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 in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
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.
Established as a missionary centre in the 1800s amidst the rugged landscapes of the Kaoko and Damara regions, Ondangwa is one of the oldest historic towns in the North Central Regions. It later became a key assembly point for people in the north seeking employment in southern towns, including South African mines, during the late 1950s and 1960s. Due to its central location, the town was used by the South African Army as an administrative centre until Namibia’s independence. Ondangwa’s vibrant markets are rich with traditional crafts, clothing, and local delicacies like dried caterpillars. Visitors can explore nearby Etosha National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and scenic salt pans. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the hiking and biking trails that crisscross the area, providing a closer look at the region’s unique flora and fauna.
Lying along the west coast of southern Africa, Angola is known for its abundant natural resources, colonial architecture and winding serpentine mountain pass on the Serra da Leba. Angola’s post-civil war tourism potential is slowly emerging, and visitors who have the opportunity to explore this spectacular country will be rewarded with unspoilt landscapes and magnificent natural features such as the Kalandula waterfalls, the bizarre rock formations at Pungo Andongo and the glorious orange sands of the northern Namib Desert. The prosperous oil-rich capital of Luanda boasts modern skyscrapers, a palm-lined promenade and stately government buildings. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the Benguela Railway, which winds through the scenic countryside, visit Mussulo Island, a peninsula renowned for its beauty and explore the scattered remnants of Portuguese colonial history.
Perched at an elevation of 1760 metres, the city of Lubango rests on the Huíla Plateau of southern Angola. Created in the late 19th century for colonists from the Madeira Islands, this former settlement is characterised by Portuguese architecture surrounded by a stunning natural landscape of verdant savannah and lush forest. The area boasts abundant historical attractions that include the government palace, the cathedral, the museum, and the iconic Christ the King statue overlooking Lubango. Awash with spellbinding natural beauty, the city features the Gap of Tundavala, an astonishing gorge that slices through the Serra da Leba mountain at a depth of 1000 metres. Drive along the winding road of the spectacularly scenic Serra da Leba mountain pass and head to the nearby coastal city of Namibe.
Namibe, historically named Mocamedes by the Portuguese settlers, is a lively port city sandwiched between expansive desert terrain and the glistening South Atlantic Ocean in southwestern Angola. Namibe is the perfect base for exploring the marvellous and diverse natural landscapes that surround it, boasting beautiful Portuguese colonial architecture, quaint stores, delightful restaurants, and charming churches. Must-see attractions include the gold-sand shores of Praia das Conchas beach and the historic lighthouse that rests near the beach. Don’t miss out on a day trip to the picture-perfect Lake Arco, a shimmering inland freshwater oasis that is surrounded by striking, towering sandstone arches.
As previously described
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.
As previously described
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 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.
Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephant and hippo are often spotted roaming around the town. If on the lookout for elusive game, pay a visit to the Sedudu Valley Road, where large dead trees provide temporary homes for leopards. Within Kasane, an ancient baobab tree stands on display, once serving as a local prison. Visitors can look forward to a multitude of activities including: enjoying a game drive through the park, taking a sunset cruise down the Chobe River, visiting a local village or jumping on a day trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
