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Namibia

Namibia is a dry country, sandwiched between two deserts, the Namib and the Kalahari. Its stark beauty portrayed by red dunes, grassy plains, rocky mountains, canyons and Acacia savannas attract the true nature lover. The initially perceived starkness will soon reveal a multitude of life to those who look more carefully. In summer the sun-scorched earth comes to life when rejuvenated by the long awaited rains. This is the time when every raindrop is cherished by plants, animals and people alike. The people who make this harsh land their home, value it above all, this is Namibia. A sense of peace and serenity is reached under the open and vast expanses of the landscapes of Namibia. We invite you to free your soul in the deafening silence of the desert where tranquility is all encompassing. Enjoy the blue skies over the wide open plains and savannas. Here you can really get away from it all, and we can take you there.

Country Highlights

Brandberg
Highest mountain in Namibia (2,606 m, 8,550 ft) formed by a granite plug pressed out of a volcanic pipe. There are more than 43,000 individual rock paintings located at around 1,000 sites.

Brukaros Crater
An ancient volcanic crater of about 80 million years ago in the south of Namibia. It rises 650 m (2,133 ft) above the plain and with a crater diameter of approximately 3 km (1.9 miles). The crater floor lies about 350 m (1,148 ft) below the crater’s edge.

Cape Cross
Largest Cape fur seal breeding colony (about 100,000) on the Namibian Atlantic coast. The Portuguese sea farer Diego Cáo landed here in 1486 and erected a stone cross.

Caprivi
Caprivi is a narrow protrusion in the northeast of the country, some 450 km (280 miles) long. It is bordered by the Kavango, Cuando, Linyanti, Chobe and Zambezi rivers. The Caprivi is unlike the rest of Namibia, with a sub-tropical climate, high rainfall and woodlands.

Cities
Swakopmund - Largest holiday town in Namibia on the Atlantic coast with German colonial style buildings, offering many adventure sport opportunities.

Walfish Bay - Largest, most important habour on the Namibian coast, 35 km south of Swakopmund.

Windhoek - Capital of Namibia, situated in the central region. A cosmopolitan city, mixed with German colonial style buildings that offers all the modern amenities.

Damaraland
Scenic semi-arid landscape interspersed with mountains in the north-west of Namibia, just south of the Kaokoland. The highest mountain in Namibia, Brandberg, as well as desert elephants and black rhinos can be found here.

Etosha National Park
Established in 1907, it is one of the famous wildlife wonders of the world. This 23,175 km² protected area incorporates a large salt pan (130 km long and 50 km wide). The salt pan is usually dry, but fills with water in places after heavy rains. Etosha is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, and 16 amphibian species.

Fish River Canyon
Second largest canyon in the world w ith a depth of up to 550 m (1,804 ft), it is up to 27 km (17 miles) wide. Over a period of 650 million years, the Fish River has helped shape this canyon, meandering along a distance of approximately 160 km (100 miles). At the end of the canyon lies the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais, that provides an oasis in this rocky desert landscape.

Hoba meteorite
It struck the ground some 80,000 years ago and was discovered only by chance in 1920 as there is no evidence of an impact zone. This is the heaviest meteorite in the world and the largest naturally-occurring mass of iron known to exist on the surface of the earth. The meteorite of measuring 2.7 by 2.7 meters (8 feet 9 inches) by 0.9 meters (3 feet) with a volume of nearly 9m² , weighs about 60 tons. It consists of 84% iron, 16% nickel, 1% cobalt and various trace elements.

Himba
Tribe living in Kaokoland, leading a traditional, semi-nomadic pastoral lifestyle.

Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari is regarded as a mild desert, a large arid to semi-arid sand basin that reaches from the Orange River in South Africa up to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and from Namibia in the west to Zimbabwe in the east. The sand masses were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. The sand ridges were shaped by wind, which are so typical of the landscape in the Kalahari. Only in recent geological history, 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, were the dunes stabilized through vegetation. Unlike the dunes of the Namib Desert, those of the Kalahari are stable and not wandering. Ancient dry riverbeds—called omuramba—traverse the Central Northern reaches of the Kalahari and provide standing pools of water during the rainy season. The only permanent river, the Okavango, flows into a delta in the northwest, forming marshes that are rich in wildlife.

Kaokoland(veld)
A magnificent, rugged, mountainous desert area in the northwest of Namibia, and home of the Himba tribe. Stronghold of the desert elephant and black rhino.

Kunene River
One of the three perennial rivers in Namibia, it borders Angola and flows through the northern Namib Desert into the Atlantic Ocean.

