Destination: Namibia

Odyssey Travels optimizes exploration through a mix of coach journeys and occasional use of local transport like trains and ferries, meticulously detailed in your tour itinerary. While some coach services efficiently link major destinations across Namibia, minibuses in towns are available yet cramped, typically overlooking offbeat tourist sites. Given the limited train services, alternative transportation methods may be more practical for navigating Namibia’s diverse landscapes.

In urban centers, Odyssey accommodations primarily consist of well-situated 3-4 star hotels, providing convenient access to public transportation. In contrast, in remote villages or countryside settings, our preference is for family-operated hotels or guesthouses. For extended tours where guests remain in one place for the duration, we opt for serviced apartments.

Odyssey prioritizes engaging local guides with in-depth regional knowledge to deliver an authentic experience that immerses travellers in the rich history and culture of the destinations they explore. This approach allows participants to gain profound insights and a deeper understanding of the places they visit.

Namibia spans an extensive area of 824,292 square kilometers, featuring distinct geographical regions including the Central Plateau, the Namib Desert, the Great Escarpment, the Bushveld, and the Kalahari Desert. The Central Plateau stretches through the country’s center, bordered by the Namib Desert to the southwest, the Kalahari Desert to the east, and the Bushveld to the northeast. Running from north to south in the southern region is the rugged Great Escarpment. Surprisingly, the Kalahari Desert, despite its desert classification, harbors over 5,000 plant species, with almost half of them being exclusive to Namibia.

Known for its dry and arid climate, Namibia boasts more than 300 days of sunshine annually. The country experiences dry, mild winters and hot summers, with the majority of rainfall concentrated during the summer months. It is advisable to monitor weather forecasts according to your travel plans and dress appropriately for the conditions.

Namibia boasts 2 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, supplemented by 8 sites on the Tentative List. These notable sites include:

1. Twyfelfontein, renowned for hosting one of the most extensive collections of rock engravings on the African continent.

2. Namib Sand Sea, enveloping an expanse exceeding three million hectares and distinguished by dune formations sculpted by fog.

For further details on Namibia’s listed properties and their significance, visit the official UNESCO World Heritage Centre website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/na

Namibia’s calendar is rich with diverse festivals and events that uniquely reflect its historical journey and cultural influences. The significance of its independence struggle echoes through observances like Heroes’ Day, honouring the brave fighters of Namibia’s liberation, and Independence Day, commemorating the country’s pivotal transition to nationhood in the latter part of the 20th century. Furthermore, remnants of Germany’s legacy are acknowledged through cultural celebrations like Oktoberfest, a renowned beer festival with roots in German tradition. Notably, the vibrant capital, Windhoek, takes centre stage in hosting prominent events such as the Bank Windhoek Arts Festival, a platform dedicated to showcasing the country’s artistic talent, and the lively Windhoek Karneval, characterized by spirited musical showcases and colourful parades.

• Understanding Namibia: The Trials of Independence, by Henning Melber
• A History of Namibia: From the Beginning to 1990, by Marion Wallace
• The Black Rhinos of Namibia: Searching for Survivors in the African Desert, by Rick Bass
• Epic Land: Namibia Exposed, by Amy Schoeman

Namibian cuisine showcases a fusion of traditional cooking methods from indigenous groups like the Herero and San people, intertwined with culinary influences from Germans and Afrikaners. Game meats like kudu, springbok, oryx, eland, ostrich, zebra, and even crocodile are staples in Namibian dishes. Reflecting the German and Afrikaner culinary legacy, dishes such as potjiekos, a hearty meat and vegetable stew slow-cooked in an iron pot, are prevalent. For the adventurous palate, delicacies like mopane worms are enjoyed in northern Namibia, while those preferring more familiar flavors can indulge in Namibia’s exquisite seafood, including Namibian oysters and kabeljou (silver cob fish).

The beer brewing tradition in Namibia is a lasting legacy of Germany’s past occupation, with German-style beers widely enjoyed across the country. Alongside beer, notable beverages in Namibia encompass oshikundu, an alcoholic drink crafted from fermented millet, and herbal rooibos (redbush) tea, adding to the diverse culinary tapestry of this intriguing nation.

Namibia is typically considered a safe travel destination, but it is always advisable to practice general safety measures while exploring the country.

When traveling to Namibia, it is essential to have the correct travel adaptor to ensure compatibility with the local electricity supply. Namibia operates on 220V and 50Hz electrical systems. The country primarily uses Type D and Type M electric plug types, so it is crucial to have the appropriate adaptor for your electronic devices. By being prepared with the right adaptor, you can avoid any inconveniences and ensure your devices can be used safely and efficiently during your travels in Namibia.