Namibia’s southern region, which shares a border with South Africa, has a lot to offer in terms of wild desert landscapes and outdoor activities, from canoeing on the Orange River through the otherworldly desert scenery of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park to the jaw-dropping majesty of Africa’s largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon.

Welcome to the south

Southern Namibia may not be a popular safari destination, but it makes up for it with breathtaking desert landscape, including sandy plains studded with quiver trees, jagged granite mountains, and enormous rock formations. The Fish River Canyon is the most famous attraction in southern Namibia, but the remainder of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is also full with desert treasures, including the world’s most diverse succulent flora. Lüderitz is a fascinating colonial town on the coast, while adjacent Kolmanskop, a ghost town, is one of Namibia’s most photographed locations and is located on the edge of Namibia’s newest national park, the Sperrgebiet. The park, which was formerly a diamond mining location that was closed to the public for a century, is now open to visitors on guided expeditions to see a lush succulent biome, a massive rock arch, and two intriguing ghost villages. The Orange River flows through vast desert landscapes near Namibia’s border with South Africa. Paddling along the river in a canoe for a few hours or days is the ideal way to soak in the southern beauty at a leisurely pace. The NamibRand Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, is a wide concession where you may observe desert species like oryx and springbok against a backdrop of apricot-colored dunes and silvery plains.

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, which spans the South African border, contains some wildlife, including oryx, springbok, zebra, and baboons, but it’s not a top safari destination due to its low animal density and lack of big game. Instead, visitors come to see the park’s out-of-this-world Mars-like vistas of soaring mountains, boulder-strewn plains, dramatic quiver trees, and tremendous plant variety (try to visit in August and September when wildflowers are blooming). The park is the world’s sole dry biodiversity hotspot, including the world’s most diverse collection of succulents. The |Ai-|Ais thermal hot springs are another attraction of the park, where you may relax in outdoor baths in a picturesque setting beneath the shade of mountains.

Fish River Canyon

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park’s outstanding attraction is the ancient water-carved Fish River Canyon, Africa’s greatest canyon at 550 metres deep and 160 kilometres wide. Standing on the rim of the gorge, staring down into the chasm, you realise how little and insignificant you are in the face of nature’s grandeur. The 85-kilometre multi-day Fish River Canyon Hike, which crosses half the length of the gorge, is the greatest way to get to grips with this geological wonder if you’re prepared for a struggle.

The Orange River

When visiting southern Namibia, canoeing adventures on the Orange River, which creates a natural border with South Africa, are a must. Paddling down the river at a leisurely speed is the ideal way to take in the desert beauty, whether you have a few hours or a few days. There are a few outfitters who provide guided excursions that include all meals and camp setup, so all you have to do is spend your days paddling and swimming and your evenings sleeping under a star-studded sky.

Lüderitz

Lüderitz, a colonial seaside town with ancient homes and restaurants selling great fresh seafood (don’t miss the local oysters) and boat trips to a Cape fur seal sanctuary and penguin colony, is a fascinating destination to explore. Kolmanskop, a nearby abandoned diamond mining town, is now a ghost town and one of Namibia’s most picturesque locations. Wandering about the town’s deteriorating structures, which are slowly being consumed by the desert sands, is unsettling. Keep an eye out for the herd of wild horses – the world’s only wild desert horses – that wander this part of the desert and may often be spotted along the road as you drive between Lüderitz and Aus. The lovely Quiver Tree Forest in Keetmanshoop, where 250 of the rare and striking looking quiver trees (or kokerboom) stand vigil over grass and pebbles, is another worthwhile roadside stop.

Sperrgebiet National Park

The Sperrgebiet National Park, located south of Kolmanksop, is Namibia’s newest park and a former diamond mining location that was closed to the public for a century. The majority of the park is still off limits, but guided tours are now available to visit a stunning rock arch, a diamond mine, and two frightening ghost towns that are being eaten by the desert.

NamibRand Nature Reserve

The private NamibRand Nature Reserve, located near Namibia’s central area, gives an opportunity to see a variety of animals, including oryx, springbok, kudu, zebra, and giraffe, in beautiful surroundings of grassy plains bordered by mountains and waves of burnt orange sand dunes. The Tok Tokkie Trail, a three-day guided trek on the reserve, is easy to accomplish (and extremely pleasant – wonderful meals are made each night at an outdoor camp) and is a terrific opportunity to get up close and personal with the Namib and learn more about its unique plant, insect, and animal life.

Travel tips

It’s rather simple to drive to southern Namibia from South Africa, so if you’re planning a vacation to South Africa, try travelling to Cape Town and hiring a car from there to drive up to Namibia.

 

Hiking the Fish River Canyon is best done during the colder months of May to September, and reservations must be made a year in advance.

 

While the summer months of November to March are scorching hot in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, it’s a great time to go canoeing down the Orange River since you’ll spend most of the day on the river and sleep under the beautiful night sky.

 

If you are not on a guided tour, do not attempt to enter the Sperrgebiet (Forbidden Region). It is a diamond mining area, and you will be penalised for trespassing without a permit.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin

Few, if any, nations can boast infinite vistas, austere landscapes, hard environments, and untamed wilderness, supplemented by uncommon beauty, outstanding scenery, a warm climate, few people, a stunning coastline, one of Africa’s best wildlife parks, and the world’s oldest desert… Greetings from Namibia!

It is home to some of Africa’s most breathtaking scenery.

