Joanna James
Apart from the fact that Namibia is one of the best African nations for an adventure, here are some cool facts about Namibia that will make your holiday more interesting. The following details and titbits will give you a better insight into the nation.
The nation is home to one of Africa's largest collections of cheetahs. Namibia's abundance of free-roaming cheetahs provides a unique advantage for spotting these swift felines during a safari, surpassing any other African country. There is a special cheetah conservation park where over 3,000 animals reside. You can also check out the Etosha National Park where you can experience more of the fastest mammal on Earth. You can easily organise a safari through hotels in Namibia. Some are popular for outdoor activities as well as indoor entertainment. Places like Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino are examples.
This is the world's oldest desert and Namibia is the proud home of the Namib. Tipped to be in existence for over 80 million years, this harsh landscape is home to a few exotic creatures who over the years have evolved to survive the climate. Go there for sights of short-eared elephant shrews, mountain zebra, Grant's golden moles and the gemsbok. Gemsbok is the only creature brave enough to survive on the southern edge of the desert which happens to be the most unforgiving of its terrain.
The stark reality of Namib's brutal yet beautiful landscape has caught the eyes of several Hollywood producers. Famous movies that were shot there include Samsara, Mad Max—Fury Road, Flight of the Phoenix and A Space Odyssey.
On a more sinister note, Skeleton Coast in Namibia is an unforgiving stretch of coastline. In ancient times, the area was known as 'The Land, God Made in Anger' while the Portuguese colonist nicknamed the coast 'The Gates of Hell'. The name is not given in vain as over 1,000 sailors have met their doom on this stretch, which is prone to sudden and violent storms that are unforgiving. A visit to Skeleton Coast will show you just how brutal the weather is with sights of the Eduard Bohlen, a hefty 310-foot cargo ship lying sadly on its side. The decayed carcass of the ship remains since it was wrecked in 1909. If sinister attractions are not all that you crave, you will find that Skeleton Coast is also home to a large seal population.
Identified in 1986, this lake is a staggering 4.9 acres in size and is the world's biggest sub-glacial lake, which is accessed via the Dragons Breath Cave. Interestingly, the cave gets its name due to the sudden humidity that one feels as one approaches the entrance of the cave. The lake is located 100 metres below sea level. On the downside, only professional divers are allowed access to the lake. However, sailing to the entrance of the Dragon's Breath Cave on its own is quite an experience.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
