False Travel Namibia 35 “ It’s a peaceful place, surrounded by forests of jackal berry and buffalo thorn; the noise of the river tumbling over the cascades is lovely in this heat” Ben Forbes BEN FORBESES N WR

False Olweendo 36 Travel Namibia sun It’s odds on that the sun will shine on you whenever you visit Namibia as the country has an average 300 sunny days a year. And one of the things that make Namibia such a great destination is that there are advantages to visiting in each of the seasons – as the map reveals. Skeleton Coast This desolate coast with cooling impenetrable fogs, fascinating wildlife and haunting shipwrecks is truly a year- round destination with almost constant moderate temperatures. If you fancy trying your hand at angling, a national obsession, the best time is between November and March. Windhoek In September the capital hosts the / Ae// Gams Festival – a huge street party which attracts dancers, musicians and many people in traditional costume. In December and January, when temperatures soar, you may find many of the shops, bars and restaurants closed here as people head for the coast. Seasons in the Swakopmund If you’re visiting Namibia during hot December, head for Swakopmund on the coast where the cold Benguela ocean current will cool you down and leave you eager to try the town’s vast array of adventure sports – from sand boarding to camel safaris, and windsurfing to quad biking – it all happens here. Waterberg Plateau This mountain park with its 200m sheer cliffs is at its most beautiful in August and September when the clouds build- up in the afternoon giving spectacular shots for photographers. The plateau is a breeding area for endangered animals including rhino, sable and roan antelope and dik- dik. Namibia Trade Directory Namibia’s ‘ summer’ runs from November to April and includes the wet season. The rain transforms Namibia into a country very different from most peoples’ image. The dunes come alive with grass and flowers, the pans fill with water and the bird life abounds. From May, temperatures start to drop and you might even find yourself reaching for your thermals if you are stargazing in the desert. This is a great time to go trekking in Namibia. From a five day arduous hike down Fish River Canyon through to the gentle Tok Tokkie trail in the Namib Rand, the country has a walk to suit you. By August the pans have dried up and water is starting to become scarce, forcing wildlife to congregate around the few remaining waterholes. If you haven’t been on safari before, or if you have demanding children with you, this is the time to visit the game parks as you are assured good wildlife sightings.