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With an expansive coastline that gives way to desert and some of the most rugged and unforgiving terrain found in Africa, Namibia is home to a perplexing landscape. Luxury travel is possible and plentiful in this region known for harsh conditions and mighty sands. Travel to Namibia with Ker & Downey to discover the hidden splendor of legendary cultures, elusive game and sublime comfort in a surprising region.
Skeleton Coast
Namibian bushmen refer to this region as “The Land God Made in Anger” – a striking landscape where harsh desert sands meet the powerful waves, rocky coast and opaque fog of the Atlantic. The area gets its name from the skeletal remains both of shipwrecks and whales, evidence of the whaling industry during colonial times. More than 1,000 shipwrecks, now fast being devoured by the salty and vigorous coastline, are scattered among the sands. Along with evidence of destruction, however, the coast is home to significant colonies of Cape fur seals. Secret water seeps farther inland attract wildlife including desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, ostrich, brown hyena and occasionally lion and cheetah. The presence of these animals is just one of the many contrasts of the area – life in seemingly impossible conditions.
The Himba People
Embark on an excursion to visit the Himba, a nomadic and pastoral tribe that has long inhabited northern Namibia. The Himba women are known for their red-tinted skin, achieved with the help of otjize, a mixture of ochre and animal fat that not only protects from the blistering sun, but is used by the women to adorn their braided hair. The red tint is symbolic of the sands and earth and sets the standard for beauty within the tribe. In modern times, the Himba lands are part of conservancies, giving tribes control over the wildlife and tourism in certain areas. Himba children also have the opportunity to attend mobile schools provided by the Namibian government. Experiential travel with Ker & Downey provides a unique opportunity to interact with the Himba as they go about daily life in their village.
Etosha National Park
Located in northwestern Namibia, Etosha National Park is the country’s premier wildlife destination and one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Large herds of wildlife gather around springs and waterholes, while the endless mopane plains offer breathtaking vistas. A massive salt pan desert, the Etosha Pan, runs throughout the park. While it is usually dry, birds and animals flock to the area when filled with water during the summer rainy season. Regular sightings include the endangered black rhino, black-faced impala, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, lion, leopard, pelicans and flamingos. When the pan dries, view endless acres of cracked, white sediment shimmering in the Namibian sun.
Our Discover Namibia journey showcases the highlights and best-kept secrets of Namibia. Set off on this luxury travel journey, or let the experts at Ker & Downey craft a custom itinerary for personalized exploration of the region. Plan your trip with us now.
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