Namibia is a land of wonderful contrasts. From stark desert landscapes and towering sand dunes to thick bushveld and chiseled mountains. Huge herds of game in Etosha, flocks of flamingoes in Walvis Bay, thousands of seals at Cape Cross - the list goes on and on.
The official language is English and the currency is the Namibian dollar, which has the same exchange value as the South African Rand. The rand can be used in Namibia, but not vice-versa. Credit cards are widely accepted, but not at service stations. Fuel must be purchased by cash only.
The road system is good, with the major routes supplemented by gravel roads. Care must be taken on the gravel roads - many hazards await the unwary driver, such as game straying, potholes and punctures.
Crime is rarely an issue provided sensible precautions are taken.
The many attractions include the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world next to the Grand Canyon of the USA. The sand dunes near Sossusvlei are the highest in the world at over 300m. The Etosha national park contains an incredible quantity and variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos and vast herds of plains game species.
Accommodation varies from campsites to luxurious lodges and hotels. The standards are all high and cleanliness, hospitality and friendliness characterize all of the establishments.
Copyright Strand and Veldt 2007
Design and hosting Ian Glendinning
