Namibia is a large and sparsely populated country on Africa's south-west coast, with its capital and largest city in Windhoek. The typical climate in Namibia is split between the wet season and the dry season - which is the best travel time to visit Namibia and also experience wildlife viewing in all it's parks while the wet season is usually perfect for bird watching. The Namibians are of diverse ethnic origins, home to 11 ethnic groups, with the largest group being the Owambo. Christianity is the most widespread religion in Namibia, while other religions practiced in the country include Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and the Baha'i Faith.
The fusion of German, South African and traditional African cuisine makes the Namibian cuisine very delicious, It's popular foods include meat barbecues, meat and vegetables stews, mealie pap, and mopane worms. English is the official language spoken here while you will often hear the locals speak the Oshiwambo, Nama, Herero, Afrikaans and Kavango dialects.
Because of the vast landmass of Namibia, travelling by air is the best way to get around the country. The country's roads are in excellent condition and you can get through the cities by taxis, local buses, trains, and car rentals, however, Namibia is a vast desert country and unsuitable for cycling. The small population and low crime rate of Namibia makes it one of the safest travel destination in Africa. However, it is recommended that you do not wander alone or catch taxis late at night.
Namibia draws people in with its spectacular landscapes, strikingly beautiful desert, superb wildlife spotting, memorable animal experiences, friendly locals and unique desert-adapted animals and plants. Festivals are an important part of the Namibian culture, while many of Namibia’s festivals have colonial origins, they have almost all been adapted and modified to give them a distinct African flavour. Festivals you could attend whenever you are in Namibia include: the Windhoek Carnival in the city of Windhoek, which is the biggest carnival event in Namibia featuring dance and music performances, street parades, and a masked ball. While also in Windhoek, you can attend the Bank Windhoek Arts Festival, Oruuano of Namibia Arts Festival, and the Windhoek show. The Kuste Karenval happens in coastal town of Swakopmund. You can also attend the Enjando Street Festival, Summer Sound Festival and the Soul Desert Festival.
The country of Namibia is an absolute delight to see, it offers an incredible amount of interesting places and attractions for travellers. Some of the fascinating places of interest to see while in Namibia are:
The Sossusvlei, which is an endless sea of rust-red dunes, bleached white pan and gnarled ancient trees. You will find the world's tallest dune here.
Etosha National Park, one of Africa's greatest game reserves and home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephant, lion, leopard, black and white rhino, cheetah, caracal, brown and spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra and many antelope, with an impressive birdlife of over 340 species. It offers an amazing African safari experience. You can either stay in the private parks, take a guided safari through the park or just sit at a waterhole.
At the Skeleton Coast, you can engage in desert tours, sea kayaking, scenic flights and other adventurous activities like quad biking, paragliding, sandboarding and skydiving.
Damaraland is home to a desert adapted elephant, rhino and lions as well as oryx, springbok and hundreds of bird species. It is a great place to experience unique wildlife and nature at its most beautiful.
The Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa which was formed around 500 million years ago. During the cooler months in Namibia, you can hike the canyon. It's hiking experience offers spectacular views and sightings of wildlife including baboons, klipspringers and hyraxes.
There are over 10,000 hotels and apartments to stay in Namibia, so you will be spoiled for choice especially when in Windhoek.
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