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NAMIBIA - CENTRAL & INTERIOR
Namibia covers a large area with three distinct sections: the Coast, the southern Interior, and the North. Namibia’s charm stems from its remoteness and vast stark desert landscapes. The country has a decidedly German character. English is the main language of commerce (and air traffic control) but German is widely spoken. Namibia is not regarded as a major game viewing area although a variety of antelope and other animals can be found throughout the country. Animals in appreciable numbers will only be found in the far northern Etosha National Park and Caprivi Strip areas. Throughout the country distances between destinations are large and a small aircraft provides one of the most convenient methods of getting around. Fuel stops must be carefully planned.
The Kalahari Desert occupies most of southeast Namibia. One of Namibia’s most awe-inspiring natural features is the Fish River Canyon located in the south-central region. The canyon has been compared to the Grand Canyon, only smaller, and is at its most spectacular during early morning or late afternoon. At the northern end of the Canyon is Ai-Ais, a hot springs well endowed with beautiful scenery and prolific bird life. Keetmanshoop is a common Port of Entry to Namibia with a long, wide runway and ATC services. Avgas must be ordered in advance.
CANYON LODGE Karios Airstrip
This is a good first overnight destination in Namibia when entering the country in the south. It’s situated on a plain near the edge of the Fish River Canyon, which is touted to be the world’s second largest canyon after the Grand Canyon, USA. You’ll be able to follow the Fish River from its source to within a few miles of the airstrip. The lodge’s chalets are built among huge boulders. The bar is a comfortable place and meals are served in the restaurant. While the lodge will drive you to an impressive lookout point on the canyon rim, the prize view of this colossus is from the air. Flying west from there, take a look at the site of a huge crater resulting from the impact of a meteorite believed to be the size of a car. https://store.gondwana-collection.com/accommodation/canyon-lodge
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INTU-AFRIKA Private airstrip
Flying over southern Namibia takes you over long, low regular ridges not seen in many other parts of southern Africa. Land here on a runway dimly identified in a dry salt pan. On the ground, the ridges turn out to be shallow dunes covered in lovely, golden silky grass and camel thorn trees. Living here are countless ostrich, oryx and springbok. Take a walk with the San (Bushmen) and ride quad bikes through the private reserve. Accommodations run the gamut from rustic cabins to plush, luxury rooms.
WINDHOEK- Namibia’s capital city Eros Airport
A clean, modern city that shows its German roots with wonderful restaurants and coffee shops. Windhoek has much to offer from art galleries to museums to theater. Winter carnival at the end of April is a great time to be in Windhoek. You are positioning yourself for a long day’s flying into South Africa. A choice of hotels and B & B’s:
HOTEL HEINITZBURG – The hotel sits atop a hill overlooking the capital city. A romantic castle built in the early 1900’s by a German, it is luxurious and comfortable. http://www.heinitzburg.com/
KALAHARI GAME LODGE, Southern Namibia
The Kalahari Game Lodge is located in the dunefields of the Kalahari, bordering the Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park. This is an area of grassy plains known as as dune streets or valleys, peppered with centuries old camel thorn trees and where a variety of animals and birds find refuge. The Kalahari Game Lodge is a genuine desert biome providing a habitat to 55 types of mammals, 58 reptiles and amphibians, 105 bird species and 185 plant types. Accommodation is in chalets with private patio looking toward the red dunes. https://kalaharigamelodge.com/