Namibia
The Republic of Namibia is a country in Southern Africa and is considered the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean and it shares land borders with Zambia and Angola to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. Its capital and largest city is Windhoek. Namibia is a member state of the United Nations (UN), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Namibia has been inhabited since pre-historic times by the San, Damara and Nama people. Around the 14th century, immigrating Bantu peoples arrived of which the Ovambo is the largest group. With a population of 2.55 million people, Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. Agriculture, tourism and the mining industry – including mining for gem diamonds, uranium, gold, silver and base metals – form the basis of its economy, while the manufacturing sector is comparatively small.
In Namibia you will find the world’s oldest desert (the Namib), some of the highest sand dunes (Sossusvlei) and second largest canyon (Fish River Canyon). It is a dream destination for the adventurous tourist. Big game species such as elephant, lion, rhino (including the endangered black rhino), buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, wild dog are found in the various game reserves and parks. Namibia boasts 240 mammal species, 250 reptile species,50 frog species and over 630 bird species.
For more information and a link to African Bush Bird Tours with whom SAPDC 2023 is partnering for the arrangements in Namibia, please see the relevant section on the “General Information” page.
Midgard Country Estate
In the African bush, not far from Namibia’s capital, lies a tranquil farmstead oasis. A perfect retreat from city life. Discover the wonders of Midgard Country Estate, an iconic Namibian destination. Midgard Country Estate is an ideal family hide-away, a first or last stop for international visitors, the perfect venue for intimate meetings, team-building events or conferences. Acquired in 1937, Carl Werner List originally farmed the 12.000 hectare estate, developing this private and intimate world into a household name in Namibia. Midgard Country Estate was born. Today our guests are invited to enjoy the tranquility, while marveling at the pioneering German Settler spirit which gave birth to it all. “Midgard”, a word found in Old Norse, Middle English and High German languages, has varying meanings, but is popularly thought to mean “A paradise where the earth rises again, fertile and green, creating a protected world and a safe empire for the people”. Midgard Country Estate is situated only 85 km north-east from Namibia’s capital Windhoek and 70 km from Hosea Kutako International Airport, in the unspoiled Otjihavera Mountains. The estate is spaciously situated in a sprawling country garden, bordering the banks of the Swakop River, as it meanders through the estate on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. “A PARADISE WHERE THE EARTH RISES AGAIN, FERTILE AND GREEN”
All the rooms were recently redecorated and are beautifully appointed, reflecting the balance of effortless style and relaxing luxury that is so intrinsic to this peaceful estate. This estate features two outdoor pools, a restaurant and two bars/lounges, and numerous activities are offered, including scenic walks and nature drives. Free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking are also provided. Additionally, a fitness centre, sauna, a poolside bar, and outdoor tennis courts are onsite, as well as Namibia’s one and only private skittle alley (Kegelbahn). All rooms offer free WiFi, balconies or patios, and TVs with satellite channels, minibars, room service, and coffee makers. Guests are free to soak up the ambience and enjoy doing absolutely nothing; or they can explore our activities such as hiking, drive along 4×4 tracks, play volley ball, tennis, pool or outdoor chess and view the vintage car collection.
One of the estate’s major attractions is a sundowner drive to Hilltop, where guests can enjoy a stunning 360° view over the Otjihavero Mountains and watch the sun set with sundowners in hand. They can also experience what life was like on a traditional Namibian Farming and Game Estate in years gone by, with a morning or afternoon nature-game drive through the separate 2.000 hectare nature reserve, along the Swakop River.
Wildlife found at Midgard Country Estate includes giraffe, blue and black wildebeest, oryx, kudu, hartebeest, eland, warthog, baboons and smaller antelope species such as the steenbok. The riverfront is a birder’s dream.
