Namibia

about namibia

Namibia – Endless horizons.

Namibia’s identity is directly related to the Namibe desert, one of the oldest and most arid in the world. Many visitors even question how it is possible to have so much wildlife, diversity of flora and even people living around in the face of such strict conditions. This is certainly the great charm of Namibia, forget about desert stereotypes and discover breathtaking and lively sceneries.

Visitors will have the opportunity to get to know a very different Africa, during the day the landscapes are marked by the red sands of their deserts ( Namib and Kalahari ) and with the largest dunes in the world . They will also be able to contemplate the immensity of the savannas and the famous Big Five . At night, the dryness also shows its spectacle and provides a clear sky, being one of the best places in the world for observing stars .

Due to desert areas, the country has one of the lowest demographic densities and few cities. In contrast, no place on the planet has so much wildlife in these conditions, there are more than 300 species of mammals, 500 endemic species of birds and more than 100 of reptiles.

The country is young, it will face a major challenge of reconstruction because of the colonial legacy. However, it still offers travelers linguistic and cultural riches. There are more than 11 indigenous languages, and with different ethnic groups, each with its peculiarities, with its rituals and beliefs. An unimaginable destination, with many tours, land, air and water adventures .

geography

A country located in southwestern Africa, Namibia has an area of ​​more than 824 thousand km², it is three times larger than Great Britain. It is bordered on the north by Angola, on the south by South Africa, on the east by Botswana and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Caprivi Strip extends to the northeast until it reaches Zimbabwe and Zambia. The nation is divided into five regions: north, south, central, coastal and Caprivi & Kavango .

Namibia’s population is around 2.1 million people , according to the 2011 census. The population density is very low, around 2.4 inhabitants per km². This is due to the strict conditions of the desert and semi-desert areas and the consequent absence of water. The most populated regions are: Khomas , Ohangwena , Omusati . The least populated are Omaheke, Karas and Hardap . Despite rapid urbanization, most people still live in rural areas (58%) and 42% are in urban areas. Almost two thirds of the population lives in the north and the rest is in the south.

Geographic regions

The nation has five distinct geographic regions: Central Plateau (central plateau), Namib Desert (Namib Desert), Escarpment (Escarpment), Bushveld (mixed and humid forest) and also Kalahari Desert (Kalahari Desert).

The Namibe Desert extends from northern South Africa to Angola and the desert belt is about 100 km wide. Moving eastwards it gradually rises to an altitude of 600 meters. It is characterized by powerful extensions of sand dunes in its central part, in the north and south, the gravel soil dominates the landscape.

Towards the interior, the Escarpets appear, a mountain wall of up to 2 thousand meters. In fact, it is a transitional relief that is characterized by the formation of a cliff or a steep slope. The Escarpment moves to the Central Plateau, which descends slowly towards the east.

The elevations of the central highlands vary between 1,100 meters and 1,700 meters and extend from north to south. Windhoek, the country’s capital, is also located in this region, as well as most of the arable land. 
On the coast is the Namibe Desert and inland is the Kalahari Desert . Large rivers cross the territory, serving as a border with neighboring countries, such as the Cunene and Orange rivers.

Following the east is the Kalahari Basin, which is also part of the plateau, which reaches altitudes of a thousand meters in some places. It is characterized by wide sandy plains and dune mountain ranges with sparse vegetation. Another distinct geographical area is the northeast with the Ovamboland, Kavango and Caprivi regions, which receive much more precipitation than the rest of the country. The northern regions are mostly flat, Caprivi is covered with dense forest, with bushes and trees closer together.

vegetation

Namibia is an arid country, mostly composed of deserts, however, it has a wide variety of plant species, from desert and semi-desert to perennial subtropical plants. About 70% of Namibia is savanna, with shrub formations and scattered trees and the highlight is baobabs.

