Showing posts with label Fish River Canyon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fish River Canyon. Show all posts

Saturday, 2 November 2024

Namibia: Top Ten attractions - Ultimate Bucket List

Top 10 attractions - Namibia Ultimate Bucket List

"Ultimate Bucket List" - featuring inspiring destinations, attractions, and experiences that showcase the incredible beauty, diversity, and spirit of our beloved nation. Discover the wonders of Namibia and make unforgettable memories as you embark on these once-in-a-lifetime adventures!

1. Sossusvlei: The iconic red dunes and otherworldly Dead Vlei, a must-see destination in the heart of the Namib Desert.

2. Etosha National Park: A premier wildlife destination, home to various species of wildlife.

3. Fish River Canyon: The second-largest canyon in the world and a geological marvel.

4. Skeleton Coast: A hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline, with shipwrecks, desert-adapted wildlife, and unique landscapes.

5. Swakopmund: A charming coastal city with unique architecture and a variety of adventure activities.

6. Namib-Naukluft Park: Home to diverse landscapes, including the famous dunes of Sossusvlei and the vast plains of the Naukluft Mountains.

7. Twyfelfontein: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock engravings offering a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants.

8. Zambezi Region: A lush, water-rich region with diverse wildlife, unique cultures, and unparalleled natural beauty.

9. Spitzkoppe: A striking granite peak rising from the desert, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

10. Walvis Bay: A coastal city offering activities like whale watching, seal kayaking, and exploring its vast lagoon, home to flamingos and other bird species.

Namibia Welcomes You!

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Saturday, 31 August 2024

21 facts you didn't know about Namibia

21 facts you didn't know about Namibia

1. Namibia is home to the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world, estimated to be between 55 million and 80 million years old.

2. The country gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990, making it one of the last African countries to gain independence.

3. Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with a population of about 2.5 million people spread over a vast area.

4. The Fish River Canyon, located in the south of Namibia, is the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.

5. Namibia is the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment and wildlife conservation into its constitution.

6. The capital and largest city of Namibia is Windhoek, situated in the country's central highlands.

7. The Skeleton Coast, stretching from the Swakopmund to the Angolan border, is named for the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore, as well as the shipwrecks caused by the treacherous offshore rocks and fog.

8. The Himba, an indigenous group of semi-nomadic herders, are known for their unique culture and the red ochre and fat mixture (otjize) that they apply to their skin and hair.

9. Namibia is one of only two countries in the world (the other being Mali) that has desert-adapted elephants, which have evolved behaviors to survive in the arid environment.

10. The country has a high level of biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the largest free-roaming population of black rhinos.

11. Namibia's Etosha National Park is one of Africa's major wildlife sanctuaries, famous for its salt pan so large it can be seen from space.

12. The Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop consists of about 250 specimens of Aloe dichotoma, a type of aloe that is endemic to the southern African region.

13. German is widely spoken in Namibia due to its past as a German colony (German South West Africa) from 1884 until the end of World War I in southern Africa in 1915.

14. The Twyfelfontein area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa, with some of the carvings dating back to 6,000 years.

15. The Tropic of Capricorn crosses through Namibia, making it one of the countries situated on this imaginary line that marks the southern boundary of the tropics.

16. Namibia was the first African country to export beef to the United States, meeting the strict quality standards required for the American market.

17. The Namibian dollar (NAD) is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (ZAR), and both currencies are legal tender in Namibia.

18. Walvis Bay, located on the coast, is one of the few deep-water harbors on the African continent and serves as a vital point for maritime trade.

19. The Brandberg Mountain, Namibia's highest peak, contains the famous "White Lady" rock painting, believed to be around 2,000 years old.

20. The Spitzkoppe, sometimes referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia," is a group of bald granite peaks or inselbergs located in the Namib Desert.

21. The Caprivi Strip, a narrow extension of land in the northeast of Namibia, provides vital access to the Zambezi River and several of Africa's national parks across neighboring countries.

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Saturday, 4 May 2024

Namibia: 33 awe-inspiring destinations

Namibia: 33 awe-inspiring destinations

Namibia celebrate its Independence Day on 21 March. In honor of this momentous occasion, we are thrilled to present you with a special gift - "Independence Bucket List" featuring 33 awe-inspiring destinations, attractions, and experiences that showcase the incredible beauty, diversity, and spirit of our beloved nation. Discover the wonders of Namibia and make unforgettable memories as you embark on these once-in-a-lifetime adventures!

