Situated on the edge of two deserts, Namibia charms the traveler with dramatic scenery. There are more than enough popular nature hiking destinations in the country. In addition to wildlife, a tourist interested in culture can also get to know the millennia-old culture.
A classic of safari destinations
According to countryaah, Namibia is located in southern Africa, bordering Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. Located on the southwest corner of the continent, the country borders on the western edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
Namibia’s long and multi-stage history is still evident today. The country’s population is ethnically diverse and the influences of German colonization, for example, are particularly evident in the country’s capital, Windhoek. Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990.
The landscapes of Namibia are considered by many to be unparalleled and the country is especially known as a destination for safaris and nature trips. Namibia is home to several nature parks and protected areas, including Fisher River Canyon and the prestigious Etosha National Park.
In Namibia which is short for NA by abbreviationfinder, you can also learn about ancient cultures, for example in the petroglyphs of Twyfelfontein.
Heat and drought
Namibia has a predominantly hot and dry climate, with an average daytime temperature of 30 degrees. Indeed, there are two desert areas in the country: the Namib and Kalahari deserts.
The hot rainy season lasts from January to March. The driest, on the other hand, is from July to September. The most pleasant travel time is often between these periods. The best travel time for safari tourism is during the dry season from May to September.
A fabulous safari destination
Nature tourists thrive in Namibia, as the country is especially known for its magnificent safari destinations. There are several nature parks in the country, such as the deserted Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Waterberg National Park, known for its animals.
However, Namibia’s most famous natural park is Etosha National Park, which is over a hundred years old. The large park is one of the most important protected areas in Africa and a popular nature tourist destination.
A popular destination is also the 160-kilometer-long and up to 550-meter-deep Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world.
Getting to know Namibia and its natural wonders is advantageous for Finns.
The spectrum of cultures
Surrounded by mountains, the town of Windhoek is the center of Namibia – both geographically and culturally. Namibia is home to 11 ethnic groups whose cultural influences are reflected in the street scene in Windhoek. The special features of the cultures can be explored by visiting the National Museum of Namibia.
Those interested in history can also go hiking in the petroglyph area of Twyfelfontein. The petroglyph area is one of Namibia’s most famous attractions, located in the Kunene region of northwestern Namibia. Among other things, the drawings depicting wild animals are thousands of years old. The area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.
FLIGHTS, HOTELS AND MOVEMENT IN NAMIBIA
By plane to Windhoek
Most tourists arrive in the country via Hosea Kutako International Airport. The airport is located about 45 km east of Windhoek.
There are no direct flights from Finland to Namibia, but you can fly to the country via Frankfurt, for example. Round-trip flights usually cost just over 1,000 euros.
Accommodation in a hotel and tent
Tourists are offered a reasonable range of accommodation options of different levels, especially in the most popular tourist cities in Namibia. The level of infrastructure in the countryside is not high and finding a quality hotel can be challenging at times.
On safari trips, for example, in Etosha National Park, overnight stays take place in camps. Some of the camps can be used for lodging, while some are for camping. Accommodation in the National Parks area must be booked in advance.
By bus, train or plane
Getting around by bus is affordable in Namibia. Buses run especially between large cities and the capitals of neighboring countries. For example, Intercape Mainilener also offers trips to neighboring countries.
You can also explore Namibia with a rental car, for example. The country’s road network is in fairly good condition. However, when driving in an urban area, it is good to remember to keep the doors locked and use headlights even during the day. In rural areas, especially at dusk, special care must be taken, as wildlife may run down the road.
In Namibia, you can also travel by train. Trans-Namib Railways operates between major cities and stops along the way at numerous small stations. The Desert Express luxury train for tourists runs between the cities of Swakopmund and Windhoek.
Air Namibia offers many domestic flights. Cities in the route network include Tsumeb, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Luderitz, Swakopmund, Oshakati and Ondangwa.
