"BGN": 1.909555, Windhoek, or windy corner, is a corruption of this name. The water is safe to drink throughout the majority of Namibia. It is inadvisable to carry large amounts of cash. Fuel cannot be purchased with credit cards, and in the more remote areas most places only accept cash. Cons: Busiest tourism period, especially in the SA school holidays of July & August, cold mornings and evenings, drier environment. "PLN": 4.6409, "GBP": 0.818692, The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes that carry the parasite. "IRR": 42300, "NOK": 9.68519, "TMT": 3.5, Thus far the government has remained stable and elections based on universal franchise are held every five years. There are around 200 desert species in Botswana which have been classified as edible and these include plants such as the Tsamma melon and the wild cucumber which store significant amounts of water within their tissues. "GEL": 2.765, Kamanjab about Spitzkoppe Mountain Tented Camp, Spitzkoppe Mountain Tented Camp is situated "GIP": 0.818692, Sossusvlei & Sesriem Early buildings such as the Alte Feste (old fort), Christuskirche and Tintenpalast (the parliament buildings) are of particular historical interest. Copper, ivory, rhino horn and slaves were the main trade commodities. Namibian dollars are difficult to get hold of outside the country and it is easier to purchase cash in South African Rand before travelling. In 1914 South Africa found itself at war with Germany, by default in its role as part of the British empire. It is bordered by Angola and Zambia in the north, Botswana in the east and South Africa in the south. It is advisable to have small denomination notes, as change is rarely available. Visitors from most British Commonwealth countries and some others can obtain tourist visas for up to 3 months at the border. Spitzkoppe Mountain Tented Camp, Read "NAD": 15.71, In 1818 Shaka Zulu took over the leadership of the Zulu nation to the south and began a reign of violence that scattered clans and gave the Zulu their fierce reputation. more about Spitzkoppe Rest Camp, Email Reservations: The Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers form borders in the south and north respectively and the land rises gradually from these two river valleys to a central plateau of msasa and mopane savanna woodland. The Namibian currency is linked one to one with the South African Rand. Millions of years ago, however, these river beds carried huge volumes of water and were responsible for carving out spectacular canyons such as the famous Fish River Canyon in the south of the country, great for hiking safaris as a part of your holiday in Namibia. In post-apartheid South Africa, unemployment has been extremely high as the country has struggled with many changes. However, the Namibia dollar is not accepted in South Africa! "XPD": 0.00048161, The Boers became angry that the republics were missing out on the economic benefits of these mines and the resultant unsettled feelings within the British rule led to the Transvaal being annexed by the British in 1877. "MOP": 8.087116, This may be one of the main reasons for Botswanas cultural and social stability over the last two centuries. Still relatively unexplored by most visitors to Africa, Zambia conjures images of a bygone era, with vast areas of pristine wilderness still to be fully discovered. During this time the Bantu tribes were subjected to territorial demarcation similar to the South African homelands policy. Tall grasslands are present throughout much of the country, and over 5,000 species of flowering plants can be found, many of which are still used medicinally. However, during summer this can provide a welcome respite from the desert heat. Botswanas underlying rock formations are some of the oldest in the world with the granite gneisses in the east being formed around 3500 million years ago. That in strict compliance with the Namibian Heritage Act and Environmental Laws, a complete Environmental Impact Assessment of the whole Spitzkoppe Mountain, with a resulting Area Management Plan, has resulted in guidelines protecting our Mountain and Rock paintings. The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes that carry the parasite. "license": "https://openexchangerates.org/license", Travel on safari here is very safe and relatively uncomplicated; the infrastructure is excellent with well-maintained main roads, frequently situated fuel stations and a wide variety of shops. The South African Rand is legal tender in Namibia which makes changing money prior to arrival much easier for visitors. A mountain oasis in the Namib desert, with unique oversized boulders and secret caves, allows the visitor to camp in complete peace and tranquility. Zambia is a country dominated by wilderness and an amazing sense of space. Botswana is bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and at the extreme North Eastern tip by Zambia. Despite the lack of water and local fuel sources, Namibia is still a very prosperous African country. Originally based at Great Zimbabwe, this state broke away during the last years of the settlement. "TND": 3.16585, In March-April the game viewing is usually excellent and in September the spring flowers are riotously beautiful, whale sightings are at their best off the coast and the rains have not usually begun.