Imagine sand-covered mountains, and you’ve got a good idea of what the stunning dunes of Sossusvlei are like. They are among the world’s largest, reaching heights of up to 380 metres and made of sand that is thought to be 5 million years old. These dunes change colour like a chameleon as the sun moves across the sky, from bright orange to deep rusty red. Few areas in Africa compare to this region for pure photogenic beauty, especially to the contrast generated by the landscape’s burnt dead acacia trees.

 

These wind-sculpted behemoths may be seen in Namibia’s Namib desert, one of the world’s oldest, but it’s not the only one. The Kalahari, a huge sea of red sand and golden vegetation that resembles Australia’s deserts, is right next door. There’s also Etosha’s brilliant salt pans, as well as the Skeleton Coast, a rough but beautiful beach filled with the remains of sunken ships and dead whales. Namibia is truly a photographer’s paradise, no matter where you travel.

It has a fascinating history.

During the imperialist ‘Scramble for Africa,’ Namibia, like other African countries, became a target for European powers. The Portuguese were the first to set foot on Namibian soil, but the Germans claimed the nation as their colony in 1884. Namibia was ruled by the Germans until 1915, and evidence of this may be found in the colourful colonial cities, which have altered little over the last century. Traditional German delicacies such as bratwurst and pork schnitzel may still be found on menus in Swakopmund, while the capital Windhoek has an Oktoberfest every year. And, as you might expect, the beer is excellent! 

It is the birthplace of ancient cultures.

Namibia’s human story was one of indigenous tribes long before colonial forces came. The San bushmen, one of the area’s early residents, are perhaps the most well-known of these ancient peoples. They are one of Namibia’s minor ethnic groups that live a nomadic lifestyle in the country’s east, as well as in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Angola. The Ovambo are the country’s major ethnic group, accounting for over half of the population, while other ethnic groups include the Kavango, Herero, Damara, and Caprivian. The Himba people, who dwell in the north of the nation and have a population of only 50,000 people, practice age-old customs. The women are immediately distinguished by their red clay-coated hair. The isolated and rugged Kaokaland region of Namibia is the greatest site to meet Namibia’s tribes.

There’s a lot of fauna here.

Without safari chances, Africa wouldn’t feel like Africa, and Namibia doesn’t disappoint with an amazing wildlife offering. Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s greatest because of its abundant waterholes, which almost ensure wildlife sightings. The Etosha salt pan, a 120-kilometre-long dry lakebed, is part of the park, and once the rains have stopped, these waterholes provide a vital source of life for the creatures that call this site home, from African bush elephants to white rhinos, leopards to lions, giraffes to zebras. The antelope is one of Namibia’s most iconic creatures, with over twenty species, including the magnificent Gemsbok, which has long symmetrical horns. This breed is so well-known that it is shown on Namibia’s coat of arms. There are nearly 700 distinct species of birds here, including ostriches, penguins, and pelicans.

It’s a year-round vacation spot.

Namibia’s climate is primarily dry, with pleasant cold winters (May to October) and scorching summers due to its largely desert and semi-arid topography (November to April). When it does rain, it’s barely a tenth of what East African nations get, and it’s usually in the form of localised storms that pass rapidly. To put that in context, Namibia has an average of 300 days of sunshine every year. As a result, it’s a terrific place to visit at any time of year, with consistent game viewing regardless of the season. During the rainy season, the lush vegetation and overflowing waterholes in Etosha and the northern parts of Namibia may make things a little more difficult. Bushveld The rains, on the other hand, rarely make an impact in the desert. Patches of green grass emerge up through the rust-colored sands, giving the sand dunes a completely new look.

The English language is commonly used.

Namibia has a surprising range of languages for such a tiny country, but the good news for visitors is that English is the official language. Secondary school students are taught in English, and while many Namibians do not speak it as a first language, it is widely known in the service economy. Road signs are in English, and even in more remote places, at least one person will be able to communicate in English. This makes travelling about a lot easier and gives many international travellers a soothing sense of familiarity.

It is a secure location.

Namibia is regarded as one of Africa’s safest countries. Namibia has had decades of political stability and strong administration since its independence from South Africa in 1990, which has supported inter-racial healing and invested in infrastructure and education. It boasts one of the highest literacy rates on the continent, and the media is permitted to cover rival political parties and viewpoints, something that is not usually the case in African countries.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin

The Orange River is a river in southern Africa that is one of the continent’s longest and one of the world’s longest rivers south of the Tropic of Capricorn. The river rises in the Lesotho Highlands, less than 125 miles (200 kilometres) from the Indian Ocean, and runs in a generally westerly direction for 1,300 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. After traversing South Africa’s veld area, the Orange defines the southern edge of the Kalahari and bisects the southern Namib before flowing into the Atlantic near Alexander Bay, South Africa. The river defines the eastern border of the South African province of Free State, as well as the border between Namibia and South Africa, as it flows through it.

 

Join us in learning more about Namibia’s longest river that stretches throughout the country for 1,300 miles (2,100 kilometres). The river runs into Namibia and constitutes a substantial portion of the boundary between the two countries.

Physical features

The Orange River rises 10,800 feet (3,300 metres) above sea level in Lesotho’s highlands, on a plateau, or elevated, flat terrain. The plateau is located between the Drakensberg and Maloti mountain ranges. The Orange River is known in Lesotho as the Sinqu (or Senqu) River. The annual rainfall in the area where the river rises is around 800 millimetres. The yearly rainfall in Alexander Bay, where the river runs into the sea, is less than 50 millimetres.

