Destination Showcase: Namibia - Dragonfly Africa...Incentive class properties Take a breather from...

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Telephone +27 11 219 5600 Facsimile +27 11 268 2010/1 P O Box 987 Northlands 2116 Johannesburg South Africa www.dragonfly.co.za Southern Africa’s Leading Travel Group Destination Showcase: Namibia Land of sandscapes & wild contrasts

Transcript of Destination Showcase: Namibia - Dragonfly Africa...Incentive class properties Take a breather from...

Telephone +27 11 219 5600Facsimile +27 11 268 2010/1P O Box 987 Northlands 2116 Johannesburg South Africa

www.dragonfly.co.zaSouthern Africa’s Leading Travel Group

Destination Showcase:

NamibiaLand of sandscapes & wild contrasts

Map o f Namib iaNamib ia

H3

Ondangwa

The Airport

SOSSUSVLEI

ANGOLA

WALVIS BAY

Etosha National Park

Opuwo

H2

H1

H4

BOTSWANA

NAMIBIA

SWAKOPMUND

WINDHOEK

H5

LUDERITZ KEETMANSHOOP

SOUTH AFRICA

CAPE CROSSHenties Bay

Ai-Ais and Fish River Canyon

Waterberg Plateau Park

Oahikango KATIMA MULILO

Caprivi Strip

NOORDOEWER

Solitaire

Mariental

The AirportThe Airport

Swakopmund Hotel

Soussesvlei Lodge

Windhoek Country Club

H1

H3

H2

Mowani Mountain CampH4

Kempinsky Mokuti LodgeH5

Namib ia

Namibia, officially the

Republic of Namibia, is

a country in Southern

Africa bordering on the

Atlantic Ocean in the

west. It shares land

borders with Angola

and Zambia to the

north, Botswana to the

east and South Africa

to the south and east.

Namibia offers

abundant diversity in

terms of landscapes,

cultures, wildlife and activities - all in one

country. Although roughly the size of Great

Britain, Namibia is sparsely populated. This can

be attributed to large parts of the landscape

diverging into the oldest desert in the world,

the Namib, as well as the northern reaches

that create some of the most inhospitable

environments on the planet. Dry river beds, rich

geological hills and incredible vistas make for an

amazing sight. In the north eastern areas, twisting

river systems and lush wetlands are home to a

treasure chest of wildlife and flora. The beauty

that is Namibia can be indescribable at times and

sweeps the imagination back to a time when man

lived at one with nature.

Other gems include the hauntingly beautiful

vastness of the Skeleton Coast, famed for

claiming ships as trophies; the Etosha National

Park with its abundance of wildlife including

elephant and black rhino; the riveting colours

of the Namib Desert painted in hues of red and

gold; the deep chasms of the geologically rich

Fish River Canyon and the sprawling beauty of the

Caprivi region. It offers something for everyone

in terms of activities, from adrenalin pumping

skydiving, hiking trails leading toward endless

horizons and a champagne boat cruise on the

undulating Atlantic.

What makes Namibia unique?

Namibia is an all-year-round wilderness

destination

Vast, unspoilt natural scenic beauty

Abundant wildlife and birdlife

A rich diversity of geological phenomena, such

as the Fish River Canyon, Brandberg, Spitzkoppe

and the unique star shaped dune mountains in

Sossusvlei

Namibia boasts two spectacular deserts – the

Kalahari Desert and Namib Desert, each with its

own distinctive wildlife and scenery

At 80 million years, The Namib Desert is the

oldest desert in the world and the only desert

that provides home to elephant, rhino, lion and

giraffe, as well as one of the world’s oldest living

plants – the Welwitschia mirabilis.

The world’s highest sand dunes are at Sossusvlei

in the Namib-Naukluft National Park

Etosha Pan – an oasis in the centre of the vast

semi-desert region and one of Africa’s largest

game reserves

Diverse cultures: from San/Bushman, Portuguese

and German influences to the Himba people still

living their age-old traditional lifestyles

A variety of exciting activities such as; Dune

Boarding on the highest dunes in the world

Fresh oysters of the finest quality found at

Lüderitz and Swakopmund

Namibia is virtually free of

tropical diseases

Most visitors enter Namibia at Hosea Kutako

International Airport, located 45km east of

Windhoek. International flights arrive regularly

throughout the week from Johannesburg and

Frankfurt via a number of carriers including Air

Namibia. Connecting airports include: London /

Frankfurt / Munich / Johannesburg / Cape Town /

Maun / Victoria Falls & Luanda.

