Namibia Sightseeing Places

By | July 5, 2020

Money

National currency: 1 Namibian dollar corresponds to 100 cents.

Currency abbreviation: N $, NAD – ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG

There are banknotes worth N, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 as well as coins in the nominal amounts of 10 (commemorative coin and valid means of payment), 5 and 1 N $ and 50, 10 and 5 cents.

With independence in 1990, the Namibian dollar replaced the South African rand, which had previously been valid in Southwest Africa / Namibia, as the official means of payment. However, there is a 1: 1 parity between the two currencies, so that the South African rand is still accepted as a means of payment in Namibia (but not the other way around).

On May 15, 2012, Namibia introduced new banknotes with improved security standards. However, the old banknotes remain valid in addition to the new ones.

Currency exchange: Money can be exchanged in banks and exchange offices.

Exchange rate Namibia dollar:

Currency converter at OANDA

Credit Cards: all major credit cards (especially Visa and MasterCard) are accepted. Petrol stations only accept cash. The EC card can also be used at some banks.

Traveler’s checks: are used less and less, in larger cities they can be exchanged. Travel checks issued in euros are not a problem.

ATMs: are in all major cities and accept all major cards.

Foreign exchange regulations: The import of the national currency and foreign currencies is subject to declaration from an amount equivalent to N $ 5,000. The export of the local currency and foreign currencies is unlimited, but there is a declaration requirement.

Bank opening times: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 3.30 p.m., Sat 8.30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Namibia Sightseeing Places

Health and Diseases

In June 2006, primarily cases of poliomyelitis occurred in Windhoek and the surrounding area (at least 40 confirmed cases by mid-June 2006). It is a type 1 poliovirus, possibly imported from Angola. The responsible Namibian authorities are organizing national vaccination days (NIDs) with monovalent vaccines. All travelers should check their polio vaccination protection and if necessary re-vaccinate (in Germany vaccination). No other cases have become known.

The health service of the Foreign Ministry recommends as sensible vaccinations: protection against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A, for long-term stay over three months also hepatitis B. With special exposure (stay in the country, hunting, jogging etc.) vaccination against rabies, typhoid and meningitis can be useful.

A valid yellow fever vaccination is required when entering a yellow fever area.

Malaria:High, year-round transmission risk in the north of the country on the border with Angola and in the Caprivi Strip, predominantly malaria tropica. In the rest of the north (e.g. Etosha pan) and northeast, medium risk with increase during the rainy season. South of it low risk, decreasing towards Windhoek. No risk in Windhoek and in the southern half of the country. The most important measure for the prevention of malaria is the protection against mosquito bites with appropriate clothing, the use of mosquito repellent skin agents, possibly mosquito nets etc. For medicinal prophylaxis, various prescription drugs (e.g. MalaroneR, Doxycyclin, LariamR) are on the market. Need, selection, individual dosage, Side effects and possible intolerance to other medications should definitely be discussed with a tropical or travel doctor before traveling. For a safari stay in the Etosha pan, Malarone® is an option.

HIV / AIDS is a problem in the country and a great danger for everyone who runs the risk of infection: Sexual contact, dirty syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a considerable life-threatening risk.

Medical care in urban areas is generally well above the African average. Hospitals and pharmacies can be found in all larger towns. The doctors are at the top of the phone book under “Medical Practioners”. The German embassy in Windhoek has a list of German speaking doctors.

The UV radiation is very high and can lead to skin damage. Sun protection through skin-covering clothing and sunscreen (SPF> 20) is therefore absolutely necessary.

The sleeping sickness transmitted by the Tse-Tse fly occurs very rarely in travelers, sporadically in the north (Caprivi Strip). Careful mosquito protection measures are recommended.

The greatest risk of infection is intestinal infections, which are caused by contaminated food or drinks. Therefore, careful food and drinking water hygiene measures should always be carried out. In general, water should either be boiled or otherwise sterilized prior to use for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice cubes. Milk is not pasteurized outside of urban areas and should also be boiled. Avoid dairy products from uncooked milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be cooked well and served hot. Avoid eating pork, raw salads and mayonnaise. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

In addition to my general disclaimer, please note the following important note:

A guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the medical information as well as a liability for possible damage cannot be assumed. You stay responsible for your healthy.

Presentation of travel options in Namibia

Airplane: The fastest and most practical means of transportation for long distances in Namibia is by air. Air Namibia (SW) flies to all major locations and the Etosha Pan (from Eros Airport, 3 km south of Windhoek). Regular flights go to Tsumeb, Rundu and Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz and Swakopmund, among others.