 

The Orange River travels across South Africa from east to west. It runs across the provinces of Eastern Cape, Free State, and Northern Cape. At Alexander Bay in the Northern Cape, the river empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The Orange River has two major tributaries: the Vaal and the Caledon.

Climate and hydrology

The rate of flow of the river is directly affected by rainfall patterns in the Orange basin. The rainfall in Lesotho, above the Caledon’s confluence, averages 28 to 32 inches (700 to 800 mm) per year, and this little area supplies about 60% of the Orange River’s total annual flow when coupled with the melted winter snows of the highland highlands. Annual rainfall declines from around 11 to 16 inches a year from the Caledon to the Vaal, and from 9 inches to less than 2 inches in the Namib beyond the Vaal confluence.

 

In the lower Orange watershed, the quantity of rainfall reaching the river as runoff drops from over 16 percent in Lesotho to less than half a percent. Summer maximum temperatures, on the other hand, rise from east to west, with the high topping 86° F (30° C) on an average of 5 days in Lesotho and 150 days in the west. As a result of these events, the rate of evaporation from east to west has increased dramatically. In the lower course of the Orange, water loss to evaporation might amount to 12 times the entire precipitation, and reservoir storage capacity in the drier parts could be decreased by up to 60%.

Economy

Both Lesotho and South Africa rely heavily on the Orange River for their economies. Fresh water from the river is used for agriculture irrigation and drinking. Power is also generated by the Orange River.

 

Many dams and tunnels are used in the Orange River Project and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project to assist store and convey water from the Orange River. The Gariep Dam is the river’s biggest dam. The Vanderkloof Dam and the Katse Dam are two more big dams. Lesotho is home to the Katse Dam. It is the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest dam above sea level.

 

The Orange River is not suitable for large boats or ships due to its numerous waterfalls and rapids. Augrabies Falls is a remarkable natural marvel consisting of a series of waterfalls and rapids on the Orange River. The falls are the principal tourist attraction of South Africa’s Augrabies Falls National Park.

Irrigation

The tremendous amount of waterborne sediment that clogs reservoirs and lowers storage capacity has impeded large irrigation and hydropower projects on most of the Orange. To counteract the problem, the Boegoeberg Dam (finished in 1931) was fitted with sluice gates, which enable much of the silt to pass through.

 

The Orange River Project was built farther upstream, between the Caledon and Vaal confluences, in order to gain complete control of the river. The plan includes a variety of dam and canal projects, with construction beginning in 1962. The Gariep Dam (1972), which created the Gariep Reservoir; the Van der Kloof (formerly P.K. le Roux) Dam (1977), about 90 miles downstream from the Gariep Dam; a 50-mile-long tunnel (1975) that carries water from the Gariep Dam to the Great Fish River; and an irrigation canal between the Great Fish and Sundays rivers are among the completed projects. The Van der Kloof irrigation canals below the Van der Kloof Dam were still under construction in the 1990s.

Exploration 

Jacobus Coetsee, an Afrikaner elephant hunter, was the first white man known to cross the river to the north bank, fording the Groot River at the river mouth in 1760. Later trips over the river in the 18th century were conducted by Afrikaner explorer Hendrik Hop, a Dutch officer named Robert Jacob Gordon, an English traveller named William Paterson, and a French explorer named François Le Vaillant. They examined the river from its source to its mouth, and Gordon named it after the Orange family of the Netherlands. From the late 18th century, mission sites were founded north of the Orange. In 1813, the London Missionary Society’s John Campbell tracked the Harts River from its confluence with the Vaal to its confluence with the Orange, which he investigated as far as the Augrabies Falls. In 1836, French Protestant missionaries Thomas Arbousset and François Daumas discovered the source of the Orange.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin

Gazelles are elegant, slender antelopes found throughout Africa and Asia. They are related to goats, cattle, and sheep and look like deer. The curving, ringed horns, tan or reddish-brown coats, and white rumps distinguish gazelles. Their coats frequently have patches or stripes. Their light frames aid agility and allow them to flee from predators.

According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, there are 19 species of gazelle. Smaller species, such as the Speke’s gazelle and Thomson’s gazelle, have a shoulder length of 51 to 109 cm. They may weigh anything between 12 and 75 kg. The dama gazelle is the most massive of the gazelles. It weighs 40 to 75 kg and measures 137 to 168 cm in length.

These graceful antelopes are common when sighted on safari but there is so much about them that make them an exciting find. Read on in this article to find out more about this safari animal. 

Habitat

The majority of gazelles reside in Africa and Asia’s hot, arid savannas and deserts. Gazelles reduce their hearts and livers to keep hydrated in these harsh settings, according to a study published in the journal Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. When an animal breathes, it might lose a lot of water. Because the heart and liver of a smaller animal use less oxygen, the animal may breathe less and lose less water.

The only gazelle that dwells in the highlands is the Edmi gazelle, commonly known as the Cuvier’s gazelle. During the winter, it migrates to warmer climates.

Habits

To avoid predators, gazelles rely on their speed. Gazelles can sprint up to 60 miles per hour in short bursts and maintain speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour. Gazelles use a bounding jump known as “pronking” or “stotting,” in which they stiffly launch into the air with all four feet.

