Additionally, a microclimate can be observed around the Waterberg and the sandstone composition of the mountain ensures that there are quite a few watering holes where thirsty animals can quench their thirst. (Hence the name Waterberg.) With a bit of luck, you may get to see the Damara Dik-Dik or the majestic Verreaux Eagle. The plateau is 1800 meters high, and a short 45-minute walk to the top is definitely recommended to enjoy the beautiful view over the Waterberg region.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is a large nature reserve located 400 km north of Windhoek. The park covers an area of 22,275 km² (in 1907, when it was opened, it had an area of almost 90,000 km²). The dried-up lake located in the north of the park is filled with water after each rainy season, attracting thousands of birds to the region (especially flamingos). The name Etosha originates from the Oshiwambo dialect and means “the great white place.” This refers to the large depression that forms the dried-up lake (5000 km²). The park’s protected status and various watering holes provide a diverse range of fauna. The park is home to 114 different mammal species, over 100 reptile species, and more than 340 different bird species. With some luck, visitors can spot elephants, zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, cheetahs, gemsbok, giraffes, kudus, impalas, and rhinos.
Kaokoland
Today, this region is part of the Kunene region. This part of Namibia is known as the home of the Himba tribe. The women grind ochre stone into powder and then use butter to apply it as a type of cream to their skin. We can also find the famous desert elephants and lions in the riverbeds of the Hoanib and Hoarusib. This region is one of the most authentic regions of the country and is also known for its breathtaking Epupa Falls. The Kunene River, which forms the border between Angola and Namibia, plunges through the gneiss rock and continues its journey to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean after a free fall of 38 meters. This region is a must-see for anyone who wants to witness Namibia, its culture, and its landscapes in their untamed and pristine beauty.
Damaraland
With an area of 47,990 km², the region had only 44,000 inhabitants in 1964. The main city is Khorixas and today it has a population of about 15,000. The terrain is made up of arid plains and savannas, and the landscape is dominated by mountains. Some of these mountains are remnants of ancient volcanoes (such as Spitzkoppe). The highest point in Namibia is also found here (Königstein, which is 2,573 meters high and located on the Brandberg Massif). Damaraland is known for its petrified forest, which is an ancient witness that proves that the climate was completely different millions of years ago. Various rock paintings can also be found in this breathtaking region.
The Central Coast
North of Sossusvlei, the sand desert is transformed into a stone desert that stretches from Sossusvlei to the Swakop River. This zone is crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn and is essentially flat. However, one can admire some picturesque canyons (such as the Kuiseb Canyon) and landscapes such as the Moon Valley. Although most of this desert is dominated by rocks, one can also find the transverse dunes between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Surrounded by the Namib Desert and the colder waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the west, both cities enjoy a relatively mild climate. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C. The level of precipitation is rarely greater than 20 mm per year and gutters are a rarity in both cities. The Benguela current is the main distributor of moisture through the permanent fog that can be transported up to 140 km inland by the wind. The fauna and flora of this region are strongly adapted to the natural conditions and use the moist fog as a way to obtain the necessary water. Namibia also has essential resources in abundance along this coastline, but these areas have not yet been sufficiently explored and exploited.
The Namib Desert
The Namib Desert borders the west coast of Namibia and is considered one of the oldest deserts in the world. According to the latest scientific findings, this region has been affected by arid and semi-arid conditions for 55 million years.
Due to the lack of water, most organisms survive thanks to the humid mist that enters the desert through the coast. Several reptiles (lizards and geckos) and smaller rodents (rats, mice, and moles), some of which are endemic, as well as larger mammals (such as oryx and springbok) are the only animal species adapted to this rather hostile landscape. There are also some predators found there, such as jackals, spotted and brown hyenas. As a result, several animal species have been able to adapt to the Namib Desert.
The Kalahari Desert
The arid and semi-arid sand desert of the Kalahari is located between the depressions of the Zambezi and Orange River. The desert is mostly located in Botswana and stretches into Namibia and South Africa, covering an area of approximately 900,000 km². After a good rainy season, a part of the Kalahari becomes excellent grazing land for livestock. In the Kalahari, one can still find the San or the Bushmen (the first inhabitants of Southern Africa).