Rail: The TransNamib rail network connects most of the larger cities in Namibia. However, the trains are very slow, they leave in the evening and arrive in the early morning. Train travel is therefore not particularly popular with visitors to Namibia.
The Desert Express luxury train runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek. A three-course dinner and overnight stay in a sleeping car are included in the tour price.

Cars: The roads in Namibia are good for African conditions. The most important connecting roads are paved (B roads), the top speed here is around 120 km / h. Most Namibian roads are gravel or sand slopes (C and D roads), the top speed here is about 80 km / m. As a tourist, you shouldn’t always aim for the maximum possible speed on the slopes; these routes also require a certain amount of experience.

In Namibia, four-wheel drive is not required for most regions. In the rainy season, however, an off-road vehicle provides useful services, especially on the rivers, which only carry water during this time of the year. Bridges are usually only found on B and C roads. Another advantage of off-road vehicles is that they are more robust than cars and, on average, fewer breakdowns occur on poorer routes. There is a gas station in every major Namibian town, and the network of gas stations in Namibia is basically very good. Nevertheless, you should fill up the tank at every opportunity.

Buses of the company Inter Mainliner are fast, inexpensive and comfortable. Routes that are offered include Windhoek to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Grootfontain and Katima Mulilo. Other bus companies are NamVic Shuttle (Windhoek – Victoria Falls) and Ekonolux Liner (Windhoek – Cape Town). Trans-Namib offers further connections with Star Line buses, which go to Outjo, Khorixas, Lüderitz, Henties Bay, Oshakati, Rundu and Grootfontain, among others. Town hoppers offers a daily shuttle service with minibuses between Swakopmund and Windhoek, as well as between Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo and between Windhoek and Otjiwarongo (Tel: +264 (0) 64 407223, Fax: 264 (0) 64 407224, e-mail: townhoppers @ iway.na).

Cars can be rented at the airport and in larger locations. There are many rental car companies in Namibia, the umbrella organization is the Car Rental Association of Namibia (CARAN). It is usually cheaper to rent a car in South Africa.

Documents that are required are: a national driver’s license is sufficient for most rental car companies (for up to 90 days). If the national driver’s license is not issued in English, an international driver’s license is recommended. Insurance conditions and age restrictions (mostly 21 years) vary from company to company.
Traffic regulations: left-hand traffic.
Speed ​​limits: within built-up areas: 60 km / h;
on asphalt roads: 120 km / h;
on gravel roads: 80 km / h

in national parks 40 km / h

The alcohol limits are 0.37 per thousand in the breath test and 0.08 per thousand in the blood test. The maximum fines for alcohol at the wheel in Namibia are 25,000 Namibia dollars or five years in prison.

City traffic: There are numerous taxis in Windhoek. The vehicles with taximeter are preferable. For taxis without a taximeter, the price is a matter of negotiation. For safety reasons, you should not get into a taxi that already contains other people besides the driver. Also, you shouldn’t let anyone get in there.

The most beautiful sights in Namibia

Namibia’s main attractions are certainly the ten national parks. A booking in advance is highly recommended when visiting.

Watch videos of the most beautiful sights in Namibia here.

Namibia Landmarks

Etosha National Park: This year-round national park with the Etosha pan is one of the most famous animal protection areas in the world. The national park encloses a huge, saline basin that is only filled with water seasonally. Herds of different animals live here: elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and springboks to name but a few. There are good accommodation options in three camps.

The Kalahari in the north of Namibia is the last retreat of the Bushmen (San). You can get a wonderful insight into their lives in the Living Museum near Grashoek.

The Fishriver Canyon in the south of the country is one of the largest canyons in the world with a length of 161 km, a width of 27 km and a depth of up to 550 m. The best way to get to Fishriver is from Keetsmanshoop. The Hardap Dam is also located here.

Ai-Ais and Groß-Barmen are popular vacation spots with hot springs. Prehistoric rock carvings can be seen in the Twyfelfontein region northwest of Windhoek. Northeast of Twyfelfontein (west of Khorixas) is the “petrified forest” with 30 m long, approx. 200 million year old petrified tree trunks. The Brandberg massif protrudes from the semi-desert, the highest peak at 2,573 m is the highest mountain in the country. On the walls of the Brandberg massif there are rock carvings and stone engravings.

The up to 300 m high sand dunes of the Namib Desert are the highest in the world (highest at Sossusvlei). The Namib Desert is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world. The Namib-Naukluft Park is the fourth largest nature reserve on earth with 49,768 sq km. There are campsites in Sesriem and Naukluft. The Skeleton Coastal Park is an extremely coastal landscape on the desert foothills in the north of the country. Numerous shipwrecks reinforce the eerie atmosphere.