Other airlines with scheduled flights to Namibia

include British Airways, South African Airways,

LTU and TAAG, the Angolan national airline. The

airport terminal offers a selection of shops and

restaurants, also ATM’s and other helpful services.

There are direct flights from both Johannesburg

and Cape Town into Walvis Bay Airport and

Luderitz Airport respectively.

From Hosea Kutako International Airport,

Air Namibia flies to the following domestic

destinations:

Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, Oranjemund

From Eros Airport in Windhoek, Air Namibia flies

to:

Ondangwa, Rundu Airport and Mpacha Airport

A few light aircraft shuttle flights are available

into the Sossusvlei and Etosha areas, but

most areas necessitate a private charter from

Windhoek. These are relatively inexpensive and

save time for the busy traveller.

Air Namibia is now offering flights from Windhoek

to Victoria Falls and Harare.

Access I n fo rmat ionNamib ia

Partially covered by the Namib, one of the world’s

driest deserts, Namibia’s climate is generally

very dry and pleasant. The cold Benguela current

keeps the coast cool, damp and free of rain

for most of the year. Inland, all the rain falls

in summer (November to April). January and

February are hot, when daytime temperatures in

the interior can exceed 40ºC (104ºF), but nights

are usually cool. Winter nights can be fairly cold,

but days are generally warm.

Cl imate In fo rmat ionNamib ia

Averages Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Max Temp°C 28 27 26 25 22 20 20 22 26 27 29 30

Min Temp °C 20 18 17 15 11 8 7 10 15 17 20 21

Max Temp°F 84 81 79 77 73 68 68 73 79 82 85 86

Min Temp °F 69 66 64 59 53 47 46 51 59 64 68 70

Rainfall mm 70 80 70 30 0 0 0 0 0 10 20 40

Safaris in Namibia are available year-round,

although the best game-viewing periods are

during the dry winter months of May through

September. However, since winter temperatures

can dip below freezing at night and ground frost

may be common, spring or fall months such

as October or April are the mildest. The best

months for bird viewing are November to April.

Averages Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Max Temp°C 20 20 20 18 20 20 18 15 16 17 17 19

Min Temp °C 15 15 15 12 11 10 9 8 10 10 11 13

Max Temp°F 69 69 69 66 69 69 65 60 62 63 64 67

Min Temp °F 59 59 59 55 53 51 49 47 50 51 53 57

Rainfall mm 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

WINDHOEK

SWAKOPMUND

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Take a breather from your hectic schedule

and reconnect with yourself and nature at the

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.

Located deep in the heart of Namibia’s ancient

Namib Desert in Southern Africa, the lodge is a

secluded and serene oasis that overlooks awe-

inspiring dunes and stony outcrops. A world

of vast spaces, endless horizons and rugged

mountain tops, the utter tranquillity and

extraordinary clarity of light make this area one

of Africa’s most compelling landscapes.

Cradled against ancient mountains, looking

out onto a broad rocky plain that rises towards

distant dunes of fiery sand, Sossusvlei Desert

Lodge boasts a location that is at once dramatic

and serene. Fantastically formed rock formations

vie for attention with massive sand dunes as the

shifting rays of the sun bring the landscape to

life.

With just ten villas constructed of stone and

glass, guests can enjoy the solitary splendour

of this remote landscape in privacy. Suites are

air conditioned against the heat of day and cozy

fireplaces ward off the chill of winter.

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge | 5* Property | 10 suites | www.andbeyond.com

Namib ia

Scheduled charter flights operate to the Sossusvlei

Desert Lodge airstrip from Windhoek, where guests

are greeted and transferred to the lodge, a mere

six minutes’ drive away.

