Namibia

This new thoroughly updated edition of Bradt s Namibia remains the essential guide for a successful visit to this vast country more than twice the size of Germany but with less than 3% of the population. Written by expert author and long-standing tour specialist Chris McIntyre, this sixth edition incorporates all the most recent changes, including unrivalled coverage of places to stay and eat, from small, personal guesthouses to classy hotels and upmarket game lodges, and detailed information for self-drivers (including personally researched and checked GPS coordinates) as well as for fly-in and guided safaris. There s also in-depth coverage of wildlife and where to see it, including a new full-colour wildlife field guide section, covering mammals, reptiles and amphibians, marine life and birds. Two background chapters covering everything from history and politics to people, ethnic groups and culture are complemented by two chapters on planning, preparation, health and safety and two on the practicalities of getting around and camping and walking in the bush (including canoeing). Helping you to discover Namibia in detail, 13 chapters offer a regional breakdown, from the capital, Windhoek to the Southern Kalahari, Namib desert, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park, and the Kavango and Zambezi regions in the extreme northeast, including excursions into neighbouring Botswana. With sweeping landscapes and empty roads, Namibia has long captured the imaginations of travellers and photographers. Its immense emptiness offers majestic sand dunes, seemingly endless gravel plains, vast tracts of farmland and rugged mountains hiding galleries of ancient Bushman rock art. Add to this the wildlife and the unexpected beauty of the rivers that define the country s northern and southern boundaries, and it s easy to see why Namibia attracts lovers of the great outdoors.

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 The Natural Environment

Physical environment, Flora and fauna, Conservation

Chapter 2 Namibia Wildlife Guide

Land mammals, Reptiles and amphibians, Marine life, Birdlife

Chapter 3 History, Politics and Economy

History, Government and administration, Economy

Chapter 4 People and Culture

Population overview, Ethnic groups, Language, Religion, Education, Culture

Chapter 5 Planning and Preparation

When to visit, Highlights, How to travel and budgeting, Organising your trip, Tourist information and national parks, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and high commissions, Getting there and away, What to take, Money, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Media and communications, Travelling positively

Chapter 6 Health and Safety

Health, Safety

Chapter 7 Getting Around Namibia

Driving, By air, By rail, By bus, Localtransport, Hitchhiking

Chapter 8 Camping and Walking in the Bush

Bush camping, Walking, Canoeing, Minimum impact

PART TWO THE GUIDE

Chapter 9 Windhoek

History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Travel agents and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Sports, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Excursions outside Windhoek

Chapter 10 The Central Corridor

West from Windhoek: to the coast, East from Windhoek, South from Windhoek

Chapter 11 The Southern Kalahari and Fish River Canyon

Mariental, Hardap Dam Game Reserve, Eastof Mariental and the B1: the Kalahari, The B1 from Mariental to Keetmanshoop, Keetmanshoop, The deep south, Fish River Canyon

Chapter 12 Lüderitz and the Southwest

The roads to Lüderitz, Lüderitz, Excursions from Lüderitz, North of the B4

Chapter 13 The Namib-Naukluft National Park

History, Flora and fauna, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Naukluft Mountains, Sesriem and Sossusvlei area, Solitaire area, The park's northern section

Chapter 14 Swakopmund and Walvis Bay Area

History, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Around the towns

Chapter 15 The Skeleton Coast

Flora and fauna, Getting there and away, Dorob National Park, Skeleton Coast Park: the south, Skeleton Coast Park: the north

Chapter 16 The Kunene Region

Southern Damaraland, Northern Damaraland, Kaokoland

Chapter 17 Etosha National Park

Background information, Practical information, What to see and do

Chapter 18 Highlands South of Etosha

Omaruru, Otjiwarongo, Waterberg Plateau Park, Outjo

Chapter 19 The Triangle and Bushmanland

Otavi, Tsumeb, Grootfontein, Bushmanland

Chapter 20 Ovamboland

Tsumeb to Ondangwa, Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakai, Oshakai to Ruacana, Ruacana

Chapter 21 Rundu and the Kavango/Zambezi Regions (The Caprivi Strip)

The Kavango Regions, Excursions into Botswana, Zambezi (Caprivi) Region

Appendix 1 Tracks and Signs

Appendix 2 Language

Appendix 3 Further Information

Index