Fascinating Zebra's in Namibia

The origin of the word zebra is not certain. It probably comes from an African language via Portuguese (zevra). The Damara word for zebra is !oareb and the Oshiwambo word ongolo.

There are only three species of zebra extant – the plains zebra, including the Burchell’s zebra found in Etosha; the mountain zebra, including Hartmann’s mountain zebra found in north-western Namibia; and the more distantly related Grévy’s zebra found in Kenya and Ethiopia. While the Grévy’s species is more akin to a donkey, the other species look more like domestic horses. All three belong to the horse family Equidae.

There are about 13 000 zebras in the Etosha National Park. They are unfortunately particularly susceptible to the deadly disease anthrax, which causes several hundred to perish in the park each year.

                                              WHY THE STRIPES?

Zebras are very social animals. They live in groups ranging from small ‘harem’ groups dominated by a stallion, to large herds. A zebra’s stripes are basically vertical around its fore quarters, but horizontal around its rump. Each animal’s stripes are different, and as individually characteristic as fingerprints on a human. The purpose of the stripes is not known. 

The most obvious explanation is camouflage, especially when the stripes are brown and black (plains zebra) rather than white and black (mountain zebra). Another theory is that the striped pattern somehow confuses the visual system of the blood-sucking tsetse fly, which finds it difficult to ‘navigate’ to the host. However, if this is why zebra have them, you might wonder why other animals haven’t tried the same trick.

Then there is the perhaps philosophical question as to whether the zebra is a white animal with black stripes, or a black animal with white stripes.

Experience the people and culture in Namibia

When you travel to Namibia you will immediately see there is a diverse amount of culture in the country. Some 1.8 million people live in Namibia. They form a fairly diverse population, sparse in much of the country, with only 2.1 people per square kilometre. Over 70% of Namibians belong to dark skinned, Bantu speaking peoples such as the Ovambo and Herero.The population of Khoisan, although small in comparison, is the largest in Africa. Other cultural minorities include the Damara, Caucasians (mainly Afrikaners and ethnic Germans), and people of mixed blood known as Coloured people.

San

San nomads once roamed the land in small groups. They kept ancestral territories where they found shelter in caves or under rock overhangs near a of source of water, or alternatively they made make shift shelters from bits and pieces of vegetation.

Nama

The Nama are pastoralists. They look a lot like San, just lighter in colour and generally somewhat taller. The two tribes also speak similar tongues, widely considered to be part of the same phylum or group of language families, full of clicked consonants and slurred vowels.

Damara

The Damara People share the same language with the Nama People but little else. They are taller, sturdier and darker skinned. Their culture and beliefs are also markedly different.

Ovambo

The Ovambo people established a number of kingdoms on the floodplains north of Etosha where the majority still live. The population is the densest in the country, about five times the national average, mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture.

Herero

The Herero are arguably the most culturally recognisable in Namibia. The Herero women are often seen in ankle length dresses with high neck lines, tight bodices and long puffed sleeves. Adapted from European fashion in the Victorian period, the style of the dress is now regarded as a cultural tradition to them. It is worn with a cloth headdress that is pointed on either side in a shape meant to symbolise cattle horns.

Amazing Luxury Accommodation in Namibia

Namibia Reservations offering you accommodation that is luxury and style. If you are one that enjoys the feeling of being pampered then you will find the right accommodation on our site.

To name a few....

Divava Okavango Lodge

Namibia’s hidden wildlife paradise in the Kavango where time stands still. Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa is nestled amongst majestic trees on the banks of the Okavango River a few hundred metres from Popa Falls.

Mowani Mountain Camp

Between the Ugab and Huab rivers in southern Damaraland lies a vast, beautiful and unspoiled wilderness area of unsurpassed desert scenery, unusual geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora.  Africa has always been recognized for its uniqueness, and now Africa - uniqueness, recognizes Mowani Mountain Camp! 

Erindi Game Reserve

Do you want to experience the real world of African wildlife, see animals habitats never see before relax in pristine wilderness, and at the same time have fun doing so? De-stress, get reconnected with nature, or just need a break from a mundane lifestyle? Erindi will provide you with a hole new outlook on life. Come and experience this jewel.

Kempinski Mokuti Lodge

Kempinski Mokuti is situated two kilometres from the Eastern entrance of the world renowned Etosha National Park in the Northern part of Namibia and is easily accessible by road or by air. The lodge features 106 thatch-roofed rooms and suites, three restaurants, two bars, three swimming pools, two flood-lit tennis courts, walking trails, curio shop, gas station, two conference rooms and its own airstrip.

