Namibia is also known as the “smile” on the face of Africa, located on the south western coast of Africa and is one of the most unique, clean and well organised African countries you can explore.
Formerly known as German South West Africa, the Capital city is Windhoek which is centrally located and the gateway city with a population of approx 220,000 which makes it more like a large country town but with all the facilities you would expect of a Capital city.
The official language is English but the three daily newspapers are in English, German and Afrikaans. The city is a mixture of African culture and western organisation, with wide well lit streets, lovely turn of the century German architecture, amazing restaurants, great shopping malls and a variety of arts and crafts available on the street markets and at the funky Art and Craft centre which is around the corner from Chameleon Backpackers. You can even watch while they cut a diamond and polish it, not something you can see in many countries around the world!!
One of Namibia’s top attractions is the Etosha National Park, which is 22,500 sq km of pristine African bush and is home to many species of animals including elephant, lion, leopard, black and white rhino, oryx, kudu, caracal, bat eared fox, jackal and over 300 species of birds. The park was established as a protected area way back in 1904 and has evolved to its current size in 1960, Etosha is home to three main tourist camps with excellent facilities and floodlit waterholes.
Another must is Swakopmund which is known as Namibia’s adventure playground and is located in the Namib Desert on the central coastline south of the Skeleton Coast National Park. In Swakopmund it is possible to satisfy your thirst for thrill by joining such activities such as tandem skydiving, quad biking in the dune belt, hurtling head first down a sand dune at 70-80km/hour on a sand board, kayaking with the seals and flamingos in Walvis Bay or having a meal with a local family on a township tour.
Last, but definitely not least, Sossusvlei is located inside the 5 million ha Namib Naukluft National Park and is the 3rd largest conservation/protected area in Africa and the home to the towering red sand dunes. The desert and the sand dunes are a magical and tranquil area that every visitor to Namibia must experience as it is so unique.
Chameleon Backpackers Hostel is centrally located in Windhoek and they run their own great value fully accommodated short safaris visiting these wonderful and “must do” highlights and are offering a 10% discount to HI members who book through their facebook page or web page www.chameleonsafaris.com. These safaris are suitable for all age groups and are non participation, fully accommodated, no camping required!
Just quote your HI membership card number to get your discount. There are 3, 4, 6 or 7 day safari options with weekly guaranteed departures 52 weeks of the year.
See you on safari!!!
