|
The Northern Region
This region is probably the least visited, least accessible,
but most fascinating regions in Namibia. Dominated by rugged
mountain ranges, steep escarpments, ancient highlands and barren
valleys, it is also inhabited almost exclusively by the unique
semi-nomadic Himba tribe.
The Caprivi Strip.
Unlike most of the rest of Namibia, the Caprivi Strip is a wooded
and fertile region, and it is crossed by a number of rivers.
Two of these, the Zambezi and the Okavango, rank among the great
rivers of Africa. The strip is also the site of several game parks,
which while not offering such an abundance of wildife certainly
provide spectacular scenery and relative solitude.
The Himba Tribe
Descendants of a group of Herero herders, the Himba Tribe fled
into the remote northwest after been evacuated by the Nama
(perhaps the oldest inhabitants of Namibia and closest in origin to
the African Bushmen) The Himba are rustic people and primarily herd
and breed cattle and goats and lead a nomadic lifestyle, having resisted
change, they hold on to their rich and unique traditions and cultural heritage.
Kaokoland
Kaokoland is probably Namibia's least visited and accessible,
but certainly most fascinating region. Kaokoland is one of the last remaining
wilderness areas in Southern Africa. It is a world of incredible mountain scenery,
a refuge for the rare desert dwelling elephant, black rhino and giraffe and the
home of the Himba tribes people. Although it is harsh and offers little respite at
midday, the rugged landscape is especially attractive during the early morning and
late afternoon when it is transformed into softly glowing pastel shades.
Damaraland
South of Kaokoland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia -
Damaraland,with prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland,
massive granite koppies and mountains.Damaraland is situated inland from
the Skeleton Coast in the northwest corner of Namibia and occupies the area
from Swakopmund up to Sesfontein, and from the coast inland to Omaruru and
Outjo. It is one of Namibia's most scenic areas, and you'll see plenty of
wildlife.
Highlights of the area include:
The Brandberg - Namibia's highest mountain and home to the famous "White Lady"
Bushman Painting.
Twyfelfontein - a wonderful rocky outcrop with thousands of Bushman engravings.
A small spring at Twyfelfontein has provided animals with water for thousands of years.
The dubious nature of the spring gave the place its name (meaning "doubtful fountain").
Spitzkoppe - a typical pointed inselberg, and a place of great mystery to the ancient
San people
The Petrified Forest - which is millions of years old.
The Vingerklip (finger rock)- a towering finger of limestone that rises 35m above its base.
It is a remnant of a plateau formed over 15 million years ago.
Back
|