Windhoek, the capital in the center of Namibia, lies in the middle of a mountain range. As in some other cities in the country, there are also many examples of German colonial architecture, e.g. B. The Christ Church, the Old Fortress and the Ink Palace ; this palace is still the seat of government.
Also in the seaside resort of Swakopmund some buildings indicate that Namibia was formerly a German colony. The interesting port city of Lüderitz is located in the south of Namibia. Lüderitz was the first German settlement point in German South West Africa. The name comes from the Bremen businessman Adolf Lüderitz, who founded the small town of around 4,000 residents in 1884. The Art Nouveau buildings on the rocks are typical.

Windhoek

The Namibian capital Windhoek is also the political and economic center of Namibia. The place was first mentioned in a document in 1840 and founded in 1890 as a modern city.

The African city lies in the Windhoek Basin, which is the approximate geographic center of the country. Windhoek has a total area of ​​645 square kilometers and almost 300,000 people live there.

Attractions are plentiful in Windhoeck to explore.

Oaan Kiljoen Game Park:The forty square kilometer nature reserve is located on a tiny reservoir in the Khomas highlands. The diverse diversity of Africa can be found in this wildlife park. Different antelope species, zebras and giraffes live in this park. You can also hike extensively on the well-signposted trails of the wildlife park. Especially on the nine-kilometer Bushvillow Trail and the three-kilometer Buffalo Thorn Trail.

Independence Avenue: To get a first impression of the capital of Namibia, you have to go down Independence Avenue with its restaurants, souvenir shops, cafes and modern boutiques.

Ink Palace:The current seat of the two chambers of the Namibian Parliament is in the “Ink Palace”. In 1913 the building was built in the colonial style. The building got its nickname due to the large amount of ink used by its employees. Many employees like to spend their lunch break under the large shady trees and the extensive meadows in the associated park of the Ink Palace.

Christ Church: The new Romanesque church was built in 1910. The colorful glass windows from the chancel of the church were donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Windhoek: The Roman Catholic St. Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1908, is definitely worth a visit.

Old festivals:In 1890 the old fortress was built by a German protection force. The original building consisted of unbaked adobe. Today the National Museum of Windhoek is located in the old fortress. In addition to the exhibits on Namibia’s cultural history, many historical documents are also displayed here.

Ouela Museum: The Robert Mugabe Avenue is home to the Owela Museum, which features ethnological and natural history exhibitions such as those about the Bushmen.

Buschmann Galerie: This largest private art gallery contains numerous exhibits of African art.

Caprivi

If you think of Africa, you can see beautiful regions in your mind’s eye, with green landscapes, red sand and endless coastal areas with fantastic white beaches. You can also see poverty, starving children and hard-working people in diamond mines. In hardly any other country is there such a large gap between rich and poor as in Africa.

The Caprivi region is an administrative region of Namibia. And here too there is wealth and poverty.

Caprivi is the largest region in Namibia. The largest part of the so-called Caprivi peak is located in the Caprivi area. This is a bulge of the national territory in the northeast of Namibia, which has the shape of a tip and therefore has its name. In English this part is called Caprivi Strip. The tip extends to the Zambezi and almost reaches the Victoria Falls.

The German Chancellor, Count Leo von Caprivi is the region’s namesake. The reason for this is simple: Today’s Caprivi region used to be part of the German Southwest colony.

Geography and life in Caprivi

The Caprivi region is located on the territory of the former East Caprivi region. The west of Caprivi borders on Kwando and the Kavango region.
The Caprivi peak is special because it also covers the Mukwe whale circle, which is geographically located in the Kavango region.
The north of Caprivi borders on Angola. The east of the region shares a border with Zambia and Zimbabwe. The south of Caprivi is bordered by Botswana. There is also a special

landscape here. Because Caprivi is an area that is largely in the tropics. This is unusual for Namibia, because the remaining regions of Namibia have significantly fewer tropical parts. The region consists almost entirely of flat marshland.

Some rivers flow through Caprivi, they carry water all year round. Among other things, the Okavango River, Kwando and some branches of the Zambezi River flow through the tip of Caprivi. The rivers become wild and impressive especially when the enormous water masses of the rainy season have to be transported. Then smaller rivers become violent forces. The rainy season lasts from December to March. If you want to visit the Caprivi region during this time, you should not only have rubber boots in your luggage, but also expect to be unable to pass some roads.

Touristic attractions

Basically, you can say that the entire Caprivi region is a landscape worth seeing. Tourism is most active in the places where nature reserves have been declared. The tourist boom is of course making money for the region. So that visitors can also easily reach all areas, roads are increasingly paved and slopes are leveled.

