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Namibia (formerly known as South West Africa) is a roughly
rectangular-shaped country in the southwest part of Africa. It is a
predominantly arid country, varying from arid savanna in the eastern
parts to the hyperarid Namib Desert in the west, along the coastline
with the Atlantic Ocean. The northeastern part of Namibia is dominated
by densely wooded bushveld, with the peculiarly shaped Caprivi Strip
stretching eastwards to meet Zimbabwe just 100 km west of the Victoria
Falls. The population is approximately 1.7 million people, resulting in
this country of 825 000 km2 having one of the lowest population
densities in the world. The recent history of Namibia is a varied one. A
German colony from the late 19th century onwards, it was handed over to
South Africa in 1921. After a protracted guerilla war between the South
West African People’s Organisation and the South African Defence Force
during the 1970s and 1980s, Namibia gained independence in 1990. Since
then, it has remained one of the most stable and peaceful African
countries. Undoubtedly, Namibia’s most remarkable geographic feature is the intensely arid Namib Desert, at 80 million years the world’s oldest true desert. The Namib is traversed by several (often dry) rivers and one of these, the Kuiseb, forms the boundary between the northern gravel plains and the dune sea to the south. The latter, a vast region stretching roughly 400 km along the coast, is home to the tallest sand dunes in the world, and some of the most exquisitely adapated sand-dwelling organisms on the planet. For any visitor to Namibia, a trip to the majestic dunes at Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park is a must. To the north, the gravel plains host remarkably diverse lichen communities, as well as the bizarre Welwitchsia (Welwitschia mirabilis). Biologists might also want to consider a visit to the well-known Gobabeb Research Station. The Skeleton Coast, so named for the inhospitable conditions encountered by seafarers unfortunate enough to be stranded here, offers tourists the opportunity to explore the interface between a highly productive marine ecosystem and one of the most arid terrestrial environments on the planet. Located in the north of the country, Etosha National Park surrounds a huge calcrete depression (or pan) which fills with water for only a few days per year. Etosha offers one of the finest big game experiences in southern Africa. Each of the three park camps has a floodlit waterhole, and guests can spend evenings watching wildlife such as Lion, African Elephant and Black Rhinoceros coming down to drink. To the west and northwest of Etosha are the remote and spectacular Damaraland and Kaokoveld regions, home to desert elephants and the only remaining black rhino population that exists outside of a designated conservation area. Visiting these regions requires thorough preparation, rugged off-road vehicles and total self-sufficiency. Namibia is also well-situated to visit other southern African attractions, most notably the Okavango Swamps in neighboring Botswana. A vast area of papyrus beds, crystal-clear water and low islands, the Okavango and surrounds is one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations. Slightly further afield to the east are the majestic Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Local currency is the Namibian Dollar (N$), which is linked in value to the South African Rand. The exchange rate in July 2006 was approximately US$1.00 = N$7.20. For more information on Namibia, visit the Namibia Tourism Board. |