Stunning nature faces and the world's oldest desert
Namibia gets its name from
this oldest desert in the world. The Namib is estimated to be a whopping 80 million years old. I can't even imagine it that old! The name Namib means open space, which of course says it all. I really like the desert and I have visited a few of them now...but I still can't get enough!
The Namib is no less than 2000 km long, it runs along the coast of Namibia and inland in some places 150 km! Quite a stretch of sand that is!!!
OUR RATES
Pax- Price in Namibian Dollars/Rands
Hosea kutako International Airport Transfers (One Way) (HKIA)
1/2 DAY (3 HOURS)
A 3 hours visit to Himba village is a must for anyone interested in culture. The Himba still live very much as their ancestors did, forging an existence in the harsh environment of Kunene (formerly called Kaokoland).
They are pastoral nomads, whose livelihood is based on cattle herding, hunting and gathering, and who need to move seasonally to find grazing land. Their villages consist of simple huts formed of branches, mud and cow dung with thatched roofs.
FULL DAY (5 HOURS)
A Full day visit to Himba village is a must for anyone interested in culture. The Himba still live very much as their ancestors did, forging an existence in the harsh environment of Kunene (formerly called Kaokoland).
They are pastoral nomads, whose livelihood is based on cattle herding, hunting and gathering, and who need to move seasonally to find grazing land. Their villages consist of simple huts formed of branches, mud and cow dung with thatched roofs.
1/2 DAY (3 HOURS)
Experience a 3 hours visit to a Herero village.
With almost 90% of the Herero population residing in Namibia and known for their classic Victorian dresses from the 1800s, it is easy to identify a Herero while walking on the streets of Windhoek and driving through villages towns in Namibia.For sure, the Herero outfit is one of their most distinctive characteristics. This outfit was kept by the German colonialists after they left Namibia and the Herero started owning it.They are one of Namibia’s proudest tribes – if not the most – and they are happy to wear their traditional clothing. Get the chance to meet the Herero tribe, they are very open to talking to you about their heritage, traditions, and what they are doing to preserve it for future generations.
FULL DAY ( 5-6 HOURS)
A excellent cultural experience by meeting 2 tribes - the Himba village and Herero village in a full day visit and learn of the traditions of both tribes . A day that give you more insight about their traditions and daily life. Travel to Namibia in August and you might catch Herero Day. Every year the Herero dress up, the men in a military stile uniform and the women in colourful uniform like dresses, to visit their chief’s graves and pay homage. (Alternative: Zeraua day in Omaruru).They take great pride in their clothing and their cattle. In the Herero Tribe culture, they believe that the more cattle one has, the richer one is. Therefore, having a lot of cows (not money) signifies real wealth.
OVERNIGHT
A full day visit & overnight to traditional Himba village is a must for anyone interested in culture. The Himba still live very much as their ancestors did, forging an existence in the harsh environment of Kunene (formerly called Kaokoland).
They are pastoral nomads, whose livelihood is based on cattle herding, hunting and gathering, and who need to move seasonally to find grazing land. Their villages consist of simple huts formed of branches, mud and cow dung with thatched roofs.
SEVEN WONDERS OF NAMIBIA
Te midden van een oceaan van duinen, rotspartijen en grindvlaktes, ligt het volmaakte rust en buitengewone helderheid van licht, maken dit gebied een van Afrika's meest fascinerende landschappen.
Reis naar het hart van een eeuwenoude woestijn, op deze reisroute waar de duinen hoger zijn en de sterren zijn helderder dan je ooit had gedacht.
Dompel jezelf onder in de ultieme veilige reisbubbel terwijl je geniet van een scala aan privé-ervaringen, verrukkelijk eten, talloze avonturen en spectaculaire accommodaties.
EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF NAMIBIA
Surprising, breathtaking and diverse, the country offers a range of activities in addition to diverse landscapes that you will hardly find anywhere else.
From flaming red sand dunes to arid forests that are home to some of the world's most majestic herds of elephants, Namibia is bursting with unique natural wonders. Go on safari in the famous Etosha National Park in search of lions, rhinos, giraffes and the elusive leopard. Dive into the continent's desert landscapes: the timeless Namib Desert.
JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF AN ANCIENT DESERT
Namibia is famous for its impressive wildlife, vast sandy plains and its Skeleton Coast, created by the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean.
Amid an ocean of dunes, rocky outcrops and gravel plains, lies perfect tranquillity and extraordinary clarity of light, make this area one of Africa's most fascinating landscapes. Travel to the heart of an ancient desert, on this 14-day itinerary where the dunes are higher and the stars are brighter than you ever imagined.
Skeleton Coast lives up to its name: the desolate coastline is a graveyard full of rusty shipwrecks, with the remains of a whale skeleton here and there. Located in the north of Namibia, you will find this special piece of unspoilt Africa, a unique destination where your eyes are in short supply. The world's most remote and impassable coastline owes its name to the many whale skeletons and ships that wrecked here.
The absolute highlight of a trip through Namibia is Etosha National Park, Namibia's most famous park. This is where your safari adventure really begins, because this is Africa as Africa was meant to be. The ultimate adventure, of course, is to go on a self-drive through the park. As there are many natural water sources scattered throughout the park, you are guaranteed to spot plenty of game here.
Sossusvlei is world-famous for its huge, high, deep-red sand dunes, some up to 300 metres high. Get up early so you can experience the beautiful sunrise in Sossusvlei (especially special on top of Dune 45). You can also have fun sandboarding, driving around in a 4x4 through the sand or hiking through the desert.
Near Sossusvlei lies the haunting Dodevlei. Due to climate change, this area was ravaged by drought, leaving only a barren, white clay plain with cracked soil and dead trees. The area is surrounded by the highest dunes in the world, some as high as 300-400 metres. The Dodevlei is a special and mysterious place.
THE MATTERHORN OF NAMIBIA
There are few places in southern Africa where the landscape is as iconic as that of Namibia's Spitzkoppe. The view here is dominated by a huge granite island mountain that towers a staggering 700 metres above the surrounding landscape at its highest point. An extraordinary sight, as the rest of the surrounding area is almost flat, which is precisely what makes this place so unique. Not surprisingly, this place served as a filming location for the science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Even though this place is located on Namibia's west coast bordering the Namib Desert, it feels like you are in Germany. The influence of the German settlers who founded Swakopmund in 1892 are still evident in architecture and language. The name refers to the mouth of the Swakop River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean here. Notable buildings include the old prison designed by Heinrich Bause, the Woermann House and railway station building that now houses a luxury hotel.
Damaraland is a vast area with predominantly rugged mountain ranges and an arid landscape. This region is among the least populated in Namibia. Here you will therefore see mainly impressive nature. Moreover, the area is home to wild animals that have managed to fully adapt to the desert. Desert giraffe, gemsbok, desert elephants and the black rhinoceros, which is threatened with extinction, live here. Fortunately, the black rhino is increasing in numbers here. Damaraland's wildlife here lives in the wild outside the national parks. The area therefore has no enclosure.
Located in southern Namibia, Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. Only the Grand Canyon in the United States is bigger. Big difference between the canyons is that Fish River Canyon is not overrun with tourists. The canyon was created by a combination of geological shifts and erosion. The Fish River Canyon starts at Seeheim and ends at Ai-Ais. Through the canyon flows the Fish River. This river flows into the Orange River, which forms the border between Namibia and SOUTH AFRICA. For most of the year, the Fish River is a dry riverbed with some small pools of water that are very important for wildlife. Only in the rainy season can there be more water in the river. It can suddenly turn into a swirling mass.
Lüderitz was once the centre of Namibia's diamond industry. Now the mines are exhausted and more and more villages are turning into photogenic ghost towns, where encroaching sand has free rein. Merchant Adolf Lüderitz struck a rocky and sandy patch of land in 1884, when he docked in the south-west of what is now Namibia. No source of drinking water in the wide area. Only one path that led inland. It was barely passable. And where exactly did it go?
By Namibian standards, Keetmanshoop is a relatively large town in the south of the country. After colonisation, many Germans continued to live there. Not surprisingly, many German influences can still be found.A major attraction in the area around Keetmanshoop is 'giants playground', a bizarre formation of boulders in the middle of nature. In addition, tubular trees are also a major attraction. These trees are much more common in Namibia, but always solitary.
