National parks, communal conservancies and private game reserves cover about 45% of Namibia – an area the size of Germany! Small and big game species have found refuge in Namibia, including the majestic Big Five: the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. All can be viewed in national parks and private game reserves.
Etosha National Park celebrated 100 years of conservation in 2007. It stretches across 22 000 km², offering excellent opportunities for game-viewing drives and photography. At several waterholes on the edge of the pan, the visitor can watch elephant, black and white rhino, giraffe, lion, herds of zebra, antelope and other wildlife roaming freely.
The Namib Naukluft Park in Namibia’s south promises a delight for the senses and pulls contrasts to the forefront. From the towering red dunes to the rugged deep canyons and mountains, this idyllic picture is completed and complemented by numerous species of antelope dotted throughout the park.
Throughout the country you will find Oryx, kudu, springbok, zebra and steenbok. You can encounter more than 20 species of antelope, showing off their horns like crafted masterpieces of art with skins patterned in ways to make any designer jealous. They offer a feast to the viewer’s eyes and any photographer’s lens.
Even at the coast many species of animal roam the beaches. Near Walvis Bay thousands of seals bask on the beaches next to pink flamingos and white pelicans. Some seals also like to join in when you enjoy a harbour cruise, briefly visiting your boast as you set sail.
Not to be outdone, the waters of the Okavango and rivers of the Zambezi Region offer countless delights. The remote north-east sets itself apart scenically by its rivers and bushlands. Here elephant, crocodile, hippo and buffalo have found an amazing natural sanctuary. The riverine vegetation of the Zambezi Region stands in sheer contrast to the deserts of the south and west.
A birdwatcher’s paradise Namibia boasts 620 species. The national bird is the African fish eagle. Nowhere else on the African coast will you find more important wetlands than the Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour lagoons. These provide a dry season refuge for 80% of Southern Africa’s flamingos, and support 69% of the world’s rare Chestnut-banded plover. Birds that are partly or wholly endemic to Namibia include the Herero chat, Rosyface lovebird, Sharptailed starling, Karroo eremomela and Cinderella waxbill.
For further information regarding Namibia, contact the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) on (021) 422 3298.
