Untouched and untamed are words that sum up this vast and contradictory land. Namibia has been referred to as ‘ the land God made in anger’. It is a place where rolling deserts seem to slip into a turbulent coastline. Rich and colourful traditional cultures have combined with German, European and South African customs and architecture to give Namibia its own unique atmosphere. Evocative and romantic names such as Skeleton Coast, Sossusvlei, Etosha and Caprivi set the imagination on fire. Colours and contrasts abound for everyone to savour whether it is the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the cold deep blue Atlantic Ocean, purple mountains or the powdery white desert elephants, Namibia is an assault on your senses.

Why Visit Namibia?

• Vast unspoilt spaces and natural scenic beauty without any evidence of civilisation
• Wildlife and bird watching in abundance
• Unusual geological features, such as the Fish River Canyon, Brandberg, Spitzkoppe and the unique star shaped dune mountains in Sossusvlei
• Dune Boarding on the highest dunes in the world
• A diverse and colourful population
• Etosha Pan – an oasis in the centre of the vast semi-desert region, one of Africa’s largest game reserves
• The Namib Desert, which is the only desert, that is home to elephant, rhino, lion and giraffe and one of the world’s oldest living plants – the welwitschia mirabilis.
• Fresh oysters of the finest quality found at Luderitz and Swakopmund

Fact File

Namibia is situated on the South West coast of Africa, and is straddled between 2 deserts, the Namib Desert along the Atlantic coast and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior. Namibia is larger than France and Great Britain combined. It is a land of huge contrasts from huge sand dunes in the Namib Desert to the mopane woodland of Etosha National Park. Rock outcrops are sculpted by strong winds into amazing forms, and plants such as the welwitschia are endemic to Namibia, and all are well adapted to the harsh extremes of desert and semi desert life.

Sections of the coastline are marked on the map as prohibited areas as diamonds are found and mined on the beaches. The early German settlers built sophisticated towns – one even had a bowling alley, on the promise on the great wealth from these diamonds. These towns were later abandoned and the desert is slowly reclaiming these ghost towns. Kolmanskop near Luderitz is the most famous of these.
Tourism is a major player in the Namibian economy, and there are a number of small intimate lodges as well as larger properties, all of which are of world standards for an unforgettable holiday in this friendly country.

Currency

The currency is the Namibian Dollar (N$), which is made up of 100 cents. It is directly linked in value to the South African Rand.

Climate

It is generally a hot, dry area, although the rainy season does bring some relief to the summer heat. In winter the temperatures drop significantly at night, where fires, and jerseys are needed, but the winter days are warm. Areas along the Atlantic coast can experience thick cold fog rolling in off the sea, as the waters of the Atlantic are cold, in contrast to the heat of the desert. July to October is peak season for Namibia, but a number of properties remain open all year with different rates for shoulder and low season.

Passports and Visas

A valid passport is required. Certain nationals require visas and as this is never a constant, we would strongly recommend that you check with the nearest Namibian Embassy or South African High Commission for the latest requirements. All passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months.

Getting There

Air Namibia has direct flights from London and Frankfurt; Lufthansa and South African Airways also fly into the capital, Windhoek. The road network is well established but owing to distance and the size of this country, light aircraft are frequently used.

Travel Insurance

All visitors are responsible for their own international travel and medical insurance. You are strongly recommended to obtain the necessary travel insurance prior to your departure, which must include cover in respect of emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses and repatriation expenses.

Health

Malaria is a ‘limited risk’ in the northern game areas and visitors should exercise common sense precautions regarding exposure to mosquitoes. It is advisable to drink bottled water whilst in Namibia.

What to Pack

Cotton clothing is recommended for summer months, as well as hats, sunglasses and a high SP factor sunscreen. Always pack for hot and cold conditions, no matter what part of Namibia you are visiting.

Where to Stay

We have featured some of the finest properties in Namibia to highlight the diversity of this magnificent country. There are a host of excellent properties available which we would be delighted to discuss with you when we are arranging your itinerary.

Impalila Island Lodge – Caprivi

Impalila Island Lodge is a 16-bed luxury lodge with much to offer discerning clients.

The island is situated at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers at the place where 4 countries meet - from the air an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and bushveld - on the ground exceptional birdlife, game viewing and assorted vegetation - and in the waters outstanding fishing opportunities. Impalila is also the most secluded and remote of the Chobe destinations but close enough to offer guests the very best of the Chobe river – that is game viewing by boat.