These creatures are quite sociable. Gazelle herds can number up to 700 individuals, however some are smaller and gender-segregated. In addition to their young, female Thomson’s gazelles dwell in herds of 10 to 30 females. Males live alone or with other males in tiny groups. A bachelor’s herd is a group of males. During mating season, herd separation is more noticeable.

As it grows older, this gazelle becomes less combative. Grant’s gazelles live in traditional territorial herds commanded by males. Herds in more enclosed settings are smaller and more sexually separated. To establish dominance, male gazelles have developed a number of ritualised postures. Males fight while they are younger, but as they become older, ritualised displays generally take the place of fighting. If neither opponent feels scared, they may face off and clash horns in an attempt to knock the other off balance.

Offspring

The mating season is frequently scheduled around the rainy season to ensure that the newborn fawns have adequate water.

Before giving birth, gazelles carry their offspring for around six months. At any given moment, they have one to two young. Fawns or calves are the names given to newborn gazelles.

A female gazelle would conceal her calves in thick grasses to keep them safe from predators. While still nursing, the young remain with their mother’s herd. Male calves are switched to the male herd when they are ready to fend for themselves. Gazelles have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

The young are born in regions that give some shelter after a seven-month gestation period. When the deer is able to stand and has been suckled, it looks for a good hiding spot. Before going away to graze, the mother keeps a close eye on the situation and memorises everything. Three to four times during the day, she comes to the fawn to milk it and clean the area. The laying-out process might take up to two weeks. The fawn consumes solid food for the first time at one month after being breastfed for six months. Grant is sexually mature at the age of 18 months.

Diet

The Grant’s gazelle eats a variety of foods depending on the season. They are browsers rather than grazers, and leaves and stems make up a substantial portion of their diet, however they may also consume herbs, foliage, short grasses, and shoots. Because they are not water-dependent, they travel in the opposite direction as other migratory animals like the wildebeest. Because they can receive the moisture they require from their diet, they can escape competition and thrive on semi-desert plants. They have big salivary glands, which may be an adaptation for secreting fluid in response to a dry diet. In fact, some gazelles may go their whole lives without drinking water, according to “Endangered Wildlife and Plants of the World, Volume 5” (Marshall Cavendish Corp., 2001).

Conservation status

Gazelles come in a variety of fragile and endangered species. According to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Cuvier’s gazelle has a population of just 1,750 to 2,950 individuals. The slender-horned gazelle is another endangered species. There are barely a few thousand remaining, according to estimates.

According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, the dama gazelle is not only the world’s largest gazelle, but also the rarest. It has a population of less than 500 people and is highly threatened.

Hunting is the most serious hazard to gazelles. According to the IUCN, the Queen of Sheba’s gazelle became extinct after troops killed it for food in 1951.

Interesting facts

The word “gazelle” originates from the Arabic word “gazal,” which means “love poetry.”

To warn others of a potential predator, a gazelle would flick its tails or stamp its feet.

The Edmi gazelle’s horns may reach a length of 14 inches (35.5 cm).

The name “goitered gazelle” comes from the big protrusion on their necks. Males have a greater hump. During mating season, it’s a huge area of cartilage that lets them yell loudly to possible partners.

Gazelles can reach leaves high up on tree branches by standing on their rear legs.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin

There’s nothing like knowing how to track an animal to stimulate the natural impulses like barbecue – err, “braaing.” And, like braaing, it’s something that everyone can do, including (dare I say it) a foreigner. All you have to do is be willing to try tracking. Here are some tracking tips.

Wake up early 

When temperatures are colder, animals are more likely to be active during sunrise and dusk. This is because they seek refuge in the shade under a tree or in their burrows during the hotter parts of the day. You’ll surely see game during the day, but an early morning drive gives you the chance to see nocturnal species as well. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards are frequently seen around this time of day.

 

When travelling on gravel roads early in the morning, keep an eye out for animal tracks. These traces can aid in determining which animals are present in the region.

Be patient 

You can’t compel Mother Nature to provide you with a wonderful sighting since animals have their own timetables. More sightings will be rewarded to those who are more patient. Remember, you’re on safari to get away from your hectic existence. There’s no need to rush, so take it easy and enjoy the scenery. One of the advantages of a self-drive safari is the freedom and flexibility to proceed at your own leisure.

 

Seeing a cheetah is exciting in and of itself, but it’s easy to become bored when the animals are sedentary or obscured by dense foliage. That’s when most folks decide to walk on in pursuit of a better sighting. However if you move on you could miss an incredible sighting such as a cheetah hunt and kill. Something that hardly many tourists get to witness in their lives. 

Look up and down

Sightings aren’t always at eye level; a leopard, African wildcat, or owls may be seen high in the woods. Snakes, meerkats, mice, tortoises, and honey badgers, to mention a few, can be found on the ground.

 

Don’t limit yourself to viewing the Big 5; look for the smaller creatures as well. These encounters can be just as amazing.

Listen

Listen to the noises around you by opening your window. The baboon alarms might indicate the presence of a leopard nearby. An elephant debarking a tree might be the source of a noise in the bush. Safaris aren’t only about viewing animals; in fact, if you don’t hear the noises of the African bush, your safari will be incomplete. On your safari, you could hear the call of a black-backed jackal, the grunt of a hippo, or just the sound of a nightjar.

Watering holes and hides

Follow the water, travel the routes nearest to rivers, and stop at the waterholes and hides on a regular basis. Rather than travelling numerous routes, some individuals choose to go to a waterhole and stay there all day.

