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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Namibia Independence Bucket List - Top attractions

Namibia Independence Bucket List

"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 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.

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 Welcomes You!

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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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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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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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Namibia & South Africa: Where Was "10,000 BC" Filmed?

Where Was "10,000 BC" Filmed?

Directed by Roland Emmerich, "10,000 BC" is a period action-adventure movie that chronicles the adventurous life of a prehistoric tribe of mammoth hunters. At the center of the narrative is one of the hunters named D’Leh, who is deeply in love with the magnificent and blue-eyed tribeswoman, Evolet. Everything is going well until some horseback-riding warriors capture Evolet along with most of D’Leh’s tribes people. Now, he must set off on a dangerous mission to rescue all the captives.

Set in the prehistoric era, the open fields, be it plains, deserts, or mountains, in the backdrop tend to keep the viewers wondering about the production locations used for the action-adventure film. Moreover, the coexistence of the wildlife with the tribe members also plays a significant part in keeping the narrative seemingly realistic. So, if you wish to know all about the production of the Roland Emmerich directorial, allow us to rid you of your curiosity.

"10,000 BC" Filming Locations

"10,000 BC" was filmed in Namibia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Thailand, specifically in the Namib Desert, South Island, and Cape Town. The principal photography seemingly commenced in early 2006 and took a total of 102 days, 20 days more than the production team had intended. This delay was partly due to some restrictions Emmerich and his team faced in Africa while filming.

Apparently, the director wanted to tape the entire movie in Africa but the authorities did not allow him to carry out an important sequence that required the usage of a helicopter. Thus, they had to travel all the way to New Zealand to film those specific shots. Now, let’s traverse the specific locations that create the settings for the film set in the prehistoric era.

Namib Desert, Namibia

The production team of ‘10000 BC’ filmed a significant portion of the film in the Namib desert in Southern Africa to lense some pivotal sequences. Although the massive desert stretches for over 2,000 kilometers along the Atlantic coasts of Namibia, South Africa and Angola, it seems that the cast and crew members utilized the portion of the desert that is situated in Namibia.

In particular, they also taped several important scenes on the Spitzkoppe. It is a group of granite mountains located between Usakos and Swakopmund in the Namib desert of Namibia. The pyramids, God’s palace, miniature replicas of the pyramids, the slave quarters, and even the Nile River were all constructed by the production team in Namibia. As per reports, the buildings were built in Munich and then transported to the African country via 15 different sea containers.

Cape Town, South Africa

A few important sequences were also filmed in Cape Town, one of the three capital cities of South Africa. Also known as the Mother City, it has a vast and versatile terrain that makes it a favorable filming site for different types of movies and TV shows. Some of the notable filming projects that have been shot in the capital city are "Mad Max: Fury Road", "Hitman" and "Homeland".

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Namibia: Discovering the world in full flight - BMW X1

Discovering the world in full flight

The second generation of the BMW X1 and Peter Salzmann flies across the sands of Swakopmund, Namibia in the BMW wingsuit

Открывая мир с высоты птичьего полета

Второе поколение BMW X1 и Питер Зальцманн летят над песками Свакопмунда, Намибия, в спецкостюме BMW.

Swakopmund: http://www.namibweb.com/swakopmund.htm

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ПОРТФОЛИО P5 ►https://bit.ly/2Vvbb6L

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Namibia: old fort at Spitzkoppe Mountain | Старый форт у горы Шпицкоппе в Намибии

Spitzkoppe Mountain

Prior to 1884, Spitzkoppe was frequented by indigenous pastoralists and hunter-gatherers and subsequently by the Germans who established a quarantine station that was free of the highly contagious fatal African Horse Sickness. Between 1880 and the outbreak of the Rinderpest epidemic (which decimated cattle herds) in 1897, Spitzkoppe became increasingly important as a way-station on the transport route between Swakopmund and the interior. 

YouTube video of Spitzkoppe Village:

The Deutsche Kolonial Gesellschaft wagon transport and trading station, depicted in the archival photograph, was built during the 1890s. The barren area which surrounded the station in 1896 contrasts with the matched image which documents the recovery of this site during the last 140 years. The site is now part of a Community Conservancy where livestock have recently been excluded.

Photo:

1) Deutsche Kolonial Gessellschaft, 1896 (National Archives of Namibia no. 2408)

2) Spitzkoppe Community Conservancy, 2016 (R. Rohde): same location

The Spitzkoppe (German for "pointed dome", also referred to as Spitzkop, Groot Spitzkop or the "Matterhorn of Namibia") is a group of bald granite peaks or inselbergs located between Usakos and Swakopmund in the Namib Desert of Namibia.

YouTube video of Spitzkoppe Mountain:

The granite is more than 120 million years old and the highest outcrop rises about 1,728 metres above sea level. The peaks stand out dramatically from the flat surrounding plains. The highest peak is about 670 m above the floor of the desert below. A minor peak, the Little Spitzkoppe, lies nearby at an elevation of 1,557 m. Other prominences stretch out into a range known as the Pontok Mountains.

Camping is provided by Spitzkoppe Camp.

YouTube video of Spitzkoppe Camp:

Many examples of Bushmen artwork can be seen painted on the rock in the Spitzkoppe area. The Spitzkoppe Mountains were also the filming location for 2001: A Space Odyssey in the "Dawn of Man" sequences.

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