Namibia
Namibia, at some 824 292 square kilometres, is Southern Africa’s second largest country (after South Africa). Directly north of its larger neighbour, Namibia has a coastline of 1 300 kilometres, and the country’s width varies from only 480 kilometres to 930 kilometres. It has been an independent state since 1991, and the capital city of Windhoek is centrally located, in the Khomas Hochland.
Not only does Namibia enjoy incredible and diverse scenic beauty, it is unique in that it is home to the Namib Desert, arguably the world’s oldest, which forms much of the coastline. To the east, its borders are within the vast Kalahari Desert.
The Southern border is most formed by the Fish River Canyon, which is 160 kilometres long, 27 kilometres at its widest point – making it second in size to the Grand Canyon. This unique landscape is now part of a National Park, and is known for its seasonal hiking trail.
Although Namibia is a very dry country, once you travel north of Windhoek, vegetation and topography changes, and you encounter the wonderful Etosha National Park (22 750 square kilometres in extent), famed for its diverse flora and fauna, and unique Pan (which takes up 4 731 square kilometres of the Park).
To the north-west is the vast and austere Kaokoveld (the northern section of the Namib), and the northern border of the country, the Kunene River. Stretching to the east is the Caprivi Strip (now known as the Zambezi Region), which extends Namibia’s borders to Zambia and, effectively, Zimbabwe. This area, bordered by the Kwando River, is lush, and is often referred to as a mini-Okavango.
Namibia is vast, sparsely populated, and offers travellers magnificent scenic beauty, diverse habitats, some excellent wildlife and unique cultural interactions. To fully appreciate this country, you do need some time, as many do not always appreciate the distances that need to be travel, and how long some journeys can take.
Not only does Namibia enjoy incredible and diverse scenic beauty, it is unique in that it is home to the Namib Desert, arguably the world’s oldest, which forms much of the coastline. To the east, its borders are within the vast Kalahari Desert.
The Southern border is most formed by the Fish River Canyon, which is 160 kilometres long, 27 kilometres at its widest point – making it second in size to the Grand Canyon. This unique landscape is now part of a National Park, and is known for its seasonal hiking trail.
Although Namibia is a very dry country, once you travel north of Windhoek, vegetation and topography changes, and you encounter the wonderful Etosha National Park (22 750 square kilometres in extent), famed for its diverse flora and fauna, and unique Pan (which takes up 4 731 square kilometres of the Park).
To the north-west is the vast and austere Kaokoveld (the northern section of the Namib), and the northern border of the country, the Kunene River. Stretching to the east is the Caprivi Strip (now known as the Zambezi Region), which extends Namibia’s borders to Zambia and, effectively, Zimbabwe. This area, bordered by the Kwando River, is lush, and is often referred to as a mini-Okavango.
Namibia is vast, sparsely populated, and offers travellers magnificent scenic beauty, diverse habitats, some excellent wildlife and unique cultural interactions. To fully appreciate this country, you do need some time, as many do not always appreciate the distances that need to be travel, and how long some journeys can take.
