Overview

Namibia, one of the youngest countries in Africa, is located on the Atlantic coast in southern Africa. It shares borders with Angola and Zambia to the north and with Botswana and South Africa to the east and south. Namibia, whose capital city is Windhoek, is a member of the African Union, United Nations, Common Wealth Nations, and the Southern African Development community.

Namibia's economy depends mainly upon tourism and precious stones. The economy is also pillared by mining, fishing and agriculture. The government is the largest single contributor to employment in Namibia and, sadly, most of the people in Namibia are below the international poverty line.

Activities & Attractions

Namibia is a dreamlike place that can make you question if something so visually appealing could actually exist in the world. Hence, the country is popularly called the photographer's dream because of its wild seascapes, rugged mountains, lonely deserts, stunning wildlife, colonial cities, and nearly unlimited elbow room. In addition, it has some of the world's grandest national parks, ranging from the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park to the dune fields and desert plains of Namib-Naukluft Park in Western Namibia.

Fish River Canyon is one of Africa's most awe-inspiring sights and definitely worth a visit. Another popular activity is to go trekking in Sossusvlei and Sesriem to see the towering red dunes and ride horses in Sesriem Canyon. Damaraland, another popular destination, is an ancient basalt landscape surrounded by ephemeral river valleys that harbor hundreds of rock engravings.

Humidity is generally very low in most parts of Namibia. Winter nights can be fairly cold but days are generally warm and pleasant. The sporadic rains do not affect road travel significantly. However, as flash floods do occur, tourists are advised to exercise caution when crossing or camping in riverbeds during the rainy season.

Lodging

There are many hotels and motels available throughout the major cities of Namibia that meet international standards and are perfect for your average traveler. However, if you want to rough it a little more, there are other options like camping or caravanning that might suit you better.

Restaurant hours vary according to the type of establishment. As a rule, cafés and cheap eateries will be open all day and close in the early evening. More expensive restaurants are open for longer periods of the day and night.

Transportation

There are a few different options available for tourists when it comes to transportation in Namibia. The most affordable options for traveling in Namibia are the trains and buses. The train network is quite extensive and covers almost all major routes and attractions.

There are local bus services in Windhoek and other major cities in Namibia. For quicker transportation, taxis are also available. For those looking to ride more comfortable, a luxury bus service exists between Windhoek and all major centers in Namibia and South Africa.

The Hosea Kutako International Airport is the primary airport in Namibia and offers both domestic and international flights. Cars are available for rental at the airport and Windhoek city center, as well as some other major cities in the country.