With stats such as the Worlds oldest desert, the highest sand dunes in the world, the 2nd largest canyon and one of the least densely populated countries in the world – this is a country that needs to be seen to be believed and should be a must on any avid Africa safari go-ers list.
The appeal of Namibia is undoubtedly its spectacular landscapes and vast, untamed scenery. It is for this reason, that Namibia tends to appeal to those who have experienced safari before and are returning to Africa for the 2nd or 3rd time. From sand dunes and wild coastline, to rugged desert and dramatic mountains, Namibia never fails to impress with its array of extraordinary landscapes. Its appeal stretches not only to the keen photographer, but also to those that seek that wonderful feeling of space, escapism and a sense of solitude when travelling.
Namibia does contain Etosha National park, renowned for its fantastic game encounters around the waterholes, particularly in the dry season. Then there is the untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland, which is home to the desert elephant, desert lion and endangered black rhino.
There is also the marine life around Swakopmund, and along the Skeleton Coast, which dishes up vast colonies of cape fur seals, dolphins and seabirds.
Exploring Namibia on a self drive holiday winding through its superb scenery and well maintained roads, offers one of the best ways to experience it. Provided with a pre- planned route, a combination of beautiful lodges and camps all booked up in advance, it is a great way to take in the many highlights of the country. Alternatively, thanks to a great network of scheduled charter flights, it is also very popular to do a flying safari, taking in some of the more remote lodges and of course seeing Namibia from a different perspective. It offers a totally unique and original destination.
Time difference: 2 hrs +GMT.
Visa: No visas are required for British or North American passport holders.
Health: You are advised to take anti-malaria pills for your trip. No specific shots are required to enter. But we do recommend you visit a travel health clinic prior to departure to make sure your standard travel vaccinations are up to date.
Language:
Afrikaans, German and English are all widely spoken.
How to get around: Most travellers use a combination of scheduled flights and charters. Self driving is also hugely popular due to the excellent road networks. Or a combination of the two works really well, giving you the best of both worlds.
How to get there: The best way is to fly via one of the hubs of Johannesburg or Cape Town. There are regular direct international flights to South Africa from London Heathrow and some of the major US hubs, such as Atlanta and New York.
Who does it suit? Namibia suits those keen on wide open spaces, that feeling of total escapism, incredible landscapes where the wildlife is almost secondary. Ideal for photographers, honeymooners, older families, couples, horse riders.
Although Namibia can be a year round destination, it is best enjoyed during their winter months between April – end of October, when it is cooler and there is less chance of rain.
However, the temperatures can hit the 30’s from September onwards. The ‘summer’ months are very hot, and although essentially a very dry country, it does get some rain in January/February time.
Namibia is a great destination on its own as it offers such diversity. However, if you are looking to extend your safari experience, then it works well with Botswana. For those looking to add some R&R at the end, then it combines well with Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar or the shores of Lake Malawi, with flights going via Johannesburg. Alternatively, Cape Town is a great add-on with direct flights linking the two.
Get in touch and let us start planning your special trip… info@sarahjamestravel.com
