Eight Things You Didn't Know About Namibia

Are you wondering what the big fuss is around Namibia and considering visiting the country? If that’s the case, then we’ve put together a list of facts you should know before your visit.

Image by: Kangaroo.com

Nearly half of the country is protected

Namibia is big on conservation.  The country is considered to be one of the most well-protected areas in the world. 42% of Namibia’s land mass and marine areas are protected and the country is under strict conservation management, sustaining both wildlife and human populations.

Namibia has the biggest population of Cheetah

If you’re planning on going on safari in Namibia, you’ve chosen wisely. Namibia has the biggest population of Cheetah in the world and Etosha National Park is the best place to see them.

Hollywood loves filming in Namibia

The vast landscapes of Namibia have made it to many big screens and have been used as the backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters including, A Space Odyssey (1968), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) and Flight of the Phoenix (2006).

Namibia was formerly known as South West Africa

Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990, which had claimed it as territory in the First World War. Prior to this Germany controlled much of Namibia.

It is home to the oldest desert in the world

The Namib desert is over 55 million years old and is still a local and international favorite. Although the desert has remained arid, it is anything but lifeless. The Namib desert is home to a diverse group of fauna and flora and other wildlife.

It has the highest sand dunes

There is a reason why Namibia is popular for 4×4 driving. The sand dunes in Namibia are towering at around 383 meters. Dune 7 is the highest dune in Namibia and possibly the world.

There are ghost-towns for the thrill seekers

The mining town of Kolmanskop was abandoned in the early thirties, after the diamond rush. The once wealthy town was left completely abandoned in the Namib desert and many ghost stories have surfaced since.

The Desert Express is a travelers dream

The Desert Express travels through the capital of Windhoek yo Namibia’s highlands and across the savannah into the vast desert plains of Swakopmund. Perfect for the whole family

Are you planning on going on a family vacation to Namibia, then Campervan Namibia has the ideal vehicle to get you there.

Looking for other stories on Namibia? Check out our latest blog post highlighting the Eight Experiences You Have to Try in Namibia: