Namibia, a land of contrasts

When many people think of African safaris they might imagine trekking through the wilds of the Kruger National Park in South Africa or navigating through the plains of the Maasai Mara in Kenya. How many people can honestly say that they would first consider Namibia as a wildlife haven? Well in fact Namibia safaris are becoming more and more popular as today a burgeoning tourist industry sees travellers from across the globe arriving to appreciate the wondrous beauty and rugged drama of this mercurial and magical landscape.

Namibia is located in the South West of Africa hugging the border with Botswana and South Africa. For many people, Namibia is portrayed as a land of wide ranging desert and desolation; a barren land with little to offer the traveller. The truth could in reality not be further from this misconception; Namibia is a vibrant and rich land and though deserts do dominate large swathes of the coast and north eastern regions; these areas offer a unique perspective and an experience quite unlike any other.

For safari enthusiasts in search of the iconic sights that attract so many people to Africa, the Etosha National Park offers over 100 types of large mammal including those archetypal lions, elephants, zebras and giraffes as well as both white and the endangered black rhino species. A vast community of vibrant pink flamingos are also attracted to the central salt pan during the summer months when the area temporarily floods.

To the South East of the country the landscape is dominated by the Namib-Naukluft Park, part of the Namib Desert which trails along much of the country’s coastline. Near to this region is the spectacular Fish River Canyon, the second largest natural gorge in the world, runner up only to the Grand Canyon. Arizona’s biggest landmark is of course a house hold name, yet how many people can say that they have heard of Fish River Canyon? This example seems to epitomise Namibia’s international identity, a land with so much to offer, so misunderstood or underestimated by the wider global community.

The Namib Desert itself is a stunning and ever transforming environment. In the lower reaches of the region from Luderitz to the Kuiseb Desert a sea of sand dunes stretches out as far as the eye can see featuring some of the tallest in the world. The ore rich ore earth creates a kaleidoscope of colours ranging from striking pink to vivid orange. Even here a variety of species survive including desert elephants, gemsboks, antelopes, gazelles and ostriches. Further up the coast the famous area of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are amongst the most photographed places in the Africa. A surreal landscape of parched white earth, vibrant orange dunes and scorched black trees create visual contrasts that would not be out of place in a Salvador Dali dreamscape.

Namibia’s capital is Windhoek is relatively small but extremely eclectic and progressive place. The hub of Namibia’s economy people from all over Africa and Europe can be seen wondering the streets. Numerous high class bars, restaurants, cafes and boutiques are scattered across the area offering tourists a relaxed and very civilised retreat from the exhilarations of exploring the rugged Namibian countryside.