Erongo

As one of the 13 regions of Namibia, Erongo is the most densely populated area. The coast is the most important section for Erongo. In addition to wonderful landscapes that are suitable for tourism, a lot is also worked out economically here. Holidaymakers and visitors who have already been to the Namibian region know that there is a lot to experience and discover here.

Economy in Erongo

The coastal region of Erongo is classified as particularly important. This area is used for both tourism and business. Numerous holidaymakers and visitors from home and abroad come here to spend a few eventful days in a wonderful setting.
The Atlantic washed around the coasts of Erongo and created numerous opportunities for use by tourism. The regional capital Swakopmund occupies an important economic and tourist position in the country. With Walvis Bay, Erongo has the largest overseas port in Namibia. This means that not only cruise ships pause here, but also the import and export of goods is possible.

A very important economic factor in Erongo is fishing. The waters off the Namibian coast are rich in fish due to the cold, but also oxygen and nutrient-rich Benguela current.

The Erongo landscapes

The coastline also determine the geographical picture and also form the landscape borders of the region. In the northern and southern coastal areas there are mainly desert-like sections and deserts.
As is the case in several regions of Namibia, there are mines in Erongo. These are on the way to the interior and partly border on the Erongo Mountains, which also gave the region its name.

Sights of Erongo

The coast along the South Atlantic is known as the Skeleton Coast. Since the many years of seafaring, numerous ships have come here in the shallows, and gradually a picture has emerged that resembles a huge ship cemetery.
Of course, the ships don’t run aground without food and water. However, the numerous castaways could hardly survive. This is due to the fact that the rivers in this region are often dry and the barren landscapes offer little chance of survival after water and food have been used up.
Today there is a skeleton coast park, which is frequently visited by visitors to the region. The parallel road that leads to the border with Angola can only be driven with a special permit from the Swakopmund ranger station. Whoever has reached the park will find the government camp Terracebay. The entire park is extremely interesting and offers a great insight into the wild animals of Erongo.

Near Swakopmund is the Cape of Seals with thousands of seals.

Hardap

There are a total of 13 different regions in Namibia. These have roughly the same position as the German federal states. One of these regions is Hardap. It bears its name due to the Hardap Dam located there. It is the largest dam in the entire country and a magnet for many tourists. Mariental is the regional capital of Hardap.
Mariental is located below the dam and lies on the fish river. The largest city is Rehoboth. There are more shops for tourists here than in the other cities in the region.

The landscapes of Hardap

The Hardap region is located in the southern part of Namibia. The neighboring regions are Karas in the south and Khomas in the north. Since Hardap borders on both the South Atlantic and Botswana in the east, there are good opportunities for excursions to interesting tourist sites.
The coasts along the Atlantic particularly attracted foreign visitors. These landscapes are visually appealing, the wonderful beach areas provide a real holiday feeling.

The Hardap region has an area of ​​110,000 square kilometers. The west borders the South Atlantic, which meets the Namib Desert here. The entire west is covered by the Namib.

In Hardap itself you will find the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is another tourist highlight that should be visited when traveling through the region. The Hardaps National Park is the largest nature reserve in Namibia. The important natural monuments Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon are also here in Hardap.

If you move east from the Namib Desert, you will quickly reach the mountain ranges of Tiras and the Naukluft Mountains.

Living and working in the Hardap region

In the center of the region is the fish river with its numerous side arms. The Hardap Dam provides water reserves.
Due to the relatively good water supply location, extensive livestock farming can be carried out here in addition to agriculture. Numerous farmers in Hardap have specialized in livestock farming and breeding. However, the central Hardap is the only area in the region where agriculture can be carried out to this extent. The east is a vast, savannah
, which joins the African highlands. The further east you come, the drier the conditions become until you reach the Kalahari.

The existing good rail connections are an advantage for the economy in Hardap. The Namibian national road B1 also runs through the region. Most of the towns and cities with larger businesses can be found near the railway lines and the national road.

A visit to Hardap is not advisable during the rainy season. At that time there were numerous floods through the dam, which made roads and paths partially impassable. Tourists and locals then have to wait for the water to drain again.

Karas region in Namibia

The Karas region is the largest in area of ​​the 13 regions of Namibia, but the fewest residents live here. Karas is located in the southern part of the country. The name of the region is derived from the quiver tree.

Life and travel in Karas

Keetmanshoop is the regional capital and also the most visited city in the region by tourists. Anyone wishing to deal with administrative matters must always go to Keetmanshoop in the Karas region.

