GATEWAY AFRICA Affordable trips to Namibia, plan your Namibia trip with Gateway Africa Safaris, your adventure trip to Namibia,
Gateway Africa Safaris Besides the comfort and quality of our guided Namibia safari trips, our affordable packages are all inclusive, with no hidden tour costs. Adventure trips to Namibia is made possible with Gateway Africa. We offer the best safari trips, Namibia camping safaris and accommodated trip information. Namibia Safari Tours Namibia Trip Options Namibia Vacations Namibia Camping Safaris Luxury Namibia Vacations Tailor Made Safaris Namibia Country Info	Namibia "Land of the Brave" Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in its Constitution. Over 14 % of Namibian major habitat types are contained in formally proclaimed protected areas, and nearly 80% of the rest of the country, are protected under conservancies. Windhoek is Namibia's capital city and lies in the heart of the central plateau, surrounded by Khomas Mountains. It has a combination of innovative modern and old German colonial buildings. It is one of the cleanest, safest and most relaxed capital cities in Africa, and is a bustling cosmopolitan city with good hotels, sophisticated shops and trendy bistros. Currency The national currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar which is linked to and equals in value the South African Rand. Wildlife and Scenery Namibia has mountains, sub-tropical forests, 2 deserts, highest dunes, Atlantic ocean, a majestic scenery for unique wildlife and natural beauty. A country with one of the most diverse wildlife in large number of game species. All abundant in the many parks and includes the Big 5, mammals like the elephant, rhino, giraffe and buffalo, as well as the big cats - lion, leopard and cheetah. *Getting Here* Main airlines coming in Namibia are Air Namibia and South African Airways, having daily connections in Hosea Kutako International Airport in the capital city Windhoek from Frankfurt, Munich, London and Johannesburg. *Getting Around* Internal or domestic flights are available from Windhoek (Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport) and Walvis Bay Airport. In addition there are small regional airports in Keetmanshoop, Katimo Mulilo, Rundu and Ondangwa. *Climate* Inland Namibia has hot summers with temperatures ranging up to 34 degrees Celsius and could experience frost in the winter months. Rainfall is expected mainly in the summer months. The main rain season is January to March. History Among the first people to inhabit Namibia were the San Bushmen. Later inhabitants include the Nama and the Damara. The Khoi-Khoi tribe came from the south, gradually displacing the San. The arrival of the Bantu-speaking Ovambo and Herero from the north marked the first tribal structures in Southern African Societies. The first European visitors were Portuguese mariners seeking a way to the Indies in the late 15th century, but they confined their activities in Namibia to erecting stone crosses at certain points along the coast as navigational guides. They were followed much later by the English and Germans. In 1878, the United Kingdom annexed Walvis Bay on behalf of Cape Colony, and the area was incorporated into the Cape of Good Hope in 1884. The annexation of the country by Germany in 1884 still accounts for the distinctive German architecture and traditions and the German influence is very much still evident in the country today. In 1904, the Herero people, who were Bantu-speaking cattle herders, launched a rebellion, but it was brutally put down. Meanwhile, in the south, diamonds had been discovered east of Lüderitz by a South African worker. The German authorities branded the entire area between Lüderitz and the Orange River a 'forbidden area'. After Germany's defeat in the World War 1, the League of Nations entrusted the territory to South Africa, and the territory then became known as South West Africa. The mandate to rule was renewed by the United Nations following World War 2, but the UN refused to sanction the outright annexation of the country by South Africa. The South African government nevertheless tightened its grip on the country and imposed apartheid rule until well into the 1980s. The South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) began it's armed struggle to liberate Namibia in 1966 and in 1971 the International Court of Justice upheld a UN decision, determining that South Africa's occupation of Namibia was illegal. In April 1978 the UN Plan called for the holding of elections in Namibia, under UN supervision and control. However, in November 1978, South Africa, in defiance of the UN, unilaterally held elections in Namibia which were boycotted by SWAPO and other political parties. South Africa eventually was forced out by a combination of United Nations pressure and guerrilla warfare from SWAPO. The fall of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela from his 25 year incarceration, mirrored the international mood and reaction to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the cold war with Glasnost. In 1989, elections gave SWAPO a majority of seats in a constituent assembly. The new nation, called Namibia and led by the elected President Sam Nujoma, became independent on 21 March 1990 and Independence Day is annually celebrated on this date. Today Namibia is economically is largely better off than many other countries of the region because of its productive mining, tourism, farming and fishing industries. *Population, Language & Culture* Namibia's population of approx 1.9 million people includes at least 11 major ethnic groups. The 650,000 Owambo tribe make up the largest group and live mainly in the north. Other significant tribes include the Kavango, Herero, Himba, Damara, Nama, Basters and the San. The country still bears the influences of its German and Afrikaner colonizers. The low population growth of the country which covers an area of 825,000 sq km makes Namibia the second most sparsely populated country in the world. The tribes still follow a traditional life style, practicing their old crafts and working at the age old traditional occupations of subsistence farming. The culture of the indigenous population reflects the social values, norms, traditions and institutions developed over a long period of time. Each ethnic group has its own distinct identity though certain features remain common to all such as the wealth of traditional arts, crafts, music and dance. The many different tribes people who live within the territorial boundaries of Namibia have a range of crafts typical of each ethnic group. Traditional arts and crafts include basketry, woodcarving, leatherwork, beadwork, ceramics and painting. Some of the more recent developments in the crafts have been in the fields of textiles - hand weaving and embroidery - sculptures, printmaking and theatre. The official language of Namibia is English, however Afrikaans, German, Herero, Nama / Damara, Oshiwambo and Rukavango are widely spoken. The Literacy rate was estimated in 2003 at 84%. Namibia has over 1450 schools and other institutions of higher education and vocational center, such as the University of Namibia, Polytechnic of Namibia, etc. The Christian religion is practiced by up 80-90% of the population with at least 50% being Lutheran. Ten to twenty percent of the population practice indigenous beliefs. Mahangu and maize porridge are often the staple food of the tribal Namibians, supplemented by beef, fish, game and forest produce or vegetables. A variety of animal meat, beef, and fish is served on the tables in Namibian households and restaurants. Standards of hygiene are very high and cleanliness is a virtue found in restaurants throughout the country. Despite Namibia's modern infrastructure, this young nation strives to retain its multi-ethnic tribal culture and is passionate to preserve and protect its natural environment. A peaceful sparsely populated country, nearly the size of Western Europe: A safe, corruption free country with a unique natural, wildlife and cultural diversity. Adventure Trip Namibia: Affordable safari trips to Namibia Gateway Africa Safaris - All Rights Reserved: No text or images on this website may be reproduced without written authorization from Gateway Africa Safaris. This is a work of joint authorship with our various safari tour partners.	Map of Namibia

