Namibia

Overview

Namibia, a huge but sparsely populated country, is situated in southwestern Africa. It 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 national park in the South. In the North of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha national park pan, to woodland savanna and lush riverine vegetation. The capital city of Windhoek is a great place to start your trip. It is the travel hub of Namibia and offers good nightlife, restaurants and nice sights. Swakopmund is a very German town in Namibia. It is indeed a strange feeling to walk through a German street in the African sun; to drink German beer while enjoying the African sun is a another good option here. All these facts combine in a country which can justifiably be known as "Africa's Gem" Most of the African game species are well represented in Namibia, with the largest concentration in the Etosha National Park which is firmly entrenched on the world map of international parks. Etosha provides memorable experiences. Namibia is home to the largest population of cheetah still in existence. A waterhole at dawn with a medley of giraffe,...more

History

South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that was soon named Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia won its independence in 1990 and has been governed by SWAPO since. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led the country during its first 14 years of self rule.