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Some good rains fell during the first days of January but for the remainder of the month rainfall has been scarce. As in December, petrol and diesel prices have dropped again, this time with N$1.00 and N$0.90 per litre respectively. Namibia’s inflation rate was slightly lower in December 2019 and stood at 5.1 percent, according to the National Statistics Agency. This was attributed mainly to the lower fuel prices. 

Formed millions of years ago when the Earth was young, our coloured gemstones have a long and intriguing journey before they end up in a favourite piece of jewellery or on a shelf as a collector’s item. Gondwana participated in the more recent part of the gemstone journey, seeking out prospectors, miners, gem-cutters, collectors, geologists and traders to hear their fascinating tales, as multifaceted as the finest-cut stone.

Spending a night in the African bush under the stars away from the city and listening to the sounds of various nocturnal animals is a magical experience. It is unforgettable to watch wild animals at a water hole where no noisy diesel generator disturbs the peace and quiet. In recent years solar water pumps and electricity generated by solar panels have replaced loud, puffing diesel generators at many lodges in Namibia, thereby enhancing the African experience for visitors.

The rainy season should have started already, but by early December there had been sporadic showers only, with no further downpours to sprout fresh grass. In anticipation of the rains, 27 Blue Cranes gathered in three places in Etosha National Park, where they breed. It is not known where the endangered blue-grey birds came from.

Exciting adventures await those who partake in our exhilarating Sossusvlei Shuttle Safari! A 3-day guided trip, with accommodation included, offers a convenient excursion to Sossusvlei, one of the most spectacular sites in the world. 

Animals prick up their ears at the shrill whistling sound and flee. It takes a while before the whistler is identified, if he has not taken flight himself and is betrayed by moving. It is not easy to discover a Damara dik-dik standing dead still in dense vegetation. These hare-sized little antelopes owe their name dik-dik to their warning call.

Animals, big or small, and man have respected one another and lived in harmony for centuries. Inherently, animals are wary of people. When we visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries we are guests of nature and should behave accordingly. 

Some landscapes of northern Namibia are relatively lush, featuring tall trees and shrubs. One tree species, however, stands out due to its extraordinary shape – the baobab tree. Many myths and legends exist about these majestic trees, which appear to be relics from a different era of our planet’s evolution. These fascinating giants witnessed many events on the African continent spanning more than a thousand years.

Sir Francis Galton! Is this man of historic significance? One should recognise the name though; at least every Namibian and Namibia fan, tour operator, tour guide and publisher of Namibian travel guides should. Galton explored and mapped Damaraland and Ovamboland. The Galton Gate at Etosha National Park is named after him and in 1855 he published ‘The Art of Travel’, which is probably the first handbook of practical advice for travellers.