In the center of Namibia, the savannah with extensive pastures predominates, trees are sporadically found, some types of acacia grow near the dry riverbeds. In the northeast, where there is greater rainfall, there is the wooded savannah – with a greater number of trees. In the Caprivi strip, in the north, a relatively humid region, the savanna is interspersed with baobabs, wild figs and Makalani palm – tall, elegant trees, with long leaves in the shape of an open fan and sharp spines, their fruit is very hard and commonly used as raw material in local crafts.

Grass does not grow much in the arid south of Namibia and trees are also scarce. However, plants with large water storage capacity can often be seen in the region . The most impressive is the Kokerboom or Quivertree , endemic to Namibia and Namaqualand . It can reach a height of 9 meters and is often found in the area around Keetmanshoop and in the Tiras mountains.

However, there is an area known as “Succulent Karoo” , which has the greatest diversity of plants that store water in desert areas in the world . It extends from northern South Africa to southwestern Namibia and is listed as one of the 25 best places on the planet in biodiversity, with more than 6,000 species of plants, 40% of which are endemic. This natural phenomenon only happens because the region is located in a rainy area in winter.

The country’s vegetation has adapted to the extremely dry climate, generating exotic plants such as Welwitschia mirabilis , a national plant in Namibia, which has only two leaves, which last the entire life of the plant , they grow continuously and wear out at the tips. This plant is present in the country’s coat of arms.

climate and best season to travel

language

English is the official language , but despite the small population, Namibians have a great linguistic and cultural wealth. There are more than 11 indigenous languages, it is common to find citizens who speak two or three languages ​​and more than 50% of the population speaks Ovambo . The other most spoken languages ​​are: Dama, Nama, Afrikaans, Kwangali and Herero .

Indigenous languages ​​are taught at school during the primary level, whereas in secondary education English predominates. Other European languages ​​are also widely spoken in the country, including: German, Portuguese, Spanish and French.

visa

The Government of Namibia allows citizens of specific countries and territories to travel to Namibia for tourism, visiting friends and relatives as well as official purposes for three months with an ordinary, diplomatic and service passports without having to obtain a visa. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

Find more at www.namibia.org.za/visa-requirements/

history

The first inhabitants were the San people, who belong to the so-called “bushmen”, or “forest men” , they have lived in southern Africa for at least 100 thousand years and had a nomadic lifestyle, they lived on hunting and hunting. collect. Over the centuries, other African peoples have settled in the region. Portuguese explorers, led by Bartolomeu Dias, were on the Namibian coast in 1488.

However, it was only in the 19th century that the European presence was noticed, when in 1870 the expectation was that England would annex Namibia even as an extension of the Cape Colony, however Namibia did not represent a great economic value and England returned in relation to the protectorate and left the clear way for Germany. The territory was declared a German protectorate by Bismark in 1884 . Two years later, international borders were defined by Germany, after treaties with Portugal and England, and the territory is now called Southwest Africa.

In 1885, the Germans faced strong armed resistance from the kingdom of Herero , when Germany had to retreat to the coastal city of Walvis Bay . But it was between 1904 and 1907 that great resistance took place, first it was the forces of the Herero kingdom and then the forces of the Nama kingdom . When that conflict ended the balance was devastating, the native peoples lost more than 80% and 67% of their population, respectively. The Germans imposed their power on the battlefield through summary executions and even concentration camps where prisoners died of hunger or disease.

In 1914, South Africa invaded Southwest Africa during the First World War. In 1915, South Africa occupied South-West Africa and South African white leaders imposed their laws, known as Apartheid , on a territory that made the separation of blacks and whites mandatory and gave unequal and unfair treatment to blacks. . The League of Nations gave South Africa, in 1920, the power to govern South Africa. However, in 1946, the United Nations did not allow South Africa to annex its territory to South West Africa. In return, the South Africans also refused to leave the territory under UN protection as a Territory of Trust.

During this period, in addition to armed conflicts, economic, political and commercial boycotts, South Africa promoted an economic development that favored only the colonists between 1945 and 1989. That is why the pro-independence movement in Namibia emerged in 1947. But this movement took time to articulate, despite the creation of two party forces: the Popular Organization of Southwest Africa (SWAPO), in 1960, and the National Union of Southwest Africa (SWANU), in 1959.

