Namibia

The Republic of Namibia

South-West Africa is remarkable for its ever sunny Namibia, a country of deserts and diamonds. Its unique and exotic nature has gained world fame. Namibia is often referred to as the country of two deserts due to its location between the Namib and the Kalahari.

The nature of Namibia is amazing and diverse: rocks, deserts, full flowing rivers, canyons, green spaces and pebbly beaches of the Atlantic. Namibia abounds in mountain peaks and endless sands. To the west of the country, the Namib – one of the oldest and driest deserts on the earth – is located. This desert is often referred to as the sea of dunes that may rise up to 300 m, thus being the highest in Africa. Dried and cracked earth, dead trees, bright orange weathered rocks and rare flowering oasis with their fauna are typical for the Namib. Tropical jungle in the north contrast to the south-eastern desert landscapes.

The majestic Kalahari Desert, the hottest place of Africa, is located in the west of Namibia. The locals call it the Kgalagadi, meaning "a waterless place". For 500,000 years, this desert has kept secrets of lost civilizations. Its sands have always been home to the Bushmen (the San), indigenous people of South Africa. A few thousands of the Bushmen live there now. Their ancestors have left paintings on rocks and in caves, so today we can learn their past. You can enjoy this beauty in a spectacular safari by quadracycle or going hiking.

Shipwrecks often happened on the coast of Namibia, that’s why you can hear so interesting toponyms regarding places of Namibia – the Skeleton Coast, for instance. This place considered by sailors as a cursed one is located not far to the north of Cape Cross. Frequent fog, constantly changing coastline and reefs often caused wrecks and ships running aground. Some of them are buried in the sands of the Namib Desert for hundreds of meters from the coast. Today, you can see cemeteries of wooden sailing ships and fishing vessels on the Skeleton Coast.

National parks of Namibia are considered to be its “natural pearls”. You can go safariing in order to experience their wonderful wildlife. Etosha National Park is one of the greatest in the country. The park’s greatest attraction is the Etosha Pan, which in a rainy season is filled with water and turns into a lake. The National Park is located in the Kalahari Desert and is home to many mammals, including the Big African Five: buffalo, leopard, lion, rhino and elephant.

Waterberg Plateau Park is one of the "greenest areas" in Namibia. Threatened species of Africa have been brought here. High flat-topped Waterberg Plateau is a safe home for these animals. Namib Naukluft Park is another national park of the Namib. It is known for its dried and fossilized trees that create amazing surreal landscapes. It is home to many species of snakes, as well as grazing antelopes, hyenas, jackals, leopards.

The popular tourist destination of this exotic country is the Atlantic coast. You are advised to visit the resort towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, and of course, the capital of Namibia – Windhoek – the largest city of the country. It was founded during the colonial period, that’s why you can see traditional German buildings next to modern European hotels and African homes there.

Deserts and reserves aren’t the only treasure of the country. It is also rich in minerals, such as uranium, copper, silver, gold, pyrites, and others. Namibia is one of the world's largest exporters of diamonds. Deposits of diamonds are concentrated on the Atlantic coast from Lüderitz to the Orange River. The world's largest diamond mines are located in Oranjemund.

Namibia attracts tourists with its amazing traditions and unique culture. Local crafts are common for hinterlands. The craft of making women's jewellery of turtle shells or wooden pieces is practised there. Diamond, aquamarine, topaz, tourmaline, as well as gold and silver are used for jewellery.

As for local culinary traditions, Namibian national dishes are made of products that may seem exotic to Europeans. A usual meat dish can be made from the meat of antelope, zebra, crocodile, or ostrich. However, the real challenge will be a dish of fried worms or locusts with termite eggs, fried snails with garlic, and finally – a dish made from the tail of a crocodile. These and much more form the menu of an ordinary Namibian. Here you can find chicken, seafood, and porridge too. You are advised to taste Kalahari truffles, a real delicacy. Wine made of watermelon and palm vodka will surprise you.

A trip to Namibia to learn the exotic, both severe and paradisiacal place on earth.