Namibia Holidays
A south west African country, bordered by Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Weather
There are two distinct climates in Namibia; coastal regions attracting fog banks and limiting rainfall, whilst further inland, temperatures are obviously hotter on the lowlands and the climate drier.

There are two rainy seasons, generally stretching from October to April, the range of which is considered to be the summer months. Temperatures soar during this time and can reach up to around 40 degrees in parts. It tends to be cooler in from May to September, with the heat reaching the more bearable low to mid 20s, although it can be chilly in the evenings during this time, even attracting ground frost.
By Day
Depending in which area of Namibia you are staying and time of year, it may be that you wish to remain under shelter to avoid the worst of the sun and searing temperatures! Alternatively, you may wish to visit one of Namibia’s handful of national parks, see the beautiful cheetahs as The Cheetah Conservation Fund or wander around the shops and sights of Namibia’s pretty city, Windhoek.By Night
Evening entertainment, as you can imagine, is fairly low-key in Namibia. For the tourist, however, night time safaris are available, and there are a selection of restaurants and bars in more urban areas such as Windhoek. It’s all about relaxation here, watching that renowned African sunset with a glass of wine and good company.Top Attractions
• Etosha National Park – home of Africa’s tallest elephants and the endangered black rhino
• Fish River Canyon – the second largest canyon in the world
• Clay pans of Sossusvlei – among the highest sand dunes in the world
Events
Namibia Desert Marathon (24-31 May 2010), Maharero Day (August), Windhoek Carnival (April/May)Local Flavours
Namibian cuisine lends itself heavily to German influences, as well as having strands of indigenous tradition. Corn and millet-based stews are popular and usually supplemented with lamb, pork, chicken or rabbit, although pasta is commonly used in recipes too. Vegetables include tomatoes, cabbage and celery. Seafood is of course abundant and used widely.

Outdoor cooking is the traditional way of preparing meals, either on a barbecue or in an open pot.
History
The earliest inhabitants of this region of Africa are generally thought to have been bushmen. Colonisation from outside did not take place until the late 1700s, due to the terrain and fierce heat. During this time, both the British and the Germans laid claim to various parts of Namibia.

It wasn’t until 1920 that South Africa took over administration of the country, which was revoked by the United Nations in the 1960s. Over 20 years of fierce political fighting then took place, only ending after much mediation and the granting of Namibia’s independence in 1990.

The country is now jointly governed by the South West African Police (SWAPOL) and its president, Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Size & Location
Covering the south west coast of Africa, Namibia stretches over 825,000 sq km, over half the size of Alaska, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its capital, Windhoek, is situated in the centre of the country.

Offshore, 13 nearby islands, as well as the enclave of Walvis Bay, have all been integrated into the territory of Namibia.