Only in 1971-72, through strikes, did the two parties gain national support, but South African forces responded with arbitrary arrests, summary trials and torture. After the independence of Angola, whose country supported the Namibian independence ideals, an armed guerrilla was formed, which began to really affect the colonial economy. In 1973, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the SWAPO party as a legitimate representation of the people of Namibia. In 1988, South Africa tries to invade Angola and Angolan forces annihilated the South Africans and in response the Angolans organized the SWAPO People’s Army for the Liberation of Namibia (PLAN), which succeeded in pushing South African troops to the border between Namibia and South Africa . At that time, South Africa committed itself to Namibia’s independence in exchange for the withdrawal of Cuban troops arriving from Angola.

In the same year, the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) was established in the territory to oversee the elections, the new Constitution and the independence of Namibia. SWAPO leader Sam Nujoma emerged victorious in the 1989 presidential election, and was re-elected two more times, in December 1994 and 1999, remaining in power until March 2005. In addition, he continued as president of the SWAPO from its founding in 1960 to 2007. In November 2004, Hifikepunye Pohamba, candidate nominated by Nujoma, won the presidential election and was re-elected in November 2009.

The country still tries today to improve the difficult situation inherited from the colonial period, but it is a peaceful nation, with democratic political regime and internationally Namibia is part of the Commonwealth . Foreign aid helps to rebuild the country, as was the example of President Nelson Mandela who, when visiting Namibia in 1994, in addition to confirming the transfer of Walvis Bay to Namibia, forgave the great debt that this country owed to South Africa. South.

national parks and reserves

More than 40% of Namibian territory is in a nature preservation area, since 18% are hunting parks and nature reserves. Many parks are indicated by the impressive landscapes, many without much wildlife and others have the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) as attractions . There are many hotels and great, sophisticated and also simple accommodation options around parks and reserves, which provide a more authentic immersion experience.

The four most visited in the country are: Etosha National Park , Namib Naukluft Park, Skeleton Coast National Park and National Park Fish River Canyon.

Etosha National Park , in the north of the country, has more than 100 thousand km², making it one of the largest protected areas in the world. It is the most frequented destination in Namibia because its concentration of animals is one of the largest on the planet , there are over 300 different species of birds, a hundred species of reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can easily view the Big Five, as well as zebras, gazelles, giraffes and rare species such as the black rhino, cheetah and black-faced impala. This park has several ecosystems: a lush forest in the north and the savannah to the south, it also has dry ponds that are flooded with rain and river floods.

Namibe Naukluft Park (Namib Naukluft Park) , located in the south of the country, is vast and covers parts of the Namibe Desert, so it attracts many tourists for the beautiful arid landscapes, in addition to the largest sand dunes ever seen . The mountainous part of the park is excellent for long distance walks along the trails. Several species of antelopes, zebras, baboons, rodents are frequently seen in the area, in addition, there are more than 200 species of birds.

Skeleton Coast National Park , located in northwestern Namibia and is named after the whale bones and seals found at the site , also draws attention to the wrecked vessels that were buried by the desert sand. A mandatory stop is at Cape Cross , where seals live in a colony of thousands along the coast and also the lush setting of giant sand dunes.

The 
Fish River Canyon National Park houses the Fish River Canyon, the largest river in the country. Undoubtedly, the canyon is one of the most impressive natural beauty in the southwestern part of the country. With a depth of 550 meters, it is the second largest canyon in the world. This park also attracts adventurers from several countries because of its famous trails of about 86 km, which offer long walks that take up to 5 days and can only be covered between the months of May and September.

why namibia ?

It is a unique experience to know Namibia and see how there is human, wild life and diversity of flora in the face of the vast red sands of the deserts: Namibe (in the coastal region) and Kalahari (in the interior of the country). The Kalahari desert, which stretches over 500,000 km along Namibia and mainly Botswana, also covers parts of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola. Hyenas and friendly meerkats are part of the local fauna.