1 Sossusvlei: The iconic red dunes and otherworldly Deadvlei, a must-see destination in the heart of the Namib Desert.

2 Etosha National Park: A premier wildlife destination, home to various species of wildlife.

3 Fish River Canyon: The second-largest canyon in the world and a geological marvel.

4 Skeleton Coast: A hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline, with shipwrecks, desert-adapted wildlife, and unique landscapes.

5 Swakopmund: A charming coastal city with unique architecture and a variety of adventure activities.

6 Namib-Naukluft Park: Home to diverse landscapes, including the famous dunes of Sossusvlei and the vast plains of the Naukluft Mountains.

7 Twyfelfontein: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock engravings offering a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants.

8 Zambezi Region: A lush, water-rich region with diverse wildlife, unique cultures, and unparalleled natural beauty.

9 Spitzkoppe: A striking granite peak rising from the desert, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

10 Walvis Bay: A coastal city offering activities like whale watching, seal kayaking, and exploring its vast lagoon, home to flamingos and other bird species.

11 Kolmanskop: An eerie ghost town that once thrived as a diamond mining community, now a popular destination for photographers.

12 Damaraland: Home to desert-adapted elephants, ancient rock art, and the Petrified Forest.

13 Bwabwata National Park: A conservation success story, this park is home to abundant wildlife, including elephants, African wild dogs, and various antelope species.

14 Windhoek: The capital city of Namibia, offering a mix of modern amenities and historical attractions.

15 Waterberg Plateau Park: A striking plateau with unique red sandstone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna.

16 Ai-Ais Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs of Ai-Ais, located within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

17 Lüderitz: A coastal town with unique architecture and a gateway to the nearby Kolmanskop ghost town.

18 Namib Sand Sea: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast expanse of ever-shifting sand dunes is a testament to the power of nature.

19 Brandberg Mountain: Namibia's tallest mountain, home to the famous "White Lady" rock painting and diverse wildlife.

20 Daan Viljoen Game Reserve: A small game reserve near Windhoek, perfect for wildlife viewing, hiking, and picnicking.

21 Popa Falls: A series of cascades on the Okavango River, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant birdlife.

22 Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world.

23 Mudumu National Park: A remote park in the Zambezi Region, offering diverse habitats and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

24 Khaudum National Park: An off-the-beaten-track destination, perfect for intrepid travelers seeking a true wilderness experience.

25 Otjiwarongo: A town known for its cheetah conservation efforts and the nearby Cheetah Conservation Fund.

26 Quiver Tree Forest: A unique natural attraction, featuring hundreds of quiver trees, some up to 300 years old, creating a surreal landscape.

27 Hoba Meteorite: The largest known meteorite on Earth, located near the town of Grootfontein, offering a rare chance to see a piece of outer space.

28 Epupa Falls: A series of stunning waterfalls along the Kunene River, set against the backdrop of the arid Kaokoland landscape.

29 Erindi Private Game Reserve: A sustainable ecotourism destination, offering excellent wildlife viewing and conservation programs.

30 Dorob National Park: This coastal park stretches from Walvis Bay to the Ugab River and includes diverse landscapes, such as dunes, gravel plains, and lagoons.

31 Kuiseb Canyon: A dramatic geological feature carved by the Kuiseb River, providing a striking contrast between the dunes of the Namib Desert and the canyon's rugged terrain.

32 Zambezi Arts Centre: Showcasing traditional crafts from the Zambezi Region, supporting local artisans and preserving cultural heritage.

33 Tsumeb Cultural Village: A unique attraction that celebrates Namibia's diverse cultural heritage, offering visitors an insight into the country's various ethnic groups and their traditions.

Namibia - Your Next Destination!

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Thursday, 2 May 2024

Namibia: 21 facts you never knew about our country in southern Africa

21 facts you never knew about Namibia:

1. Namibia is home to the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world, estimated to be between 55 million and 80 million years old.

2. The country gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990, making it one of the last African countries to became independent.

3. Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with a population of about 2.5 million people spread over a vast area.

4. The Fish River Canyon, located in the south of Namibia, is the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.

5. Namibia is the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment and wildlife conservation into its constitution.

6. The capital and largest city of Namibia is Windhoek, situated in the country's central highlands.

7. The Skeleton Coast, stretching from the Swakopmund to the Angolan border, is named for the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore, as well as the shipwrecks caused by the treacherous offshore rocks and fog.