Suricate Tented Lodge

Suricate Tented Lodge is situated on a red sand dune overlooking a pan system that forms part of the upper Auob wetlands. It is here that one can experience all the romance, all the adventure of the early safari expeditions but with style. The Lodge comprises twelve luxurious walk-in-style tents, well secluded in the Kalahari savannah.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is situated in the Kaokoland, often described as one of the last truly wild areas in the North West of Namibia and it features beautiful mountain landscapes and rugged tranquillity. The lodge, in Purros Conservancy, is a no risk malaria destination and it can be reached by 4x4 vehicles or a 2 hour and fifteen minutes flight from Windhoek.

For more information about luxury accommodation please visit our website at www.namibia-luxury-accommodation.com

Interesting Facts About the Caprivi/Zambezi Region

Northern Namibia is generally very lush, watered by a generous annual rainfall. East of Owamboland – which means northeast of Grootfontein – lie the regions of Kavango and Caprivi / Zambezi.

The Khaudum Game Park, is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle. It is far better to travel in this park with at least two vehicles, as the sand is very thick and it is a rather remote area. The park is home to herds of elephants, roan, eland, kudu, gemsbok (oryx), blue wildebeest, wild dog and lion. A lush water-fed area, the narrow extension of land known as the Caprivi Strip protrudes eastwards from the extreme north-east of Namibia, adjoining Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia.

Northeastern Namibia and into the Caprivi is a mosaic of woodlands, riverine forests, swamps and. rivers. Off-the-beaten track destinations include the Nyae-Nyae area, the ancestral home of the Ju/'hoansi San. Formerly known as Eastern Bushmanland. The area is four-by-four country ONLY.

Some 200 kilometres east of Rundu lies one of the scenic highlights the Caprivi, the Popa Falls. Actually, they are rapids rather than waterfalls. Here, the Okavango breaks through a four metre high rocky intrusion in its riverbed. The falls lie amidst enthrallingly beautiful nature. Here you also find the most scenic campground in the north of Namibia although there are a number of lodges with campsites as well.

Within this area there are also 3 community campsites, 4 upmarket lodges, a craft market and two traditional villages. The Mamili National Park is a watery wonderland of wildlife, islands, river channels and wetlands. The two large Islands are Nkasa & Lupala and are on the Kwando / Linyati rivers. During dry season the Islands can be reached by road, but after the rains 90% of the area becomes flooded, cutting them off from the mainland.

Across from Muduma on the other side of the kwando river is the Horseshoe area, which has two community campsites. They are both excellent and the area is full of game as well. ONLY 4 x 4 can be used.

Muduma National Park (also only 4x4) is approx 100.000 hect of dense savannah and mopane woodlands with the Kwando river as its western boundary and Botswana on the other side. The Kwando river stems from Angola and changes its name as it goes along, ending in the Chobe, which then enters into the Zambezi. {mosimage}The Chobe at Ngoma Border fl flows both ways, the reason being that the Zambezi when in flood pushes the Chobe water back along the banks of Namibia and Botswana.

Two destinations accessible by sedan car are the Mahango Game Park and Popa Falls, a series of rapids, where the Kavango river breaks through a four metre high rocky intrusion in its riverbed. The falls lie amidst enthrallingly beautiful nature. The park offers outstanding birding and is also renowned for its large numbers of elephant, red lechwe, sable, roan, buffalo, blue wildebeest and gemsbok (oryx).

The small town of Katima Mulilo at the eastern end of Caprivi offers some attractive lodges and has an airport, a hospital, some petrol stations, grocery stores and a street market with crafts, traditional baskets woven from grass, wood carvings, jewellery and clothes. The Caprivi Strip's nerve-centre, Katima Mulilo, is closer to Lusaka, Harare or Gaborone than it is to Windhoek, and in many ways this region is more like the countries which surround it than like the rest of Namibia.

The area is highly populated with scattered settlements of subsistence farmers cultivating Mahangu and other crops, tending their cattle, or living off freshwater fish. Unlike much of the rest of Namibia, the Kavango and Caprivi regions feel like most Westerners' image of Africa. You'll see lots of circular huts, small kraals, animals and people carrying water on their heads. By the roadside are stalls selling vegetables, fruit, or woodcarvings, and in the parks you'll find buffalo hiding in the thick vegetation.

Note the different designs of the rondavels and villages as you travel through. Some are identical to those in eastern Zimbabwe, while others resemble the fenced-in kraals in Botswana. Even the local language used in the schools, the Caprivi's lingua franca, is the Lozi language – as spoken by the Lozi people of Zambia.

Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa - Namibia

The Namib-Naukluft Park is not only Namibian’s largest park, but also one of the largest in Africa. The Namib is considered to be one of the oldest deserts in the world. To visit it presents an ever-changing kaleidoscope of scenery that ranges from the shifting sand dunes of perspective, the park can be divided into four areas: the Namib section between the Swakop and Kuiseb rivers, Sandwich, the Naukluft section and the central Namib sand sea, including Sesriem and Sossusvlei. Each of these areas has distinctive flora and fauna and offers visitors different experiences and scenery.

Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa is located only 21 km from Sesriem the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park and Sossusvlei. The Lodge is a harmonious blend of luxury and nature with each room offering a spectacular view of the Namib Desert. Guests are accommodated in 26 luxury rooms with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, safe, mini bar and a coffee & tea facilities. 

The lodge has a spacious restaurant sheltering guests again the harsh desert climate. A highlight at the lodge is our wellness centre which is specialized in massages, pedicures, manicures, aroma massages, Thai massages and de-stress programmes. In the large courtyard guests can retreat at the swimming pool sheltered from the desert in a flourishing garden oasis. We offer quad bike tours, nature drives on our private domain and nature drives to Sossusvlei, scenic flights and hot air ballooning. The lodge offers guests a luxury home after a day in the desert.

Namibia's Top Places to Visit

If you want to go to a place where you can have an adventure without leaving the comforts of urban lifestyle, you should put Namibia on your list. With so many places to visit, a Namibian adventure can make any vacation worthwhile.

Waterberg Plateau Park

Damaraland 

Etosha National Park

Cape Cross Seal Colony

Namib-Naukluft Park

Kolmanskop

Swakopmund

Skeleton Coast

Fish River Canyon

Koakoland

For more information contact us via email at info@namibiareservations.com

Fascinating Cape Cross Lodge of Namibia

Driving along the Skeleton Coast of Namibia is an awe-inspiring experience – one can visualize it being the scene of many a shipwreck – desolate and haunting. Just an hour’s drive north of Swakopmund and 53km from Henties Bay is the Cape Cross Seal Reserve – the largest mainland breeding colony of the Cape Cross Seal in the world. Cape Cross gets its name from a stone pillar erected by Portuguese explorer Diego Cao.

A mere 4km from the Seal Reserve you will come across Cape Cross Lodge. Ideally suited for those exploring the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland, Cape Cross Lodge is a haven for travellers, with a glassed frontage to maximize the natural light. For those misty, cool days, a blazing fire to ward off the chill is really welcome.

Cape Cross Lodge comprises 13 luxury double rooms, all en-suite. Eight of these rooms have magnificent unrestricted sea views, whilst the other five open onto the courtyard. The rooms are comfortably appointed, tea/ coffee facilities and a safe in each room, and the restaurant is open for lunch to tourists passing through.

Honeymooners and private functions are a speciality of Cape Cross Lodge. Guests will be delighted with the desert flora and fauna, not the least of which are the ancient Welwitschia plants, dating back 2 000 years. The history and geology of the Skeleton Coast will fascinate you. The coast is a paradise for fishermen, and fishing gear is available to guests, but bring your own surfboard!

The Namushasha River Lodge

Namushasha River Lodge celebrates the wonders of the Zambezi water world with accommodation fit for a king. There's a magic, a feeling or a charm that enraptures you in these northern realms. With elephants, hippos, myriad bird species, waterlilies and African bush, a visit to Namushasha provides an enriching adventure into Nature - to the accompaniment of the chiming of reed frogs, bird calls, hippo grunts and the soothing sound of a boat skimming through water.

Namushasha's impressive central entrance with wooden chandelier and carved animals leads guests into the attractive lodge set between the trees, in true African style. The dining room, with its high thatched roof, is open on the sides to the river world, providing a suitable - and airy - welcome to wonderland.

Namushasha River Lodge offers guests a superlative choice of exciting activities: Stroll past the green-lawned campsite visited at night by hefty hippos to the traditional heritage centre (here, you'll be able to learn about the Caprivian way of life from the Caprivians themselves who welcome you to their centre under a giant baobab and sweet-smelling thatch for song, dance and laughter); hop aboard the river boats for early morning or late afternoon river cruises to explore the channels and discover the diverse bird life; or take a trip to the Bwabwata National Park.