This is the perfect destination for those who want to meet different birds . Of the 887 bird species listed for southern Africa, 676 were registered in Namibia. Of these, about 500 species reproduce at the site, while the rest are migrants. Eleven species are endemic, which means that more than 75% of their total world populations are found in Namibia.

The Namibe Desert is on the Namibian coastal strip , so it is more humid and the fog is constant. Its dunes advance from the sea to 150 kilometers inland, forming a sea of ​​sand that changes color and shape according to the region . Depending on the time of day, the colors of the dunes range from yellow, through various shades of orange to purple. It is best to start the tour very early because the low sun highlights the colors and outline of the dunes. Climb the dunes to have a dimension of this desert, one of the largest is the Elim dune .

This is a destination with completely different landscapes than you are used to visiting, but one that offers aerial, land and marine adventures. Tourists can explore the dunes on foot or on quads. There are also overflights in the desert on board small single engines and even a balloon. It is possible to have another view of the dunes, canyons, the highest mountain Brandsberg (2,572 meters high) and even the famous ships of the desert. These vessels stranded on the coast were buried by the desert sand that advances over the sea.

The capital Windhoek is charming with its German colonial style, be it in architecture, cuisine, culture, dress style and educational institutions. Among the attractions are the Botanical Garden, public buildings like the Parliament and the Government House, castles, national monuments, as well as local handicraft stores .

In the coastal region, in the city of Walvis Bay , there is the famous boat trip to the Pelicans Peninsula , where there is an oyster farm and a colony of sea wolves . Pelicans, whales and dolphins bring all the charm during the trip, sea lions and pelicans even get on the boat and interact with tourists. The region is also known for good sparkling wines .

Don’t miss the Skeleton Coast , it gets its name because several skeletons of ships, whales and even human bones are found in the region. It is located in northwestern Namibia, where the Atlantic Ocean forms the coastline.

The seaside resort town of Swakopmund is always bustling and its shops, cafés are full of visitors. It has great importance because it was the main German port in the colonial period and still has strong features from that time .

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is very popular, the dry Tsauchad River formed a great valley with immense dunes and golden sand . During the floods, the waters dammed by the dunes form a large lake of white clay and salt known as Sossusvlei .

Etosha is Namibia’s first nature reserve and one of the largest in Africa. Etosha owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan , a large shallow depression of about 5,000 km² that forms the heart of the park.

Damaraland is a semi-arid area known for its cave paintings, a forest of fossilized trees, but which also offers an unmissable safari . The place is the refuge of the unique populations of both elephants and rhinos in the desert. These animals endure difficult conditions and are used to living near the dry riverbed. In this area is the Damara tribe .

Namibia has two small nomadic groups: San or bushmen (men of the forest), who speak Khoisan and also the Himba , known as the “red people”, because of the painting that covers the body .

The Himba ethnic group lives in the north of the country, has a traditional lifestyle and has not changed for a hundred years, men take care of cattle and women and children stay in the village. A mixture of fat with an ocher powder is used to protect the skin from the sun and also as a standard of beauty . Women use hair extensions with animal skin, cover only the lower part of the body, in addition to using many adornments and ornaments. In general, these people are very receptive and usually sell their crafts to improve the income of the tribe and women allow them to be photographed, unlike other tribes.

what to wear ?

The winter (May to September) in Namibia is characterized by pleasant temperatures, during the day around 25 ° C, while the nights are very cold and the thermometers even register below zero degrees . The indication is to bring summer clothes and also to face the cold at night. Always take a coat on the sidewalks for the late afternoon when it gets cold. In the summer months, temperatures can exceed 30 ° C, during this time you will need light and airy clothes.

To enjoy safaris and outdoor walks, it is recommended to carry binoculars, insect repellent, flashlight, brimmed hat or cap, lip balm, sunscreen and sunglasses in your backpack. Give preference to light, cotton clothes in light tones because it does not disturb the observation of animals, since they mix well with the vegetation in parks and reserves. Wear closed and comfortable shoes, the most indicated are the laces.

transport

For those who are going to rent a car and drive around the country, you can rest assured about the condition of the roads. In general, they are well maintained. Sand, salt and gravel roads are easy to drive even with sedan-type cars , unless it is raining, when driving is not indicated anywhere. “C” roads (as indicated in the country) are in better condition than roads marked “D” .