A tourist attraction in Karas is the Kolmanskop ghost town. This city existed for a while, but then the population gradually decreased. Today the abandoned buildings stand as if their residents would soon return.
Other attractions include the Fisch River Canyon and Quiver Tree Forest, from which the region takes its name. If you want to see the impressive canyon, you should be free from giddiness. It goes down very steeply here and there. A canyon trip is less recommended for people with fear of heights. The canyon is the second largest in the world and one of the national monuments of Namibia.

But also the quiver tree forest should not be missed. Here you will find an impressive landscape. Already on June 1st, 1955, the Quiver Tree Forest was declared a natural monument. Today, numerous tourists come from all over the world to visit this imposing forest.

The vegetation of the Karas region

Since Karas extends very far and covers the entire south of the country, there are several types of vegetation here. The west of Karas lies on the Atlantic Ocean. As a tourist, there is hardly any access here, because a restricted diamond area has been set up on the coastline. Diamonds are predominantly mined here, which is also one of the region’s main sources of income, even if the population receives only a minimal portion of the sales proceeds.

Large parts of the restricted area are desert-like and separated by individual mountains. Among other things, the Klinghardtberge rise here. The small islands that lie in front of the coast are called penguin islands. Most of them belong to the Karas region.
In contrast to the restricted area, travelers can stop here. The sight of the inhospitable landscapes is extremely fascinating.

In the east of the restricted area are large mountain ranges with high marginal steps. The largest mountains are the Tirasberge and the Hunsberge. These are also highly recommended for guided hikes. Because of the sometimes very rough terrain, you should not go alone unless you really know the area. The east of the region borders the Kalahari.

The people of Karas live mainly from fishing. Important industries in Karas are of course diamond mining and boat building.

Kavango in Namibia

Kavango is one of the 13 regions of Namibia. Geographically, Kavango can be found in the northeast of the country. The region is extremely scenic and offers space for the Kavangos ethnic group living here. The region was also named after this people.
The city ​​of Rundu serves as the regional capital of the varied area, which is the second largest city in the country after Windhoek. Other interesting and worth seeing cities in the Kavango region are Nkurenkuru and Divundu. Landscapes and geography Kavangos Kavangos area is one of the northern foothills of the Kalahari Basin. This basin is an area on a high plateau. It is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level.

Due to the high location of the Kavango region, the area receives increased rainfall. So if you want to visit Kavango, you should have rainwear with you at least in the rainy season. Due to the increased rainfall, Kavango is significantly greener compared to other regions in central and southern Namibia. Forests can even develop here.
The soil in Kavango is fertile and so agriculture is carried out here in Kavango.
The situation is also favorable that the Okavango River flows through the region. In its wide flood areas, there are good conditions for successful agricultural operations. Individual forests can also be found in these flood areas.

The Okavango River is often referred to as the lifeline of vegetation in the Kavango region. It extends over a length of 400 kilometers and forms the natural border with the Republic of Angola. To experience the river, you have to head to the northern border of Namibia.

The west of the region borders on the Ovamobland. The regions of Oshikoto and Ohangwena are located there. The region of Otjozondjupa is located in the south of Kavango. Steppe and savannah stretch here. These areas are sparsely to hardly populated. The northeast of Kavango borders on the Caprivi region, the southeast on Botswana.

Attractions in the Kavango region

Nature attracts most visitors to the Kavango region. There are three natural areas for tourists to visit. The Khaudum National Park and the Magnetti National Park are both wonderful parks where you can get to know the nature of the region and watch wild animals. The Mahango Game Park also opens its doors to visitors every day.

Living and working in the Kavango region

The majority of the population earn their living in retail, fishing or agriculture. The products are offered and sold in regional and local markets. Fish and food are the dominant commodities.

Khomas in Namibia

Khomas means “hilly country” in the local language Khoi. Khomas is one of the 13 regions of Namibia. The Namibian capital Windhoek is also located in Khomas. The region is therefore also known as the capital region.

Geography of the Khomas Region

Khomas is geographically central in the heart of Namibia. Due to this preferred location, a strong regional economy developed here. With the capital Windhoek, this region is one of the most populous regions in the country. The surrounding regions around Khomas are also relatively well populated areas.

Parts of Khomas are referred to as Kohma highlands because of the significant mountain ranges. The Auasberge and the Erosberge are the most important in the Khomas region. They are located east and south of Windhoek.

Many hikers from home and especially tourists from abroad visit the mountains in the Khoma highlands every year. Hiking tours of all levels of difficulty are possible here. For inexperienced hikers, it is advisable to take a guide who knows the region and can find his way around the highlands. The mountain plateau is over 2,000 meters high and offers a fantastic view of the entire region after climbing.