For more information please contact us via email at info@namibiareservations.com

Spooky Skeleton Coast of Namibia

For centuries, a stretch of Namibia's shore has lived up to its sinister name. From whales to ships to unlucky sailors, the Skeleton Coast has become a graveyard of many!

But Skeleton Coast is not even the region’s most foreboding title. First encountered by daring Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, the region was dubbed “The Gates of Hell” because of its harsh conditions. Locally, Namibia’s Bushmen tribes know it as “the land God made in anger.”

Visitors arrive to the park at the Ugab River and are welcomed by gates bearing two skull and crossbones. the desert’s yellow sand and sloping dunes are littered with animal graveyards and are only overshadowed by the skeletal ship remains that rise out of the bleak landscape.The first documented victim of the Skeleton Coast was Portuguese navigator Diego Cão, who died sailing from the coast in 1486 after erecting a massive stone cross that would attract later ships, many of which met similarly disastrous fates.

 The Himba people are thought to have originally come from East Africa, but have been traveling the Skeleton Coast for centuries.

For more information please contact us via email at info@namibiareservations.com

Namibia's National Parks and Game Reserves

Daan Viljoen Game Park

The smallest park in Namibia, Daan Vilijoen lies just 18km west of Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, making it popular with day and weekend visitors.

Animals to be spotted include including kudu, red hartebeest, springbok, klipspringer, steenbok, eland and oryx antelopes, baboons, blue wildebeests and giraffes and over 200 bird species including helmeted guineafowl, red billed francolin, yellow billed hornbill, rock runner. The park has no large predators so walking around the park is permitted and there is a network of walking tracks to explore.
Accommodation:
A rest camp is located on the banks of Augeigas dam which offer accommdation in several bungalows, a camp site and picnic area for a day visitors. It also has a restaurant and swimming pool

Etosha National Park

It covers an area of approximately 23 000 square kilometres and is one of Namibia's most famous parks as well as being one of the largest preserves on the African continent. The park encompasses a vast salt pan which covers an areas of approximately 5,000 square kilometers

Giraffes - Etosha National ParkIt is home to elephant, both Burchell's and Hartmann's zebras , giraffe, lion, leopard, black rhinoceros , red hartebeests, blue wildebeests, cheetah, hyena, eland, kudu, springbok, gemsbok, black-faced impala and many other types of antelope as well as over 340 species of birds, including large flocks of flamingoes and white pelicans which come to breed in years of good rainfall. Also spotted are ostrich, kori bustard, which can weigh over 30 pounds, and Yellow-billed hornbills 

The salt pan is off limits but there is a road network running along its edge

Accommodation:

There are three camps in the park all lying south of the pan

Okaukuejo Camp, Halali Camp, Namutoni Camp

Fish River Canyon National Park

Located in the Southern part of Namibia, Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. With a depth of up to 550 metres in parts, the enormous gorge winds along a distance of approx. 160 kilometres through the fissured Koubis Massif all the way down to Ai-Ais. The canyon starts near Seeheim, is 161 kilometres long and ends at Ai-Ais. 

The Fish River Hiking trail is one of the most famous hikes in Southern Africa. The hike covers a distance of just over 80km in the base of the canyon and takes over 5 days with absolutely no facilities whatsoever. To undertake the hike you should be in reasonable fitnees and obtain a hiking permit. In the summer (Nov to mid March) temperatures can reach some 50° Centigrade, resulting in the canyon being closed to the public for hiking during that time 

Ais-Ais hot springs can be found within the Fish River Canyon conservation area. These sulphurous springs originate deep underground and are rich in minerals, which have been reported to be beneficial for those with rheumatic or nervous disorders. Ais-Ais hot springs are a public facility, attached to a resort that includes an indoor spa with Jacuzzi. The resort is closed from November to mid March

Namib Naukluft National Park

The park is a combination of the Namib Desert Park and the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park as well as sections of the Diamond Area. There are four sections in the park: Sossusvlei and Sessriem, Naukluft, Namib section and Sandwich Harbour. 

Rain is rare - the raining season is between Feb and April. The months of November to March are the hottest when day time temperatures seldom drop below 35°c. During the months of June/July and August night time temperatures can drop to below 5°c 

At almost 50,000 km² it is the largest conservation area in Namibia and 4th largest in the world . The area is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world. The animals of this harsh landscape include the oryx, springbok. Welwitschia Mirabilis, large lichen fields and Hartmann's Mountain Zebra.  

The park's main attractions are Sossusvlei; the world's largest sand dune. Sandwich Harbour; a paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers visiting Namibia. The Naukluft region is a favourite for hiking and four wheel drive trails.