South Africa’s neighbour, Namibia, examined in secret guide
Secret Namibia Authors: Lily and Marcel Jouve Publisher: Struik Travel & Heritage (2009) Reviewer: Nerine Dorman
Having been to Namibia, South Arica’s north western neighbour, a number of times, reading Secret Namibia elicited strong feelings of "home-sickness", for this is a country that has a firm hold on my heart.
Although the label "a land of contrasts" may come across as cliché, it is still an apt way to describe a land with a vast range of environments which, although harsh, are also incredibly beautiful. From tall, sloping dunes to gravel plains, savannah and peculiar stone outcroppings, Nambia is full of secrets, which provide intrepid explorers with a siren call to adventure.
The Jouves eloquently express their deep fascination and love for this country in word and image, the magical descriptions bring their experiences to vivid life. Secret Namibia offers readers information on what to see and do, while travelling, as well as a guide to the geological, fauna and flora of the regions featured, with useful tips.
From the habits of the desert elephants, to "fairy circles" – circular patches devoid of any vegetation - there was plenty here that had me turning pages. Also included at the end of this glossy, hardcover volume is a number of itineraries, which can form the basis for a planned trip, as well as practical recommendations for travelling through the country.
Although it may date, at present the list of accommodation, with contact details, is a good place to start when thinking of making bookings. Secret Namibia is the kind of book that makes me want to drop what I’m doing, sell my house and invest in a sturdy off-road vehicle. I have a feeling that what is contained between these pages is only the tip of the iceberg and, as southern Africans, we are lucky we live so close to the wonderland that is our neighbour.
Many Lion’s fans are expected in South Africa to support their team. ”Coupled with the IPL Cricket which ends on 23 May, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in June and the ICC 8-Nations Champions’ Trophy in September, South Africa is certainly expecting thousands of fans for the upcoming top level sporting events,” notes Robert Wilson. CEO of travelinsouthafrica.net . “Fans can easily take off a few days between matches to explore Namibia,” he said.
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