Showing posts with label Namib-Naukluft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Namib-Naukluft. 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, 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, 14 July 2022

Namibia: plans to build a pay-to-use road in the Namib Desert

Businessman Laban Kandume is planning to build a pay-to-use road in the Namib Desert after his initial idea of building a railway transport system was rejected by the tourism industry.

Kandume's company Sky Eye Hospitality and Tours had proposed to construct a motor and railway transport system and a tethered balloon ride in the renowned Sossusvlei. The plan has been heavily criticised by several players in the tourism industry, including state-owned Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR).

This concession was granted to Kandume's Sky Eye Hospitality and Tours by the minister of environment, forestry and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, who unilaterally stripped NWR of its rights to carry out shuttle services into Sossusvlei – an undertaking which used to bring them more than N$10 million in yearly revenue.

Kandume then crafted a plan to introduce a train, road system and tethered helium balloons leading into Sossusvlei – which offers landmarks with its red dunes, white salt pan and Dead Vlei – situated in the western part of Hardap Region in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Kandume said they still plan to go ahead with the road system and tethered helium balloons project.

YouTube video - Dead Vlei:

Several industry players said this move would damage the environment. “The train project is a good idea. It's just that we are 10 years too early because of Covid-19, which is affecting the arrival of tourists,” said Kandume.

He is, however, adamant that the train project would be realised in the future.

“It may not even be during our concession time, but it will happen. I hope I will be alive by then to see it happening,” he said.

TOLL GATE

The new plan would see Sky Eye Hospitality and Tours constructing a road that will have a toll gate. A toll gate is a barrier across a road where drivers or pedestrians must pay to travel further. Other tour operators would then have to pay a fee before transporting their passengers to their lodges. “Everyone can use our detachable road, but will have to pay a toll gate fee,” said Kandume.

The new plan, according to Kandume, would mean there would be no more complaints about job losses, a monopoly, or environmental damage. He does not expect any issues with the new plan. “If we do then these are no longer genuine concerns regarding the environment, but hidden agendas. Then this is playing the man instead of the ball,” he said. Kandume said the tourism industry needs transformation.

“Black people must participate in this industry. They must sit at the decision table,” he said. Chirstelle Du Toit-Oosthui­zen, representing Taleni Africa Tourism, which owns Sossusvlei Lodge, said they were not aware of the latest development.

She said they are still waiting for feedback after they had a meeting with the company conducting the environmental impact assessment on 1 April. “Sky Eye Hospitality was supposed to give us feedback on all the questions they couldn't answer during the meeting,” she said.

“We are looking forward to any official communication with regards to any future plans,” Du Toit-Oosthui­zen said. NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala last month refused to comment since the parastatal has not seen the new bid information document detailing the latest development.

“NWR was not consulted on this new development,” he said.

Ashipala said NWR was informed through a letter from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism about the allocation of the motorised transport proposal. “We are yet to receive full technical and operational information on this prospect,” he said.

Kandume said they would issue a press release later to explain the new plan.

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