Guest areas flow into vast desert views, as the

stone and glass structure of the lodge melts into

wraparound verandas. Cool water gushes from an

underground spring into the refreshing lodge pool,

while an extensive walk-in wine cellar provides

refreshment of a different sort. Mouth-watering

dinners are served by lantern light on the open

dining deck or in a surprise location in the nearby

dunes. When night falls, the resident astronomer

reveals the mysteries of the stars in the state-of-

the-art observatory.

If you’re up for something more active, quad biking

adventures, hikes and walks will let you explore

the surrounding scenery and satisfy your sense

of adventure. Nature 4x4 trails are available to

explore the spectacular scenery.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Situated adjacent to the oldest desert in the

world, Sossusvlei Lodge is a luxurious retreat in

this premier tourist area of Namibia. Shaded by

camel thorn trees, the lodge blends perfectly

with the spectacular desert surrounds and bears

testament to the ingenuity of an eco-friendly

design.

The separate accommodation units are carefully

laid out in harmony with the magnificent natural

environment. Each fully air-conditioned unit

offers a patio, an en-suite bathroom with shower

and a spacious bedroom under canvas with adobe-

style plaster walls. Family units are available,

with inter-leading doors, otherwise all the rooms

are the same.

Access is either self-drive: well-maintained

Sossusvlei Lodge | 5* Property | 45 rooms | www.sossusvleilodge.com

Namib ia

gravel roads (accessible to all vehicles – not

only for 4x4’s) or via air (charter or schedulled):

approximately 1 hour by air from Windhoek,

Swakopmund or Walvis Bay.

A dip in the sparkling pool or an ice cold beer

under the shady trees in the Acacia beer garden

makes for the best relaxation after an eventful

day. The al fresco terrace offers magnificent views

of the floodlit waterhole where you can watch the

passing parade of oryx, springbok, jackal, ground

squirrel and hyena, whilst enjoying exquisite food

and wine. Indeed a visual and culinary contrast,

bearing in mind the relative remoteness of this

exceptional location.

Explore the vastness of Namibia’s unspoiled natural

environment with the Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure

Centre. Choose from guided Sossusvlei trips, hot

air ballooning, eco-friendly quad biking, nature

drives, sundowner trips, bush dinners, guided

sunset walks, archery, stargazing and scenic flights.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

The Wolwedans Camps are located in the heart

of NamibRand Nature Reserve. The Dunes Lodge

is perched on top of a dune plateau, overlooking

panoramic vistas in all directions and capturing

the beauty of the desert in a most memorable

way.

The building style is a combination of wooden

structures and canvas blinds, opening up to the

desert beyond. The lodge offers the ambience

of a tented camp, but provides the comfort and

protection of a permanent building. Each of

the nine spacious chalets comprises an en-suite

bathroom and a private verandah, which connects

one to vast stretches of untouched sand. Sleeping

with your canvas blinds open is like sleeping

under the stars. The rooms do not have air-con.

The main complex - which was completely rebuilt

during 2003 - consists of two lounges, a number

of sundowner decks, a fireplace, a tea deck, a

library, a wine cellar and two dining rooms.

The lodge also boasts a swimming pool, which is

suspended above the sand. All communal areas of

the lodge open out onto decks with superb views.

The variety of recreational spaces makes a visit

both exciting and relaxing.

Wolwedans Dune Lodge & Camp | 5 and 4* Property | 9 and 6 chalets | www.wolwedans.com

Namib ia

The Dunes Camp provides a more relaxed, yet

stylish, experience. It offers an unparalleled

natural charm, which draws the young and more

adventurous traveler.

Positioned on the edge of a 250-metre high dune,

the Dune Camp sleeps a maximum of 12 guests

in a totally pristine setting. The comfortable and

spacious tents (recently completely revamped)

are pitched on wooden platforms, each includes

a private bathroom. A generous deck allows for

safe sleep-outs under the stars, imparting a rather

civilized camping experience (non air-conditioned).

The main tent houses a lounge, dining area and

an open-plan kitchen where you can chat to the

desert chef, while he prepares lavish meals. Enjoy

a cold drink around the campfire on the sundowner

deck, where fellow travelers can meet and stories

of the day will make their rounds in true African

tradition.

