Garden & Home TeamMany of us dream of going on overseas holidays, crossing oceans and vast distances to do so. But have you ever considered staying in Africa, and exploring one of our neighbours instead? Namibia, for example, offers everything that South Africa does and more – you can go on a game drive, sandboard in the desert and surf in the sea…all in one day!
According to Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, Namibia, is a fascinating place to visit. “You’ll find the world’s oldest, driest desert (the Namib Desert) along its Atlantic Ocean coastline with an abundance of ancient rock art, with extraordinary landscapes that are simply out-of-this-world. It also boasts some of the best wildlife on the African continent, with a significant and flourishing cheetah population.”
Still not convinced? Shaun offers four more compelling reasons why Namibia should be topping your list for your next holiday.
4 Reasons to visit Namibia for your next holiday
1. Escape the crowds
If you’re looking to relax and unwind without the crowds, you’ll love Namibia. In fact, it is one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth – with only three people per square kilometre; it’s not unusual to travel miles without spotting another soul.
2. So much to do
From hiking in the Fish River Canyon (which is a mind-boggling 160 kilometres long, 27 kilometres wide and 500 metres deep – only the Grand Canyon in the US is bigger), and quad biking or 4x4ing over gigantic red sand dunes, to enjoying a light aircraft flip along the Skeleton Coast where you can see the eerie sites of many a ship’s treacherous demise, Namibia offers a thrilling playground for those looking for adventure.
3. So much to see
With its magnificent natural landscapes and magical skies, together with a variety of unusual fauna and flora, Namibia is what a photographer’s dreams are made of! Some must-see destinations for the most Instagram-worthy pics include Damaraland (where you’ll encounter the amazing desert elephant and rhino); Sossusvlei (which exhibits some of the highest sand dunes in the world); and Etosha National Park (with its iconic salt pans and more than 650 bird, 240 reptile and 80 large mammal species).
4. It’s more affordable than you think
The Namibian dollar (NAD) is around 1:1 to the South African rand, and most things are similarly priced (if not cheaper). In fact, accommodation pricing is on par with South Africa. For example, First Group’s Desert Rose Resort (situated in Henties Bay, near Swakopmund) offers comfortable, affordable self-catering accommodation with spectacular ocean views, just metres from the beach. For only R1310 per night for a spacious two-bedroom fully equipped apartment that sleeps four people, or R1730 for a three-bedroom apartment that sleeps six people, Desert Rose is an excellent, affordable choice for your Namibian getaway.
For more information on Desert Rose Resort, visit: www.firstgroup-sa.co.za.
Photo by Dorota Semla/pexels.com
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