2016 An Eagles Impression

Namibia, a timeless Adventure

“A land of contrast & dramatic beauty - exuding a timeless appeal. From awe-inspiring landscapes combined with untamed wildlife, it’s a boutique bucket list destination.”

In south western Africa lies a land of compelling fascination. A land for those who worship at the shrine of Africa at its most resplendent, but also at its most unconventional. This is Namibia.

Described by the bushman as the “Soul of the World”, Namibia is rugged, natural, soulful and liberating. While the forces of nature have been fierce and unforgiving, they have also been bountiful. In this cauldron of heat and relentless force, God has created landscapes that are paralleled in their beauty only by the most exquisite diamonds found here. Imagine huge canvasses, uninhibited by man’s limitations, splashing swathes of colour of the monumental, star shaped dunes of the Namib Desert and the surreal Salvador Dali’esque Deadvlei, with its white clay pans, red dunes and blue skies. The awe-inspiring mountain ranges of some of the last true wilderness areas in Damaraland and the forlorn, windswept skeleton coastline. As all Africa, Namibia has abundant wildlife in our National Parks as well as the large tracts of land which lie unfenced and unfettered for wildlife to traverse. Much of this land has been made available to the local communities, and both these, as well as private land of many farmers who have banded together, have been declared as local conservancies. Namibia also has the richest succulent flora in the world, harbouring about one-third of the world’s approximately 10,000 succulent species. Namibia is a melting pot of sights, sounds, aromas, tastes and emotions in abundance, just waiting to be experienced. 

Namibia is home to the infamous Skeleton Coast, that forlorn and rugged coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. It is here where we find the Namib Desert, the World’s oldest desert and a World Heritage site, from which the country gets its name. The eastern expanses are dominated by the Kalahari Desert; the central highlands are renowned for its free-roaming wildlife and the Etosha National Park. Kaokoland and Damaraland are where we find some of the most dramatic landscapes, the uniquely adapted desert animals and the proud Ovahimba people. And to top it off – the contrast of the lush forest vegetation of the Zambezi region, part of the KAZA Transfrontier National Park. Like the diamonds mined here, Namibia is a true gemstone waiting to be discovered.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Namibia’s appeal lies in its dramatic mix of spectacular landscapes, iconic cultures and African wildlife. The Namib Desert is home to the world’s highest dunes and oldest desert plant known to man. The Fish River Canyon is surpassed in size only by the Grand Canyon, while the 60 ton Hoba Meteorite is globally the largest of its kind. Namibia’s wildlife is exemplary and home to the Big 5, albeit, unlike a zoo, not found in one area. A great portion of Namibia falls under communal land, where the tourist can interact with age-old cultures such as the Himba, Damara and the Bushmen. Swakopmund, wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the desert dunes and fondly known as Namibia’s playground, is a must for adventure and leisure tourists.

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Namibia is an all-year destination with over 300 days of sunshine. The dry winter months are generally better for game viewing and with clear cold skies, one of the world’s most sought after stargazing destinations. In wetter months, our green season, calving season commences and birding as well as botanical safaris are spectacular. The wide range of national parks ensure an unforgettable wildlife experience throughout the year.

ADVENTURE

Join expert rangers in Damaraland tracking desert elephant or black rhino, or experience the allure of the Namib Desert from a hot-air balloon. Hike the second largest canyon on earth, or learn first-hand survival practices from real Bushman while following them into the Kalahari. Watch dolphins and other aquatic animals on a catamaran cruise on the Atlantic Ocean or enjoy a roller coaster quad bike experience in the Namib Desert dunes.Enjoy your own self-drive adventure in national parks and untouched wilderness areas, meeting the cultures and relishing the freedom of endless space.

SHOPPING

All larger cities and towns offer high quality shopping and culinary experiences equal to European standards. While Windhoek’s high-end shopping malls are ideally suited to cater to all shopping needs, the centre of the city still offers streets where some smaller boutique style or owner managed outlets exist. Swakopmund has not yet acceded to the commercialism of malls and the town is still built around a small centre of busy shops. These more laid-back small arcades and cafeterias, all reachable on foot, promote a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Throughout Namibia guests can stop at informal markets en-route to their next destination to shop for wooden souvenirs, minerals, clothing or even traditional food.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Namibia has the highest concentration of Cheetahs on earth
• Namibia is the second least populated country
• 46% of Namibia’s surface area is under conservation management
• The entire coastline of Namibia is protected by national parks
• Etosha national park boasts 114 different animal species

Botswana is well known for having some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas on the African continent. With a full 38 percent of its total land area devoted to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas – for the most part unfenced, allowing animals to roam wild and free – travel through many parts of the country has the feeling of moving through an immense Nature wonderland. Botswana is a rarity in our overpopulated, over-developed world. Untamed and untameable, it is one of the last great refuges for Nature’s magnificent pageantry of life. Experience here the stunning beauty of the world’s largest intact inland Delta – the Okavango; the unimaginable vastness of the world’s second largest game reserve – the Central Kalahari Game Reserve; the isolation and other-worldliness of the Makgadikgadi – uninhabited pans the size of Portugal; and the astoundingly prolific wildlife of the Chobe National Park. Botswana is the last stronghold for a number of endangered bird and mammal species, including Wild Dog, Cheetah, Brown Hyena, Cape Vulture, Wattled Crane, Kori Bustard, and Pel’s Fishing Owl. This makes your safari experience even more memorable, and at times you will feel simply surrounded by wild animals. The first – and most lasting impressions – will be of vast expanses of uninhabited wilderness stretching from horizon to horizon, the sensation of limitless space, astoundingly rich wildlife and bird viewing, night skies littered with stars and heavenly bodies of an unimaginable brilliance, and stunning sunsets of unearthly beauty. As well, with more and more cultural tourism options on offer, you will be charmed by the people of Botswana, visiting their villages and experiencing first-hand their rich cultural heritage. But perhaps most of all, Botswana’s greatest gift is its ability to put us in touch with our natural selves. It offers that vital link so keenly felt by inhabitants of the developed world, a pervasive void we feel but often cannot name – our connectedness with Nature and the astonishing diversity of plants and animals to be explored.

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.