The charm of the camp lies in its tranquil, intimate

atmosphere, capturing the romance of a bygone

era. Dune Camp requires a minimum stay of two

nights and a day-safari where you will learn about

small and large desert dwellers and their quest for

survival in this harsh and unforgiving

environment, with picnic lunch

en-route, is part of the package.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Enclosed by the restless, ever-shifting dunes

of the Namibian desert on the east and the

pounding waves of the Atlantic on the west,

lies the historic town of Swakopmund, gateway

to the Skeleton Coast. The Swakopmund Hotel

and Entertainment Centre has been designed

to complement the architecture of the historic

(1902) station building which today forms part

of the hotel’s public areas. The hotel offers the

perfect balance between charming, old world

tradition and the thrill and excitement of modern

day entertainment.

The rooms are bright and spacious, decorated in

the Victorian style and most offer a pleasant view

of the pool terrace. All rooms include mini-bars,

individual air-conditioning, TV’s, tea and coffee-

making facilities, bathrooms with bath, shower

and toilet, direct-dialing telephones, electric

Swakopmund Hotel | 4* property | 90 rooms | www.swakopmundhotel.co.za

Namib ia

razor plugs (100/200V), and hairdryers.

Platform One, a 160-seater Victorian-style

restaurant, has been carefully designed to take

you back to the old world charm of a bygone era.

Choose between a gourmet à la carte menu or the

famous specialty buffet spread.

Business meetings are well catered for with a wide

range of options and optional extras. On offer

are several venues, all fully air-conditioned and

perfect for screenings, lectures and presentations

for up to 460 delegates.

Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre

is home to the Mermaid Casino, which boasts a

variety of games including American Roulette,

Stud Poker, Blackjack, slot machines and the latest

interactive video slot machines.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Developed as a resort within the city,

the Windhoek Country Club Resort offers

businessmen, conference delegates and leisure

travellers the best of both worlds. The resort’s

unique combination of exceptional service

and luxury accommodation set in tranquil

surroundings, has ensured its reputation

as ultimate destination for comfort and

entertainment in Namibia.

The hotel offers a variety of rooms, from

Hollywood twins to suites. The spacious 105

Hollywood twin rooms are perfect for singles or

couples. With a comfortable double bed, walk-in

closet and full bathroom with separate shower,

you will be well taken care of – no matter how

short or how long your visit.

Windhoek Country Club Resort | 4* Property | 152 rooms | www.windhoek.co.za

Namib ia

The on-site Casino offers slots machines, poker,

American Roulette and Blackjack tables.

Also included are 2 main restaurants - The Chez

Wou Oriental Restaurant and The Kokerboom

Restaurant.

Windhoek Country Club is connected to the

convention center and offers a variety of venues

for up to 900 delegates. It is also situated close to

Independence Stadium and Hero’s Acre. Other area

points of interest include Alte Feste and Zoo Park.

Recreational amenities include an 18-hole golf

course, an outdoor pool, a lazy river, a health club,

and a fitness facility.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Mowani Mountain Camp is located in the vast

and unspoiled wilderness between the Ugab and

Huab Rivers in Southern Damaraland. Sustainable

eco-tourism and community upliftment is of the

utmost importance at Mowani. Guides from the

local tribes accompany daytime game drives

to track mountain zebra, kudu, springbok,

klipspringer and, if you are fortunate enough,

leopard! Days are filled with game drives, hot

air balloon trips over the Aba-Huab Valley,

champagne breakfasts and al fresco meals

beneath Mopani trees in the dusky landscape.

Mowani offers 6 standard rooms with valley views,

6 standard view rooms with hilltop vistas, 1 luxury

room and 2 luxury suites. Suspended in your own

universe, it is easy to forget that located between

the ancient granite boulders and connecting paths

are 12 thatched en-suite rooms... each with a

story of its own.

Included in the accommodation rate is the shuttle

service between the Twyfelfontein airstrip and

the camp. Charter flights are available between

Windhoek and Twyfelfontein. For self-drive guests

Mowani Mountain Camp | 5* Property | 15 rooms | www.mowani.com

Namib ia

the distance to Windhoek is approximately 420

kilometers (5hrs).