In the west, this plateau meets the Namib and drops steeply 1,000 meters. This impressive formation was called the Great Edge. The east of the region borders on the Kalahari desert.

Sights in Khomas

It is very clear that the main attraction and the main attraction in Khomas is nature. The Daan-Viljoen wildlife park shows this in an impressive way. Leopards and lions live here in the wild. But the colors of the sky, which turns into a real spectacle in the evenings, also impress the visitors. In the rainy season, the entire region is covered with a lush green.
The Windhoek Basin is also one of the sights and is a popular travel destination for numerous locals.

Life in Khomas

The political and administrative center of Namibia is located in Windhoek. The traffic routes are very well developed here, so that a thriving economy is possible. In education, too, Khomas is well ahead of the other regions of the country. Health care is poor in comparison to Europe, but above average in the other Namibian regions.

Kunene in Namibia

Kunene is one of the 13 regions of Namibia. Here is the well-known Skeleton Coast and also occupies a large part of the region. The Namib Desert is also one of the most important landscapes in Kunene. These two landscapes dominate the Kunene area.
Angola borders with the province of Cunene on the region. It is no coincidence that Kunene and Cunene have the same name, both administrative units were named after the Kunene River.

Living in Kunene

About 70,000 residents live and work in Kunene on an area of ​​144,254 square kilometers. This makes Kunene one of the most sparsely populated regions in the country. The Himba tribe has settled in the region. Administrative headquarters and capital, Opuwo which is also the largest city in Kunene.
The South Atlantic borders the region. Also here is the cacao country and the Damaraland. The mountain ranges in particular are popular tourist destinations. Both locals and tourists from abroad like to visit the Giraffenberg to take hikes or walks. The Hartmannberge, the Joubertsberge, the Onjuwaebene, the Otjihipa mountains and the Steilrandberge are also very popular.

Traveling through the Kunene region

If you want to travel to the Kunene region and are traveling by car, you should visit the city of Ruacana to provide with all necessary. Food, bandages and gasoline are very important when traveling through Kunene, in Ruacana the last option is to fill up in front of Kunene. The roads here are also paved, while in Kunene they are more gravel roads.

A tip for all travelers is the Kunene River Lodge. Here you can enjoy a wonderful view over the Kunene River while eating and chatting. For everyone who wants to start their journey through the region here, this is the successful start of an adventurous adventure tour. Local organizers offer, among other things, a sundown ride in boats. So you can paddle towards the sunset and watch the breathtaking play of colors of the Namibian sun. If you prefer not to use the paddle yourself, you can also book a tour where you will be driven. In general, you can do numerous water sports along the coast such as white water rafting or quad biking on the beach. During tours on the water you usually receive a briefing and are then accompanied by at least 2 guides. Of course there are also excursions that lead directly to the Kunene estuary in the Atlantic. This forms a natural border with Angola.

Ohangwena

Ohangwena is one of the 13 regions of Namibia and one of the poorest regions in the country. The area is in the north and borders on Angola, which was also used as a refuge in the Namibian struggle for independence. Only about 3,500 people live in the capital of Ohangwena, Eenhana.

The people in Ohangwena are very poor. Many of them are HIV positive from childhood. The average life expectancy of a person living in Ohangwena is just 43 years for men and 45 years for women. Child and maternal mortality is particularly high here, and medical care is very poor. Most women give birth to an average of 5 to 6 children, but there is a stillborn rate of 56 dead babies per 1,000 births.

All this is known to the international aid organizations. That is why information and prevention campaigns have been taking place in Ohangwena for years. It is questionable whether the deadly disease AIDS can be stopped here at some point, because every fifth inhabitant of Ohangwena is already infected with HIV. International aid organizations see women, adolescents and orphans as a particularly vulnerable group.

The real problem in Ohangwena is not only the AIDS rate, but also the great poverty. Since you are in the semi-desert region, the landscapes offer little opportunity to feed the people through agriculture. In addition to the impressive desert landscapes, pictures of poverty, hunger and illness are part of everyday life in Ohangwena. Today, numerous food packages with fish, beans, oil and corn are distributed in the affected region. This is to achieve a more balanced diet.

Fantastic areas

Despite all the suffering and misery that you will inevitably encounter in Ohangwena when you visit the region, you will also encounter multifaceted landscapes here. The desert areas have attracted many tourists, because there are unmistakable pictures. In addition to the desert, the colorful sunsets in particular offer numerous photo opportunities.

