NAMIBIA: NORTHERN AREA

With contrasting landscapes, ranging from the arid mountain desert of the Kaokoveld to lily-carpeted waterways in the east, the Northern Region of Namibia has long been a popular tourist destination.

Waterberg Plateau Park, southeast of Otjiwarongo, is a popular en route stop. Rising unexpectedly above the Acacia savanna, the plateau with its sheer orange cliffs is inhabited by both species of rhino, roan, sable, buffalo, leopard, eland, giraffe, as well as a diversity of other species. Activities include walks, half-day to four-day guided game-viewing drives, a four-day hiking trail and wilderness trails.

Close to Grootfontein, visitors can view the 60 tonne Hoba Meteorite, the largest of its kind in the world and unique amongst meteorites because of its cubed shape. Just outside Tsumeb is the well-known Lake Otjikoto which became a watery grave of German armaments during World War I.

The Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s great game parks. Centred around the vast expanse of the Etosha Pan, the park is a sanctuary to the largest population of the western sub-species of the black rhino, white rhino, large herds of elephant, the striking black-faced impala, lions and a profusion of other animals and birds.

To the northwest of Etosha lies the arid but scenic Kaokoveld – a mosaic of sandy plains, rugged mountains and rock-strewn hillsides, bounded in the north by the Kunene River. Kaokoland has been the ancestral home of the pastoral Himba for several generations and they still largely pursue their nomadic way of life. Herds of desert elephants migrate along river valleys that are also inhabited by giraffe, while herds of gemsbok and springbok roam the plains.

Bounded by the cold Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Skeleton Coast has aptly been described as the world’s largest shipping graveyard. It is an isolated stretch of coast dominated by sand dunes, gravel plains, salt pans and hills. Its main attractions are its solitude and excellent angling opportunities. Facilities for visitors are available at Torra Bay (open only during December/ January) and Terrace Bay.

Among the many other attractions west of Khorixas are the Petrified Forest and Twyfelfontein with its superb collection of over 2 400 rock engravings. Nearby are the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, a series of angular columns of dolerite exposed in dry riverbed. Also of interest are the 80 km lng Ugab Terraces and the Vingerklip, a 35m high pillar of conglomerate.

Northeastern Namibia is a mosaic of woodlands, riverine forests, swamps and rivers. Off the beaten track destinations include the Nyae-Naye area, the ancestral home of the Ju/’hoansi San. Formerly known as Eastern Bushmanland, the area is 4x4 country.

The Khaudum Game Park, further north, is likewise only accessible by four wheel drive vehicle. The park is home to herds of elephants, roan, eland, kudu, gemsbok (oryx), blue wildebeest, wild dog and lion.

The Mudumu and Mamili National Park in eastern Caprivi can also only be explored in four wheel drive vehicles. Two destinations that are, however, accessible by sedan car are Popa Falls, a series of rapids in the Kavango River, and the nearby Mahango Game Park. The Park offers outstanding birding and is also renown for its large numbers of elephant, red lechwe, sable, roan, buffalo, blue wildebeest and gemsbok.

Imaplila Island, in the far northeast, is aptly described as “The One Island in Africa Where Four Countries Meet”. The Zambezi River offers superb tiger fishing, while the island and surrounding area are also one of the top birding spots in Namibia.