Namibia 
 
Namibia is a beautiful country, with abundant sunshine, and a feeling of unconfined space (Namibia means 'plain' in the ancient Hottentot language).

Namibia has a colourful and turbulent history. In the mid-19th century, German missionaries opened up the interior, paving the way for traders who came later. The annexation of the country by Germany in 1884 accounts for the distinctive German architecture and traditions. The country became independent on 21 March 1990, and is now peacefully approaching the twenty-first century.

Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. There is the brooding, desolate Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thornbush savanna and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fish River Canyon in the south. In the north of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savanna and lush riverine vegetation. Dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone, pre-historic art, and the ancient fossil plant, Welwitchia mirabilis, bear witness to the aeons past in this - "ageless land".

Most of the African game species are well represented in Namibia, with the largest concentration of game in the Etosha National Park which is firmly entrenched on the world map of international parks. Etosha provides memorable experiences. A waterhole at dawn with a medley of giraffe, zebra, rhino, graceful antelopes and a solitary hyena is like a finely etched painting of African wildlife.

Safaris in Namibia are available year-round, although the best game-viewing periods are during the dry winter months of May through September. However, since winter temperatures can dip below freezing at night and ground frost may be common, spring or fall months such as October or April are the mildest. The best months for bird-viewing are November to April.