19 janvier 2015

Enjoy The Magic Of Africa With Namibia Safari Packages

By Enid Hinton


If you love open spaces and skies that seem to go on forever, a great destination is Namibia. This African country is large but has a small population, so you can have vast areas to yourself with nobody else to bother you. Its German colonial past means that it has a slightly different atmosphere than most Southern African countries. Moreover, it's a wonderful place to see animals in their natural habitat and you'll be surprised at how affordable Namibia safari packages are.

Namibia shares its borders with South Africa, Botswana and Angola. To the west is the Atlantic Ocean. The Namibian capital is the charming Windhoek with its German colonial architecture.

Namibia was named for the Namib Desert, which makes up much of its western part. However, most of the country is arid and hot and it's best to visit in the winter months. The weather is cooler then and because vegetation is sparse when it doesn't rain, it's easier to spot the vast variety of local wildlife. Apart from wildlife safaris, things to see include the colonial town of Swakopmund, the ghost town of Kolmanskop, ancient rock art and the majestic Fish River Canyon.

Parts of the Namib Desert can only be visited if you have a special permit, since there are diamond mines here. However, there are vast areas that are open to tourists. Sossusvlei is a popular desert destination close to majestic sand dunes. The Skeleton Coast to the north is desolate with many a shipwreck along the shore. Apart from the seals along the beaches, you may find jackal, springbok, oryx and even elephants that have adapted to life in the desert. Africa's largest national park, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, is located in the Namib too.

The second-largest Namibian national park is Etosha. This is one of the best places to see a variety of wildlife, from antelope to lions. They come for the water of the Etosha Pan, a large salt pan that forms a gathering place for thirsty animals especially during the dry winter months.

Not too far from Etosha by Namibian standards is the region known as Damaraland. Here you'll find a vast lunar landscape with stunning rock formations. One of these is the prominent Vingerklip, which means 'finger rock'. Brandberg, the country's highest mountain, is located here too and is home to a famous rock painting known as the White Woman. Twyfelfontein has more rock paintings and the area also has a petrified forest. For wildlife, try tracking elephant and rhino on a safari presented by the local community.

In the vicinity of the Kunene River is Kaokoland, where cheetah are among the animals you may spot. This is also the place to visit traditional Himba villages and learn more about these beautiful people with their elaborate hairstyles. For lush vegetation and plenty of water, try the remote Caprivi Strip. The Kavango River which flows through here provides water for the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

It's easy to find a safari package for wildlife viewing in Namibia. You'll even find plenty of all-inclusive deals. Simply ask your travel agent or check online. Otherwise, book in Windhoek once you've arrived in this magical country.




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