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.
Situated on the southern banks of the Zambezi River, the small town of Katima Mulilo is the capital of the Zambezi region. This riverside town is surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to an array of tropical bird species and cheeky monkeys. Katima Mulilo is the service centre for the Caprivi and serves as the commercial hub for the East Caprivi region. Visitors can enjoy a variety of interesting attractions including the vibrant street market, where arts and crafts, such as traditional grass-woven baskets, wood carvings, clothes and jewellery, can be found.
Nkasa Rupara National Park, also known as Nkasa Lupala National Park and formerly Mamili National Park, lies in the southernmost corner of the eastern ‘leg’ of Namibia, just above the border with Botswana. The largest wetland with conservation status in the country, the park boasts a biodiverse landscape of dense savannah, reed-lined rivers and lush marshes. It is also home to the highest concentration of buffaloes in the country, boasting over a thousand of these magnificent creatures. This wetland wildness is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife such as elephant, reedbuck and red lechwe. Other commonly spotted wildlife include hippo, crocodiles, leopard, hyena, African wild dog, lion, roan antelope and an array of birdlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as 4x4 off-roading, bird watching, and game drives.
Set roughly 200 kilometres east of Rundu on the southeastern banks of the great Okavango River, the small village of Divundu is a wonderful destination from which to explore the river, game parks and national reserves of the area. Visitors can enjoy fishing or bird watching boat safaris, or visit the Mahango Game Park, which is home to herds of elephant as well as hippo, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and many other animals. The spectacular Popa Falls, a dramatic series of cascades - are a popular must-see attraction. Divundu is also the perfect base for adventures in Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
Bordering Angola, on the banks of the Okavango River in northern Namibia, the town of Rundu serves as the capital of the eastern Kavango region. Rundu is renowned for its local woodcarvers market and is filled with impressive woodcarvers' workshops. The town provides a great stopover to refuel for visitors heading to Katima Mulilo, enthralling Popa Falls, or Mahangu Game Reserve, home to the endangered wild dog and lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, and hippo. Visitors to Rundu can also look forward to great game viewing, excellent bird watching as well as kayaking on the spectacular Kavango River.
Situated 450 kilometres from Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, within the Otjozondjupa Province of Namibia, Grootfontein (meaning ‘Big Fountain’) is famous for being home to the largest meteorite ever discovered on earth (located roughly 25 kilometres from the town centre). Hoba is believed to have occurred around 80,000 years ago, and its enormity is a true sight to behold. The town is also unique in that it is extremely lush and fertile during the summer months. Purple Jacaranda trees create a riot of colour around the town. Other must-see attractions include the fascinating Grootfontein Museum, and the Abenab and Berg Aukas Mines. From here, a fantastic network of hiking and biking trails lead into the wild.
Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 hectare nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat-tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.