Lake Otjikoto and Lake Guinas
These sinkhole lakes in dolomite rock are the only natural lakes in Namibia. With a diameter of up to 500 m (Guinas), their true depths are unknown. At about 60 m (Otjikoto) and 100 m (Guinas), both lakes disappear into lateral cave systems. The geological age of Lake Guinas allowed an endemic cichlid fish species Tilapia guinasana to evolve.

Namib Desert
A true desert, the Namib generally receives less than 10 mm (0.4 inches) of rain annually. Stretching along the entire Atlantic coast of Namibia as a narrow strip of 50 - 160 km (30 – 100 miles) wide and some 1,600 km (1,000 miles) long, the desert is patterned by a sea of giant red sand dunes in the south and vast gravel plains in the north. The landscape is traversed by a number of dry riverbeds that serve as oases for humans and animals. The Namib is considered the oldest desert in the world, where species had time to evolve unique adaptations to survive in this harsh environment. Many of the fauna and flora is found nowhere else on earth.

Okavango River
The only river in the world with no access to the ocean. Originating in the highlands of Angola, its waters are blocked off by the sands of the Kalahari, forming the lush Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Orange River
The longest river in southern Africa, the name was derived from the orangey colour of the water caused by the high silt load. This river forms the border between Namibia and South Africa.

Petrified Forest
More than 50 giant fossilized tree trunks, some up to 30 m long, are found in a relatively small area. These fossilized trunks are estimated to be 200 million years old.

Rivers
Most rivers in Namibia are dry and carry water only in the form of flash floods after recent heavy rains during summer. The only perennial rivers are those along its borders with other countries, i.e. Kunene (NW), Okavango (NE), Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe (NE), Zambezi (far NE) and the Orange rivers (S).

San people
Previously known as bushmen (also Basarwa or Khwe), these original inhabitants of southern Africa for at least 20,000 years, lived in a stone-age, hunter-gatherer society until a few decades ago. Genetic evidence suggests they are one of the oldest, if not the oldest, peoples in the world from which all humans can ultimately trace their genetic heritage. Part of the Khoisan group, they are related to the Khoikhoi. Namibia and Botswana are one of the last strongholds of the San people.

Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is a salt pan in the central Namib Desert, fed by the rarely flowing Tsauchab River. Surrounded by the highest sand dunes in the world, these can reach heights of up to 300 m (900 ft). A photographers paradise, the white salt pans are surrounded by red sand dunes with clear blue skies overhead. Old, gnarled camelthorn trees add to the magic.

Tsumkwe
Large settlement of San people in Bushmanland, north east Namibia.

Twyfelfontein
This national monument boasts approximately 2,500 petroglyphs (neolithic rock engravings). The age of engravings has not been determined precisely but there is evidence that the area was occupied as early as 6,000 years ago.

The nearby Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain can also be visited. Formed by a volcanic dolerite intrusion into the overlying rock about 120 million years ago , the rapid cooling shaped these vertical angular rock columns, called the Organ Pipes. The Burnt Mountain was also formed at about the same time, when volcanic lava intruded Karoo limestone that caused metamorphism giving Burnt Mountain its distinctive coloured shale and basalt.

Vingerklip
A dramatic rock formation, the 35 m (115 ft) high pillar of rock "Finger of Stone” stands above the Ugab limestone terraces.

Waterberg
A 50 km long and 20 km wide sandstone table mountain massif rising 200 m above the surrounding plains. Its unique woodland type vegetation differs from that of the surrounding area. The Waterberg Plateau Park encompasses most of the mountain and harbours rare species such as black rhino, Cape buffalo and roan antelope.

Welwitschia
Welwitschia mirabilis is a gymnosperm found only in the Namib Desert. It can reach an age of probably 2,000 years and in its lifetime produces a single pair of leaves. These are the only continuously growing leaves found on any plant in the world. Discovered in 1860 by Dr Friedrich Welwitsch, they were described as the “platypus of the plant kingdom” by Charles Darwin.

White Lady
Famous 2,000 year old rock painting in the Brandberg Mountain. Discovered in 1917, but remained in obscurity until 1948 when the French cleric and archaeologist Abbé Henri Breuil copied it and brought the painting to light. (1 hour walk)

Zambezi River
Africa’s fourth largest river begins as a small spring in north western Zambia, where it borders Angola and the Democratic Republic of Kongo. The most spectacular sections of the river are the Cholwezi Rapids, Barotse floodplains and Ngonye Falls in Zambia, Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the Mana Pools floodplains in Zimbabwe. The large Kariba Dam and the Cabora Bassa Dam slow down the water of the Zambezi to form huge lakes. Over its entire length of 2,700 km, the Zambezi runs through six countries and spills into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. Its unique value is that it is less developed than other rivers and many areas surrounding the river are protected.

