By Christopher Clark As a freelance travel writer, I have been lucky enough to visit Namibia (perhaps my favourite country in the world) three times in the […]
Two high profile environmental events hosted by Namibia in 2013, the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP 11) and the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) raked […]
Photographer, writer and general creative wonder Annabelle Venter recently embarked on a weekend tour of one of her favourite spots in Namibia (if not the world). […]
April is a reflection. A reflection of a good rainy season. A reflection of tall, slender makalani palm trees in the crystal-clear surfaces of oshanas (meaning pans in Oshiwambo) brimming with fresh rainwater and lined with lilies. This year is no exception. And the Owambo Region in the north becomes one of the most scenic and inviting parts of the country. It beckons you to delve into its colours, flavours and vibrant liveliness. Immerse yourself in a heart-warming culture with which about half of Namibia’s population identifies. Linger off the beaten track by linking your Etosha trip with Owambo and make the most of the last days of summer.
I had the good fortune to meet one such person. Mika Shapwanale, manager of the Mushara Collection east of Etosha.
On a recent visit to Mushara, Mika and I sat down in the shade of the trees and chatted about his journey in tourism. But it wasn't merely an exchange of the usual what do you do's. Mika is an exceptional person.
For most visitors to Khaudum National Park seeing roan antelope is high on their list, if not topping the list. Few visitors are, however, aware that the landing strip in the Khaudum omuramba was built nearly 50 years ago when conservation history was made.
One often comes across the concept of Namibia being the ‘last frontier’ or ‘last true wilderness’. It piques the interest, does it not? And in so many respects these phrases are true. Namibia really is home to some of the last truly wild corners of Africa. Special places where man’s destructive and encroaching reach has not yet penetrated. Wild places for wild things to thrive. And even beyond these strongholds there exist sanctuaries and reserves for wildlife to roam, protected from “civilisation” and its consequences. Namibia is a wild place, and a wildlife lover's utopia.
Kaokoland lures lovers of remote and wild places. Extending south from the Kunene River across a sparsely populated and harsh environment down to the Hoanib River, the area is home to the semi-nomadic Himba people. The rugged terrain tempts drivers who come to put their four-wheel-drive vehicles to the test as they negotiate challenging routes such as Van Zyl's pass. Other travellers hope to see the desert-adapted elephants, visit the impressive Epupa Falls, go to off-the-beaten-track destinations such as the expansive Marienfluss and Hartmann valleys, experience the wild and beautiful Khowarib Schlucht, and visit historic Witbooisdrift, site of a Dorslandtrekker monument.
A strip of desert sand that stretches from the Kunene to the Orange rivers, hugging Namibia’s coastline north to south. The Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching between the Kuiseb River and Tsau //Khaeb National Park, is a mass of rolling dunes in shades of gold, ochre, and honey, that tumble into the cobalt-blue water.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Biltong, snacks, binoculars, field guides… and don’t forget the kids. Finding something for young and old to enjoy is not always easy, but the wonders […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The comfortable and exciting Mokuti Etosha Lodge is perfect for a family holiday [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] On the eastern border of the Park is a stretch shared […]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text] “The slight sting of the early winter morning air awakens all our senses. Around us, the mopane bushland is silent but for the […]
Etosha National Park ranks among Africa’s top game parks and is renowned for its outstanding game viewing. The fascinating stories behind some of Etosha’s game species have, however, disappeared over time. Willie Olivier looks to rediscover some of these stories.