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Namibia Tourism Information
A Nambia safari - the best of both worlds
If you find yourself torn between a Southern African holiday on the beach or a desert excursion, combine the best of both worlds with a Namibia safari. With the Kalahari and Namib desert in close proximity to beautiful coastal towns like Swakopmund, your Namibia safari promises to deliver a unique experience.
Namibia, formerly South West Africa, is a country
of contrasting landscapes and stark natural beauty with a
diversity of people and cultures. Situated on the South West
coast of Africa, its borders include Angola, Botswana and
South Africa, as well as the Caprivi Strip in the far North
East. The southern region has some of the most spectacular
scenery and is bordered in the east by the dry savannah of
the Kalahari and in the west by the unique Namib Desert. Located
in the central north region is one of the largest parks in
Africa - the Etosha National Park. The natural features include
Sosussvlei, the planet's highest sand dunes, and majestic
Fish River Canyon, Etosha National Park - one of the top game
viewing spots in Africa, and the famous red Namib Desert,
said to be the oldest in the world, stretches along the whole
west coast of the country, while the Kalahari Desert runs
along its southeastern border with Botswana.
Weather
The Namibian climate varies from arid and semi-arid to subtropical.
Summers are hot and sunny from November to April with summer
rains in February and March, although this varies from region
to region. Winters are generally dry with mild to warm and
sunny days from May to October. Frost occurs over large areas
of the country during the winter months. The coastal region
tends to be cool and dry throughout the year and warm clothing
is required during winter.
Some History
The San or Bushmen were accepted as the first to inhabit the
area. A wide variety of rock paintings and engravings dating
from about 29 000 to 1 500 years ago are evidence of early
human habitation. Around the14th Century, immigrating Bantu
inhabitants arrived. The region was extensively explored by
Europeans in the 19th century, when it came under German control
as South-West Africa. The exception was that of Walvis Bay
which was under British control.
South Africa occupied the colony during World War I and managed
it until after World War II. In 1966 the South-West Africa
People's Organisation (SWAPO) revolutionary group launched
a war of independence in the country. In 1988 South Africa
agreed to end its administration of the region and in1990
Namibia became an independent country. Walvis Bay was then
ceded to Namibia in 1994.
Some facts
Namibia derived its name from the Namib Desert, said to be
the world's oldest desert and the sand dunes among the highest
in the world. About two million people call Namibia home.
Find out more about our Namibia safaris by simply contacting us and we will gladly assist you.
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