Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
The Okonjima Nature Reserve is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, located in the central region of the country, approximately halfway between the capital, Windhoek, and Etosha National Park. Covering an area of about 200 square kilometers, the reserve is privately managed.
Okonjima is famous for its conservation efforts, particularly for the preservation and rehabilitation of cheetahs and leopards. It serves as the headquarters of the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of these big cats. The foundation conducts research, provides veterinary care, and runs educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of predator conservation.
In addition to cheetahs and leopards, Okonjima is home to other wildlife species such as spotted hyenas, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and various bird species. The reserve offers a diverse ecosystem of open grasslands, rocky hills, and dense bushland, providing a suitable habitat for these animals.
Besides wildlife-focused activities, the Okonjima Nature Reserve also offers opportunities for cultural interactions and outdoor adventures. Visitors can learn about the local Herero and Himba cultures through village visits and craft markets. Hiking trails, bird watching, and visits to the Bushman Trail Museum allow guests to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve.
Overall, the Okonjima Nature Reserve in Namibia is a remarkable destination, offering wildlife enthusiasts the chance to experience the beauty of cheetahs and leopards in their natural environment while supporting conservation efforts. It is a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and education, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers.
The Onguma Game Reserve is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, located adjacent to the eastern side of Etosha National Park in Namibia. Spanning an area of about 34,000 hectares, it offers visitors a unique safari experience.
Onguma is renowned for its diverse landscape, which includes open plains, mopane woodlands, and dense bushland. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species. Visitors have an excellent opportunity to observe these fascinating animals in their natural environment.
One of the main attractions of the Onguma Game Reserve is its immediate proximity to Etosha National Park. The eastern side of Onguma borders Etosha, allowing wildlife to roam freely between the two areas. This free movement enhances the chances of spotting a wide range of animals.
Another highlight of Onguma is the strategically positioned photographic hides at waterholes. These hides offer photographers and wildlife enthusiasts a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning close-up images of wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior.
In addition to wildlife experiences, Onguma Game Reserve also offers cultural encounters and opportunities for relaxation. Cultural tours to nearby villages provide insights into the traditions and customs of local communities, while wellness facilities and swimming pools in the lodges allow guests to unwind and rejuvenate after exciting game drives.
Overall, Onguma Game Reserve provides a remarkable blend of wildlife adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.
Twyfelfontein, located in Namibia’s Kunene Region, is a site of extraordinary cultural and historical significance. Known for its rich collection of over 2,500 prehistoric rock engravings, Twyfelfontein is one of Africa’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, and mysterious geometric patterns, thought to have been created by hunter-gatherers over 6,000 years ago. The red sandstone rock formations, set against the backdrop of rugged desert landscapes, add to the region's dramatic natural beauty.
In addition to its archaeological significance, Twyfelfontein offers visitors the chance to see rare desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and oryxes. Guided tours are available, giving travelers the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and culture of this fascinating area.
Nearby Attractions:
- The Petrified Forest: A unique site with ancient fossilized trees.
- The Organ Pipes: Striking dolerite columns formed by volcanic activity.
- Burnt Mountain: A dark, eerie-looking hill with unusual geological features.
Whether you are a history enthusiast or a nature lover, Twyfelfontein provides a captivating experience that combines the ancient past with the rugged beauty of Namibia's desert wilderness.
Swakopmund is a charming coastal town and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The city blends German colonial architecture with African flair and offers a variety of activities and attractions. Situated on the coast on the edge of the Namib Desert, the city provides a wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean. The towering sand dunes and rugged coastline offer numerous opportunities for activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and dune hiking. Swakopmund is also renowned for its excellent restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy both Namibian and international cuisine. Be sure to taste local specialties made from fresh fish and seafood.
