Namibia never fails to enthral its visitors, to charge the fantasies and imaginations of narrators in their efforts to aptly describe the many-facetted grandeur and harsh splendour of this desert country. So many words have been written and told, and still poets do not tire to invent attributes to do justice to its unique, ever-varying magnificence.
Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fishriver Canyon in the south. In the north of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savannah and lush vegetation. Dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone, prehistoric rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis, all bare witness to the timelessness of this country.
According to the latest population census (2001) Namibia has 1 826 million people. The population density is one of the lowest in the world at less than 2 people per km².
The Owambo is the largest population group, and live in the central North of Namibia in the four O-regions: Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto. The Kwanyama group is the largest, followed by Ndonga, Kwambi, Ngandyela, Kwaluudhi and Mbalanhu. They practice a mixed economy of agriculture and animal husbandry, dressmaking, woodcarving, pottery and basketry.
Forming the border between Namibia and Angola for more than 400km is the Okavango River, lifeline of the Kavango people. They consist of five tribes, Kwangali, Mbunza, Shambyu, Gciriku and Mbukushu and make their living from fishing, tending cattle and cultivating sorghum, millet and maize.
The Caprivians live in the north-eastern extension of Namibia which borders on Angola, Zambia and Botswana. Their tribes are the Masubia, Mafwe, Myeyi, Matotela and Mbukushu. In addition to fishing and hunting, they keep cattle and cultivate the land.
The Herero are a pastoral cattle-breeding people who live mainly in the Omaheke region. They could be divided into the Herero proper, Ndamu-randa, Tjimba Herero, and the Mbanderu. The women are easily identified by their colourful Victorian-style dresses.
Ballooning&SkyAdventures
Adding an exhilarating dimension to a visit to the Namib Desert is a trip in a hot-air balloon.
Skydiving
For those individuals who enjoy nature best by taking their lives into their hands and having adrenaline pumping through their veins, skydiving over land and sea is the answer.
Paragliding
Paragliding enthusiasts occasionally undertake powered paragliding excursions along the coast
Namibia is home to over 630 bird species. While the majority of these occur in the water-rich north-eastern regions of Kavango and Caprivi, a considerable number are found in the desert proper, such as Dune lark and Hartlaub's francolin. Birding at the coast, especially at Walvis Bay Lagoon, is a particularly rewarding experience.
White-river rafting, has taken off in a big way on the Kunene River. An irresistible attraction of the Kunene is the Epupa Falls with its scenic surroundings and interesting vegetation and bird life.
Canoeing safaris are offered down the Orange River, departing from Noordoewer or Aussenkehr and ending at Aussenkehr or the Fish River mouth respectively.
Namibia is one of the best places in the world to enjoy sand skiing, the best venues for sand skiing is the 30 km coastal dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
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