Many people think of Africa as a place populated with lions, elephants and giraffes. This isn't strictly true but you'll certainly find these animals and many more in the Southern African wilderness. One way to live this African dream is with Namibia safari packages, which are affordable and will allow you to not only be one with nature but also to sample a unique culture with remnants of a past as a German colony.
Namibia is a large country in the western part of Southern Africa. Its western border is formed by the Atlantic Ocean. To the south is the Orange River that separates the country from South Africa while up north, crossing the Kunene River will put you in Angola. To the east lies Botswana. The capital city is centrally located Windhoek.
Namibia was named for the Namib Desert, which makes up much of its western part. However, most of the country is arid and hot and it's best to visit in the winter months. The weather is cooler then and because vegetation is sparse when it doesn't rain, it's easier to spot the vast variety of local wildlife. Apart from wildlife safaris, things to see include the colonial town of Swakopmund, the ghost town of Kolmanskop, ancient rock art and the majestic Fish River Canyon.
Parts of the Namib Desert can only be visited if you have a special permit, since there are diamond mines here. However, there are vast areas that are open to tourists. Sossusvlei is a popular desert destination close to majestic sand dunes. The Skeleton Coast to the north is desolate with many a shipwreck along the shore. Apart from the seals along the beaches, you may find jackal, springbok, oryx and even elephants that have adapted to life in the desert. Africa's largest national park, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, is located in the Namib too.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest in Africa. However, Etosha National Park is not far behind in terms of size. It's located in the north and is a prime wildlife-viewing destination. This is mainly because the vast Etosha Salt Pan attracts animals looking for water, especially in winter. You may spot zebra, oryx, springbok, giraffe, elephant, rhino, warthogs and lions, among others.
Less visited but by no means less spectacular is Damaraland. This is a place of rocky, almost lunar landscapes. There are many surprises here, including the ancient rock paintings of Twyfelfontein and Brandberg, the rock formation known as Vingerklip and a petrified forest. It's not as desolate as you may think either. Local community organizations offer trips to go track rhinos and elephants.
In the Kunene region is Kaokoland, where the wildlife includes cheetahs. Kaokoland is also where you'll find the Himba, a people known for their intricate hairdos and their beautiful women. If you've had enough of the aridity, head to the panhandle in the northeast. This area, the Caprivi, is lush due to the two big rivers that flow here. In addition, it's a stone's throw away from Botswana's vast Okavango Delta.
To make your African dream a reality, no matter what your budget, you only need to contact your local travel agent. Otherwise, book a package deal online. Many of these deals are all-inclusive and you only have to worry about getting to Windhoek and remembering to pack your camera.
Namibia is a large country in the western part of Southern Africa. Its western border is formed by the Atlantic Ocean. To the south is the Orange River that separates the country from South Africa while up north, crossing the Kunene River will put you in Angola. To the east lies Botswana. The capital city is centrally located Windhoek.
Namibia was named for the Namib Desert, which makes up much of its western part. However, most of the country is arid and hot and it's best to visit in the winter months. The weather is cooler then and because vegetation is sparse when it doesn't rain, it's easier to spot the vast variety of local wildlife. Apart from wildlife safaris, things to see include the colonial town of Swakopmund, the ghost town of Kolmanskop, ancient rock art and the majestic Fish River Canyon.
Parts of the Namib Desert can only be visited if you have a special permit, since there are diamond mines here. However, there are vast areas that are open to tourists. Sossusvlei is a popular desert destination close to majestic sand dunes. The Skeleton Coast to the north is desolate with many a shipwreck along the shore. Apart from the seals along the beaches, you may find jackal, springbok, oryx and even elephants that have adapted to life in the desert. Africa's largest national park, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, is located in the Namib too.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest in Africa. However, Etosha National Park is not far behind in terms of size. It's located in the north and is a prime wildlife-viewing destination. This is mainly because the vast Etosha Salt Pan attracts animals looking for water, especially in winter. You may spot zebra, oryx, springbok, giraffe, elephant, rhino, warthogs and lions, among others.
Less visited but by no means less spectacular is Damaraland. This is a place of rocky, almost lunar landscapes. There are many surprises here, including the ancient rock paintings of Twyfelfontein and Brandberg, the rock formation known as Vingerklip and a petrified forest. It's not as desolate as you may think either. Local community organizations offer trips to go track rhinos and elephants.
In the Kunene region is Kaokoland, where the wildlife includes cheetahs. Kaokoland is also where you'll find the Himba, a people known for their intricate hairdos and their beautiful women. If you've had enough of the aridity, head to the panhandle in the northeast. This area, the Caprivi, is lush due to the two big rivers that flow here. In addition, it's a stone's throw away from Botswana's vast Okavango Delta.
To make your African dream a reality, no matter what your budget, you only need to contact your local travel agent. Otherwise, book a package deal online. Many of these deals are all-inclusive and you only have to worry about getting to Windhoek and remembering to pack your camera.
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