8. The Himba, an indigenous group of semi-nomadic herders, are known for their unique culture and the red ochre and fat mixture (Otjize) that they apply to their skin and hair.

9. Namibia is one of only two countries in the world (the other being Mongolia) that has desert-adapted elephants, which have evolved behaviors to survive in the arid environment.

10. The country has a high level of biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the largest free-roaming population of black rhinos.

11. Namibia's Etosha National Park is one of Africa's major wildlife sanctuaries, famous for its salt pan so large it can be seen from space.

12. The Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop consists of about 250 specimens of Aloe dichotoma, a type of aloe that is endemic to the southern African region.

13. German is widely spoken in Namibia due to its past as a German colony (German South West Africa) from 1884 until the end of World War I.

14. The Twyfelfontein area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa, with some of the carvings dating back to 6,000 years.

15. The Tropic of Capricorn crosses through Namibia, making it one of the countries situated on this imaginary line that marks the southern boundary of the tropics.

16. Namibia was the first African country to export beef to the United States, meeting the strict quality standards required for the American market.

17. The Namibian dollar (NAD) is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR), and both currencies are legal tender in Namibia.

18. Walvis Bay, located on the coast, is one of the few deep-water harbors on the African continent and serves as a vital point for maritime trade.

19. The Brandberg Mountain, Namibia's highest peak, contains the famous "White Lady" rock painting, believed to be around 2,000 years old.

20. The Spitzkoppe, sometimes referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia," is a group of bald granite peaks or inselbergs located in the Namib Desert.

21. The Caprivi Strip, a narrow extension of land in the northeast of Namibia, provides vital access to the Zambezi River and several of Africa's national parks across neighboring countries.

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Sunday, 28 April 2024

Namibia: Hiking season starts at Fish River Canyon

Hiking season starts at Fish River Canyon

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, in collaboration with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), have announced that there is sufficient water in the Fish River Canyon for the upcoming hiking season in May.

NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala said this in a press release.

“We are pleased to announce that, following a thorough appraisal of water resources in Fish River Canyon, there is sufficient water available for the upcoming hiking season.

“This means hikers can look forward to a rewarding experience,” he said.

Ashipala said water marshals will be stationed at strategic points along the hiking routes, including King Palace and Bushy Corner, to ensure the safety and well-being of all hikers.

“These marshals are part of our commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable hiking environment,” he said.

NWR will also launch a new Responsible Hiking Campaign, starting next week.

“Our social media channels will feature valuable tips on hiking preparation, safety and environmental responsibility,” said Ashipala, adding that these tips are designed to enhance the hiking experience, while preserving the natural beauty of the environment.

“We encourage all interested hikers to stay tuned to our social media platforms and to prepare themselves for a memorable adventure in one of Namibia’s most breathtaking landscapes,” he said.

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Sunday, 16 July 2023

Namibia: Goibib Mountain Lodge - The newest member of The Portfolio

The newest member of The Portfolio, Goibib Mountain Lodge!

Goibib is your guest farm experience in the heart of the great Karas Mountains.

The south of Namibia is known for its wide-open vistas and seemingly endless bright blue skies, and Goibib Mountain Lodge is no exception.

Goibib is the perfect base to explore the wonders of the far south of Namibia, including the world famous Fish River Canyon and adjoining Ai-Ais hot springs, as well as the Brukkaros Mountain, a volcanic caldera 100 kilometers north-northwest of Keetmanshoop, where a hiking trail will lead you to the ridge of the mountain, and the abandoned solar observatory that was constructed in 1926.

Other must-see highlights in this area include the Quiver Tree Forest, where about 250 specimens of this indigenous plant, named for the fact that the San people historically used the hollowed-out branches to store their arrows, and the Giant’s Playground, an exposed dolerite formation estimated to be 160 million years old, that has the appearance of massive toy building blocks having been stacked in piles.

One of Goibib Mountain Lodge’s unique features is that it is located on a working farm, with a breeding herd of Nguni cattle - highly sought after the world over for their unique pelts, where each animal’s colouration and pattern is one-of-a-kind (much like a fingerprint).

Goibib Mountain Lodge is a tranquil hideaway in the heart of the Great Karas Mountains in Southern Namibia, and an extremely easy drive from either north or south along the Windhoek to Cape Town main road.

