Namibia is a country of startling contrasts that straddles two great deserts; the Namib is the oldest desert on the planet, and its sea of red sand lies along the Atlantic coast. The eastern interior encompasses the Kalahari that sprawls across the border into neighbouring countries.

Namibia never fails to enthral its visitors, with narrators clamouring for new and better ways to descibe its many facets, grandeur and splendour. Its safari destinations have become well-known as have the colourful indigenous people who, together with the wildlife and dazzling landscapes, make for a fascinating African destination.

SOUTHERN REGION

Tailored overland trips area are available to this area. This style of safari allows for the more budget-conscious still to have the opportunity to explore and see other regions of Namibia.We recommend that overland trips are conducted with a reputable operator. Contact our offices for more information.

ABOUT NAMIBIA:

The San peoples may have inhabited what is now Namibia more than 2,000 years ago. The Bantu-speaking Herero migrated there in the 1600s. The Ovambo, the largest ethnic group today, migrated in the 1800s. In the late 15th century, the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to visit Namibia. Formerly called South-West Africa, the territory became a German colony in 1884. Namibian territory was taken over by South African forces and in 1921, it became a mandated territory of the League of Nations, under the administration of South Africa.

On 21 March 1990, Namibia achieved independence from South Africa and is governed as a Republic with President Hifikepunye Pohamba and Prime Minister Nahas Angula currently governing a population of just over 2 million people. Current President of Namibia is Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba.

GEOGRAPHY:

Namibia is bordered in the north by Angola and Zambia, on the east by Botswana, and on the east and south by South Africa.

The country has four main geographical regions: the arid and barren Namib Desert, which runs along the entire Atlantic coast, an extensive central plateau, the western fringes of the Kalahari Desert in the east; and an alluvial plain in the north that includes the Etosha Pan, a large salt marsh.

CAPITAL:

The capital and largest city of Namibia is Windhoek with approximately 221 000 people residing and the “summer capital", as Swakopmund is known, has a population of about 26 000.

LANGUAGES:

The official language is English, although German, Afrikaans and a variety of Bantu dialects are also spoken.

CLIMATE:

Namibia has a temperate climate characterised by hot and dry conditions with little rainfall along the coast. Temperatures are moderated by cold Benguela currents while periods of winter drought alternate with summer rainfall between October and March with the interior experiencing slightly higher rainfall. Average temperatures in summer range from 30–35-C and in winter early morning temperatures can get as low as 0-C with warm days.

DEPARTURE TAX:

Please check with us whether the departure tax (if applicable) is included in the ticket price as this, as well as the amount charged, may change.

VISAS:

Namibia does have visa regulations for certain countries. We recommend you check with our offices prior to travel.

GEOGRAPHY:

Botswana is roughly the size of France, covering 581 730 sq km. The country is 80% covered by the Kalahari, though much of the area is grassed, scrub or lightly forested.

CAPITAL:

Gaberone is the capital and home to 200 000 people. Other main towns include Francistown, Maun and Kasane.

LANGUAGES:

Setswana is the national language and English is the official business language and is widely spoken throughout the country.

CLIMATE:

Summer runs from October to March with temperatures of more than 40°C at midday. Winter from May to August, brings lovely sunny days but cold nights and early mornings. The rain is in summer and mainly in December and January.

DEPARTURE TAX:

Please check with us whether the departure tax (if applicable) is included in the ticket price as this, as well as the amount charged, may change.