GATEWAY AFRICA

Affordable trips to Namibia, plan your Namibia trip with Gateway Africa Safaris, your adventure trip to Namibia,

Gateway Africa Safaris

Besides the comfort and quality of our guided Namibia safari trips, our affordable packages are all inclusive, with no hidden tour costs.

Adventure trips to Namibia is made possible with Gateway Africa. We offer the best safari trips, Namibia camping safaris and accommodated trip information.

Namibia Safari Tours

Namibia "Land of the Brave"

Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in its Constitution. Over 14 % of Namibian major habitat types are contained in formally proclaimed protected areas, and nearly 80% of the rest of the country, are protected under conservancies.

Windhoek is Namibia's capital city and lies in the heart of the central plateau, surrounded by Khomas Mountains. It has a combination of innovative modern and old German colonial buildings. It is one of the cleanest, safest and most relaxed capital cities in Africa, and is a bustling cosmopolitan city with good hotels, sophisticated shops and trendy bistros.

Currency
The national currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar which is linked to and equals in value the South African Rand.

Wildlife and Scenery
Namibia has mountains, sub-tropical forests, 2 deserts, highest dunes, Atlantic ocean, a majestic scenery for unique wildlife and natural beauty. A country with one of the most diverse wildlife in large number of game species. All abundant in the many parks and includes the Big 5, mammals like the elephant, rhino, giraffe and buffalo, as well as the big cats - lion, leopard and cheetah.

Getting Here
Main airlines coming in Namibia are Air Namibia and South African Airways, having daily connections in Hosea Kutako International Airport in the capital city Windhoek from Frankfurt, Munich, London and Johannesburg.

Getting Around
Internal or domestic flights are available from Windhoek (Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport) and Walvis Bay Airport. In addition there are small regional airports in Keetmanshoop, Katimo Mulilo, Rundu and Ondangwa.

Climate
Inland Namibia has hot summers with temperatures ranging up to 34 degrees Celsius and could experience frost in the winter months. Rainfall is expected mainly in the summer months. The main rain season is January to March.

History
Among the first people to inhabit Namibia were the San Bushmen. Later inhabitants include the Nama and the Damara. The Khoi-Khoi tribe came from the south, gradually displacing the San. The arrival of the Bantu-speaking Ovambo and Herero from the north marked the first tribal structures in Southern African Societies.

