Namibia in General
Namibia is a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine, and a feeling of unconfined space (Namibia means 'plain' in the ancient Hottentot language).With its unspoiled landscapes and large variety of game, Namibia is one of the larger countries in Africa, and draw an increasing number of visitors from various parts of the globe.
A sense of freedom is generated by the wide horizons, the clear unpolluted skies and a population density which is among the lowest in the world. This feeling of tranquillity and stillness combines with a landscape which is singular in its colours, full of contrasts of light and shade. In addition, the diversity of its people creates a rich blend of cultures and traditions.
Namibia has a colourful and turbulent history. In the mid-19th century, German missionaries opened up the interior, paving the way for traders who came later. The annexation of the country by Germany in 1884 accounts for the distinctive German architecture and traditions.
The country became independent on 21 March 1990, and is now peacefully approaching the twenty-first century.
Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. There is the brooding, desolate Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thornbush savanna and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fish River Canyon in the south. In the north of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savanna and lush riverine vegetation. Dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone, pre-historic art, and the ancient fossil plant, Welwitchia mirabilis, bear witness to the aeons past in this - "ageless land".
Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilisation of wildlife in its constitution. About 15.5% of the country has been set aside as national parks. In these areas, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and protected. They serve as living reminder to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa.
Most of the African game species are well represented in Namibia, with the largest concentration of game in the Etosha National Park which is firmly entrenched on the world map of international parks. Etosha provides memorable experiences. A waterhole at dawn with a medley of giraffe, zebra, rhino, graceful antelopes and a solitary hyena is like a finely etched painting of African wildlife.
Wilderness and modern amenities co-exist happily in this land of vivid contrasts. Visitors to Namibia can see the country by means of comfortable coach tours, fly-in safaris and camping safaris, self-drive tours, or overlanders tailored to suit individual needs. For the more adventurous, there are wilderness safaris and hiking trails.
A large number of comfortable guest farms are found all over the country, where guests share the table with their hosts, and you are assured of personal attention, typical Namibian hospitality, and the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the country and its people. Privately-owned game ranches offer controlled, professional services to trophy and meat hunters. Photographic safaris can also be arranged.
In Namibia, not only hotels, but all other accommodation establishments including rest camps, caravan parks, private hotels, guests farms, and safari companies, are graded according to the services offered. Regular inspections to ensure that each establishment complies with expected standards, are carried out by officials from the Ministry of Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism.