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Namibian trees: the camelthorn |
 Not only does the camelthorn provide shade and a tasty meal for a passing giraffe, but it is also excellent wood for outdoor cooking, and gives a uniquely Namibian flavour to the barbecue. It is also a popular choice for a Christmas tree as its thorns make excellent hooks for decorations, which makes it a favourite from childhood. Find out about the wonderful Camelthorn tree, here...
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Namibian trees: the quiver tree |
 In 1685, Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape Colony, ventured north in search of copper. In the far reaches of what is now known as Namaqualand, he discovered a strange tree with a barrel-like trunk, many forked branches growing from the wide top of the trunk and covered in blue-green leaves only at the top of the branches. Find out more about the quiver tree, here...
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News: Namibian time change |
 On Sunday, 5 September, Namibian (excluding Caprivi) time changed from UTC +1 to UTC +2 for summer. For practical purposes, set clocks forward 1 hour (ie. from 02h00 to 03h00). Please ensure that clients understand this, or they risk missing flights and activities. Consultants are advised to check flight arrival and departure times as well as activity times and itineraries. More...
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Namibian trees: the baobab |
 In some stories, the amazing baobab is said to grow with its leaves below the ground and its roots pointing up into the sky. A quick look at the tree, and its branches, which have a root-like appearance, shows why. But there are more fascinating stories. One baobab, near Oshakati, was hollowed out as a hide-out during times of war. In later years it was converted into a post office. More...
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Namibian trees: the makalani palm |
 When crossing the veterinary border at Oshivelo, travellers enter a different world: one of homesteads dotted with traditional huts, open markets and herds of goats. One of the most visible symbols of this world is the fan-like leaves of the makalani palm, also known locally as the omulunga, the epokola and the mbare. Find out more about one of Namibia's most useful trees, here...
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History: Hendrick Witbooi, in the footsteps of war |
 It is not possible to visit Namibia without coming across the face of Hendrik Witbooi on the Namibian Dollar. And every itinerary includes at least one story of the leader of the 1904 Nama Uprising. Witbooi fought against Namibians and Germans with equal ferocity for much of his life, but only shortly before his death did he commit to the ongoing fight against colonialism. Find out more, here>>
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Destination: the Southern Kalahari, red sands and dryness |
 As it receives as much as 500 mm rainfall per year, the Kalahari is not classified as a true desert, yet it still attracts travellers wanting to visit two deserts in one journey. But it is more than that. It is home to the Bushmen, it is the largest patch of sand on earth, and it is also a place where fascinating mammals and plants have adapted to arid conditions. Find out more about the Kalahari, here>>
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Destination: Keetmanshoop, the centre of the south |
 A closer look at Keetmanshoop reveals a few lesser known treasures. For a start, the area will be of fascination to amateur and professional geologists as it is one of the places that vividly illustrates the splitting of Pangea into Gondwana and Laurasia. And to illustrate this, there are the Mesosaur fossils. Find out more about putting Keetmanshoop on the itinerary, here>>
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