Namibia Archives

December 2, 2024

Taking the scenic route

What touches your soul? What intrigues you? What allows you to unleash the spirit of adventure? Taking a moment to savour the things you love is one of the greatest pleasures of a self-drive exploration adventure. Every road you travel is filled with surprises – captivating people, fascinating stories and intriguing places just waiting to be discovered. This was Kirsty Watermeyer's experience while travelling through southern Namibia.

December 2, 2024

Guardians of the Green

In order to promote awareness of trees in Namibia, Luise Hoffmann, chair of the Botanical Society of Namibia (Botsoc) at the time, initiated an annual Tree Award in 2007. The aim of the award is to recognise individuals, companies and organisations that have made a special effort to save and protect Namibia’s indigenous trees or to plant trees and create awareness about Namibia's indigenous flora. Each year, we call for nominations from the public for worthy recipients. People from all over Namibia are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates. The committee assesses each nomination, and awards are presented at a ceremony held at the National Botanical Research Institute.

December 4, 2024

Reviving Kolmanskop

The creak of near-century-old wood floors gives way, one careful foot in front of the other. By impulse, voices are brought to a whisper. A relentless wind sandblasts what is left of the windows as another grain of sand finds its way to the corner of an abandoned house, joining the dune that occupies an old living room. Between silent observation and the occasional outburst of awe, the sounds of these haunted, empty halls are only a whistle formed by the wind. Or is it a ghost?

December 17, 2024

WILDERNESS NAMIBIA BRINGS RELIEF AMID WORST DROUGHT IN DECADES

December 2024 – Wilderness Namibia is helping its partner communities through the worst of the drought by distributing much-needed food relief, as part of their ongoing Drought Relief Nutrition Programme. Since November 2024, the company has delivered over 600 food parcels to eight communities in some of the worst-affected parts of the country, supporting 1,600 people who are in desperate need of basic nutrition.

December 20, 2024

Tuxedoed treasures

There is a crisis unfolding in Namibian waters. The quintessentially cute African Penguin is facing imminent threat of extinction. This matters, not only because these adorable black and white waddling creatures are an emblem of African waters, but also because they fulfil a role in the ecosystem. Like with a Jenga tower, removing blocks risks the stability of the entire structure.

December 20, 2024

Savouring Luderitz – Luderitz Nest Hotel

We recently had the privilege of staying at the Lüderitz Nest Hotel, a charming 4-star haven perched along the stunning coastline of Lüderitz, Namibia. Its prime location offers breathtaking ocean views right from your balcony, giving you the full sights and sounds of the sea. Having recently undergone a major renovation, the hotel beautifully combines modern comforts with a touch of timeless elegance, making it the perfect base from which to explore the beauty of Lüderitz. Within its walls, we discovered not one, but two exceptional dining experiences: the Penguin Restaurant and the Crayfish Bar & Lounge, both of which left a lasting impression.

December 20, 2024

The Etosha Pan

The Etosha pan is a large endorheic basin, covering an area of approximately 4760 km2 and stretching some 120km from east to west and 55km north to south. This area is so vast that it is visible from space. Most visitors and tourists to Namibia’s flagship park are greeted with stunning sights of the vast, shimmering expanse of the pan as they navigate their way along scenic routes. Every now and again, specks of wildlife can be seen in the distance, traversing parts of the pan, leaving one pondering the fact as to what could possibly draw them to such a seemingly barren, desolate wasteland.

December 21, 2024

Cymot store

I walk through aisle upon aisle. Overhead, a lofty modern ceiling stretches far above, giving the space an airy, almost cathedral-like feel. The store is massive. So much so that I wonder, half-jokingly, if I’ll ever find my way out. There’s a comforting sense of familiarity here, though. Like walking through the halls of a place that has quietly been a part of your life for as long as you can remember. Greensport tents, Scott bicycles, rows of tools that could fix just about anything, and Jonsson's clothing that has seen many of us through countless adventures in the Namibian wilderness.

December 21, 2024

Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours

If you’re visiting Swakopmund, Namibia’s coastal gem, and looking for a unique way to explore the region, Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours offers an unforgettable experience. Having recently gone on their "Up-close Living Desert Tour", I can say with confidence that their tours perfectly blend adventure, eco- consciousness, and exploration. This 3.5-hour journey, taken on a fat bike, allows you to discover the hidden beauty and biodiversity of the oldest desert in the world— an adventure I found both enlightening and exciting.

