Namibia is a country in Southern Africa. Being one of the largest African countries, it offers a series of natural and cultural for every tourist who explores its vicinity.
English is the country’s official language, although many people speak indigenous African languages, mainly Afrikaans.
Namibia’s landscape is spectacular, featuring dramatic mountains, unique desert landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and various wildlife. However, Namibia’s long, dry summers and mild winters mean the country doesn’t experience the extremes that can affect other destinations.
There are many exciting things to do in Namibia, such as trekking the fish river canyon, tracking a rhino with the Save the Rhino Trust (STRT), and meeting the semi-nomadic Himba people who live on the rugged, mountainous terrain of the country.
As a plus point, Namibia is a safe country to visit in comparison to its neighboring countries.
Violent crimes and terrorism do not exist; however, be careful of opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing, vehicle theft, purse-snatching, and break-ins.
Germany and South Africa ruled the country for 106 years. It got independence on March 21, 1990.
Geography
Angola borders Namibia to the north, whereas Zambia bounds the country to the northeast, South Africa to the south and southeast, Botswana to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
It has amazing landscapes ranging from deserts, mountains, savannas, and canyons. You will also find rivers flowing through the country, such as the Okavango, the Mashi, the Kunene, the Orange, and the Zambezi rivers.
Perhaps, the most notable features of the country are the Namib desert, the Skelton Coast, and the Kalahari region.
The country has three topographic zones: the Kalahari, the Central Plateau, and the coastal Namib desert.
Its soil ranges from barren sand to relatively fertile soils. It has the best soil in the Otavi mountains in the north region of the country.
Climate
Namibia has distinct seasons as it is situated on the southern margin of the tropics.
The coastal areas are cool due to the Benguela Current. As a result, it gets an average of less than 50 mm of rainfall.
The Kalahari and Central Plateau have diurnal temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius during summer and less than 20 degrees Celsius during winter.
The country has low humidity, and rainfall increases by only 250 mm on the western and southern parts of the plateau.
Nature and Wildlife
The country boasts the Namib and Kalahari deserts that offer exotic desert plants. In addition, the mountains and plateaus have scrub bushes and grass.
Namibia has a rich concentration of games. But, unfortunately, poaching has diminished much of the animal species in the north.
It would be best if you visited the Etosha Pan to check out major game animals. Besides, the Etosha National Park, Namib Nauklift Park, Sperrgebiet National Park, Fish River Canyon Park, and Skeleton Coast Park are some of the best places to unwind in nature.
People
Namibia consists of 85% of black people, 10% of South Africans, and 5% Europeans.
From the black ethnicity, Ovambo, Kavango, Herero, Damara, and the Caprivian group are prevalent in the country.
English is the official language of Namibia, but only 3% of the people use it. Instead, most people speak the Ovambo language, followed by Nama-Damara.