THINGS TO DO
- Dolphin Cruise (mola-namibia.com)
- Tommy’s Living Desert Tour (livingdeserttours.com.na)
- Excursion toWalvis Bay
- Fat Bike Tours (https://www.swakopfatbiketours.com/)
UNSERE RESTAURANT TIPPS
- The Tug (www.the-tug.com)
- Kücki’s Pub (www.kuckispub.com)
- Jetty 1905 (www.lighthousegroup.com.ca)
- The Wreck Restaurant (www.the-wreck.com)
TIPS
Quad biking with Desert Explorer: Looking for a bit of adrenaline? Then join Desert Explorer on a tour through the fascinating dune landscape around Swakopmund. One to three-hour quad bike tours are offered with experienced guides (www.namibiadesertexplorers.com).
The Sossusvlei region lies in the heart of the breathtaking Namib Desert and is renowned for its extraordinary beauty and majestic landscapes. Sossusvlei is a dry clay pan surrounded by massive sand dunes, including the famous Dune 45, which is among the highest in the world. The landscape of Sossusvlei is characterized by impressive diversity. The red-orange sand dunes create a striking contrast with the blue sky and the white clay floors. The play of light and shadow throughout the day produces spectacular color displays, especially at sunrise and sunset.
In addition to Dune 45, the Sossusvlei region features other unique natural attractions such as Dead Vlei, a dried-up clay pan with petrified tree trunks that have been lying in the desert sun for centuries. This surreal backdrop offers photographers and visitors unparalleled opportunities to capture the beauty and tranquility of the desert. The Sossusvlei region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Numerous activities are available, including dune hikes, photo tours, stargazing, and even hot air balloon rides to explore the impressive landscape from a bird's-eye view.
Sesriem is a small settlement that serves as the gateway to the Sossusvlei region and the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is located about 65 kilometers southwest of Solitaire and is a popular starting point for visitors wishing to explore the spectacular sand dunes and desert landscapes of the area. The name "Sesriem" refers to the six leather straps that early settlers tied together to draw water from the deep gorges surrounding the Tsauchab River. These gorges are now known as Sesriem Canyon, offering a fascinating sight with high rock walls and a dried-up riverbed.
Sesriem is also known for its picturesque campsites, lodges, and guest farms, which provide comfortable accommodations amid the desert landscape. Many of these accommodations organize guided tours to nearby attractions, including the Sossusvlei dunes, Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon.
WILDLIFE IN THE REGION: Desert Elephants | Oryx Antelopes (Gemsbok) | Springbok | Ostriches | Desert Lions | Jackals | Geckos & Lizards | Snakes
The Kalahari Desert, despite its name, receives a small amount of annual rainfall that is sufficient to support the growth of grasses and thorny shrubs. This vegetation provides food and shelter for the diverse wildlife that has adapted to this harsh environment.
The most characteristic feature of the Kalahari is its majestic sand dunes, which glow in a warm, reddish hue. These dunes stretch across a vast area, creating an otherworldly and impressive landscape. The sight of the dunes at sunrise and sunset offers a fascinating play of shadows and brings the colors of the desert to life. The silence and vastness of the Kalahari Desert give visitors a sense of seclusion and tranquility. Horizons stretch endlessly into the distance as you wander through open plains or along sandy paths.
The Kalahari Desert is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to the extreme conditions. Lions that hunt in the desert are known for their impressive manes and their ability to successfully hunt in the thorny bushland. Cheetahs, capable of breathtaking speeds, use the open grasslands of the Kalahari to chase their prey. Leopards, agile climbers, stalk their prey from trees and disappear skillfully into the dense bush. Hyenas roam the desert, playing a crucial role in scavenging carcasses, while meerkats, with their upright postures and curious behaviors, captivate onlookers. Springboks, with their distinctive ability to leap great distances, enliven the landscape, while gemsbok, with their long, curved horns, majestically traverse the plains.
ANIMALS IN THE DESERT
Lions | Cheetahs | Leopards | Hyenas | Meerkats | Springboks | Oryx | Ostriches | Jackals | Bats | Scorpions | Kudu Antelopes | Giraffes | Porcupines
