Namibia
Namibia is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Africa, if not the world. Stunning scenery combining vast deserts and dunes (Namib and Kalahari), the Naukluff Mountains, Fish River Canyon, expansive coastline, excellent safari wildlife, outstanding landscapes...
In short, Namibia has it all.
This destination lends itself perfectly for a fly/drive. the roads are quiet and satelite navigation will make sure you do not lose your way. Be aware, this is a rugged country and many of the roads ard not sealed, in fact most roads are gravel and rubble tracks. A 4x4 wheel drive is recomended especially if you are familiar with them, but the majority of the roads can easily be traversed with the standard 2x4 wheel drive. Which ever you choose you are certain to be awe struck by the views.
For more information, just Ask the Traveller.
Local weather information
Windhoek
When is the best time to travel
Namibia is a destination which can be visited year round.
The desert areas and the west are as expected generally very dry.
However, we believe the best time to visit is during the cooler months with less rain from May to October.
Game viewing is best around September/October time, but as its drier it can be quite dusty.
Visiting from November to March can be extremely hot with temperatures especially in the south averaging over 95 degrees fahrenheit. In addition the rains fall heaviest during January to March in the form of localised thunderstorms, this can make driving a little less enjoyable.
All of that said Namibia is a destination with enough complexity and variety to make a stay at any time thoroughly enjoyable.
Peak Season:
June to September
Alternative:
May (lush green areas, but also getting drier - visually stunning) or October to December (Still okay year round)
Namibia in brief
Namibia is a vast country as many African nations are. A relatively sparsely populated country with an exceptionally good road infrastructure.
The official language is English, but both Afrikaans and German are widely spoken.
When people think of Namibia their usual first thought is that this is a country of vast desert area. They would be correct, but with a land this big there is a diversity of flora and fauna that is truly impressive. In addition, if you are a fan of geographical visual splendors, then this nation may well tick all the boxes.
This destination is perfect for those who love fly/drives, plus the added bonus of wildlife in the form of more controlled safari's further north in Etosha or perhaps being lucky enough to glimpse desert Elephants in Damaraland.
Finally, we believe Namibia is a great family holiday, especially for those with kids over 5 years. It's safe, with good variety of things to do and see and of course there are no language difficulties. It should also be mentioned although the flight times can be longer, the time difference from the UK of only 2 hours make transition from flights to exploring relatively pain free.
We work with the leading african experts in this fascinating destination.
If you need more information, go on, AskTheTraveller.
Namibia history & Culture
The first signs of early human life in Namibia date back as far as 12 to 15 million years ago.
Tribes from across Africa settled both in the north and in the southern areas. Europeans began conolising from about the 18th century. Germans were the predominate race and from 1884 to 1914 Namibia was defined as a "German protectorate".
Though colonisation was achieved relatively peacefully, after a while the local tribes realised that their traditional way of life was under threat and rebelled, only to be defeated with decisive action up until 1908.
At the beginning of the first world war South Africa which occupied the south west of Africa was endorsed by the league of nations to govern the country. This was officially revoked by the UN in 1966, but South Africa refused to acknowledge this. What followed were many years of conflict between South Africa and Namibian liberation movement (SWAPO).
In 1990, political independance of Namibia was granted and the country became a member of the commonwealth of Nations.