There are plenty of ways to relax at Mowani

Mountain Camp.

Discover the pool deck, lodged between the

boulders where you can soak up the sun and take

in the breathtaking views with a refreshing drink

by your side. Adventures and activities at Mowani

include guided nature drives to search for the

elusive desert elephant and hiking excursions

through the magnificent landscape.

Visitors at Mowani Mountain Camp can also take

an excursion to explore the historical site of

Twyfelfontein. Twyfelfontein offers a rare example

of Bushman art, where engravings and paintings

appear in tandem. This wonderful archaeological

site offers more than 2,500 engravings as well

as various paintings, and is probably the finest

example of rock engraving in Southern Africa.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Mokuti is situated two kilometres from the

Eastern Entrance of the world-renowned Etosha

National Park in the northern part of Namibia and

is easily accessible by road or by air. There are

charter flights available between Windhoek and

Mokuti. For self-drive guests from Windhoek, the

travelling time is approximately 5 ½ hrs, on a

tarred road.

Guests can choose any one of the Kempinski

Mokuti Lodge rooms to indulge in the sensual

contrast between untamed nature and

sophisticated luxury. All rooms combine European

appointments with the traditional African charm

of thatched chalets. En-suite bathrooms with bath

or shower, air-conditioning, satellite TV, a mini-

bar and private safe all come standard. Don’t be

surprised if, in the sprawling, tranquil garden,

you meet a bontebok or a giraffe on your way to

your room.

Kempinski Mokuti Lodge offers a range of

restaurants and bars, combining African flavors

Kempinski Mokuti Lodge | 5* Property | 106 rooms | www.kempinski.com

Namib ia

with international cuisine. Two extraordinary

restaurants, as well as two bars present an

outstanding opportunity to reflect on the

experiences of your day in the bush.

The luxury spa offers an opportunity to rejuvenate

your body, mind and soul. Enjoy modern fitness

and health facilities, including a gym, a whirlpool,

facial treatments and steam and massage rooms.

The conference and event facilities can host groups

of up to 100 delegates. The bush venues immerse

guests in an African atmosphere as they indulge in

a delicious touch of local cuisine under the stars.

Join your guide on a game drive into the Etosha

National Park and catch a glimpse of the animals

as they settle down before the heat of the day sets

in. And at dusk, watch the animals again as they

head to the waterholes to quench their thirst.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Ongava Private Game Reserve borders on the

Southern boundary of the Etosha National

Park. Access from Windhoek is via charter flight

(1hr30min) into a private airstrip, or by tarred

road for the self-drive guests (6hrs).

Ongava is one of the largest private game

reserves in Namibia, covering over 125 square

miles, yet they take great pride in keeping

the experience ‘small and personal’. A limited

number of visitors are permitted at any one time,

which enables the reserve to provide unrivalled

levels of service.

The beauty of Ongava lies in the vast array of

plant life and lush vegetation, including the

Mopane woodlands which are unique to this part

of Namibia.

The lodge is managed by Wilderness Safaris and

offers excellent views over the reserve from its

elevated position. It has the atmosphere of a

traditional African Camp and includes 10 chalets

built from rock and thatch – each with a veranda

and air-conditioning.

Ongava Lodge | 5* Property | 10 chalets | www.ongava.com

Namib ia

The main lodge, bar and dining area offer

panoramic views over the plains and the floodlit

waterhole, which attracts large numbers of game.

Morning game drives normally take place in Etosha

National Park, while afternoons and evenings

are spent in Ongava’s own reserve. In addition,

hides and walks with armed guides are available

on the private reserve. Ongava has resident

white and black rhino, providing guests with the

unique opportunity of viewing both species in the

same venue. For those who enjoy close wildlife

encounters, tracking white rhino on foot with an

armed guide is a highlight not to be missed. In

addition the reserve also has a good population

of lion, eland, Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, black-

faced impala and a number of other antelope

species.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Onguma Reserve, bordering on Etosha National

Park, boasts five unique lodges for guests to

choose from and cater to every traveller’s

individual needs. Onguma - The Fort offers iconic

style and elegance, dramatic and commanding,

ideal for seekers of luxury and discerning

travellers. Onguma Tented Camp (7 tents) is a

small and intimate camp, ideal for romantics

looking for an under-the-canvas safari experience.