Check the sighting boards

People can pin the animals they’ve seen that day on sighting boards, which are displayed at campgrounds. Pins are mainly limited to sightings of the Big Five, Cheetah, and Wild Dog. It’s a terrific method to determine if a certain route has a lot of traffic, and you can use it to schedule your morning or afternoon journeys accordingly.

Don’t miss the small things

Take a close look at an insect’s traces if you notice one going across the walkway. When you’re next in the jungle, drop to one knee and begin telling how an armor ground cricket walked here, it’ll be rather stunning.

Age matters

It’s difficult to explain the age of a particular track. This comes with time and experience. Fresh tracks appear to be fresh. They have a sharpness to them, and where the sand has been compressed, they might even have a shimmer. Wind and gravity both contribute to the ridges losing their sharpness over time.

Get toilet trained

Dung, scat, faeces, poo — whatever you want to call it, it’s critical when reading the bush. It can tell you who was there, when they were there, and why they were there. I’m sure you never dreamed you’d be captivated with faeces before coming to Africa.

Act on what you see

Don’t only believe in your gut feelings; act on them. You’d see elephant footprints and think to yourself, “ooh, those seem fresh,” only to turn a corner and see an elephant standing there. This is true when being evaluated. Always provide the first response that comes to mind when asked to identify a track; changing your mind is typically a mistake.

Wildlife tracking on foot

Walking safaris in Africa are less about seeing the Big Five and more about discovering the tiny species, plants, and ecosystems that are just as intriguing and that tourists tend to overlook when riding in a vehicle. You won’t be able to go too close to the larger animals since, while they’re used to cars, they’ll stay a safe distance from pedestrians – which is perhaps for the best! Another important aspect is that you will almost always be accompanied by local tribespeople, which means that you will have a fantastic opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of a region as well as its biodiversity from a friendly and knowledgeable guide, in addition to providing income and employment for nearby communities.

 

A respectable level of fitness is required because you’ll be walking on mostly flat, easy-going (though occasionally uneven) terrain, and treks will typically be only a few hours long, avoiding the warmest portion of the day. Depending on your agenda, you’ll probably need to get up early. Because you’re strolling in the region of elephants and other large animals, some treks have a minimum age requirement, and your guides will almost always be armed.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin

After gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, this African country was created. The population density is the world’s second lowest, implying that people have a lot of land per person. Since prehistoric times, humans have lived in the area, and Bantu-speaking tribes began to arrive in the 14th century AD. During the 1800s, German occupiers began constructing agricultural and infrastructure in the area, which was eventually taken over by South Africa in 1915. Namibia has a population of 2.1 million people, divided into many tribes and ethnic groupings, which are detailed further down.

Join us in learning more about the locals who have made a home in Namibia so that you can connect with them and learn more about this beautiful country. 

 

Tribes And Ethnicities Of Namibia

Ovambo People

The Ovambo people (also known as Ambo) make up almost half of the population and live mostly in the north of the country. The Ovambo people are made up of about 12 minor tribes that are members of the broader Bantu people. This ethnic group has traditionally lived under the leadership of a chief who distributed plots of land to each household. The chief assigned the land to a new person after the tenant died. Millet (a type of grain) harvesting and livestock husbandry are the people’s main sources of income nowadays. The Lutheran faith is the most widely practised religion, albeit it is combined with traditional beliefs in good and evil spirits.

Kavango People

The Kavango people follow the Ovambos, accounting for 9% of the overall population. This ethnic group is likewise a Bantu ethnic group, and they inhabit Namibia’s northeastern area. For sustenance, they engage in fishing, livestock husbandry, and agricultural harvests. Namibian law safeguards their ability to exercise traditional governance, which divides the tribe into five kingdoms, each controlled by a different monarch. Elders are held in high regard in their culture.

White Namibian

Individuals of German, British, Portuguese, and Afrikaner origin make up the white Namibian population. Although accuracy is restricted because the Namibian government no longer gathers race data on the census, they are believed to comprise about 7% of the population. The vast majority of these people reside in cities. This group earned a privileged position under the apartheid system, which racially separated the area and handed political influence to the white minority, which continues to benefit them now. Despite a land reform that attempted to return ownership of the land to its original owners, they hold 50% of all farm land.

Damara People

The Damara people dwell in the northern portion of the nation and make up 7% of the population. Although little is known about the people, their native language is Khoekhoe. They have no ties to other tribes and are thought to have descended from a hunter-gatherer culture. In the central part of the country, they used to practice coppersmithing, herding, and agriculture. Their belief in communally owned property led to their expulsion from the land by the Herero and Nama tribes, for whom they afterwards worked as house servants.

Herero Group

The Herero people, who have historically occupied the centre section of the nation for its extensive pastureland, make up another 7% of the overall population. Because of their geographical separation, the Herero did not have much contact with the Ovambo and Kavango peoples. This group originated in the 17th and 18th century in the eastern half of the continent. They were quickly followed by colonialists and Nama (who comprise up to 5% of the population).

The Nama and Herero fought each other for most of the nineteenth century, yet they were able to find common ground over their dislike of German conquerors. White settlers grabbed territory from both the Herero and the Nama, and by the turn of the century, they had gained majority control. The Germans, on the other hand, were not pleased, and they planned to relocate the tribes to reserve territories in order to get more land and livestock. The two tribal tribes joined forces to organise a three-year insurgency that nearly wiped off the Herero and Nama populations. According to estimates, roughly 80% of each tribe perished during the genocide. Those who remained were driven to the desert and forced to live in concentration camps along the coast, where they were forced to labor as slaves building railways and digging diamonds.