South Africa

The most southern country in Africa offers everything from over 3,000 kilometers of mostly white sandy beaches to one of the highest mountain ranges on the continent. From spectacular scenery, exquisite wildlife viewing, a climate ranging from searing hot deserts to snow-capped peaks, and a first world infrastructure, are found in South Africa. Its tremendous variety in landscapes and natural splendor makes South Africa a truly unique and inspiring experience for the visitor. These qualities make it a destination not to be missed. The real heart of this vibrant country and its diverse cultures go back to the beginning of time. Known for the Cradle of Humankind, it was here that archaeologists discovered 2,5 million year old hominid fossils as well as the 100 000 year old remains of modern humankind. Many of South Africa’s cultures have their roots in an ancient world. In more recent times, world famous people like Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi, Cecil John Rhodes, Nelson Mandela, Emily Hobhouse, Jan Smuts, Louis Botha, Chris Barnard and many others, have all influenced and helped shape the South African society to what it is today.

Fast Facts

Country Highlights

Addo N.P.
Situated in the Eastern Cape, the 164,000 ha Addo National Elephant Park is being expanded into a 360,000 ha mega-park. Some of its unique features already include: Unrivalled natural diversity, with five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (biomes); The Big 7 (Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whales and great white sharks) in their natural habitat; and a rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites.

Cape
Generally referred to as the southern part of the country, it is famous for the fynbos vegetation. As one of the 6 plant kingdoms in the world, it boasts over 8,000 different plant species. The Cape is also well known for the Garden Route that runs along the beautiful coast line and the mountains. The southern Cape has a Mediterranean climate, receiving most of its rain in winter.

Cape Point
The most southwesterly point of Africa, where the cold Benguela current on the West coast and the warm Agulhas current on the East coast merge. One of the highest sea cliffs in the world – 249 m a.s.l., it forms part of the 22,100 ha Table Mountain National Park, a natural World Heritage Site. Cape Point offers a spectacular view over False Bay and the ocean.

Cities
Bloemfontein (Mangaung) – It is the capital of the Free State province and serves as the judicial capital of South Africa

Cape Town – One of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world with Table Mountain as a backdrop. Tourists can also visit the world famous Robben Island from here. The legislative capital of South Africa where the parliament sits, is also the capital of the Western Cape province.

Durban (Ethekwini) – The second largest city in South Africa is also the busiest port in Africa.

Johannesburg – business and financial centre of South Africa

Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Metropole) – Home of South Africa’s motor vehicle industry, it is an important harbour and the capital of the Eastern Cape province

Pretoria (Tshwane) – executive (administrative) capital of South Africa

Drakensberg
The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (Barrier of Spears) is a 200 km long mountain range and world heritage site. The highest peak Mount-aux-Sources (3,282 m; 10,768 ft) regularly receives snow in winter.

Fynbos
Fynbos is the natural shrubland vegetation occurring in a small coastal and mountainous belt (100 to 200 km wide) of the southern Cape, mainly a winter rainfall area with a Mediterranean climate. Fynbos is one of the 6 floral kingdoms in the world and is the smallest, but richest floral kingdom. With over 8,000 species of plants, it has a higher diversity (1,300 species per 10,000 km²) than tropical rainforests (South American rainforest has 400 plant species per 10,000 km²). The characteristic fynbos plant families are proteas, ericas and restios.

Garden Route
This scenic area stretches between the cities of Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, a distance of about 700 km. Magnificent landscapes, ranging from rocky and sandy beaches, estuaries, deep gorges, mountain streams, forests to steep mountains can be seen along the route.

Golden Gate Highlands N.P.
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains, the park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the sandstone cliffs. This 11,600 ha of unique environment is true highland habitat.

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
This World Heritage Site in Zululand comprises of Lake St Lucia and its estuary, the largest coastal wetland in South Africa. It boasts one of the highest concentrations of Nile crocodiles in Africa as well as many hippos.

Karoo
The Karoo is a system of rocks laid down over central and southern Africa during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. A semi-arid plateau in the interior of the country with vast open plains is covered by low scrub vegetation.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Lying in the southern Kalahari Desert, this park comprises an area of over 3,6 million ha – one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world. The dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob in the otherwise sparse vegetation on the red sand dunes attract antelope and predator species and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi T.P. is also a haven for birders.