Onguma Tree Top (4 tree houses) offers a rustic

safari experience on stilts, ideal for small parties

travelling together. The classic safari styling

of Onguma Bush Camp (19 rooms) caters for

families, while Onguma Etosha Aoba (10 rooms) is

a traditional bush lodge offering warm hospitality

and a superb wine cellar.

The Fort is the only one of its kind in Namibia. It

is ideally situated to provide guests with one of

the best sunset vistas in the whole of Namibia -

overlooking the exquisite desolation of the Etosha

Pans, adorned by only wild animals and hundreds

of Camel Thorn trees.

Accommodation at Onguma - The Fort consists

of 12 mini-suites, all adjacent to the Main Fort

and extending on both sides to the south and the

north. Each mini-suite offers complete privacy

Onguma - The Fort | 5* Property | 40 rooms | www.onguma.com

Namib ia

and is situated approximately 50 metres from

the neighbouring unit. Each suite comes with a

bar fridge, telephone and an air- cooling system,

while spacious bathrooms boast inside as well as

outside shower areas. Large wooden decks provide

extended outdoor seating areas with sun loungers

for relaxation and enjoying the magnificent view.

The Fort Suite is situated inside the main tower of

the main complex.

Onguma Reserve comprises 34 000 hectares of

Namibian wilderness and is home to a vast array

of game, more than 300 bird species as well

as three members of the Big 5 (lion, leopard &

rhino). Following a morning game drive into Etosha

National Park, visitors have several options to

choose from when they return to camp:

• An afternoon sunset nature drive on the

Onguma Reserve where our expert guides

explain the many intricacies of the bush.

Duration: approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

• A night drive after dinner to explore Onguma’s

night life and search for nocturnal creatures.

Duration: approximately from 1 to 2 hours.

I ncent i ve c la s s p roper t ie s

Epacha Game Lodge & Spa is located on top of the

hills of the Epacha Private Game Reserve, which

borders the main road to Etosha National Park. Its

gate is situated only 60 km from the entrance to

the park. The lodge opened in 2001.

Epacha Game Lodge & Spa comprises 18 luxury

chalets, all with an en-suite bathroom. Each of

the individually decorated chalets comes with a

private balcony, complete with a breathtaking

view over the bush. All chalets are equipped with

air-conditioning, a mini-bar, a safe, ceiling fan

and coffee and tea facilities.

In keeping with the African-Victorian style, all

chalets are furnished with antiques and decorated

in subtle, relaxing colours.

Epacha Game Lodge and Spa | 4* Property | 18 chalets | www.epacha-lodge.com

Namib ia

Guests can spend time relaxing in the lounge

with its view over the waterhole, or in the

library, smoking room, billiard room or pool bar.

Rejuvenating, stress relieving therapies and

facilities in the Mystique Spa include the following:

sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, splash pool, thelaso

therapy room, treatment rooms and outside

treatment areas.

Guest can partake in various activities including

game drives on the Epacha Private Sanctuary, night

drives, game drives to the Etosha National Park and

guided walks. The Epacha Game Reserve is home to

21 antelope species as well as endangered species

such as the black rhino and the sable antelope.

Sossusvlei’s rich ochre sand dunes offer one of the

most mind-blowing sights you could ever hope to

see. The oscillating crests rise to an astonishing

320m and, with their sense of timelessness, create

an unforgettable wilderness in the heart of the

world’s oldest desert. Dwarfed by the sheer size of

the highest dunes on earth, ascending footprints

look like insect trails leading into infinity.

This magnificent conservation area offers incredible

diversity and is the most photographed area in

Namibia.

Sossusvlei is located approximately 5 hours from

Windhoek and accessible only by gravel road. 4x4

vehicles are generally recommended. Alternatively,

scheduled charter flights are available (1hr10min

flying time) from Winedhoek.

