Namibia is a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine, and a feeling of unconfined space. With it’s unspoilt landscapes and large variety of game, Namibia is one of the larger countries in Africa and draws an increasing number of visitors from various parts of the globe.

A sense of freedom is generated by the wide horizons, the clear unpolluted skies and a population density which is among the lowest in the world. This feeling of tranquility and stillness combines with a landscape which is singular in it’s colours, full of contrasts of light and shade. In addition, the diversity of it’s people creates a rich blend of cultures and traditions.

Namibia has a colouful and turbulent history. In the mid 19^th century. German missionaries opened up the interior, paving the way of traders who came later. The annexation of the country by Germany in 1884 accounts for distinctive German architecture and traditions.

After a turbulent past, the country at last became independent on 21 March 1990.

Namibia is known for it’s contrasting landscapes. There is the brooding, desolate Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, with it’s high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with it’s thornbush savanna and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, give way to the majestic Fish River 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 savanna and lush riverine vegetation. Dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone, prehistoric rock art, and the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis, bear witness to the aeons past in this – ‘the ageless land’.

All these facets combine in a country which can justifiably be called ‘Africa’s Gem’.

Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in it’s constitution. About 15,5 % of the country has been set aside as national parks. In these areas, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and protected. They serve as living reminders to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa.

Most of the African game species well represented in Namibia, with the largest concentration of game in the Etosha National Park which is firmly entrenched on the world map of international parks. Etosha provides memorable experiences. A waterhole at dawn with a medley of giraffe, zebra, rhino, graceful antelope and a solitary hyena is like a finely etched painting of African wildlife.

Wilderness and modern amenities co-exist happily in this land of vivid contrasts. Visitors to Namibia can see the country by means of comfortable coach tours, fly in safaris, self drive tours, or guided tours tailored to suite individual needs.

For the more adventurous, there are wilderness safaris and hiking trails.

A large number of comfortable guest farms are found all over the country, where guests share the table with their hosts, and you are assured of personal attention, typical Namibian hospitality, and the opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of the country and it’s people. Privately owned game ranches offer controlled, professional services to trophy and biltong hunters. Photographic safaris can also be arranged.

In Namibia, not only hotels, but all other accommodation establishments, including rest camps, caravan parks, private hotels, guest farms, safari companies, are graded according to the service offered. Regular inspections to ensure that each establishment complies with expected standards, are carried out by officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.