Namibia – Country Bordering South Africa to the North and West of the Northern Cape Province
The Southern African country of Namibia (formerly South West Africa) borders South Africa in the South and East, Angola and Zambia in the North, Botswana to the East and has the Atlantic Ocean as its border in the West.
Namibia is a country of undeniable beauty, bountiful sunshine and a feeling of large open spaces. Tourist attractions abound in all areas of the country. It is not difficult to be enthralled by the vast range of Flora and Fauna and scenic landscapes.
Namibia was originally inhabited by Bushmen, Damara and Nama and later around the 14th century various Bantu tribes who immigrated to the area. In 1884 it became a German protectorate; this lasted until the end of the First World War when the League of Nations mandated what was then South West Africa to South Africa. Namibia gained its independence from South Africa in 1990 excluding Walvis Bay and the Penguin Islands which remained under South African control until 1994.
Namibia is divided into four regions, Central, Namib region, Northern and Southern.
The capital city Windhoek is situated in the Central region. It is a busy cosmopolitan city with up to date shopping, excellent hotels, restaurants and bistros and within reach of game reserves and mountain areas.
The Namib region is perhaps the most spectacular with its tranquil landscape made up of immense plains, red dunes and craggy mountains. Most of this region is occupied by the 50,00 square km Namib-Naukluft Park. It is doubtful that there is anywhere in the world that offers the magnificent beauty of the dunes found here. In the north of the area the resort towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund attract both tourists and locals.
The Northern Area of Namibia is one of the most popular destinations due to the many game parks in particular the renowned Etosha National Park that features the full range of species to be found in Africa.
Southern Namibia lies between the Atlantic Ocean and Namib Desert to the west and the Kalahari Desert to the east and has a large range of unique attractions with its ghost towns, historic buildings and home to a number of the world’s rarest animal and plant species.
Accommodation in Namibia is plentiful and varied and ranges from luxury 5 star hotels and wildlife lodges to isolated country lodges and charming guest houses as well as campsites in nearly every town. Wherever you stay in Namibia you will be assured of traditional warm hospitality which is a matter of pride amongst Namibians.
Yes, I have been here too, in 1982 and was also at Luderitz Bay, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Rossing Unranium Mine.
On our way back to Johannesburg, in the early sunrise, I suddenly awoke from my sleep on the back seat of our car and told my ex-husband to stop the car immediately!
It was yet another of the Miracles in my life and I have written about it, still also to be published.
Namibia is a completely Different Experience and lifestyle due to the immense heat, but the Natural Beauty is worth seeing.
So glad to have read those comic-type books my father bought us as a young teenager about Die Saboteur, based in South West Africa.