Little Ongava – Ongava Game Reserve – Etosha

Little Ongava is built along the crest of a hill within the Ongava Game Reserve – a 70 000 acre private game reserve on Etosha’s southern border. The lodge has wonderful views onto the plains and is the ideal lodge from which to base your activities when visiting Etosha. Accommodation comprises of three spacious luxurious suites, which have

their own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, a “sala” and additional outdoor shower. The dining and lounge area have a view of the waterhole in front of the camp. Activities include game drives into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha and into the game reserve where guests can see Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok, Hartebeest, White and Black Rhino.

Ongava Lodge - Ongava Game Reserve – Etosha

Ongava Lodge offers accommodation in 10 thatched chalets each with its own bathroom.

The main lounge, pub and dining area is situated close to the top of the foothills of the Ondundozonananadana Range.Guests can track Rhino on foot or go on a game drive to view Elephant, Lion, Black Rhino, Springbok, Gemsbok and Hartebeest. Leopard and Cheetah also occur in this area. The bird life is good with Ostrich, Pygmy Falcon and raptors in abundance.

Serra Cafema – Kunene River

Serra Cafema is located in the extreme northwest of Namibia and gets its Portuguese name from the mountains to the north, that dominate the skyline. The camp is built within an island on ancient Albida trees on the banks of the Kunene River.

This river is the only permanent source of water in the region. The camp’s 7 tents are raised off the ground with en-suite bathroom facilities. The camp has a pub, dining room and pool for guest’s enjoyment. There is so much to do here that it is recommended that guests stay for a minimum of three nights. Facilities also include quad bikes, boating and fishing.

Skeleton Coast Camp – Skeleton Coast

Skeleton Coast Camp has exclusive use of approximately 600 000 acres of the Skeleton Coast Park.This incredible area has soaring sand dunes, towering canyons, mountains,

saltpans, seal colonies and shipwrecks. Fresh water springs sustain a variety of animal life, including the Desert Elephant, the elusive Brown Hyena, Haartmann’s Mountain Zebra and the Blackfaced Springbok. The camp has 7 luxury-tented rooms all with en-suite facilities and an open air dining ‘room’, under an ancient leadwood tree.

Damaraland Camp - Damaraland

Damaraland Camp is 90km inland from the Skeleton Coast and represents the sustainable integration of communities, the environment and wildlife. The camp enjoys endless vistas across arid plains, ancient valleys and soaring peaks. The Desert Elephant and Black Rhinoceros are a highlight of game drives in this area, and birdwatchers will be delighted with the rare species sighted here.

Nine large Meru-style walk-in-ensuite tents are situated around a main living area and a natural rock swimming pool. Stargazing is superb because of crystal-clear night skies.

Sossusvlei Wilderness Lodge

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is located on a 46 000 acre private nature reserve with spectacular desert scenery. The camp has been built near the top of a mountain out of brick, rock, timber and thatch.

There are 9 guest rooms each with their own private plunge pool and en-suite bathroom. The main living area is under thatch with an outdoor deck for dinner under the stars. Guests can go on game drives to the Sossusvlei dunes or in the nature reserve to see Springbok, Gemsbok and Ostrich. Bat-eared Fox, Cape Fox, Brown or Spotted Hyena and Aardwolf may be sighted on night drives.

Optional balloon rides over the Namib are also available.

Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge

Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge offers a unique and stylish desert experience. 10 stone and glass desert villas situated along a curve of an escarpment providing the rooms with their private verandas with breathtaking desert views. The desert, its plants and its creatures can be observed by 4x4 quad bikes or by open 4x4 safari vehicles.

The lodge has a sophisticated observatory where one may scan the skies free from the light pollution of any major city.

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge – NamibRand Nature Reserve

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, situated in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve in southwestern Namibia, is close to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei. Wood and canvas structures built on stilts give the feeling of a tented camp whilst providing the comfort and protection of a permanent building.

The nine spacious and carefully furnished chalets including the Mountain View Suite have private verandahs that overlook the surrounding desert. Wolwedans offers a desert experience that focuses on personal service and an interpretive wildlife encounter. Activities include scenic drives, walks, and hot air ballooning over the dunes.