The first European visitors were Portuguese mariners seeking a way to the Indies in the late 15th century, but they confined their activities in Namibia to erecting stone crosses at certain points along the coast as navigational guides.

They were followed much later by the English and Germans. In 1878, the United Kingdom annexed Walvis Bay on behalf of Cape Colony, and the area was incorporated into the Cape of Good Hope in 1884. The annexation of the country by Germany in 1884 still accounts for the distinctive German architecture and traditions and the German influence is very much still evident in the country today.

In 1904, the Herero people, who were Bantu-speaking cattle herders, launched a rebellion, but it was brutally put down. Meanwhile, in the south, diamonds had been discovered east of Lüderitz by a South African worker. The German authorities branded the entire area between Lüderitz and the Orange River a 'forbidden area'.

After Germany's defeat in the World War 1, the League of Nations entrusted the territory to South Africa, and the territory then became known as South West Africa. The mandate to rule was renewed by the United Nations following World War 2, but the UN refused to sanction the outright annexation of the country by South Africa. The South African government nevertheless tightened its grip on the country and imposed apartheid rule until well into the 1980s.

The South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) began it's armed struggle to liberate Namibia in 1966 and in 1971 the International Court of Justice upheld a UN decision, determining that South Africa's occupation of Namibia was illegal. In April 1978 the UN Plan called for the holding of elections in Namibia, under UN supervision and control. However, in November 1978, South Africa, in defiance of the UN, unilaterally held elections in Namibia which were boycotted by SWAPO and other political parties.

South Africa eventually was forced out by a combination of United Nations pressure and guerrilla warfare from SWAPO. The fall of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela from his 25 year incarceration, mirrored the international mood and reaction to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the cold war with Glasnost.

In 1989, elections gave SWAPO a majority of seats in a constituent assembly. The new nation, called Namibia and led by the elected President Sam Nujoma, became independent on 21 March 1990 and Independence Day is annually celebrated on this date.

Today Namibia is economically is largely better off than many other countries of the region because of its productive mining, tourism, farming and fishing industries.

Population, Language & Culture
Namibia's population of approx 1.9 million people includes at least 11 major ethnic groups. The 650,000 Owambo tribe make up the largest group and live mainly in the north. Other significant tribes include the Kavango, Herero, Himba, Damara, Nama, Basters and the San.

The country still bears the influences of its German and Afrikaner colonizers. The low population growth of the country which covers an area of 825,000 sq km makes Namibia the second most sparsely populated country in the world.

The tribes still follow a traditional life style, practicing their old crafts and working at the age old traditional occupations of subsistence farming.

The culture of the indigenous population reflects the social values, norms, traditions and institutions developed over a long period of time. Each ethnic group has its own distinct identity though certain features remain common to all such as the wealth of traditional arts, crafts, music and dance.

The many different tribes people who live within the territorial boundaries of Namibia have a range of crafts typical of each ethnic group. Traditional arts and crafts include basketry, woodcarving, leatherwork, beadwork, ceramics and painting. Some of the more recent developments in the crafts have been in the fields of textiles - hand weaving and embroidery - sculptures, printmaking and theatre.

The official language of Namibia is English, however Afrikaans, German, Herero, Nama / Damara, Oshiwambo and Rukavango are widely spoken. The Literacy rate was estimated in 2003 at 84%. Namibia has over 1450 schools and other institutions of higher education and vocational center, such as the University of Namibia, Polytechnic of Namibia, etc.

The Christian religion is practiced by up 80-90% of the population with at least 50% being Lutheran. Ten to twenty percent of the population practice indigenous beliefs.

Mahangu and maize porridge are often the staple food of the tribal Namibians, supplemented by beef, fish, game and forest produce or vegetables.

A variety of animal meat, beef, and fish is served on the tables in Namibian households and restaurants. Standards of hygiene are very high and cleanliness is a virtue found in restaurants throughout the country.

Despite Namibia's modern infrastructure, this young nation strives to retain its multi-ethnic tribal culture and is passionate to preserve and protect its natural environment.

A peaceful sparsely populated country, nearly the size of Western Europe: A safe, corruption free country with a unique natural, wildlife and cultural diversity.

Adventure Trip Namibia: Affordable safari trips to Namibia

Gateway Africa Safaris - All Rights Reserved: No text or images on this website may be reproduced without written authorization from Gateway Africa Safaris. This is a work of joint authorship with our various safari tour partners.

Map of Namibia