Namibia’s name was derived from Namib desert, which is believed to be the oldest desert in the world. This unique geological feature is renowned for the pristine and haunting quality of its landscape. It’s this feature that characterizes the country most, and is home to some of the country’s top tourist destinations, notably Sossusvlei, Sandwich Harbour and the Skeleton Coast Park.
Far from being lifeless and barren, the desert features an unusual variety of desert-adapted flora and fauna, including a large number of endemic plant, bird, reptile and insect species. Many of these species are of particular scientific interest and attract scientists from all over the world.
CAPITAL: Windhoek
CLIMATE: Namibia has a dry climate typical of a semi-desert country where droughts are a regular occurrence. Days are mostly warm to very hot, while nights are generally cool. Average day temperatures in the summer vary from 20
Desert Elephant, Namibia – An Elusive Safari Wonder
It was once thought the elephant found in Kaokoland, the elusive desert elephant, were of a different species. Its longer legs, bigger feet, and incredible ability to withstand periods of drought all gave valid reasons to think so. Today, however, it is not considered a different species, rather regarded as only ‘desert adapted.’ The herds in this area remain separate from other elephant herds in Namibia and only appear to have longer legs and bigger feet because they eat less than elephants living in more food abundant areas such as Etosha National Park, the Caprivi, and Chobe region in Botswana.
The desert elephant are truly incredible survivalists, claiming a three-thousand square kilometer range and regularly traveling up to two hundred kilometers in search of water. They only drink every three or four days, compared with elephant in Etosha drinking one-hundred to two-hundred liters of water a day. They also seem to be more environmentally conscience than other elephants. Unlike other elephants, the desert adapted elephant rarely knock over trees, break branches, or tear away bark, as if knowing if they do so their food will be less than what it was before.
They are commonly roaming the dry riverbeds of the westward flowing Huab, Hoanib, Hoarusib, and Khumib rivers. It is along these riverbeds the animals find the occasional spring fed waterhole and most of their nutrient rich foods: mopane bark, tamarisk, reeds, and the pods, bark, and leaves of the ana tree. On a typical day, desert elephants travel up to sixty kilometers over rocky, difficult terrain between feeding areas and waterholes. When water is truly scarce, as in times of drought, they dig holes, commonly known as gorras, in the dry riverbeds. Water seeps up from below the surface creating a much needed water source for themselves, and other animals in the area.
What will you do to increase the odds of seeing Namibia’s desert elephant? http://wildsafariafrica.com/contact/
South Africa – Port Elizabeth
Tourists go to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, partly because it’s a large, vibrant city with an exciting nightlife. The main reason they come here, however, is for the long, sandy beaches. Port Elizabeth, or PE, as the locals call it, is an industrial city and a major port. It is also the biggest coastal community between Cape Town and Durban. The heart of the city, called Central, is the best part of town and is made up of neighbourhoods of lovely Victorian houses and lots of green spaces. The Donkin Heritage Trail is a great self guided tour of Central. At the tourist office you can pick up a guide book that lists 47 places of historical interest.
Central
The pyramid-like structure near the tourist office was erected by Sir Rufane Donkin as a memorial to his wife Elizabeth, for whom the city was named. According to local legend of South Africa, her heart is buried under the pyramid. Market Square is the most attractive corner, and here you can see a couple of important historic buildings. City Hall was constructed between 1858 and 1862 and the clock tower was added in 1883. The Main Public Library, which dates back to 1837, was actually re-located here from the United Kingdom and was originally used as a courthouse. The marble statue of Queen Victoria out front was erected in 1903.
Fish and Snakes
Baysworld is a museum complex off Marine Drive in Humewood, to the southeast of Central. It features three main attractions. The main museum is a mixture of natural and cultural history, with plenty of specimens of flora and fauna, and local artefacts from pioneering times. The Oceanarium displays more than 40 species of fish and there are seal and dolphin shows put on twice every day – a big hit with children. What the kids really love, though, is the Snake Park. This park has a large collection of the reptiles, from South Africa as well as other countries. Some of the snakes are rare and endangered species.
Those Beautiful Beaches
A combination of long hours of sunshine, and the warm waters of Algoa Bay lapping on sandy beaches makes Port Elizabeth one of the most popular beach communities in South Africa. Because there is also a large student population, the beach scene and the downtown nightlife scene are lively. The water of Algoa Bay is warm for most of the year, so it is perfect for water sports. New Brighton Beach is great for swimming and fishing, and is one of the main northern beaches; the other is a long stretch of sand called Bluewater Bay. King’s Beach, which lies between the harbour and the district of Humewood, is the closest one to the city, but it is heavily developed. Hobie Beach is very popular in the evening due to the proximity of the Boardwalk entertainment area. Here you can find great bars, clubs and restaurants. Sardinia Bay is a marine reserve where you can enjoy some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in South Africa.