Wildlife & Game Reserves of Namibia |
Namibia Tours & Safaris |
Namibia Visitors Information
The Namib is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and extends from the Kunene River in the north for some 1600kms to the Orange River. It is 140 kilometres wide and the oldest known and the most extreme desert on earth.
Main tourist attractions include:
- Skeleton Coast Park
-
Swakopmund -
Luderitz- The Brandberg
- Cape Cross seal reserve
- The towns of
Walvis Bay and
Henties Bay.
The cold Benguela current, sweeping northwards along the south-western coast of Africa, transports cold Antarctic waters into the warmer subtropical regions.
This nutrient-rich current sustains a wealth of marine life and generates a life-giving fog, ensuring the survival of an intriguing variety of desert-adapted animals and plants.
The definitive feature of this region, the Namib Desert, is known for the unusual beauty of its landscape, which changes from expansive gravel plains to vast dune seas, rugged canyons with towering walls of volcanic rock and distant mountain ranges.
The northern stretch of coastline became known as the Skeleton Coast, because of the many ships that ran aground on its desolate shores.
Adjoining the northern section of the Skeleton Coast Park is Kaokoland a rugged region inhabited by the Himba people. Damaraland, inhabited by the Damara people, who have largely adopted western customs and lifestyles, adjoins the southern section of the park.
The region south of Swakopmund to Lderitz is mostly sandy desert with dunes starting directly on the beach and extending some 70km into the interior.
The Brandberg massif is a challenge to rock climbers and at 2574m the highest point in Namibia. Brandberg is famous for the White Lady rock painting.
The Walvis Bay Lagoon is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal birds in Southern Africa. It is a safe haven for between 70 000 - 120 000 birds and a feeding station for about 200 000 birds on their natural migration route to and from the Arctic. Wading birds including the Lesser and Greater flamingos and rare White pelicans can be seen on the lagoon.
The Cape Cross seal reserve is the largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals on the Southern African coast. At the peak of the breeding season in November and December as many as 200 000 seals can be seen here.
Swakopmund, Namibia's seaside resort offers a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautiful public gardens. Attractions range from its charming old buildings, tours featuring the unique landscapes of the Namib, Swakopmund Museum, the tannery, which manufactures well-known leather, as well as the local brewery, which produces some of Namibia's finest beer.
The coast and its hinterland afford many opportunities for sport, angling and other recreational activities. Accommodation ranges from tented camps, desert lodges and seaside rest camps to luxury hotels.
Today visitors from all over the world visit Namibia to experience the timelessness and beauty of the Namib, its silence contrasting with the turbulence of the Atlantic Ocean.
