Location

On the south-western Atlantic Coast of the African sub-continent, Namibia derived its name from the Namib Desert, renown for the pristine and haunting quality of its landscape

The country shares borders with Angola and Zambia in the north, South Africa in the south and Botswana in the east

With an estimated population of 1.8 million Namibia’s population density is one of the lowest in the world

Once you get to the top of Dune 7 you enjoy a breathtaking view over the desert and the sea right next to it.

Not many places in the world offer this kind of view!

Climate

Namibia averages 300 days of sunshine a year!
The climate is typical of a semi-desert country where droughts are a regular occurrence.

September to April the day temperatures in the inland vary from approximately 15°C to 35°C, whilst the coastal regions may vary between 12°C and 22°C - at night it may cool down considerably.

During the winter months: May - August, day temperatures of 7°C to 28°C can be expected throughout. It is the best time to tour but prices also increase

At the coast dry, hot east weather may occur at times in the winter months. Rainfall season occurs from October to April
Namibia is an all-year-round wilderness destination. There are certain seasons such as the months November to March for birding with the migratory birds visiting.

December to May is good for botany, when the vegetation is green and when most plants are in flower.

There are actually more seals than people in Namibia (almost!) as Namibia is one of the least populated countries in the world (after Mongolia!)

One of best ways to experience Africa's second largest desert is by quad-bike as you feel the cool Atlantic breeze in your hair - so be sure to do the tour

Rivers

Namibia has 5 perennial rivers : the Orange River in the south
in the north the Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi and Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe rivers which form the border between eastern Caprivi and Botswana

Seasonal rivers include the Fish & Nossob (tributaris of the Orange).

The Fish River is the longest river in Namibia running through the Fish River canyon.
Other noteworthy rivers as the Kuiseb, Swakop, Omaruru, Hoarusib, Hoanib, Ugab and Khumib.

Flora & Fauna

Namibia has
14 vegetation zones - 120 species of trees - 200 endemic plant species - 100 species of lichen
Living fossil plant - Welwitschia mirabilis

Big game includes: elephant - lion - rhino - buffalo - cheetah - leopard
20 species of antelope
240 species of mammals (14 endemic)
250 species of reptiles
50 species of frogs

approx. 630 species of birds. Endemic brds include: Herero chat, Rockrunner, Damara tern, African fish eagle, Monteiros hornbill

The People of Namibia

Namibia's rich ethnic cultures are easily identified throughout the country.

Examples are the Herero women dressed in colourful Victorian-style dresses and head dresses.

The Nama and Damara people speak using a "click" language.

Himba women are unmistakable with their intricate braids and copper necklaces

Other cultures include - the Caprivians - the Coloureds - Herero - Kavango - Owambo, Rehoboth Basters - Whites - Tswana and the San

World Heritage Sites

Twyfelfontein is Namibia's first World Heritage Site with over 2000 rock engravings in the Kunene region - this representsone of Africa's largest and most important rock art concentrations.
Most of the engravings depict animals and abstract drawings and are belived to have been drawn by the "shamans" or medicine people.
In some instances an animal drawing has a double meaning, for example a kudu also represents fertility.
You think a 4x4 vehicle would be a must but the gravel roads are well-graded and a sedan is adequate for most areas

bat eated fox

Fish River Canyon

Welwitschia mirabilis

Himba lady

Twyfelfontein