Minority Groups

Other tribes and ethnicities exist in Namibia, but they only make up a small part of the population. Caprivians (4 percent), Busmen (3 percent), Tswana (1 percent), and other groups with less than 1% each are among them.

The Indigenous Peoples of Namibia

The San, the Ovatjimba, Ovatue, and Ovahimba, as well as a variety of other peoples such as the Damara (Nkhoen) and Nama, are among Namibia’s indigenous peoples. Together, these Indigenous Peoples account for around 8% of the country’s overall population, which was 2,630,073 in 2020. The San (Bushmen) number between 28,000 and 35,000 people, accounting for slightly more than 1% of the country’s population.

The Khwe, Hai||om, Ju|’hoansi (and related Kao||’aesi),!Xun (comprising four or more distinct populations), Naro, and!Xó (and related N|oha) are among them. Each San tribe speaks its own language and has its own set of customs, traditions, and history.

In the past, the San were mostly hunter-gatherers, but today, many of them have diversified their livelihoods. Over 80% of the San have been deprived of their native lands and resources, and they are now among the country’s poorest and most marginalised peoples. The Ovatjimba and Ovatue (Ovatwa) are pastoral people that live in the Kunene Region in Namibia’s semi-arid and hilly north-west. They used to rely on hunting and gathering as well. They number around 27,000 people, accounting for 1.02 percent of Namibia’s overall population.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin

Crocodiles are enormous reptiles that may be found in the tropics of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. They belong to the Crocodilia order, which includes caimans, gharials, and alligators.

Crocodiles come in a variety of sizes and are found in 13 different species. According to the Zoological Society of London, the dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) grows to around 5.6 feet (1.7 metres) in length and weighs 13 to 15 pounds (6 to 7 kilograms). The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the biggest, growing up to 23 feet (6.5 metres) in length and weighing up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg)

Don’t cry a crocodile tear, reptile fans; these fascinating crocodile facts will enthral you.

Appearance 

Even if they can’t tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile, most people can recognise a crocodile. Large reptiles with thick scales, big snouts, and many sharp teeth. 

Adults vary in size according to their species, age, and geographic location. They may be anything from 5 feet to 20 feet long. The heaviest individuals can weigh more than 2,000 pounds.

Diet

Crocodiles are carnivores, meaning that they exclusively consume flesh. They eat fish, birds, frogs, and crabs in the wild. Crocs may feed on each other. They consume tiny creatures that have been slaughtered for them in captivity, such as rats, fish, or mice.

Crocodiles in the wild use their large jaws to clamp down on food, crush it, and then devour it whole. They are unable to chew or break apart little amounts of food like other animals.

Crocodiles ingest little stones that ground up the food in their stomachs to aid digestion. Crocodiles may go months without eating due to their poor metabolism.

Distribution

The Crocodilia order includes some of the top species in the food chain around 100 million years ago, during the Mesozoic era. Crocodiles may now be found throughout the tropics of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. They prefer to reside near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, marshes, and even saltwater.

Crocodiles are cold-blooded and cannot create their own heat, hence they prefer tropical conditions. According to Animalia, they undergo a hibernation-like condition of inactivity known as aestivation during the winter months, which entails slowing down all body activities. During lengthy periods of drought, crocodiles also aestivate. They dig a tunnel in the side of a riverbank or lake and settle in for a long nap to establish a spot to hibernate.

Present dinosaurs 

Crocodiles and dinosaurs are not the same, despite sharing many traits and having lived on the earth throughout the Mesozoic era.

Dinosaurs and crocs are both members of the archosaur reptile subclass, which first emerged in the fossil record some 250 million years ago, during the Triassic epoch. Archosaur development separated into two courses towards the end of the Triassic period: one branch evolved into the earliest relatives of crocodiles and alligators, while the other branch evolved into dinosaurs, birds, and flying reptiles (also known as pterosaurs).

A global extinction wiped off nonavian dinosaurs and flying reptiles around 66 million years ago, near the end of the Cretaceous epoch. Crocodilians and birds are the only archosaurs left today.

Hatchlings

Crocodiles lay between 12 and 48 eggs per clutch. The hatchlings spend 55 to 100 days in their eggs. The temperature of a crocodile egg at a vital point during the first half of its incubation cycle determines the sex of each crocodile kid.

Crocodile infants are born with a length of 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) and do not mature until they are 4 to 15 years old. According to Animalia, the lifespan of a crocodile varies depending on the species; some, like the Dwarf crocodile, may live up to 40 years, while others, like the Nile crocodile, can live up to 80 years.

Conservation

The Cuban crocodile is one of the most endangered crocodile species on the planet. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is severely endangered and has a population of only approximately 4,000 individuals (IUCN). The species is constantly threatened by poaching.

The IUCN lists the American crocodile as vulnerable, yet its population is growing.

Alligator versus crocodile 

What’s the difference between alligators and crocodiles? For starters, an alligator’s jaw is U-shaped, but a crocodile’s is V-shaped, according to Live Science. Furthermore, when crocodiles close their jaws, their teeth protrude above their top lip, but alligators’ teeth do not.

