Namibian culture

herero travel notes Herero women are known for their colourful attire | Credit: Travel Notes

Namibia’s sparse population of only 1,8 million people in a land area of 830 square kilometres makes it one of the most sparsely populated countries in Southern Africa. The San Bushmen are descendants of Africa’s Stone Age tribes and are considered Namibia’s oldest inhabitants. Confined to the desert and semi-desert regions of Namibia, their survival skills in such a harsh climate are renowned the world over.

Bantu-speaking populations include the Himba, Ovamba and Herero people, who are also extremely adept at living in the stark landscape of Namibia.

Central Namibia

The majesty of Sossusvlei From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the German coastal town of Swakopmund and the whales of Walvis Bay, the laidback capital of Windhoek to the shifting sands of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, central Namibia is home to some of the country’s most popular attraction and best adventure activities, making it one of the top areas for travellers. Etosha…

Travel tips for Namibia

Namibia is one of the easiest and safest African countries to travel in, but due to huge distances between destinations and remote locations, a successful trip does usually require some advance planning and research. In terms of communication, many hotels do not offer WiFi and cell phone coverage can be sparse in remote areas. Credit | Kunene River Lodge In the peak season of July…

Value-for-money safaris in Namibia

Namutoni Rest Camp in Etosha National Park Namibia offers excellent value-for-money, especially if you hire a car and stay in campsites or lodges situated outside of the national parks. While there are a lot of pros to staying inside the parks, these camps can be pricey, especially in high season. Choosing to sleep at a camp or lodge just outside of the park gates means you can get…

Malaria-free safari in Namibia

Malaria-free safaris are an excellent option if you’re traveling with children, if you’re elderly, if you’re pregnant, or in any way unable to take anti-malaria medication. Sossusvlei may seem like a lifeless pan surrounded by the arid Namib Desert in the south of the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia, however the area is surrounded by red dunes that seemingly go on forever in…

Namibia in March

The rains start to ease off in March in Namibia but it’s still hot and humid. It’s still a good month for birdwatching but finding wildlife in places such as Etosha remains difficult due to the lush vegetation. ...

Lodges in Namibia

Credit | Boulder’s Lodge Many lodges in Namibia offer activities, food and drinks as part of your rate. It’s always a good idea to check exactly what is and isn’t included before your stay so you don’t get any surprises on your bill when you check out. Lodges usually explain their tipping practice in the in-room booklet, but if you’re unsure check with the management staff. ...

Swakopmund in Namibia

The Delight guest house Sandwiched between the ocean and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund, a coastal town in central Namibia, is one of the most popular places in the country for travellers to visit. The laidback town has charm by the bucketload with its colonial architecture, oceanfront promenades, historical sights, cosy guesthouses, and excellent restaurants and beer houses where you…

Namibia in January

January is midsummer in Namibia, when temperatures in most of the country are extremely hot, and some parts of Namibia receive heavy afternoon showers. The summer rains mean the foliage in Etosha National Park is at its greenest, making for beautiful photos and good birdwatching but wildlife spotting is more challenging than in the drier months. January is a good time to visit the…