There is a great deal of open space and ample blue sky all year. Germany, Great Britain (via the Cape Colony) and, more recently, South Africa have governed Namibia or parts of it, at various stages of its history. The country finally gained independence in 1990. During these past 10 years we have seen it mature and evolve a character of its own.
The rich and colourful African culture has blended with the German, European and South African traditions, customs and architecture which has resulted in Namibia developing a unique atmosphere.
There is nothing quite like being in an arid climate and walking down streets with names like Bismarck Strasse (names after Otto von Bismarck, former Chancellor and founder of the German Reich), looking at roofs which have been built at very steep angles (to keep the snow off), while encountering vibrant and cheerful Herero women on the streets dressed in their traditional clothes. Contrast this with being out in the parks and watching Giraffe walking across the extensive salt pan of Etosha, or observing a Gemsbok (Oryx) striding up the steep arid red dunes of Sossusvlei. The contrasts are everywhere for everyone to savour, enjoy and photograph.
The country is maturing as a safari destination too and is fast becoming one of Africa’s hottest new attractions. Visiting the unique Skeleton Coast has to be one of the best safaris in Africa. The Etosha National Park, the dunes of Sossusvlei the interior of Damaraland and the Kaokoveld are all starting to draw travellers looking for an African experience with a difference. New small intimate camps and lodges have been built in remote locations to cater for these new visitors looking for that wonderful safari experience.
As distances are so vast in Namibia, we prefer to fly our guests from camp to camp. This gives more time for exploring on the ground. Longer driving safaris are only recommended if you have upwards of 10 or 12 days. The roads are long and often dusty. Time is needed to make a driving safari enjoyable.
With the Okavango and Victoria Falls being next door, a lot of people combine a Namibian safari with a Botswana or Zimbabwe safari. Cape Town is only two hours’ flight away from Windhoek, and this also makes a great combination.