Simply take the B1 and drive until you see the sign on the west side of the road, between Grunau and Keetmanshoop!

Rather than being pursued by the Big Five or chased by stampeding herds of animals, bring your camera and capture all things great and small macro-photography brings the little things to light - or explore the night life with fluorescent light and discover the nocturnal world around us.

The Lodge has much to offer but for Guests with the time, and wishing to explore the local region there is also much to explore within a relatively short distance from the Lodge - mostly within a two hour drive.

Goibib Mountain Lodge offers its guests a dream come true holiday with the time to peacefully view many species of antelope and other wildlife that inhabit the veld. The peace and tranquility is enthralling and guests quickly realise that this is pristine nature at its finest. An Added Bonus Is That the region is malaria-free.

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Sunday, 9 July 2023

Namibia: Canyon Road House Camping - Fish River Canyon

Canyon Road House Camping

Camping sites are located on the bank of a dry riverbed, offer shared ablutions and washing up areas built out of natural stone. Each camp site has a power point and also it's own barbeque place. Campers are able to use the lodge facilities.

The camping sites are set behind Canyon Road House. Sites are shady, situated on the bank of a dry riverbed, against a backdrop of rocky hills. Secreted away from the road, the camp gives the impression of being alone out in the nature with the eagles, thorn trees and the ancient beat of the land and you even may be able to hear the call of the great Fish River Canyon, 14 kilometres away.

One of the very few Fish River Canyon camping destinations, Canyon Road Camp offers the luxuries of civilisation whilst out in the wilderness and the nature supplies the rest. Campers can enjoy simple pleasures of life on the doorstep of the second largest canyon in the world.

Facilities

- 12 camping sites with shared ablution facilities and power points, max 10 persons per camp site

- Restaurant

- Bar

- Curio shop

- Cold water swimming pool

- Mobile connectivity

- Secure parking (at main lodge)

- WI-FI available (at main lodge)


Amenities

- Power points

- Barbeque facilities

- Hot/cold water

- Wheelchair friendly

- Shared ablution facilities

- Shade or trees

- No pets allowed

- Wood available at the reception at additional cost

- Lights

Children are welcome

Children up to 5 years old are free of charge, children between the age of 6 and 13 years pay 50 percent of the camping rate. 13 years and older: adult rates.

Transfers

Go2 Traveller Transfers

Departure point: Kalahari Anib Lodge

Destinations: Canyon Lodge (via Canyon Road House)

Rate per person one way: on request

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Wednesday, 11 January 2023

Gondwana: Dream of Namibia video | Мечты о Намибии: видео

Gondwana: Dream of Namibia video | Мечты о Намибии: видео - от сети отелей Гондвана: https://dzen.ru/video/watch/63a77b34497d7f48d5bb4670

Гондвана: http://www.namibweb.com/gondwana.htm

#Namibia #SouthAfrica #Windhoek #Dronesberg #NamibiaDream #NamibwebCom #Gondwana #Намибия #ЮжнаяАфрика #МечтыАфрика #АэровидеоНамибия #Гондвана

ПОРТФОЛИО P5 ►https://bit.ly/2Vvbb6L

ТЕЛЕГРАМ ►https://t.me/ExploringNamibia

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Saturday, 26 November 2022

The 12 best things to do and places to explore in Namibia

The 12 best things to do and places to explore in Namibia

Garth Owen-Smith once said of the Kaokoveld, one of the wildest places in Namibia: ‘The region is stark and hostile, but in the early morning and late afternoon light, when the basalt rocks turn to the color of rust, and the distant mountains to soft shades of purple and blue, it can also be breathtakingly beautiful.’

It’s places and descriptions like that which have long lured South Africans to our northern neighbour. We go for the surreal landscapes, roadside cafes, unusual wildlife, and the sense of exploration that comes with a road trip into that vast and dazzling wilderness of Namibia. If you feel its pull, consider all of these stops well worth your time.

1. Explore the deserted town of Kolmanskop

This ghost town just outside of Luderitz is as eerie as it gets. The town sprung up in the desert when diamonds were found littering the dunes, but when bigger diamonds were discovered elsewhere in Namibia, the town’s inhabitants moved on. The last people left around 60 years ago and since then, the desert has taken over the buildings. You can go on a tour of the bowling alley, dairy, butchery, town hall, and some of the houses, learning about how the 300 Germans lived in the inhospitable environment.

