Namibia - a nature enthusiast's playground
Namibia's History
Namibia (South West Africa) became a German protectorate in 1884. In 1915 the German occupiers fell to Union troops. Under the union, the country was administered by south Africa. South Africa held onto this rule of Namibia even after they became independent. Namibia fell under South Africa and was also put under the apartheid system. But the country was always somewhat separate from South Africa. On the 24th of March, 1990, Namibia gained it's independence and SWAPO, who had fought against South Africa's rule, took over as the ruling party in Namibia.
Tourism
After independence, Namibia started growth as a tourist destination. It's unique selling point was the Namib Desert, with it's huge towering dunes and vast gravel plains. Namibia also boasts a huge and interesting National Park - Etosha. In the south is the Fish River Canyon - only the Grand Canyon and the Blue Nile Gorge are larger.
Economy
Namibia's main economic base is mining. In the south a large 'Diamond Area' keeps everyone out of a large region where diamonds are mined. These diamonds are alluvial diamonds, deposited in sediments along the Atlantic coast, north of the South African border. In the central part of the country, Uranium is an important mining commodity. There is some concern from the environmental community about the uranium mining, however, it is an important employer in Namibia.
Towns
Windhoek is the countries capital city, though it's really a big town. Other important towns include Swakopmund, Luderitz, Keetmanshoop, Rhundu, Walvis Bay (very near Swakopmund,) and Katima Molilo. Windhoek is located roughly smack bang in the middle of the country. Most visitors to Namibia arrive in Windhoek at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. In Windhoek there are a number of hotels and guest houses to suite different tastes and budgets.
Accommodation in Windhoek
If you are looking for something special, the Hotel Heinitzburg (Relais & Chateaux) is Namibia's finest hotel. The Windhoek Country Club is a popular large hotel, suitable for conferences and sports an 18 hole golf club. The Olive Grove Guesthouse is one of the finest guesthouses in Windhoek. I recently got to know The Elegant Guesthouse in Windhoek. For a cheaper option, I think it's great value.
Eating out in Windhoek
If you read about Namibia, everyone recommends Joe's Beer-house as a great place to eat. I like having lunch there, but in the evenings I think it's a bit noisy. Maybe you will like it. I like a place called Luigi and the Fish (no website - only on Facebook - phone +264 (0)61 256399.)
Accommodation in Swakopmund
The Swakopmund Hotel is a well known large hotel in Swakopmund. For the German feel, the historic Hansa Hotel is well known, and its central location makes it convenient. For a warmer feel, a little out of center town is the Beach Lodge. Beach Lodge is ideal for those traveling with a hired vehicle, and not needing to spend much time in town itself. Beach Lodge recently added a wonderful restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Eating out in Swakopmund
Perhaps the most well known place is the Tug. If you would like to visit the tug, make arrangements early...you need a booking to get place. I like the restaurant at beach lodge. In the day time a nice place to go for lunches is the Cottage Keeper - it's at the main Lighthouse, towards the beach from the center of town. My wife and I have always really enjoyed The Grapevine Restaurant (phone +26464404770.) They have a great wine selection, and often allow nice wines to be sold by the glass. There was a review done in Air Namibia's in-flight magazine. Have Some drinks for sunset at Tiger Reef. Birders should go early, take bins and go visit the river mouth (Swakop River Mouth - Swakop mund)
Namibia Travel Recommendations
Point form of some things I think you should try in Namibia:
- Visit Etosha - it's one of the old, great, African National Parks
- Visit Sossusvlei - I think it's an absolute must. See my blog post on Sossusvlei
- Do three places in Damaraland - at least. It's a great area, with so much that's interesting
- Birders must do the Caprivi - it's the spot
- Anyone, but especially birders should visit a small park called Mahango. It's very special
- If you go further south than Sossusvlei, don't drive there...if you can, rather fly. It's big country
- The only towns you should do are Swakopmund and a quick visit to the lagoon at Walvis Bay
- Visit Cape Cross Fur Seal Colony - be prepared for strong, strong smells. You should also know that the Fur Seals are culled and there is a lot of heated feelings on the subject
- If you like boats, do a Dolphin or Lagoon boat trip in Walvis Bay (I think Mola Mola are the best at the moment, especially if you are interested in birds.) There are also Kayaks (Eco Marine Kayak Tours,) I haven't done it, but people who have say it's great
- Don't ride a quad bike - the make noise and eat the desert, and everyone's doing it. If you need to freak yourself out, do a static line skydive at Swakopmund Skydiving Club.
- Do a day trip to Sandwich Harbour. Don't drive yourself there, go with a guide. It is heavy going through the dunes
Conservation in Namibia
Namibia enjoys a large amount of land under conservation, due to it's small population and dry environment. But, as any conservationist knows, there always remain challenges. I will not focus on the whole range of Namibian conservation organizations. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has the function of custodianship of all the national parks. Visit their website for more information.
This is a subject in which I have a special interest and so I can develop it further. I would be interested to hear (Contact Me) if there is an interest. It will always remain a bias opinion from my prospective. It will also always reflect my interests. My reason for learning about conservation in Namibia is partly to help do my part (very little) to conserve wildlife and nature in this country, and to learn information for the sake of my own guiding. Basically, I tell people all about the good work that others are doing.
My personal interest is mainly in birding and therefore my main interest is in birding organizations.
Coastal Conservation Groups
The Coastal Environment Trust of Namibia (CETN). You can have a look at their website. Their main function was to promote the conservation on the Walvis Bay Lagoon, and they govern the bi-annual counts.
Namibian Coast Conservation & Management Project (NACOMA) is a conservation project that will run for five years on the Namibian coast. You can visit their website here or you can view their last two newsletters here.
NACOMA'S
fifth newsletter (PDF file format)