Crocodiles have salt glands on their tongues, which is another distinction between alligators and crocodiles. Crocs can survive in saline water thanks to their modified salivary glands. According to the Crocodilian Biology Database, alligators and caimans have lost their capacity to release extra salt through their tongue glands and prefer to dwell in freshwater environments.

Interesting Facts

Each species differs somewhat from the next. Learn more about these colossal reptiles and what makes them distinctive in the video below.

The saltwater crocodile, sometimes known as the “saltie,” is the world’s biggest living reptile. Adult males average 14 to 16 feet in length, with some reaching 20 feet or more! This species prefers saltwater settings, as its name indicates.

Dwarf Crocodile — The smallest of the Crocodylidae family, the dwarf crocodile is also known as the “bony” or “broad-snouted” crocodile. Adults, on the other hand, are roughly 5 feet long. Western Africa is home to these reptiles.

The Siamese Crocodile is the family’s most endangered member. The Siamese species is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Through commercial hunting, humans single-handedly wiped out this species. Illegal egg collection, habitat destruction, and entrapment in fishing gear are all threats to the species’ existence today.

Nile Crocodile — This reptile is well-known for its presence in the Nile River, which is one of the world’s longest rivers. Because of their near closeness to humans, these reptiles assault humans at an alarmingly high rate. Because of this reptile’s size, researchers estimate that more than half of all assaults result in death.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin

This vulture, sometimes known as the Nubian Vulture, is the biggest on the African continent. As a result, it is robust and powerful, overpowering other raptors as well as predators such as jackals.

A strong beak allows the Lappet-faced Vulture to rip through tough carcasses and break bones. After the Lappet-faced Vulture has completed breaking up the carcass into more manageable pieces, this makes it simpler for the smaller scavengers to eat on it.

This pretty ugly bird of prey is a rare sighting enjoyed by many birders. Join us in learning more about this species of vulture and check it off your birding list when you travel to Namibia and stay with us at Ohorongo. 

Identification

A huge vulture with a muscular, bare square head, a heavy bluish-yellow beak, and wrinkled loose skin on the face (lappets). Adults have a brown-and-white striped chest and puffy white pants, whilst immatures are completely brown. The large wings, white leggings, and little white lines near the front of the wing are all diagnostic in flight. Vultures are rare and diminishing in open land, but they are more common in drier places than other vultures. At kills, aggressive, dominating the proceedings and leaving the carcass accessible to other scavengers.

Distribution 

The Lappet-faced vulture may be found all throughout Africa and the Middle East, from the southern Sahara to the Sahel, east Africa to the country’s centre, and as far north as northern South Africa. This vulture may be found in dry savannah, desert, or semi-arid environments with only short grass, thorn bushes, and scattered trees across much of its range, as well as on open mountain slopes as high as 4,500 metres above sea level. Although open habitat is good for feeding, trees are also essential for nesting and roosting, with thorny species such as acacia, terminalia, and balanites being favoured.

Habitat

Lappet-faced Lappet-faced Lappet-faced Lappet Vultures may be found in deserts and semi-arid regions, as well as dry savannahs. In these areas, the vegetation mainly consists of thorn bushes, short grasses, and the occasional tree strewn throughout the terrain. Vultures need a place to sleep and nest, thus these trees are highly vital to them.

Lappet-faced Vultures may also be found on open mountain slopes up to 4,500 metres above sea level.

Diet

This amazing bird, like other vultures, is a scavenger, meaning it feeds on animals that have previously perished (as opposed to hunting and killing the animals themselves). The Lappet-faced Vulture will only consume living food, which is generally a tiny animal, if carcasses are not readily available (such as a rodent or a smaller bird).

Socialisation

Lappet-faced Lappet-faced Lappet-faced Lappet Vulture is a gregarious bird, regularly associating with other scavengers surrounding the cadaver. It does not, however, have the gregarious behaviour that certain vultures are noted for.

Reproduction

A pair of Lappet-faced Vultures may have one to three nests, which they may utilise again. Some birds breed all year (typically in the eastern region of Africa), whereas others only breed during specific seasons. They typically breed in South Africa from May to February.

Individuals begin breeding at the age of six.

Incubation 

The breeding pairs male and female both sit on the one egg she lays. Between 54 and 56 days pass throughout the incubation phase.

Life Expectancy

Depending on numerous environmental circumstances and food availability, this bird can live for 20 to 50 years.

Predators

Humans. Lappet-faced Vulture is a Vulnerable bird. The human population is its greatest threat. Many people die as a result of purposeful or unintentional poisoning. Another danger is that the amount of carcasses on which they can feed is dwindling. Agriculture, pollution, urbanisation, and hunting can all contribute to this.

Ecology and Conservation

The Lappet-Faced Vulture’s scavenging habit aids in the breakdown and recycling of animal debris. They assist in the clearance of corpses and the prevention of disease transmission.

Other predators, such as crows, feed on vulture eggs and chicks.

Accidental poisoning, mostly from strychnine, which is employed by many farmers for predator control, and more recently carbofuran, has played a substantial role in the reduction.

These birds’ top beaks may be exchanged for traditional medicine, and they are sometimes misidentified as livestock predators.

According to estimates, the entire population is rapidly dwindling. According to Ogada et al. (2016), Africa’s population might drop by 80% in just over three generations.

Fun Facts

The lappet-faced vulture is one of Africa’s most dangerous birds. It has one of the strongest beaks, and because to its capacity to tear off skin, tendons, and ligaments that are too tough for smaller scavengers, it frequently arrives last to the carcass. They can, in fact, strip a small antelope corpse to the bone in less than 20 minutes.