In Ohangwena there is a 70,000 hectare nature reserve consisting of savannah and mountains. Over 15,000 different animal species live here, including 300 different bird species. In the nature park you will also find a leopard ranch where you can watch and experience the wild animals up close.

The nearest airport is in Erindi.

Grandma

Namibia consists of 13 regions, one of which is Omaheke. The people of the Herero people live here, the region is the home country of this group of people. With an area of ​​84,731 square kilometers, Omaheke is slightly larger than Austria. However, only about 67,500 residents live in the Namibian region.

The symbol of the region is the Cattle Country Statue in Gobabis, which represents a goat. The Omaheke region is also known as the sand field or the Namibian Texas. This description hits the nail on the head, because the landscape here is in a western foothill of the Kalahari desert.
The majority of Omaheke is from steppe vegetation covered. The almost endless grass savannah and acacias, which alternate with camel thorn trees, dominate the look of this landscape.

Omaheke is directly linked to dramatic history. When the Herero and Nama revolts in 1904 started in the region, Omaheke was part of German Southwest Africa. The Herero were defeated and defeated by the German colonial forces. The beaten people had to leave the country and fled. But the Germans persecuted the refugees and whenever they came across a few people belonging to the Herero, they chased them away from fertile regions and from watercourses. Numerous refugees died of thirst. Today, this act of the German colonial power is sometimes referred to. Many who survived the flight later returned to the region.

Today you can go on holiday in the region and as a German guest you are very welcome. The residents of Omaheke and Herero are extremely hospitable and warm people who are happy to accommodate strangers. They proudly show their country and tell the story that has happened to their people. Even before the German attack on the population at that time, some bloody battles raged in the Omaheke region.

Especially for nature lovers, Omaheke offers the most beautiful opportunities to go on vacation. Long hikes and excursions are highly recommended in this landscape. Here you will find unlimited space and heavenly peace.

It’s hard to believe that here, where everything seems so peaceful, the Herero’s desire began with an uprising that the people had to pay with many fatalities and the flight from their own country. However, these crimes against the people of this region are no longer an issue. The stories of flight, murder and death are certainly told again and again, but the relationship between the residents of Omaheke, the Hereros, German-born families and international guests is friendly.

Omusati

The Omusati region is located in the north of Namibia, where around 230,000 people from diverse groups live. This makes up about 10 percent of the total population of Namibia. The population density in Omusati corresponds approximately to the average of the country. Omusati is part of the Ovamboland. The landscapes in Omusati show an extensive and varied picture.

Living and working in the Omusati region

Most of the population works in the agricultural sector. There are also individual industrial companies, but these are not of great importance for the region. Local politicians and interest groups see great potential, especially in the industrial sector, and would like to promote this industrialization. Since many places are not yet connected to the power grid, the path to the more industrialized region is difficult. The first hurdle is to be overcome by the electrification of the city of Ombalantu. As soon as it receives electricity continuously, a first regional industrial center could be created here.

The school education the resident of Omusati is not very good. The government in Windhoek has only been funding the school facilities for a few years. The medical care is shockingly bad, even though the government effort is to provide a remedy.

In addition, the traffic routes in the Omusati region are extremely bad. There is still a lot to be done here. So it is often very difficult for aid organizations to get to remote villages or towns.

For visitors to the region, however, this unspoiled nature is very attractive. Because here you can still see the natural and original Namibia. Wild animals, sometimes in herds, live in the non-populated areas of the region. In the meantime, you can even take small safari tours that show the wildness of nature. Alone and on your own, you shouldn’t venture into this wilderness. You quickly lose your bearings. It is always better here to have a guide with you. These guides come from the region and are very familiar with the rough and wild terrain.

The sunsets are very beautiful, when the sun sinks in the evening, unique play of colors is created. Many photographers come here especially to capture such a sunset.

Oshana

Oshana is one of the 13 regions of the country of Namibia and has a total area of ​​5,290 square kilometers. Around 192,000 people live in the Oshana region. This makes Oshana one of the most densely populated regions in Namibia. The capital and administrative center of the Oshana region is the city of Oshakati.

Landscapes and geography of Oshana

The region has quite flat landscapes. Different levels run through the entire region. The roads, some of which are made of tar, are often straight. 150 years ago, Oshana was still densely forested, today the entire region is almost treeless and dry.

The landscapes of Oshana are from numerous fields embossed. Corn is often grown there. In between there are a few huts, which are mostly covered with thatch. Every now and then, on a trip through the Oshana region, you come across water-bearing sinks. There you will also usually find the very tall Makalani palms, which used to be much more common here. Today you can only see a remaining stock.