<\p>. The most widely used currencies are the US dollar and the South African rand. We especially enjoyed the outdoor shower.This gives one a real experience of being in the wild, while still having the comfort of a good bed, clean linen and hot water. The inland landscape boasts chains of dramatic mountains and inselbergs. Over time, the San have virtually disappeared as a separate race in South Africa; disease brought in from outsiders has combined with genocide on behalf of more aggressive peoples to wipe out the majority of the San. Distances from major attractions to Spitzkoppe and information "TRY": 17.94916, The area is popular with mountain climbers, hikers and star gazers.The camp offers comfortable safari tents, already set up and wait for your arrival and camping sites with private bathrooms, showers and electrical points. The situation escalated enormously with the Sharpville riots in 1960 when police opened fire on demonstrators and many black protestors were killed. "DOP": 54.034152, Northern Rhodesia became the financial supporter of a failing Southern Rhodesian economy and millions of dollars were siphoned off to the South. The pallet bush tents offer a choice of 2 twin beds or a double bed and are placed on pallets. "RON": 4.8208, Braai facilities and washing up areas are provided at each campsite.Guests can enjoy sunset tours a guided drive or walk to the popular Bushmen Paintings or mountain biking. Fish The largest minority is the Kalanga tribe, related to the Karanga-Rozwi from Zimbabwe, thought to be the constructors of the Great Zimbabwe ruins. Namibia is a safe destination with a wide network of roads which are well maintained and demarcated with a wide variety of lodges to suite every pocket. Epupa Zambia became better known to the outside world and by the end of the 19th century; the British South Africa Company (BSAC) had taken over Zambia as part of Cecil Rhodes plan to control Africa from the Cape to Cairo. The Garden Route is one of the most famous attractions, and many visitors begin this route in Cape Town where they enjoy a trip to Robben Island, Table Mountain, Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguin colony, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine regions, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and the many beaches of Camps Bay, Llandudno, Bantry Bay and Clifton. The earliest inhabitants of Namibia were the San, also known as bushmen, a small number of whose descendants still survive in remote areas of the country living a traditional, nomadic lifestyle. Treaties of submission were obtained from the kings and chiefs of the countries tribes, often by fraud and deceit. However, you may like to consider the following when planning your trip: Pros: Quieter tourism period, fantastic migrating birds, lush green landscape, beautiful sunsets and stunning views of electrical storms. The little rain that falls in Botswana arrives in the summer months of October to April, usually as tropical thunderstorms, the cloud generally building in the early afternoon and the rain falling as a steady curtain a few hours later. "CRC": 668.962901, Life expectancy is now 41 years for men and 40 years for women. more about Spitzkoppe Lodge, Price: From N$ 100 to N$ 150 about Spitzkoppe Mountain Tented Camp, Read more about It is also worth noting that if you are travelling by light aircraft or as part of a guided safari, you should carry no more than 10-15kg of luggage in a soft bag for ease of packing. "rates": { Information on Spitzkoppe Namibia, location of hotels, lodges, camp sites, Travellers cheques can also be changed in banks and most lodges accept credit cards, mainly Visa or Mastercard, although this should be checked before arrival. "CLF": 0.032941, Your doctor can advise you on the best type for the area of travel and your personal requirements. A spectacular canyon set in the wide, flat plains of southern Namibia; Fish River Canyon is the one of the deepest in the world and has been likened to the Grand Canyon of Arizona, USA. Otavi Neutral, muted colours such as khaki, dark green or beige ensure as little disturbance to wildlife as possible whilst on game drives or walks. There are approximately another 8,500 fynbos species including many Erica and heath varieties. Rhodes\ British South Africa Company was given the support of the crown to push for domination of the African continent from north to south, the idea of a Cape to Cairo railway was pursued and major sections of this were completed, although the end result was never accomplished. Boers flooded back to the cities to compete with the local black population for work. It is also worth noting that if you are travelling by light aircraft you should carry no more than 10-15kg of luggage in a soft bag for ease of packing. The Khoi-Khoi relied on raising cattle rather than hunting for survival, and they were probably responsible for making the oldest pottery fragments found in the archaeological record. Read more about These woodland areas in turn support a great variety of bird and animal life. Saying that, the streets are choc-a-bloc with people of all ages and cultures, all bearing a wonderful sense of pride, hope and ambition. of Namibia. Windhoek is home to the Supreme Court, parliament buildings, international airport, museums and art galleries. Keetmanshoop They crossed the Zambezi in 1835 and moved north as far as the southern end of Lake Tanganyika. A rebellion followed with many villages being destroyed and inhabitants being taken into forced labour in the South African or Southern Rhodesian mines. Uis There followed conflicts with the KhoiSan for the best grazing land and water holes. Mugabe began to redistribute land to blacks in 2000 with compulsory land redistribution. For most of the year, the river is reduced to a series of small pools along the canyon floor. The water is safe to drink throughout most of South Africa. I would not recommend the place to anyone . US$ can be easily exchanged throughout the country, as can Euro and pounds sterling. Visitors from the European Union and the USA can obtain tourist visas for up to 3 months at the border. "ANG": 1.802676, 27,000 people had died in the war of independence, and 150,000 more had become refugees. The republic was short lived however, as the British annexed the area in 1843 and most of the Boer population moved northwards into the Transvaal. Guests can enjoy sunset tours a guided drive or walk to the popular Bushmen Paintings or mountain biking. look out for sandy patches. Three distinct ecosystems can be identified within the country; the vast inland plateau (\highveld\), the great escarpment and the narrow coastal plain (\lowveld\). Initially the San lived in widespread groups of low population density, moving around frequently. One of the best ways to travel through South Africa on safari is by renting a car and taking a self-drive holiday. visitor "owns" the mountain during his time with us.Read We recommend 2-3 litres minimum, excluding beverages such as tea, coffee, juice and alcohol. Evening wear in the lowveld should be light coloured and loose fitting to discourage mosquitoes. During his journey towards the coast, he discovered the magnificent Victoria Falls and returned to England with tales of wonder. be paramount in all we do. Up to two thirds of Rhodesians left, but the white farmers stayed and continued to provide the backbone of the economy. However, serious medical cases will be evacuated by air to South Africa where further facilities are available. The 2 sleeper double or twin tents comprise a double bed or 2 twin beds with an en-suite bathroom and braai facilities. "BTN": 79.803396, "SEK": 10.148054, Rainfall does not usually occur every day, and generally takes place in the afternoon with mornings being fairly clear. "KMF": 485.250022, Chief Khama II led a delegation to London and gained assurance that Becuanaland would receive the continued protection of the British crown. Walvis Bay and the surrounding area was also annexed by Britain in 1878 as the only deep water port in the country. The beautiful flame lily is Zimbabwe\s National Flower. Spitzkoppe Mountain Tented Camp near Usakos is situated only one kilometer from the enthralling Spitzkoppe Mountains in the central region of Namibia. Involvement on the side of the British prompted the last major Boer rebellion. They brought with them domestic animals, pottery and tool making skills and began to concentrate on agriculture and a more settled way of life. Development around the Cape area was mainly undertaken with British rule. These plants sustain a wide variety of animals in the Kalahari Desert area including springbok, hartebeest, gemsbok, eland and many smaller species. ZANU won with Robert Mugabe becoming the Zimbabwe\s first (and only, so far) president. These first foundations led to the growth of the first major Shona State. The importance of water to Botswana and the Okavango Delta is obvious the local Tswana name of the currency Pula means rain! "PYG": 6864.090095, Visitors from the Commonwealth and some other countries can obtain tourist visas at the border, at present the fees are as follows: