Country profile: Namibia
Namibia is a Southern African country with a difference: from its game reserves and safari lodges, to its rare wild black rhino population and a dramatic coastline and desert, says
I feel like I’ve arrived on Mars. Unfolding as far as the eye can see is a massive red sea of sand. I have been walking for what seems like hours in this searing 35C heat, the sweat running off my forehead, but I’m still no nearer the top.
Namibia’s Sossusvlei Valley is home to hundreds of towering red sand dunes swept in from the Kalahari Desert millions of years ago.
Clambering up the face of one of these constantly moving giants, I feel my feet sink deeper – it is as if I’m running through treacle.
But it’s all worth it when I finally reach the top, just in time to see the sun set on this magnificent landscape. Although it no longer has direct flights from the UK, Namibia has established a foothold as one of Southern Africa’s most popular destinations, with UK arrivals increasing by more than 10% year on year. The average length of stay is on the rise too, currently at more than 17 nights, says the Namibia Tourism Board.
As the go-to destination for wildlife and landscapes, Namibia is perfect for a self-drive or escorted group tour holiday. And Namibia’s spectacular coastline and deserts are some of the most photographed in the world.
Claiming to have one quarter of the world’s cheetahs and one of the last wild black rhino populations, as well as a host of parks and safari lodges to explore, it’s a great suggestion for nature lovers.
Samuel Hancock, Senior Account Director of the Namibia Tourism Board UK, says: “Namibia is the prime destination to sell in 2018 and offers some of the best-value wildlife watching experiences, even in popular Etosha National Park, a superlative safari destination.
“Furthermore, Namibia has invested in more high-quality tourism infrastructure.
From the family-friendly Skeleton Lodge to Damaraland’s luxurious Sorris Sorris Lodge, agents will have more accommodation options to offer their clients in 2018, whatever their budget or travel style.”
Looking to maintain this impressive growth, the tourism board will this year launch a major incentive to promote its online training programme for agents (namibiaknowitall.com).
Dates for the diary
Namibia’s biggest cultural event of the year is the Windhoek Carnival (popularly known as WIKA) in April. The big annual bash features dance and music, street parades and the crowning of the carnival prince and princess.
Namibia celebrates its Independence Day on March 21, marking the day the country took back control from South Africa in 1990. Namibians take to the streets to mark the occasion with colourful parades and sports events countrywide.
Beer lovers should note Windhoek’s annual Oktoberfest, held at the end of October. Participants can enjoy German traditions, games, bratwurst and large quantities of beer.
For the more sporty, the Desert Ultra Marathon in November entails a gruelling 250-kilometre race. International athletes go
head-to-head running through the harsh Namib Desert in mid-30-degree heat.
Eating
Given its Germanic roots and influence, apple strudel and Black Forest cake are always high on the menu in Namibia. Game meat is another favourite, with choice cuts of eland and oryx served in some lodges.
Other common dishes include ‘oshiwambo’, a spinach and beef combination, and ‘mealie pap’, a porridge. On the coast, fresh kingklip, kabeljou and shellfish are the order of the day.
Most are best washed down with a bottle of refreshing, ‘naturally brewed’ Windhoek Lager.
For the more adventurous, there is ‘oshikundu’, a millet based beer, or ‘mataku’, a watermelon wine.
Things to do
For fabulous big game wildlife, head to Etosha National Park, which is one of Africa’s leading game reserves.
Then move on to the colonial outpost of Swakopmund on the eerie Skeleton Coast. Extending 300 miles from Walvis Bay to the Kunene River and the Angola border, this bleak, fog-bound coast is scattered with shipwrecks washed up by the South Atlantic.
No trip to Namibia would be complete without a visit to the sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft Park.
The more adventurous should try the mountainous deserts of Damaraland and Kaokoveld, home to the indigenous Himba people. The ghost town of Kolmanskop in the far south, abandoned after diamond-mining operations ceased half a century ago, and the 160-mile Fish River Canyon, one of Africa’s best hiking trails, are other must-visits.
New product
Experience the wine, wildlife and sights of Namibia and South Africa with Great Rail Journeys (greatrail.com). Starting from £6,995pp, the 16-day Namibia & Pride of Africa tour includes six nights on the Pride of Africa visiting Kimberley and the Big Hole, Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria, Swakopmund and Windhoek. The tour departs on April 10 2018 and April 9 2019.
Julian Appleyard, Commercial Director at
Great Rail Journeys, said: “Namibia is a must-see destination. There is so much in this country. Deserts are often overlooked due to their harsh environments but I feel the Namib desert has so much to offer.
“My favourite destination on this trip is the Sossusvlei. It is Namibia’s most famous landmark and the included desert drive and bush dinner really lets guests get a feel for this harsh environment.”
Newcomer Discover the World (discover-theworld.co.uk) is offering the chance to get behind the wheel and explore the real Namibia.
The 12-day Essential Namibia Self
Drive, which starts at £1,300pp, includes accommodation and car hire.
“There’s never been a better time to climb the highest sand dunes in the world, descend to the floor of the deepest canyon in Africa, meet the nomadic Himba
people and explore the oldest desert in the world” Samuel Hancock, Senior Account Director,
Namibia Tourism Board UK