If you travel to this region, you should not miss the Etosha National Park here in the north of the country. It is one of the must-see sights in Namibia. The border with Angola is always a popular destination for tourists. In the border area most of the region’s population also lives. Because here on the border to Angola there are relatively fertile soils. The soils of the rest of the region consist predominantly of a mixture of sand, rocks and smaller stones.

The name Oshana refers to the landscape. An oshana is a depression that is filled with water in the rainy season. Because there are several of these valleys in the area, the region was named after them.

The original vegetation of Oshana In the

past, about 150 years ago, Oshana was mainly covered by grasslands, shrub savannah and dry forest. However, the forests were gradually cleared and the ground is exposed. This was no longer protected from the relentless sun and heat and dried up. This is how today’s image of a semi-desert landscape was created.

Only in certain areas are there still a few small strips of forest that point to the past of the Oshana region. In between you can often see abandoned farmsteads and fenced areas. These are remnants of the region’s more fertile days.
The typical Makalani palm trees can be found in the central north of the region. Mopane forests still partially grow in the northwest. If you want to imagine what it must have looked like here, you need a lot of imagination. The region’s appearance today is too sandy and bare.

Oshikoto

Oshikoto is the name of one of the 13 regions of Namibia. Around 161,000 people live here on an area of ​​26,607 square kilometers. The region is in the north of the country. The capital of Oshikoto is Omuthiya, which was raised to this role on August 18, 2008 (and was given city status on the same day). The predecessor of Omuthiya was the mining town of Tsumeb.

Geography of the Oshikoto region Oshikoto

is largely well developed. This means comfort for locals, tourists and visitors while traveling through the region. The B1 national road runs from north to south through the region. There is a radio-based communication network, but this is limited to Tsumeb only. A fiber optic cable network has been laid in the Oshikoto region. So communication up to Oshakati is possible.

There are a total of 12 cities and constituencies in Oshikoto. The most populous area is Oniipa. Around 24,000 residents live here.

Generally there is a noticeable population increase in Oshikototo be recorded. In recent years, the population in all cities and towns in the region has increased significantly. Outside of the city of Tsumeb and Oniipa there is also an increase in residents. Here people have settled especially near the paved paths and roads. The background is clear, because one hopes for improved opportunities in the area of ​​trade. Some of the settlements have already grown to the size of a small town.

The economy in the Oshikoto region

Anyone who travels through the region’s region soon realizes that the main source of income for people is agriculture and agriculture. Especially in the north, Oshikoto has large fields and pastures. This clearly shows that agriculture and animal husbandry are the dominant sectors of the economy. An important topic in Oshikoto is the grain Omahangu. This is mainly grown in the north and complements cattle breeding. In the south, the focus shifts somewhat, because mining and livestock farming dominate here.
Numerous residents of Oshikoto are now specialized in the service sector.

The Ngonda people play an important role, both historically and culturally. These mined copper ore in Tsumeb from the earliest times and used it to produce rings and tools. The history of the entire region is closely linked to the work and past of the people.

Otjozondjupa

The Otjozondjupa region is one of the 13 regions of Namibia and is located in the northeast of the country. Barren and dry areas meet lush tropical regions here. A mixture that is very interesting due to the vegetation alone. In Otjozondjupa, the north and central Namibia merge and the various vegetation zones mix at this point. This diversity is unique in the country.

About 135,723 residents live on 105,328 square kilometers. The capital Otjiwarongo is particularly lively, with its colorful markets.

The geography and sights in Otjozondjupa

The landscape is impressive. In addition to the mixture of tropical areas and desert-like regions, visitors to Otjozondjupa will find well-known sights of Namibia here. The Hoba-Meteroit, which weighs 50-60 tons, attracts numerous guests and tourists from home and abroad. The meteorite, which can be admired in the immediate vicinity of the city of Grootfontein, hit here about 80,000 years ago. Scientists estimate his own age between 190 and 410 million years. So an impressive piece of universe history.
There can be no talk of strong tourism here, but some tourist facilities are slowly but surely emerging in the nearby town of Grootfontein.

Economy and living situation in Otjozondjupa

The people in the Otjozondjupa region mainly live from mining. There are numerous farms, but mining still dominates the region as the most important industry. The construction industry is also important for the region.
The population is not rich and sometimes cannot even earn their own living. Poverty and hunger are also on the agenda here.

Ottjiwarongo is well connected to the Namibian road network via the B1 national road. The mountain Etjjo which is suitable for hiking or walking is only 70 kilometers away.

The farms are often well equipped and, in addition to a game population with kudu, duckers and warthogs, offer beautifully landscaped gardens and water connections. Dang of modern solar systems there is also reliable electricity.