The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes that carry the parasite. The 17th Century brought the Tswana, or Batswana from the South, a Bantu people related to the Sotho of Transvaal and Lesotho. The armed struggle was largely ineffectual until the 1970\s when the rural guerrilla movement gained the logistical support of a newly independent Moambique. We can read the riot act and say this is 51% we are taking and if the sanctions persist we are taking over 100%.. Despite this difficult starting point, the economy began to soar with the 1980\s being hailed as a boom decade for the new country. North Namib Desert By 1895 the country had been named Rhodesia, after the mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes. In March-April the game viewing is usually excellent and in November the migrating bird species are fantastic and the rains have not usually begun. Unfortunately poaching is difficult to control, and with so many people unable to fulfil their basic needs at present, Zimbabwe\s wildlife is severely under threat. and who need to move seasonally to find grazing land. Sir Khamas son Ian Khama was elected to the presidency in 2008. "CDF": 1987.426078, "IMP": 0.818692, Rigorous food and hygiene measures should be observed and you should take particular care with any foods bought at the roadside or in the markets. "USD": 1, "RSD": 114.665, They were always incredibly well adapted to their harsh environment, and the many skills which have been passed down through the generations are still relied upon today in a few of their remote settlements. The first European visitors to Namibia were the Portuguese. For this reason you must make sure that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out before you travel, this insurance should cover any medical expenses, air evacuation and repatriation if necessary. "MKD": 60.409819, oasis in the Namib desert, with unique oversized boulders and secret The cost depends on your nationality. The Bayei were the first to migrate. Each pula is divided into 100 units, called thebe. At the end of the 1940s, the Northern Rhodesia African Nationalist Congress was formed out of various welfare associations which had been initiated by Missionary school graduates who had been taught something of politics. The South African government remained responsible for foreign affairs and defence. This is the most industrialised city and was formed around gold prospecting. A mountain Previous laws were strengthened and every aspect of life was made separate, from residential areas to public amenities with each member of the black population being required to carry a pass at all times and having their movements vigorously restricted. For this reason you must make sure that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out before you travel, this insurance should cover any medical expenses, air evacuation and repatriation if necessary. "MRU": 37.341583, The mountainous red dunes of the coastal desert give way to gravel plains as the altitude rises inland. Solitaire guest houses, bed and breakfasts and places to stay in the Spitzkoppe area Pros: Cooler, clear skies, fewer mosquitoes. In remote areas, air evacuation is sometimes the only option for medical emergencies. The three natural lakes of Zambia (Bangweulu, Mweru & the southern end of Tanganyika) all originate from headwaters in Zaire. "KRW": 1297.66493, around the peaks is highly recommended to all visitors to Namibia. Towards the 1970s however, many other African countries had gained independence and the struggle for Namibia was gaining momentum. During World War One South Africa was pressurised by Britain to take Namibia over from Germany, and an invasion was eventually effected in 1914. "PAB": 1, Most of Zambia is a malaria area and recommended prophylaxis should be taken. Vast tracts of land were given to white settlers and around 20,000 Zambians also found themselves forcibly recruited as porters for British troops fighting WWI in east Africa. Cattle ownership increased, as did skills enabling the Shona to produce iron tools. "BYN": 2.524676, Power was held in this way until 1994. In 1911, the area was named Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia being present day Zimbabwe. The Hambukushu moved south a little later and fished mainly in the deeper waters using paddles to manoeuvre their mokoro. This moisture sustains many varied and fascinating species of plant and animal including the toktokkie beetle which has an interesting method of gathering the water from the condensing fog. Detailed layout of campsites shown on map. Also present are the extensive diamond reserves on which the countries wealth is founded. normal 2wd sedan vehicle although the last part of the journey is on gravel German troops were pressed northwards until their defeat at Khorab in 1915. This rugged area is