NAMIBIA- A LAND OF CONTRASTS
Namibia is one of Africa’s youngest destinations consisting of many facetted grandeur and harsh splendor of the desert. It is a photographer’s dream place having a striking diversity of seascapes, striking wildlife, rough mountains, isolated deserts and colonial cities. Although, this country is not very popular like other African countries, Namibia is a gem for travelers interested in untouched wilderness and wildlife along with landscapes of swelling dunes. Namibia is located in Southern Africa sharing borders with Atlantic Ocean, Angola, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It was under the control of South Africa for a long period and recently gained independence in 1990 following the Namibian War of Independence.
Namibia has a stable multi party democracy and is a member of United Nations, African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and many other international organizations. It is the thirty fourth largest country of the world and least densely populated after Mongolia. The country experiences heavy rainfall from January to April and dry from May to September. January and February are the hottest months though the cold Benguela winds keep the desert cool. There is a short rainy season from October to December. Although Namibia is a year round destination it is best to visit in February and March which is an ideal time for bird watching. Tourists are advised to wear shoes here as the ground is very hot during the day.
GEOGRAPHY
Namibia, is truly called the land of contrasts as it is divided into five different geographical areas each having its distinctive characteristics. The Central Plateau contains the highest peak of Namibia at Konigstein with an elevation of 8550 ft. Majority of Namibia’s population and economic activity is located in this area including the capital city Windhoek due to the presence of fertile land. Namib Desert is home to some of the largest sand dunes in the world due to the prevailing south west winds. It is said to be the oldest in the world with its awe inspiring space. There is very little vegetation here except lichens found in gravel plains. Great Escarpment is rugged region with infertile land but is still more productive than the Namib Desert. This area is covered with grasses and shrubby vegetation and consists of a number of Acacia species. Bushveld receives the maximum precipitation in the country and has been demarcated by the World Wildlife Fund because of its ecological importance. Kalahari Desert, the popular geographical region consists of isolated mountains called Inselbergs that create microclimates and habitat for organisms not adapted to desert area.
ECONOMY
The economy of Namibia is largely dependent on the abundant natural resources found here. Mining is the main occupation contributing around 25% to the country’s income. Agriculture is another source of revenue employing half of the population for their livelihood. The growth of wildlife conservancies has greatly improved the economic development of the country. Namibia is fifth largest producer of uranium. It is fourth largest exporter of non fuel minerals in Africa. Namibia also has rich alluvial deposits of diamonds along with lead, zinc, tin and silver. Namibia is also a becoming a popular eco tourism destination because of its different climates and natural geographical landscapes.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Majority of the population of Namibia consists of Black African mostly the Ovambo living in north of the country. There is also Herero and Himba people along with the main Bantu majority. Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese, British and French make up about 7% of the population and share the similar culture, origin and religion as the white and colored populations of South Africa. Christianity is the main religion consisting of Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodist and Jewish. There are about 3% of the Muslims and the rest 10% of the population follow indigenous beliefs. English is the main and official language its also most common among the younger generation. German, Oshiwambo and Afrikaans are other widely spoken and understood languages.
Tourists can enjoy the striking diversity of cultures and national origins in Namibia by visiting their markets, homesteads and local cuca shops. The country is empowering education by and making it free and compulsory for children between the ages 6 and 16 years. Although most of the schools here are state run, there are some private and semi private schools also coming up. Among sports, football is the most popular sport of Namibia due to the qualification of Namibian national football team in 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. Cricket and Rugby union are also popular and Namibian ultra marathon is considered one of the toughest footraces in the world. Namibia is proud to be the only country in the world to specially address conservation and protection of natural resources in its constitution.
WINDHOEK
Windhoek is the capital and the largest city of Namibia and is situated in the heart of the country. It serves as the main city for commercial and administrative purpose. The city is home to fine German architectural buildings including the Tintenpalast parliament building, the city’s landmark church viz. Christuskirche and the fortress Alte Feste which is the oldest surviving building housing a National Museum. Visitors can enjoy the nightlife in the lively bars, restaurants, cafés and night clubs here including the theatres and cinemas. Shopping lovers would love Windhoek for its fashionable shops selling traditional jewellery and semi precious stones and diamonds. Local crafts including beautiful wood carvings, Swakara garments and liqueur chocolates can be purchased from the Windhoek Street Market.
ATTRACTIONS
• Etosha National Park
This is one of the world’s best wildlife sanctuaries offering excellent game viewing. It protects 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 16 reptiles, one fish and numerous insects. Travellers can enjoy wildlife watching like elephants, zebras, giraffes, hyenas and some big cats. • Fish River Canyon
The fish river typically flowing between March and April is ideal for hiking offering the best trek in the country. There are hot springs with medicinal properties found here and the travellers can enjoy a dip in there. The Hiker’s Viewpoint gives a splendid view of the entire canyon and is the best place to be photographed. • Swakopmund
This is major city of Namibia. It has numerous historical sights like African Cemetery, Alte Gefangnis, Alte Kaserne and Altes Amtsgericht each depicting the traditional German architecture and heritage. Adventure lovers can do quad biking, dune buggy racing and sand boarding in the sea side resort. Art lovers can visit the Kristall Galerie which features the largest quartz crystal that has ever been found in the world along with some other crystal formations. • Other Attractions
Visitors can also visit the Namib Naukluft Park which is the fourth largest conservation area in the world, Khaudom Game Reserve has abundant wilderness, hiking in Namibia’s only mountain game park Waterberg and climbing some of world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Other places of interest are the scenic Skeleton Coast, rock engravings and rhino tracking at Damaraland, bird watching in Caprivi Strip and the Cape Cross.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
There is an international airport in the capital Windhoek catering to all international flights from Europe and North America. Air Namibia is the main national carrier flying to London and Frankfurt along with southern Africa. All border crossings between Namibia and its neighboring countries is open and the travellers can enter the country by land through Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The road network is very well developed and it is quite easy to get in the country by road. Cars and motorcycles can be hired by travellers from rental companies.
The communication system of Namibia is progressing with the advent of technology. Travellers can find internet cafes in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and the mobile network is good in most urban cities. There is a good postal service which takes four weeks to two weeks to reach Europe. The media of Namibia is quite independent enjoying freedom of press through many daily and weekly newspapers published in several languages including English. TV and Radio is both private and state run.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Tourists can try the local delicacies including the famous air dried and smoked meat. Most of the cafes and restaurants serve multi cuisine but reflect a German influence. Seafood especially oysters is popular in the coastal areas and many travellers enjoy the barbeque of game such as antelope, ostrich or zebra cooked on a ‘braai’. Windhoek lager and Tefel lager are the known national drinks though the legal drinking age is 18.
Namibia offers a variety of accommodation meeting the needs and budget of all kinds of travellers. There are good quality hotels in urban cities with modern facilities including conference halls. Camping is also popular in national parks including in Etosha National Park and Game Reserve and various places along the coast. There are also some luxury lodges in national parks which include the game drive and other activities in their stay. Visitors can experience the traditional life style of the local people by living in rural accommodation or staying on a farm.
Namibia is a dream of poets and photographers who are enchanted by its unique, ever varying magnificence. Time and space are less defined here and the visitors would wonder whether something so mesmerizing could really ever exist.
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