Public transport is not available to all tourist destinations in the country. There are bus services from Windhoek to neighboring countries. There are also many regional and domestic flights at the capital’s airport. The train connects most cities, but moves extremely slowly and makes many stops. That is why it is not so popular and is rarely full.

currency

The currency unit is the Namibian dollar (NA $) and it is linked to the South African rand, which is also the country’s official currency, with a 1 to 1 equivalence. This is because the economies of the two countries are extremely linked.

ATMs are common in major cities and towns, Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted in tourist hotels and restaurants in larger cities and towns. Dollar, Euro, Pound are easily exchanged at banks and exchange offices, as well as travelers’ checks. Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 3:30 pm, and on Saturdays they are open from 9:30 am to 11 am. Always carry money in your backpack to buy local handicrafts, especially in tribes near the desert.

vat (value-added tax)

The country has a 15% tax on the circulation of goods (VAT) that is added to the price of most products and services. It is possible to recover VAT at Hosea Kutako airport, after presenting the invoice, passport and filling out the form.

important to know

In general, credit cards are not accepted at gas stations, only cash.

The country’s voltage is 220V. Adapters can be purchased at supermarkets.

Tap water is clean, can be ingested in large cities and accommodation. However, in remote areas consume only bottled mineral water.

When driving through Namibia, pay attention to the animal signs on the track and slow down. Antelopes, goats and wild boar are abundant and cause frequent accidents, especially at night.

All dry riverbeds must be considered dangerous during the rainy season, do not drive especially when clouds are visible on the horizon. Devastating floods can occur between late afternoon and early morning. Therefore, visitors should never drive along the dry riverbed or even in camps near the river during the rainy season.

travel insurance

We recommend purchasing reliable international insurance before boarding. It must cover sickness, accident, theft, air evacuation and hospital expenses.

malaria

Malaria prophylaxis is not required to enter Namibia, but there is a real risk of contracting the disease in the following provinces: Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango (Kavango), Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa and Caprivi Strip (Caprivi Strip) . The recommendation is to seek medical advice in advance to indicate the necessary prophylaxis, especially for those who will attend these areas.

In addition, take some precautions during the trip: use insect repellent, especially at night, mosquito nets and opt for long-sleeved clothes and pants, as your body will be less exposed to mosquito bites.

A vaccine against cholera, tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid fever is also recommended, in addition to the mandatory yellow fever vaccine and the international certificate issued by ANVISA for Brazilians. So plan ahead because many vaccines need weeks to start taking effect in the body.

curiosities

Only 1% of Namibia’s land has arable land (used for cultivation) and almost half of the population is employed in agriculture.

In the steppes of Namibia, “holes” in the grass have puzzled scientists for years. In several sections, the sparse vegetation ceases to exist in almost perfect circles and leaves the soil “bald” at these points. These circles are known as “fairy rings”.

Namibia is the most arid country in southern Africa. There are only dry rivers in Namibia, they are called “riviere” and the periodic floods happen only in the rainy season, often for a few days or even hours.

The country has a very low demographic density, in compensation there is the largest population of leopards on the planet .

The ghost town of Kolmanskopt is a real mystery. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, by adventurers in search of diamonds, today it is completely abandoned and half covered by desert sands.

In the northeast of the country, we can find one of the oldest and most mysterious rock paintings in the world: “ The Lady in White by Branderberg” , designed more than 2,000 years ago and its meaning is surrounded by mysteries.

Mielie pap , a type of corn porridge, is the basis of the Ovambo diet. The drink that accompanies the main dish is Matakatu , a watermelon “wine” popular in the region . And dessert is a piece of ! Nara, a prickly melon . ! Nara (the exclamation indicates a crack in the pronunciation) has long roots capable of fetching groundwater, so the fruit survives the least fertile lands in the country – in the dry dunes and riverbeds.