Namibia Virtual Tour (2)

Kaudom game reserve is in the more remote north-eastern corner of the country bordering the Botswana border. The area is dry for most of the year but the grasslands and game flourish during the brief summer rains.

Game viewing is best during the winter months when the animals gather around the water holes. The routes are tough at any time of the year and are suitable only for 4x4 vehicles.

Extending east from Kaudom is a slender finger of land that abuts 4 neighbouring countries. The Caprivi Strip is influenced by the Kavango, Zambezi and several smaller rivers which the very essence of life for the local inhabitants.

The majestic African Fish Eagle is a familiar presence along the waterways which team with fish and bird-life.

Namibia's capital city, Windhoek lies inland on the high central plateau. Although the surrounding country appears bleak, it is surprisingly fertile and supports cattle ranches and large herds of karakul sheep.

The city was established in 1890 as an outpost for imperial Germany. It has grown into a pleasant city of around 170 000 culturally diverse citizens with a happy blend of modern and German colonial style architecture. The city is also served by a modern international airport.

South of Windhoek is the coastal town of Luderitz. Situated on a magnificent natural harbour, this remote town, noted for its graceful colonial buildings, originally served as a German trading outpost and later as a centre for the diamond trade.

It still caters for the diamond industry today but it also draws prosperity from a thriving fishing industry.

To the north of Luderitz and beyond the oldest and driest desert in the world lies Namibia's premier harbour, at Swakopmund. The town is also the country's most popular seaside resort with a beautiful beach (a heated pool caters for those not keen to brave the chilly Atlantic waters).  

This pleasant town is well served with restaurants, well stocked shops, museum and 18 hole golf course, but for all its sophistication it remains a desert town. The great Namib desert borders on its suburbs and wind driven sands often penetrate its streets and gardens.

Around 10 km inland from Luderitz and surrounded by the desolate dunes of the Namib desert is the ghost town of Kolmanskop. 

A flourishing little diamond village in the early 1900's with a general dealer, butcher, lemonade plant, swimming pool, theatre, bowling alley, hospital and even a town orchestra, the town is now deserted after its inhabitants left for fresher pickings elsewhere.