Namibia

Namibia is for those who love wilderness! Namibia is such a colourfull country with a magnificent landscape. Apricot dunes, white flats. In Namibia you find  an acceptional range and abundance of wildlife and a landscape that could not provide a more striking backdrop for it.

The coastal region is one of the world's most captivating desert regions, and in the south lies a canyon second in magnificence only to the Grand Canyon itself. Namibia is a big country and sparsely populated ( After Mongolia, Namibia is the least densely populated country in the world), it is located on Africa's southern west coast. The country has enjoyed a state of stability since achieving its Independence in 1990.


Namibia offers the desolate Namib Desert, this is supposed to be the oldest desert in the world with the largest dunes. They are truly jaw dropping!
 Namibia also home to the central plateau, home to the highest point in Namibia. The majestic Fish River Canyon is located in the South of Namibia. It is the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa, as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia.
And the Etosha Pan is a very large endorheic salt pan, forming part of the Namib Desert in the north of Namibia. The 120-kilometre-long (75-mile-long) dry lakebed and its surroundings are protected as Etosha National Park, one of Namibia's largest wildlife parks.
There live 2 million people I Namibia devided in 14 native groups. There are 26 different languages spoken. The majority of people live in the northern part of the country.
Half of all Namibians speak Oshiwambo (Ovambo) as their first language, whereas the most widely understood language is Afrikaans. For younger generations, the most widely understood language is English.


 Due to the Colonial influences from the past the country has a good road infrastructure, well-equipped tourism infrastructure allows the traveler access throughout the country and into isolated areas. The perfect choice, for nature lovers, amateur photographers, adventures and Xtreme Gappers.
Namibia – a Country of Contrasts

Namibia has potentially the most diverse wildlife population and landscape in South Africa. Its Western border with the Atlantic ocean is a complete contrast to its borders with countries such as Botswana, where dry-season temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, while the difference between the luxurious, historic buildings and the beautiful natural scenery means that your gap-year in Namibia will really be unforgettable.

Namibia’s main airports are the Chief Hosea Kutako International Airport and the Eros Airport. When you arrive in Namibia, you will be allowed a 90-day stay without a visa, if you have a US passport. And, while 90 days sounds like a long time, once you are in Namibia, you’ll find it just isn’t long enough! If you need a break to regenerate and unwind, you could choose to spend your time in Namibia in pure luxury.

The capital, Windhoek, boasts a Hilton Hotel – so you know that Namibia can provide you with unmatched comfort. If you’re planning on immersing yourself in Namibia’s history, then the Titenpalast and the Goerk Haus should be on your must-see list – and don’t forget the camera, as these beautiful buildings really deserve a page or two in your gap-year scrapbook! Then, why not take a dip in the hot springs of Fish River National Park, overlooking the Fish River Canyon?

These bubbling geysers are thought to have medicinal properties, so you can return from your gap-year feeling refreshed and revitalised! Finally, you could end your day of history and culture in one of a variety of restaurants – Windhoek alone contains traditional African, Portuguese, German and seafood restaurants, English pubs and even the “Dial-A-Meal” company, so that if you’re just too tired after a hard day of taking in the beautiful sights of Namibia, you can get a meal delivered straight to your door!

Or maybe, you’d rather have a more adventurous, action packed gap-year? If that sounds like you, then Namibia is your perfect destination. Why not hire a four wheel drive and take a trip to the Etosha National Park, to witness lions, ostriches and zebras in the flesh? There are many campsites within the Etosha National Park, so you could spend your nights under the stars, truly at one with nature. The Etosha National Park is also home to the so-called Haunted Forest, famous for its upside-down Moringa trees – so if the forest doesn’t frighten you too much, you’ve got the chance to capture some really unique photos!

A trip to the West coast of Namibia could provide one of the most unexpected experiences of your life, as penguins and seals are its natural inhabitants, due to the icy Atlantic ocean currents. Maybe this all sounds too good to be true, and it nearly is, as Namibia is the only place on Earth to offer such diverse and contrasting experiences. If you’re looking for a really remarkable gap year to boast about when you get home, then Namibia should be your first choice. Be safe and have fun!