popular with mountain climbers, hikers and star gazers. "BOB": 6.830629, Their villages consist of simple huts formed of branches, mud and cow dung with thatched roofs. The Benguela current is responsible for the rich fishing waters off the coast of Namibia. They are pastoral nomads, whose livelihood is based on cattle herding, hunting and gathering, and who need to move seasonally to find grazing land. "LRD": 153.350007, South of the Namib Although at this point Namibia had a number of colonial influences, it was Germany that finally emerged as the dominant power. "EGP": 18.9251, The Okavango Delta offers a stark contrast to the Kalahari with lush green swathes of papyrus and towering palm trees. Several opinions are offered for the origin of the present name; the most popular of these is that sometime before 1840 Jonker Afrikaner, a Nama leader, named the area Winterhoek, after the farm in South Africa where he was born. At its height, Great Zimbabwe was home to 40,000 people and an army was employed to guard the cattle. "CUC": 1, Spitzkoppe Tented Camp invites you to discovers the Matterhorn of Africa, an Mountain oasis of Namib Desert the iconic Spitzkoppe Mountain, Our Friendly staff ensures that your experience at Spitzkoppe haven is a treasured memory by assisting you to booked activities to explore Spitzkoppe from our activity center. The Zimbabwean dollar has been taken out of circulation indefinitely. Initially the coast of Namibia was largely ignored. "CHF": 0.952023, Dehydration is responsible for many emergency evacuations and can cause very serious problems, it is totally avoidable, so dont let this spoil your holiday! Britain ruled Rhodesia for the next 85 years, dominating the language, economy and infrastructure of the country. Around 1600AD Bantu speaking cattle raisers from the Zambezi occupied the North and West of Namibia, these people were known as the Herero tribe. The importance of water to Botswana is obvious the local Tswana name of the currency Pula means rain! The granite is more than 120 million years old and the highest outcrop rises about 1,784 metres abovesea level. 130 km south of Brandberg Mountain, There are 3 places offering accommodation at Spitzkoppe: Between 200BC and AD1000, Bantu tribes migrated south into the area, largely displacing the San. with a mantle of stars and you can gaze up and make a wish on the shooting Wear loose fitting, long sleeved shirts and trousers, use a good insect repellent and sleep underneath a mosquito net or in a tent/ room sealed with netting. These ancient woodlands are still impressive, even taking into account the destruction caused by removal for firewood. Cons: Busiest tourism period, cold mornings and evenings, drier environment. Tourism has now overtaken fishing in terms of revenue earnings. Botswana is dominated by the dry Kalahari Desert thirst land. Commercial farming is mostly carried out in the central and southern areas of the country. Bethanien Windhoek is the capital city, and is situated conveniently almost in the geographical centre of the country. Unfortunately for the trek participants, the agreement was a trap and all were massacred immediately after signing the land title deed. The Kalahari Desert itself dominates the south and west, although with an average of 250mm rain per annum it is less a true desert and more a savannah grassland. "ETB": 52.279194, However, serious medical cases will be evacuated by air to South Africa where further facilities are available. A hut tax was imposed on local people, to raise funds for work on the Cape to Cairo railway and to pay for the administration of the country. For this reason you must make sure that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out before you travel, this insurance should cover any medical expenses, air evacuation and repatriation if necessary. By the mid 1970\s outside influences from the USA and South Africa were pushing for a settlement to the on-going conflict, and in 1979 an all party conference in London saw the signing of a peace accord with the first free elections being held in February 1980. However, the dropout rate is high and health care is still inadequate to cope with demand. Each dollar is divided into 100 cents. South Africa is also home to an amazing variety of birds, including spectacular flocks of flamingos, many striking Ostrich, coastal waders, plains and forest species. Historians are unsure whether the forefathers of the Shona had arrived in the Bantu tribe migration, or whether they originated from San tribes who settled into a less nomadic life. In late 2008, problems in Zimbabwe reached crisis proportions in the areas of living standards, public health (with a major cholera outbreak in December) and various public considerations. Namibia is a melting pot of cultures and peoples, with 28 languages spoken; English