If you look at the map in Namibia , you can see that its territory is literally woven from national parks of different size and status. They are the "calling card" of the country, because of which tourists from all over the world fly here.
List of the most popular national parks in Namibia
The Ministry of Tourism and the Environment is responsible for the management of the country's nature protection zones. In its department there are 38 nature protection territories of Namibia, twenty of which are national parks. The area of all Namibian reserves in 2010 was about 36,000 square meters. km, which is 17% of the total area of the country.
Among the largest protected areas of this African state are:
- Namib-Naukluft (49768 sq. Km). It was opened in 1907. The park is famous primarily for the Sossusflei plateau , which is a high sand dunes, 90% consisting of reddish-black quartz sand. It is the fourth largest national park in the world.
- Etosha (22270 sq. Km). It was also opened in 1907, but received its status only in 1958. 23% of its territory falls on the same-named drying lake. It is famous for the fact that a large number of large and small animals live here (black rhinoceroses, savanna elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, etc.);
- Shperrgebit (22,000 square kilometers). It was founded in 2004. Until now, despite the status of the national park, it is a closed territory. Almost all of his lands are untouched by man. 40% of the area falls on a desert landscape, 30% - on pastures, the rest of the territory is presented in the form of a rocky terrain.
- Skeleton Coast (16390 sq. Km). It was opened in 1971. The territory is divided into the southern part, where the independent entrance is allowed, and the northern one, which is accessible only to licensed tourist organizations. Known for its deep, winding canyon and the natural monument of the Roaring Dunes of Terrace Bay, where you can snowboard.
- Bwabwata (6100 sq. Km). It was founded in 2007 as a result of the merger of Caprivi and Mahango National Parks. There are great opportunities for a classic safari, during which you can watch antelopes, elephants and giraffes.
Other less well-known national parks of Namibia include Ai-Ais-Richtersveld, Waterbergh , Dan Villene, Cape Cross , Nkasa Rupara , Mangetti , Mudumu . In addition to these, there are other protected areas that have not yet received the status of national parks. Among them are the hot springs Gross-Barmen , the Southwest Natural Park, the recreational resorts of Naunte, Von Bah and Hardap.
Rules for visiting Namibian national parks
Before you go on a safari or just watch the local animals, you should read the rules of conduct in the Namibian reserves. For example, areas located in the immediate vicinity of the border with Angola should be visited only in large groups. They, as a rule, travel accompanied by an armed convoy ensuring the safety of tourists.
Entry into the national parks of Namibia is limited. The cost of their visit is $ 0.38-2.3, while the tickets must be kept until the end of the trip. All the country's reserves operate from dawn to dusk. At sunset, all tourists are obliged to leave the nature protection zone. Only officially registered tourist groups can remain in the reserve, but even then only within their camp. Such requirements are justified, considering how many large predators live in national parks in Namibia.
In many reserves there are special tourist zones where you can stop snacks or spend the night. Reserving seats in lodges and camps is recommended in advance, as in the period from June to August there is a large influx of tourists.