Smaller vultures are typically scared away or stolen by larger vultures due to their intimidating size.

These vultures don’t only eat carrion; they’ve been observed sitting around termite mounds or locust nests, eating the insects as they emerge from their tunnels.

Lappet-faced vultures prey on flamingo colonies, killing adults and young as well as stealing eggs.

They are frequently seen alone or in pairs. They don’t find carrion by smelling it, contrary to common perception. They locate carcasses by observing the actions of other birds.

Their featherless heads and necks aid in their cleanliness by allowing them to shake off any sticky leftovers from their meals. Because this is the hardest region of the body to preen, the sun bakes away any germs or parasites.

These vultures have the largest wingspan of any African vulture.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin

Are you planning a road trip across Namibia? Here’s everything you need to know to make it extra special.

Is Namibia the coolest road trip location ever? Maybe. And if it’s not quite number one, it’s certainly towards the top.

Whether it wins first place or not, you can be sure it will be a road trip unlike any other.

Namibia is a peculiar place. Its primary attractions are as diverse as its few residents, and its landscapes are as striking and attractive.

In the oddest manner, every area you visit will feel like a completely new nation, yet this is an appealing feature that will only make you fall more in love. For the time being, I’ll leave it at that.

Namibia has a lot to offer, but it’s spread out throughout the country’s huge geography. The best – and, in many cases, the only – method to travel is by car.

So saddle up and read on for all you need to know about planning a fantastic Namibia road trip.

Why take a road trip to Namibia?

Namibia is a large, open nation with miles upon miles of desert and open plains. It is one of the world’s least heavily inhabited countries. It is possible to go for hours without seeing another automobile or any indication of life.

Driving in Namibia is a little like being on a vehicle treadmill, with nothing but a long straight road in front of you for the most part.

Despite the monotony of the terrain, driving in Namibia is about the farthest thing from a dull gym session.

You’ll undoubtedly still sweat because the weather in Namibia may be brutally harsh in the middle of the day.

You will, however, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip (for both the right and wrong reasons).

How Long Do You Need For A Road Trip

You’ll need to do a loop of Namibia to visit the nicest parts of the nation. Long trips between palm-sized settlements are required, with few cars passing along the route.

Take a look at the map and consider where you actually want to go before you do anything else.

You’ll need at least 5-7 days to get a sense of Namibia. You’ll need around 7-10 days to see all of the major sights. Allow two weeks or more to tour Namibia if you want to see everything there is to see and truly get to know the country.

Namibia is the type of environment where you should allow for some spontaneity.

There’s a strong chance you’ll want to extend your stay in at least one of the areas you visit, whether it’s to climb a few more dunes, look for an animal you haven’t seen yet, or retake your greatest photo.

Keep this in mind when organising your vacation to Namibia, and don’t feel obligated to stick to a specific itinerary.

If you’re short on time, don’t underestimate the distances between locations.

Although it may not appear to be far on the map – especially when there is nothing in between — travelling between towns and rest breaks can take hours.

It won’t be long before you realise how massive Namibia is!

Renting a car

Despite what the internet claims, there is no compelling reason to hire a 4×4 in Namibia.

Unless you know you’ll be driving on certain routes, a normal two-wheel drive vehicle will suffice for your road trip.

One item you’ll definitely need is a spare tyre; it’s nearly impossible to get through Namibia without getting a flat.

If you have a few additional days, renting a car from outside Namibia may be less expensive.

If you’re renting from someone outside the nation, make sure you get a certificate stating that you have authorization to cross the border.

What To Bring With?

Don’t forget to pay attention to this section! In Namibia, being prepared is key, and that includes what you pack in your automobile.

Make sure you have a spare tyre, jack, and any other tools you’ll need to fix a flat before turning the key in the ignition. It’s extremely likely that you’ll need them at least once during your journey.

Prepare for the long, straight roads ahead by stocking up on food and drink (particularly the water!). It’s unlike anything else on the planet, and it’s incredibly relaxing, but it’s a lot less fun when you’re hungry or thirsty.

Here are the places you shouldn’t miss

Despite the absence of life and civilisation in the bulk of the nation, Namibia offers a diverse range of sights.

It’s one of the world’s most diverse nations, with a wide range of scenery, sights, and memories just waiting to be formed.

The routes and places to stay will limit you in some ways, but it won’t be difficult to prioritise the things that most interest you.

The most popular tourist sites in Namibia may be found in the north of the nation. Most visitors will want to concentrate on these, but if you have time, there are some genuinely unusual spots in the south.

Etosha National Park

Etosha is Namibia’s greatest site to see anything from elephants to antelopes, and it’s home to three of the country’s big five.

Sossusvlei 

Many people’s Namibia trips are highlighted by the iconic red dunes.

Because Sossusvlei becomes quite hot throughout the day, you’ll want to do most of your touring in the morning or late afternoon.

Make sure you leave enough time to see everything, especially Dune 45 and Deadvlei.

Swakopmund 

This seaside city seems like it belongs in Germany.

Skydiving, quad biking, and other daring activities are also available.

Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop, a historic diamond town, is now merely a shadow of its former self.

Sand dunes are encroaching on its skeleton structures, creating an unnerving experience and wonderful travel images.

— Bronwyn Reynolds, Fizzin