H i gh l i ght s

Covering an area of 22 270km², Etosha was

proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in

1907. The park consists of saline desert, savannah

and woodlands and counts among the largest

game reserves in Africa.

Several of the 114 species of mammal found in

the Park, appear on the rare and endangered

list whilst others are endemic to north western

Namibia and south western Angola. About 340 bird

species can be found in the Park of which a third

are migratory.

The definitive feature of the Etosha National

Park is the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow 5000km2

depression which is a bleak expanse for most of

the year. On the fringes are waterholes which

attract elephant, lion, herds of zebra and

antelope. South of the park, at Otjiwaronga,

is located the Foundation dedicated to the

preservation of cheetah and leopard.

Etosha is situated approximately 6 hours’ drive

from Windhoek and can easily be reached in one

day. Alternatively, scheduled charter flights are

available from Windhoek or Walvis Bay .

Etosha National Park

Namib ia

Sossusvlei

In the far south of Namibia, the Fish River rises in

the centre of the country, before flowing south into

the Orange River, on Namibia’s border with South

Africa. In between, it has formed the great Fish

River Canyon – the largest canyon in the southern

hemisphere, and second only to Arizona’s Grand

Canyon in terms of size. Approaching the Fish River

Canyon from the north is like driving across Mars.

The vast rocky landscape breaks up into a series

of spectacular cliffs, formed by the Fish River as it

meanders between boulders over half a kilometre

below. Its size is impressive: 161km long, up to

27km wide and almost 550m at its deepest. Keep in

mind that the river is seasonal and generally only

flows in the rainy season from January to April.

H i gh l i ght s

Founded in 1892 during the period of German

colonial rule, Swakopmund served as the

territory’s main harbour for many years. In

1884, South West Africa – the future Namibia –

was declared a German Protectorate. By 1907

Swakopmund had the largest European population

of any German colony in Africa, the town was a

hive of activity – a quaint town had emerged out

of the desert!

Today this picturesque desert town, hedged by

desert and sea, is enhanced by lush green lawns,

palm trees and carefully tended public gardens.

Swakopmund is popular amongst visitors because

of its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere.

Architecture from a bygone era adds to the

time-out-of-place atmosphere of Swakopmund.

When approached from the interior, domes,

turrets and towers on the skyline appear as a

hazy desert mirage. Much of the distinct German

colonial character has been preserved and many

of the town’s old buildings and homes have been

converted into shops, offices and other utility

services.

There are daily scheduled flights from Windhoek

to Swakopmund (Walvis Bay).

Swakopmund

Namib ia

Fish River Canyon

African savannah with shrubs and acacias, sandy

dry riverbeds, massive granite mountain tops and

tabletop mountains are characteristic of the wildly

romantic scenery of Damaraland. Springbok and oryx

graze in the savannah; the famous desert-adapted

elephants move through the dry riverbeds.

Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, a National Heritage

site confers yet another distinction to Namibia: that

of one of the foremost centers of artwork in the

world. It counts as the largest open-air art gallery

in Southern Africa, its name reflecting a farmer’s

incredulity that the unreliable spring (Afrikaans:

Twyfelfontein) could have supported the Stone Age

hunter and its prey for thousands of years. Here

they assiduously carved away at the intractable rock

surfaces to imprint their indelible creations. Today,

you can browse amongst these self-same boulders

and slabs of sandstone and marvel at the grandest

spectacle of rock engravings in Africa.

High l i ght s

Windhoek

Namib ia

Damaraland

The Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is a much-photographed

desert coastline with rusty shipwrecks emerging

eerily through the thick fog. Ancient seafarers

had good reason to fear these waters - apart

from the rough seas, being stranded in the Namib

Desert was one of the most terrible fates that

could befall a sailor. Heading inland was not much

better: the barren Damaraland is very beautiful

but arid and unforgiving. Enjoy a unique flight

over the coastline.

Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is situated

in the country’s central Khomas Region and

is commonly described as a “city with a

multicultural character”. Set amidst rolling hills,

Windhoek is the perfect destination for visitors

wishing to get a real taste of Africa. The rich mix

of cultural diversity ensures something special for

every mood. Excellent restaurants serving African

and European delicacies and art and craft markets

with exquisite gifts to tempt you are some of the

highlights.The city is an important hub for travel

in and out of Namibia.

