News

2017 brought Namibia a second year of economic difficulties and tight fiscal measures on the side of the government. Here a review of the past 12 months. 

Waterbird counts are conducted twice a year at various wetland sites on Namibia’s coast and in the interior as part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC). The numbers gathered during a count ultimately end up on the desk of Holger Kolberg, a nature conservation official with the research department of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, who is also Namibia’s IWC coordinator. The IWC is based in the Netherlands and operates in more than 100 countries.

Many anglers aren’t aware that Namibia is really cool for fishing. The diversity of fish species is quite impressive. Perhaps you have heard about surf fishing for sharks, which is a common activity along the country’s beaches and Namibia is well-known for it. But there is so much more to fishing in this awesome country on the south-western coast of Africa. In May I was there on a journey of discovery and scrutinised fishing opportunities in various places. 

“Since that episode in the desert I drink anything – and with gusto.” He jumps up as I carry our drinks to the table, waits until I am seated and pours for us. Dr Klaus Baron von der Ropp is a lawyer by profession and a gentleman of the old school. In October 2012 he came to Namibia to once again meet the people who came to his rescue on 13 December 1975 after a four-day odyssey in the desert. “Even today, after almost 40 years, I am still infinitely glad and grateful that I was found.” 

Namibia´s entire coastline is a protected conservation area. Four National Parks border each other to protect the flora and fauna, as well as the unique desert landscape from the high tide mark on the beach, up to 100 kilometres inland.

On 14 December 2017, Namibia will take centre stage at the world-famous Christies Auction House in London. A painting by Thomas Baines, dating back to 1864 and capturing a turning point in pre-colonial Namibian history, will fall under the auctioneer’s hammer. The painting is expected to be sold for £200 000 to £300 000, equivalent to 3.6 to 5.6 million Namibian dollars.

On 8 and 9 December, the 2017 Nedbank Desert Dash played out from Windhoek to Swakopmund. And for the first time, the Gondwana Collection Namibia had two teams to participate in the action packed event. The Gondwana Dust Devils finished the race in an excellent third place in the 4 men team category.