UNIQUE HALF NAMADIC BANTU CULTURE
OvaHimba community;
The OvaHimba village is a place where you can interactively experience the traditional culture of the OvaHimba. The museum functions as a traditional school for both guests and the children of its own community, while also being a revenue-generating institution.
The museum is strategically located between the OvaHimba capital Opuwo and the paradisiacal Epupa Falls on the Kunene River in northern Namibia.
Visit this community and learn from the ovahimba culture how they live, sing, dance, body painting, woodworking, and so much more. Also special student programme.
SAN CULTURE OF NORTH NAMIBIA
The Khwe ethnic group, with only about 4,000 people in Namibia, has a turbulent history, defined by relocation, political restraint and marginalisation by other, larger ethnic groups.
The traditional culture of the Khwe is one of the most endangered cultures in Namibia. While the Khwe-||Ani language (still spoken by some 8,600 people in southern Africa), especially in Namibia, is still used as a mother tongue and thus at least not currently endangered, the transmission of traditional culture looks a bit different. For the Khwe, an opportunity to pass on their traditional values to the next generation.
BUNTU CULTURE OF THE OKAVANGA RIVER
An essential component is the demonstration (and preservation) of the fishing and land culture of the Mbunza. The traditional presentation includes everything from daily life (traditional cooking, fire-making, basket and mat weaving, etc.) to bushwalks and fishing and finally to highly specialised techniques such as blacksmithing, pottery and drum-making.
The language spoken is Rukwangali, the most common language in the Kavango region. The guide translates into English. After understanding the tradition, guests can buy a small souvenir from the craft shop and take home a piece of Kavango culture
HUNTER-GATHERERS CULTURE OF THE DAMARA
The unique experience of historic Damara culture
Along with the Bushmen, the Damara are among Namibia's oldest peoples. Their original culture was a mixture of an archaic hunter-gatherer culture and herdsmen of cattle, goats and sheep. Because of their loose social structures, the Damara were unable to defend themselves against aggressors during the colonisation of Namibia. This is one of the reasons why their culture has largely fallen into oblivion.
BANTU CULTURE OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER
Visitors get an interesting insight into the life of the Mafwe. It consists of a traditional village and surrounding fields on a beautiful hill overlooking the Kwando River. Huge baobab trees bring shade for guests interested in the original Mafwe culture. The Mafwe present their ancient, almost forgotten culture in traditional costumes. Almost every programme on offer is interactive, as they also enjoy it greatly when visitors try to weave a craft net or taste the meals on offer.
FASCINATING CULTURE OF THE SAN (BUSHMEN)
Besides learning about the fascinating ancient culture of the Ju/'Hoansi, which has been indigenous to the Kalahari Desert for thousands of years, experiencing a real hunt with hunters from the village takes centre stage. Here, traditional bow hunting with poison darts, digging out spring hares and porcupines, catching snares of guinea fowl, khoraans and other birds for the daily hunt for food has never ended. The San living in this area, the Nyae Nyae Conservancy, are actually the only ones from their cultural group who are still officially allowed to hunt traditionally. Thus, they still master the art of number-reading and are delighted when visitors show special interest in this. Also unique is the opportunity for visitors to participate in such a hunt. An English-speaking Ju/'Hoansi accompanies the guests and translates everything the hunters show and explain.
The dramatic sand dunes at Sossusvlei can be visited at any time of year, but the dry winter months from May to October are generally considered the best time to visit Namibia for wildlife viewing, especially in Etosha National Park. The air is clear, malaria risk is lowest and, as the dry season progresses, animals increasingly concentrate around water sources. However, prepare for freezing night temperatures in June and July, while September and October can be extremely hot.
The summer rains between November and April colour the land green and bring occasional floods to the desert. December can be very rewarding for wildlife spotting in Etosha and summer is the best time to go to Namibia for birdwatching, although you should watch out for malaria in the Caprivi Strip (newly renamed the Zambezi region), Namibia's wettest region and a place best avoided in the wet peak months of January and February.
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