Visiting with the Himba Tribes

Sandboarding on the world’s tallest sand dune

Unique act i v i t ie sNamib ia

The Namib Desert, the oldest in the world, is

reputed to house some of the largest sand dunes

on this planet. Conquer these constantly shifting

and powerfully towering beauties by zooming down

the sheer slip faces on a traditional Swakopmund

sandboard or carve up the dune with style and

skill on a snowboard adapted for sand. Lie down

boarding: Catch your breath and gasp at the slope as

you lie face down, dangling over the edge of the slip

face, before being pushed over and sent hurtling

down the curving rolling, sandy slopes. Master the

basics on training dunes, oddly named Little Nellie

and Brigit. Once you have enough confidence, wind

your way around the dune to the terrible twins,

Lizzie and Dizzie, where a heart stopping 80km/h

can be reached.

One of the most fascinating tribes in Namibia

are the Himbas – living in the very harsh but

almost untouched Kaokoland. Embark on an

unforgettable journey to discover the unaffected

essence of the nomadic Himba tribe which has

resisted change to preserve their distinctive

heritage. On tour, you will be guided by a local

Himba guide.

Visiting a village displaying such a simple tribal

lifestyle is an unbelievable, uplifting experience.

Children adorned with bangles and necklaces sit

around unpretentious mud, stick and skin huts,

beautified women sell authentic jewellery, men

watch over the herds; all these characteristics

paint an accurate picture of the intriguing Himba

tribe. Become part of the colourful vibrant

spirit and dedicated beauty routine of the proud

Himba women. Sit in a sauna-like room thick

with smoked natural herbs to cleanse the body,

paint your body in red ochre, adorn yourself in

the beautiful hand-made jewellery and try to re-

create one of the intricate hairstyles.

This north-western corner of the country is very

remote and often difficult to visit – but there are

two ways to see it: you can drive yourself along

the southern section of the Skeleton Coast, or you

can take a fly-in safari to the more remote north

of the coast.

4x4 Adventure Rally’s

Hot Air Ballooning over Sossusvlei

Unique act i v i t ie sNamib ia

This is the most unforgettable and beautiful

experience in the Namib. The adventure begins

before sunrise when you are collected from your

accommodation, and driven to the take-off area.

Once the balloon is airborne you drift silently over

the dunes for approximately one hour. The views of

the Namib Desert are exceptional. Wherever you

land (as the wind blows) a champagne breakfast will

be waiting for you.

After breakfast, a lovely nature drive will take you

back to the take-off point. If you are planning to

splash out on one thing only while in Namibia, this is

definitely it!

For adventurous off-road enthusiasts seeking

a holiday off the beaten track, the vast open

spaces, stark beauty and often surreal landscapes

that the Namib Desert offers, provides an

experience not to be missed. The joy of

encountering virtually no traffic will salve any city

dweller’s quest to escape the hustle and bustle of

the urban lifestyle.

On the adventure trails, participants drive fully-

equipped 4×4 vehicles, custom designed for

the demanding terrain. These trips are offered

to families, groups, incentives and individuals.

Professional driver guides, in additional vehicles,

escourt the group, ensuring that the tour remains

small and personalised.

Eat ing out

Namibia’s rich tapestry of people and diverse

cultural expression is reflected in its food. This

wonderful mélange of historic influences, cultural

diversity and environment create the unique and

delicious Namibian cuisine experience.

Namibia is rich in natural resources and equally

rich in eating establishments. Windhoek, the

capital of Namibia has been referred to as the

‘Switzerland of Africa’ when it comes to eateries.

Your taste buds will be more than satisfied in

the capital with options ranging from French to

Chinese, with a whole string of popular German

and African restaurants thrown in for good

measure.

Eating Out!

Namib ia

On safari enjoy traditional African BBQ.

One of the culinary highlights in Namibia is a

private dinner in the middle of the oldest desert

in the world. Experience one of the world’s most

beautiful sunsets, followed by fine cuisine, under

the star-encrusted ceiling of the Namib.