being the national language. Travellers cheques can also be changed in banks and most hotels, lodges & shops accept credit cards, mainly Visa or Mastercard. Botswana has never been colonised, but it has been heavily influenced by the surrounding countries and by England whose protection was sought in the 1880s. "GTQ": 7.737006, "TZS": 2332, Summer: October to March with a high of 30 C and a low of 17 C. Winter: June to September with a high of 20 C and a low of 5 C. Rainy season: Late November to late March. Mosquitoes usually bite between sunset and sunrise, so make sure that you are covered up during this time! By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Neutral, muted colours such as khaki, dark green or beige ensure as little disturbance to wildlife as possible whilst on game drives or walks. The Kalahari Desert itself dominates the south and west, although with an average of 250mm rain per annum it is less a true desert and more a savannah grassland. Kasane is the other starting point for delta safaris, and is located in the north, 70km from Victoria Falls. "IDR": 14834.722137, The people of this area would also experience the influence of the Dutch and British colonisation of the Cape from 1652 onwards. "KPW": 900, "VES": 5.47155, karibib, The Far North of Namibia "BHD": 0.377008, Spitzkoppe is a group of baldgranitepeaks orinselbergslocated betweenUsakosandSwakopmundin theNamib desertofNamibia. The roads are generally unsuitable for self-driving and distances between the countries highlights are huge. Lush river valleys and floodplains offer excellent habitat for a huge range of wildlife species, as do the dense woodlands that cover much of the country. +264 (0) 61 228 717 The campsite boasts pre-erected safari tents, and camping sites ideal for families and groups. Evidence of the use of fire up to 60,000 years ago has been found at Kalambo Falls. "ZMW": 16.221068, "TTD": 6.793768, "XPF": 116.579683, "AZN": 1.7, Spitzkoppen Lodge which offers stylish, private accommodation with 15 generously spaced, tastefully furnished chalets, each with a private bathroom and covered outside viewing deck. However, taking prophylaxis will not guarantee that you will not contract malaria! We recommend 2-3 litres minimum, excluding beverages such as tea, coffee, juice and alcohol. Departing after breakfast, accompanied by local guide, guests can visit the village daily where the Himba people live in huts made of branches, mud and cow dung and still functions as a tribe. Tel South Africa: (+27) 013 751 2220, Etosha "SHP": 0.818692, As a result, Zimbabwe experienced a severe hard-currency shortage that led to hyperinflation and chronic shortages in imported fuel and consumer goods. With the majestic Namibian "Matterhorn" as backdrop, and with the next camping site kilometers away, each visitor "owns" the mountain during his time with us. Located about 500 meters outside Spitzkoppe Mountain Reserve, Spitzkoppe Tented Camp is a perfect venue for Weddings, Film Crew, Birthday parties, Group gatherings or simply an relax weekend gateway. This status enabled cattle barons to establish a complex settlement at Great Zimbabwe, at the crossroads of seasonal grazing areas. Plenty of water must be drunk to prevent dehydration. Visitors from the Commonwealth and some other European countries can obtain tourist visas for up to 3 months at the border. The confiscation of the farmland was affected by continuous droughts and lack of inputs and finance led to a sharp decline in agricultural exports, which was traditionally the country\s leading export producing sector. This remained in place until independence in 1990. "TOP": 2.336875, "JPY": 132.7715, Although it is possible to withdraw cash from some ATMs, it is not advisable to rely on this service being available throughout Zimbabwe. The width of the coastal plain varies; in Luderitz it is almost 300km wide whereas it is almost none existent in the Kaokoveld area to the north where the mountains reach almost to the sea. Nights are, conversely, very cold and warm clothes are needed in the early morning during your Namibian holidays. "SZL": 16.695608, It is dominated by the Namib Desert, an extensive inland plateau and stunning mountain ranges. and groups. road and if you drive into the community area to either camp or explore Since no official army could be identified, the British took revenge by removing women and children to concentration camps where around 26,000 people died before the war was over. "LKR": 364.285583, Approximately 90% of the country is classed as savannah and the dominant soil type is Kalahari sand. "HUF": 395.98, Visitors have an excellent chance of seeing these animals in the many private game reserves as well as the National Parks. SWAPO, the primary force behind independence is still currently the countrys largest party.