Saturday, January 10, 2015

Live The African Dream With Namibia Safari Packages

By Enid Hinton


Many people think of Africa as a place populated with lions, elephants and giraffes. This isn't strictly true but you'll certainly find these animals and many more in the Southern African wilderness. One way to live this African dream is with Namibia safari packages, which are affordable and will allow you to not only be one with nature but also to sample a unique culture with remnants of a past as a German colony.

The country lies along Africa's southwestern coast. To the north is Angola; to the south, South Africa. Botswana is its eastern neighbor. The capital is Windhoek, located more or less in the center and by far one of the most pleasant capital cities in the world.

The desert that gave the country its name is the Namib, which covers the western coastal area. It's not only this part that is hot and dry, though. Summer temperatures can be unbearable so it's best to visit in winter, which is mild. Besides, in winter there is less vegetation, making wildlife-spotting much easier. While you're here, you may also want to visit the lovely town of Swakopmund, the Fish River Canyon, rock art and the mysterious Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the desert.

Parts of the Namib Desert can only be visited if you have a special permit, since there are diamond mines here. However, there are vast areas that are open to tourists. Sossusvlei is a popular desert destination close to majestic sand dunes. The Skeleton Coast to the north is desolate with many a shipwreck along the shore. Apart from the seals along the beaches, you may find jackal, springbok, oryx and even elephants that have adapted to life in the desert. Africa's largest national park, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, is located in the Namib too.

Another Namibian national park not to miss is Etosha. Find yourself a good vantage point along the Etosha Pan and watch the vast variety of animals that come to drink. There are several antelope species, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions and cute little warthogs.

Damaraland has a spectacular landscape that would not look out of place on Mars. Here you'll find rock formations such as Vingerklip, a petrified forest and the San rock art of Brandberg and Twyfelfontein. The region, which is located in the central north, is the perfect place to go on community-driven elephant and rhino safaris.

In the Kunene region is Kaokoland, where the wildlife includes cheetahs. Kaokoland is also where you'll find the Himba, a people known for their intricate hairdos and their beautiful women. If you've had enough of the aridity, head to the panhandle in the northeast. This area, the Caprivi, is lush due to the two big rivers that flow here. In addition, it's a stone's throw away from Botswana's vast Okavango Delta.

It's easy to find a safari package for wildlife viewing in Namibia. You'll even find plenty of all-inclusive deals. Simply ask your travel agent or check online. Otherwise, book in Windhoek once you've arrived in this magical country.




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