Earlier this week Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, had a cloud burst like I haven’t seen since I was a little girl, call it better drainage, better contruction or a change in weather patterns, but I remember growing up and every rainy season you would have at least one neighbour whose garden wall had collapsed after a particularly heavy could burst!
After experiencing the worst drought in more than 30 years last year, this sudden change in fortune got me thinking about water and water-related activities in an otherwise dry, arid climate!
Believe it or not, there are two major rivers in Namibia that can be used for rafting, the Orange river along the Namibian/South African border and the Kunene River along the Namibia/Angolan border.
The better know of these two is the Orange River, so let’s look at a more off the beaten track option for white water rafting in Namibia!
This area is completely undeveloped, with no roads, no infrastructure and The Himba, one of the last truly nomadic peoples in the World, still live here as they have done for tens of thousands of years; so whilst you have your helmet strapped on, heading down the rapids you actually have the opportunity of seeing some amazing wildlife as well!
Don’t worry though – if you aren’t the adrenaline junkie, thrill-seeking kind and prefer to not spill your G&T then a much more sedate meander is also available and everyone from amateur orthnithologists to hard-core twitchers will find something that is on their check list – I was happy to see a Goliath Heron, but for the more discerning amongst you there have been sightings of the Cinderella Waxbill, Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush and Kunene River Lodge are also responsible for the first recorded sighting of an Angola Cave Chat in Southern Africa!
If you are looking at options for white water rafting there are packages ranging from 2 – 11 days, so definitely something to suite every taste, budget and comfort level!
Why not look at something a little different for your next summer holiday – after all we are number 6 on the NY Times places to visit in 2014. If New Yorkers like us, you KNOW we are doing something right!
