Many people think of Africa as a place populated with lions, elephants and giraffes. This isn't strictly true but you'll certainly find these animals and many more in the Southern African wilderness. One way to live this African dream is with Namibia safari packages, which are affordable and will allow you to not only be one with nature but also to sample a unique culture with remnants of a past as a German colony.
Namibia is a large country in the western part of Southern Africa. Its western border is formed by the Atlantic Ocean. To the south is the Orange River that separates the country from South Africa while up north, crossing the Kunene River will put you in Angola. To the east lies Botswana. The capital city is centrally located Windhoek.
Namibia was named for the Namib Desert, which makes up much of its western part. However, most of the country is arid and hot and it's best to visit in the winter months. The weather is cooler then and because vegetation is sparse when it doesn't rain, it's easier to spot the vast variety of local wildlife. Apart from wildlife safaris, things to see include the colonial town of Swakopmund, the ghost town of Kolmanskop, ancient rock art and the majestic Fish River Canyon.
The Namibian coast is almost entirely made up of the Namib Desert, which is the world's oldest. There are stunning sand dunes here, especially in the vicinity of Sossusvlei. The northern part of the desert is home to the ominously named Skeleton Coast, where shipwrecks are a stark reminder of how rough this part of the world is. At the seashore you'll find seals while more inland you may see jackals, oryx, springbok and, surprisingly, elephants. Large areas of the Namib are only accessible if you have a special permit due to the diamond mines here but one national park to visit is the Namib-Naukluft, which is the largest on the continent.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest in Africa. However, Etosha National Park is not far behind in terms of size. It's located in the north and is a prime wildlife-viewing destination. This is mainly because the vast Etosha Salt Pan attracts animals looking for water, especially in winter. You may spot zebra, oryx, springbok, giraffe, elephant, rhino, warthogs and lions, among others.
Not too far from Etosha by Namibian standards is the region known as Damaraland. Here you'll find a vast lunar landscape with stunning rock formations. One of these is the prominent Vingerklip, which means 'finger rock'. Brandberg, the country's highest mountain, is located here too and is home to a famous rock painting known as the White Woman. Twyfelfontein has more rock paintings and the area also has a petrified forest. For wildlife, try tracking elephant and rhino on a safari presented by the local community.
In the Kunene region is Kaokoland, where the wildlife includes cheetahs. Kaokoland is also where you'll find the Himba, a people known for their intricate hairdos and their beautiful women. If you've had enough of the aridity, head to the panhandle in the northeast. This area, the Caprivi, is lush due to the two big rivers that flow here. In addition, it's a stone's throw away from Botswana's vast Okavango Delta.
To make your African dream a reality, no matter what your budget, you only need to contact your local travel agent. Otherwise, book a package deal online. Many of these deals are all-inclusive and you only have to worry about getting to Windhoek and remembering to pack your camera.
Namibia is a large country in the western part of Southern Africa. Its western border is formed by the Atlantic Ocean. To the south is the Orange River that separates the country from South Africa while up north, crossing the Kunene River will put you in Angola. To the east lies Botswana. The capital city is centrally located Windhoek.
Namibia was named for the Namib Desert, which makes up much of its western part. However, most of the country is arid and hot and it's best to visit in the winter months. The weather is cooler then and because vegetation is sparse when it doesn't rain, it's easier to spot the vast variety of local wildlife. Apart from wildlife safaris, things to see include the colonial town of Swakopmund, the ghost town of Kolmanskop, ancient rock art and the majestic Fish River Canyon.
The Namibian coast is almost entirely made up of the Namib Desert, which is the world's oldest. There are stunning sand dunes here, especially in the vicinity of Sossusvlei. The northern part of the desert is home to the ominously named Skeleton Coast, where shipwrecks are a stark reminder of how rough this part of the world is. At the seashore you'll find seals while more inland you may see jackals, oryx, springbok and, surprisingly, elephants. Large areas of the Namib are only accessible if you have a special permit due to the diamond mines here but one national park to visit is the Namib-Naukluft, which is the largest on the continent.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest in Africa. However, Etosha National Park is not far behind in terms of size. It's located in the north and is a prime wildlife-viewing destination. This is mainly because the vast Etosha Salt Pan attracts animals looking for water, especially in winter. You may spot zebra, oryx, springbok, giraffe, elephant, rhino, warthogs and lions, among others.
Not too far from Etosha by Namibian standards is the region known as Damaraland. Here you'll find a vast lunar landscape with stunning rock formations. One of these is the prominent Vingerklip, which means 'finger rock'. Brandberg, the country's highest mountain, is located here too and is home to a famous rock painting known as the White Woman. Twyfelfontein has more rock paintings and the area also has a petrified forest. For wildlife, try tracking elephant and rhino on a safari presented by the local community.
In the Kunene region is Kaokoland, where the wildlife includes cheetahs. Kaokoland is also where you'll find the Himba, a people known for their intricate hairdos and their beautiful women. If you've had enough of the aridity, head to the panhandle in the northeast. This area, the Caprivi, is lush due to the two big rivers that flow here. In addition, it's a stone's throw away from Botswana's vast Okavango Delta.
To make your African dream a reality, no matter what your budget, you only need to contact your local travel agent. Otherwise, book a package deal online. Many of these deals are all-inclusive and you only have to worry about getting to Windhoek and remembering to pack your camera.
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