Namibia Safari – Discover The African Safari Jewel
Spitzkoppe, Namibia. Photo by Thomas Schoch (http://www.retas.de/thomas/travel/namibia2003/index.html), obtained from wikimedia commons
An African safari can probably not be more adventurous and more enjoyable than it is in Namibia. Among the top safari destinations in Africa, I don’t think there’s any that can capture and exceed your wildest imagination of the African wild like Namibia does.
Situated in the Southwest of Africa, Namibia borders South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, and the Atlantic ocean. It is one of the youngest African countries, having gained independence from South Africa in March 1990. The country occupies about 825,000 km2, making it one of the larger countries in Africa. Yet it has one of the lowest population densities in the continent.
Most parts of Namibia have desert or near-desert conditions, which are a bit harsh for human habitation. Ironically, traveling in Namibia is such a great adventure partly because of this harsh climate that leaves most of the land unspoilt by human activity.
• The Top five Safari Attractions in Namibia
1. Etosha National Park
Etosha is regarded as one of the finest and most impressive game parks in Africa. The name Etosha means “place of dry water” in the Ovambo language. Etosha national park derives its name from the Etosha pan, a vast but shallow salt pan occupying about 5000 square kilometers within the reserve. The park hosts a great variety of wild animals, among them all the African big five animals, the springbok, zebra, cheetah, kudu, hyena, black-faced impala and many other mammals and bird species.
Besides being very huge, one very striking feature of Etosha national park is its ecological diversity. From the dried salt lake to the grasslands, open plains, and patches of densely vegetated bushes, you are sure to enjoy the unusual terrain and the diverse animal species it hosts. Like most of Namibia, Etosha has a very good road network . A big part of this national park is open to the public, meaning that you can take a self-drive safari if you wish. However there are some parts that are only reserved for tour operators.
The water holes provide you with the best spots to for game watching. And when want to see nocturnal animals at their very best, you can take a guided night drive. Whichever way you decide to take your safari in Etosha national park, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the African wildlife experience of your lifetime.
2. Namib-Naukluft National Park
A giant sand dune at Sossusvlei
This vast national park covers the Naukluft Mountains and most of the central Namib desert. Here, you will find some of the world’s most rare and most weird animals and plant species. Many parts of this nature reserve are not accessible to man. Luckily however, you can easily travel to the star attractions here, Sossuvlei and Dead-vlei, and enjoy a great adventure.
Sossusvlei and Dead vlei are vast clay pans found right in the middle of the Namib desert. Gigantic sand dunes sorround these vleis, with some of the them exceeding a height of 300 meters. While the experience of climbing the highest sand dunes in the world is something you’ll definitely cherish, the scenic desert beauty of Sossusvlei and the Dead-vlei area will simply blow your mind. Photographic safaris can’t come any better than here.
3. Fish River Canyon
This is the African version of the Grand canyon. The Fish river canyon was formed in the lower parts of the fish river, the longest river in Namibia. At some points, this 160 kilometers long canyon measures as deep as 550 meters. Some disputed reports claim that it is the world’s second largest canyon after the Grand Canyon of America. What is indisputable however is that it is an impressive and breathtaking site.
Among adventure lovers, fish river canyon is even more popular because of its very challenging hiking trail. The fish river hiking trail is so tough that before you are allowed to embark on it, the authorities have to ascertain that you are in perfect physical health. If you ever want to go trekking here, you should plan your Namibia safari for the cooler winter months (May to September) because that is when the conditions are conducive for hiking.
4. Spitzkoppe
If photographic safaris are your thing, or if you are a mountain-climbing enthusiast, or if you just want to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Africa, you should make sure to visit Spitzkoppe while on safari in Namibia. The imposing Spitzkoppe mountains impressively stand out from the surrounding gravel plains.
Spitzkoppe is not very tall, only about 1800 meters above sea level. But be warned, climbing the mountains is not as easy as it may look. You need to have adequate mountaineering experience to conquer this one. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy what Spitzkoppe has to offer. Take a camping safari nearby, and you can take some incomparable scenic photographs at sunrise and sunset. Trekking around Spitzkoppe is also a great experience, giving you a chance to see some very bizarre rock formations and also sample some of the bushmen rock paintings.
5. Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a small town with heavy German influence and traditions. Apart from just being a historic coastal town, Swakopmund is also the de facto holiday capital of Namibia. Here, you can enjoy the best beach holiday in inland Africa, spend romantic moments in unrivalled relaxation, or engage in adrenaline-raising adventure sports. Some of the adventure activities available to you include hot air balloon rides, sand boarding, para gliding, and sky diving. Swakopmund has something for everyone on holiday. In short, it is the best place to unwind after a gruelling safari in the wild.
• More Information on Namibia travel:
The two websites below offer some of the best information on Namibia travel:
• Recommended Namibia Safari Packages:
Africa guide consolidates some of the best Namibia safari packages which you can book online. Click here for holidays in Namibia.
The huge saline desert of the Etosha national park is one of the most unique landscapes and surrounded by many waterholes it attracts some of the most rare and curious creatures.
South Africa is a heady mix of third and first world cultures – along with the best and least crowded beaches in the world.
Fish River Canyon sounds like an amazing place, although not for the faint hearted!