December 21, 2024

Oceans of Insight – museum

Anchors, propellers, masts, winches and an artistic sundial are arranged to create an outdoor walkway that marks the beginning of your journey through time and all things maritime. As we step into the newly opened Maritime Museum in Lüderitz, we are about to explore a rich and fascinating past. This world-class tourist attraction celebrates the town’s seafaring heritage and its deep connection to the ocean. Having visited maritime museums around the globe, I can confidently say that this one is as captivating as its international counterparts. Housed within the restored historic Lüderitz Old Power Station on Dias Street, the museum spans five floors, taking visitors back in time while also highlighting contemporary interactions with the ocean.

February 6, 2025

Ecowings: Safeguarding Namibia’s Wildlife Through Aerial Surveillance

Between 17 December 2024 and 7 January 2025, a collective of key conservation partners undertook a vital initiative in Damaraland to combat wildlife crime and strengthen conservation efforts. Through the collaborative Ecowings Namibia initiative, Dr Conrad Brain managed this festive season operation. Dr Brain leads conservation projects supported by Wilderness in Namibia as a member of the Wilderness Impact team. This aerial surveillance project aimed to deter poaching activities during a critical period, protect Namibia’s unique biodiversity, and foster community awareness about conservation.

February 7, 2025

FINAL CALL FOR ENTRIES: LAST MONTH TO ENTER THE WILDERNESS IMPACT CHALLENGE

February 2025 – The countdown is on for the Wilderness Impact Challenge, with just one month left to submit entries for this trailblazing conservation initiative. With a USD100,000 prize available to bring the winning idea to life, Wilderness is calling on innovators, researchers and organisations from around the world to put forward bold, scalable solutions that address human-wildlife conflict and promote long-term coexistence.

February 12, 2025

Children in the Wilderness Inspires Namibia’s Future Conservation Leaders

February 2025 – Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Namibia recently hosted 60 young learners from seven schools across Namibia’s Kunene Region on an unforgettable six-day Eco-Camp in Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy. Designed to inspire and educate the country’s next generation of environmental leaders, the camp provided an immersive experience in conservation, leadership, and adventure.

February 28, 2025

Restoring the Rhino Kingdom

Since its inception in 1993, the Black Rhino Custodianship Programme has positioned Namibia as a global leader in black rhino conservation. The custodians – dedicated individuals who care for these majestic creatures – are the unsung heroes behind this remarkable success story. Their unwavering commitment and resilience not only provide hope for the future of black rhinos but also play a crucial role in safeguarding our planet’s rich biodiversity. This programme is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of daunting challenges, we have the capacity to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around us.

March 1, 2025

Learn about Namibia’s new visa regulations

If you're planning a trip to Namibia, it's important to stay informed about the country's updated visa requirements, effective from April 1, 2025. Namibia has introduced a new visa regime that affects nationals from several countries, requiring them to obtain a visa before entry. Travelers can apply online, at Namibian embassies, or on arrival at designated ports of entry. Visa fees vary based on nationality, and applicants must provide essential documents such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance.

March 4, 2025

Discover Southern Namibia

In the cool stillness of the early morning, I stood at the edge of the Fish River Canyon, the world awakening around me in shades of gold and amber. The crisp air carried the faint scent of morning mist, and as the first light stretched across the canyon’s rugged expanse, it was as if the earth itself exhaled, revealing its ancient secrets. Plum and lilac purple hues swathed the landscape before me. Below, the winding river shimmered like a silver thread, its course carved over millennia – a testament to time and the raw power of nature.

March 10, 2025

Discover the Zambezi Region

This is Namibia’s Zambezi Region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip – a verdant paradise tucked into the northeastern corner of the country. Unlike the arid deserts and rugged landscapes of Namibia’s south and west, the Zambezi Region is alive with rivers, wetlands and forests. It is a haven for wildlife and a crossroads of culture, where Namibia meets Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

March 10, 2025

Discover the Skeleton Coast & Kunene Region

In the cool, salty air of dawn, I stood on the windswept shores of the Skeleton Coast, the Atlantic waves crashing against the jagged remains of an ancient shipwreck. The rusted frame of the vessel stood defiant, a reminder of the treacherous waters that have claimed countless sailors over the centuries. Beyond the beach, the vast Namib Desert stretched into the horizon.

March 25, 2025

Between a rock and a timeless place

As someone who has travelled extensively across Namibia, I often feel like I have seen it all. But this country never ceases to amaze me. Every journey reveals something new, something magical that leaves me in awe. My recent trip to Waterberg Plateau Park was no exception – it felt like stepping into another world.

March 25, 2025

Finding the fishermen of the sky

Located just 22 kilometres northwest of Mariental, Hardap Dam, which is fed by the Fish River, covers a sprawling 25 square kilometres. While it serves as a vital source of electricity and water for the region, it is also a sanctuary for certain wildlife species, drawing many nature enthusiasts to make a stop here while in the south of Namibia.