Kruger N.P.
Nearly 2 million ha in the Lowveld of South Africa, the world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. It is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

Lowveld
A low lying bush savanna in the north east of the country of great historical significance, scenic landscapes and high biodiversity. A large part of the Lowveld is protected by the Kruger National Park.

Pilanesberg N.P.
Nestled in an ancient volcanic crater that erupted some 1,300 million years ago, Pilanesberg rates high amongst the world's outstanding geological phenomena. Lying in the transition zone between the western dry Kalahari and eastern, wetter Bushveld vegetation, this unique overlap of mammals, birds and vegetation offers the visitor a high diversity of species.

Robben Island
A small island, just 15 km from Cape Town, Robben Island used to be a natural safe haven for seals, penguins and many sea birds. From 1836 to 1931 it was used as a leper colony and later, due to its isolated location as a high security prison. Notable amongst the political prisoners were Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Tokyo Sexwale, Govan Mbeki, Dennis Brutus and Robert Sobukwe.

Table Mountain
The flat-topped Table Mountain ( 1,086 m; 3,563 ft) forms a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town, the bay and the ocean. The top of the mountain is often shrouded by clouds to form the "table cloth". This World Heritage Site forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.

Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Park
Set in the heart of Zululand, the oldest game reserve in Africa where the Zulu kings used to hunt on their royal lands. It is here where the southern White Rhino was saved from extinction and through concerted efforts by conservationists changed into a rhino stronghold. The Park covers some 96,000 ha and contains a high diversity of fauna and flora.

Waterberg
The Waterberg, a mountainous region in the north west of South Africa is a premier wildlife area. Some 150,000 ha of this ecosystem are protected through the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.

Links

South Africans in Austin

Zimbabwe

Lying between the mighty Zambezi River and the Limpopo River in the south, this land locked country in central southern Africa derived it's name from the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, remnants of the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe. Along the Zambezi, the 4th longest river in Africa lies the famous Victoria Falls, the largest in the world. Further downstream lies the Kariba Dam, forming the 300 km long Lake Kariba, and the wildlife rich Mana Pools before it flows into the Indian Ocean. Zimbabwe also boasts some of Africa's largest populations of elephant, buffalo and other species like the majestic sable antelope.

Country Highlights

Hangwe National Park
The largest game reserve in Zimbabwe, the Hangwe N.P. covers over 14,600 km². It is close to the edge of the Kalahari desert, a region with little water and very sparse,xerophile vegetation. Large numbers of elephant, buffalo and antelope, as well as large predators including African wild dogs are found here.

Kariba Dam
The Kariba Dam is a hydroelectric dam in the Kariba Gorge of the Zambezi river basin between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the largest dams in the world, standing 128 m (420 ft) tall and 579 m (1,900 ft) long. It creates Lake Kariba with a surface area of 5,400 km2 (2,100 sq mi).

Mana Pools
Mana Pools is a wildlife conservation area in northern Zimbabwe constituting a National Park. This Word Heritage Site lies in the lower Zambezi River in Zimbabwe where the flood plain turns into a broad expanse of lakes after each rainy season. As the lakes gradually dry up and recede, the region attracts many large animals in search of water, making it one of Africa's most renowned game-viewing regions.

Matetsi area
The Matetsi safari area situated in north western Zimbabwe is Zimbabwe's oldest and best known hunting safari area. Together with the game rich Hwange National Park, Kazuma National Park, Zambezi National Park and Pandamasui Forest area they form one of Africa's largest un-spoilt, wilderness areas over 20,000 km² in extent.

Matobo National Park
The Matobo National Park forms the core of the Matobo or Matopos Hills, an area of granite kopjes and wooded valleys in southern Zimbabwe. The Matobo Hills were designated as a World Heritage Site in 2003. They cover an area of about 3100 km², of which 424 km² is National Park. 

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia
The world's largest waterfalls (Zambezi River), over a 2 km width, plunges 120 m down the Batoka Gorge. Many adventure sport opportunities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing etc.

Zambezi River
Africa's fourth largest river (2,700 km) begins as a small spring in north western Zambia, where it borders Angola and the Democratic Republic of Kongo. The most spectacular sections of the river are the Cholwezi Rapids, Barotse floodplains and Ngonye Falls in Zambia, Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the Mana Pools floodplains in Zimbabwe. The large Kariba Dam and the Cabora Bassa Dam slow down the water of the Zambezi to form huge lakes. Over its entire length of 2,700 km, the Zambezi runs through six countries and spills into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. Its unique value is that it is less developed than other rivers and many areas surrounding the river are protected.

Zimbabwe Ruins
Great Zimbabwe is a ruined city that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which existed from 1270 to 1550 AD during the country's Late Iron Age.

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