2. Hike the Fish River Canyon

As one of the largest canyons in the world, the Fish River Canyon makes for one of the most unique hiking trails in Africa. Its surreal landscape will make even the most blasé of travellers fall in love with this place. The canyon is a whopping 160km long and almost 30km wide, giving you some of the most dramatic scenery in the world to enjoy. There are a few trails to hike and vary depending on how tough you’d like your hike to be.

3. Spend a morning or three at Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park covers more than 20, 000 sq-km and is one of the most unique reserves in Africa. Everything revolves around the watering holes bringing all animals close together to drink. At dusk, you’ll find all kinds of species of animals making their way to the waterhole for a drink. The wildlife activity goes on all night with elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and even lions if you are lucky.

4. Just drive

The D826 and C27 are considered the most scenic roads in the whole country. Think long, straight, red, dusty roads surrounded by mountains, silvery swathes of grassy plains punctuated with terracotta dunes. And silence. You’ll only pass a car occasionally.

5. Hike the Tok Tokkie Trail

This three-day desert experience will see you walk for the day over sand dunes and in the vast landscape of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Camps include a semi-permanent kitchen set up on a hill with ‘bedrooms’ spread out from it, which consist of two stretchers with bedrolls and a paraffin lamp. Think three-course meals, fantastic guides, hot water bottles, stargazing and waking up to a sunrise from bed.

6. Hot air balloon over the Namib Desert

Taking off at dawn, you’ll watch the sunrise over the Namib-Naukluft National Park, fly over dunes that look otherworldly, gaze down on gemsbok and drift over the endless spans of orange dunes contrasting with a large white salt pan island. A bird’s eye view of the massive desert and both its rocky and sandy character puts Sossusvlei into perspective.

7. Climb a dune at Sossusvlei

Dune 45 is 150 m of burning orange sand dune in Sossusvlei. Hiking to the top won’t be the easiest morning you have in Namibia but the sunrise from the top is worth it. This is what many visitors to Namibia come to see – the iconic red dunes of the Namib. The nearby Dead Vlei – a big cracked mud plain dotted with dead trees – is just as captivating. The trees are thought to be around 1,000 years old. They’re not petrified, but rather haven’t decomposed because the air is so dry here. 

8. Relax in Swakopmund

Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, but this seaside city of 44,000 people is a must-visit while in the country. The town has a relaxed atmosphere with lots of local eateries and specialty shops. It’s an excellent place to base yourself for a few days with lots of top attractions nearby.

9. Wonder at the rock art at Twyfelfontein

ǀUi-ǁAis is the official name for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein and is the largest concentration of rock carvings (2,500) in all of Africa – and totally worth a visit when you’re in Namibia. With prehistoric hunter-gatherer rock engravings that date back more than 6000 years and petrified forests at its doorstep, Twyfelfontein makes an obvious choice for travellers wanting to explore one of Namibia’s most enigmatic locations. Just make sure to pack lots of water and an umbrella and hats. There’s little to no shade around there and it can get very hot around midday.

10. Marvel at the Cape Cross seals

It’s not just lions and elephants that you can see in Namibia – the coast is famous for the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, a place where you can come and see 100s of Cape Fur Seals. The Benguela current is home to a big population of fish so you can rest assured that the seals aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

11. Climb at Spitzkoppe

Known locally as the Matterhorn of the south, Spitzkoppe is a 120 million-year-old chunk of granite that springs out of the desert floor. It’s a 1,784-metre tall rock formation surrounded by nothing but miles and miles of flat desert. If you make a visit, staying the night is a must and choose between a chalet at Spitzkoppe Lodge or the campsite. 

12. Stargaze in the desert

The dry cool desert air at night is perfect for gazing up into the night sky. Without moisture in the air, the night sky is crystal clear and stars are very visible. If you want to stargaze, try plan your time during a new moon as the less light in the sky will make the stars shine even brighter.

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Wednesday, 28 September 2022

Namibia: Remains of tourist discovered in Fish River Canyon

Remains of tourist discovered in Fish River Canyon

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has reported an incident in which the remains of a tourist that had been hiking in the Fish River Canyon were discovered today.

NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala said the hiker was discovered six kilometres from the finishing point.

"All we can say right now is that they came in on 12 September and they went hiking, we don't know how many they were or which country they are from, we are still working on establishing those details.

“Details are very sketchy at the moment but there are teams on the ground busy with searches," said Ashipala.

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