Kalahari Desert

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest reserve in southern Africa and the second largest in the world, covering an area of 52,800 square kilometres. It is difficult to be prepared for its immensity, giving us the feeling of being in an infinite space from which a mysterious and wild beauty emanates. This enormous area is covered with waist-high golden grasses, dwarf trees and scrub, and the sensation is that it seems to extend endlessly. The species that stand out are mongononos, sand acacias and Kalahari marula, which are interspersed with grasslands, some sand dunes, and shallow fossil river valleys. Dotting this dense vegetation adapted to conditions of very little rainfall are salt pans, which resemble white expanses of land that merge with the blue of the sky. At night, the star spectacle is totally fascinating, filling the place with brilliance. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve was originally established in 1961 as a home for the San people in the heart of the Kalahari, allowing them to pursue their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle without outside influence. The reserve remained closed for about 30 years, until unguided and unorganised visits were permitted in the 1980s and 1990s, although these were strictly controlled and only in small numbers. During and shortly after the rainy season, the reserve is teeming with wildlife, which gather in the best areas of grassland. Large herds of springbok, wildebeest, hartebeest, Cape oryx and giraffe can be found here. But the main attraction of the area is to explore this utterly unspoilt space, of seemingly endless dimensions.

Etosha National Park is located in north-central Namibia. With its 23,175 km2, it is one of the largest national parks in Africa. This vast area includes the famous Etosha Pan, a huge salt pan that covers 4,730 km2, approximately 21% of the park's surface. Hidden in the rocks and washed away by the sand, the history of Etosha National Park is rich and varied. Animal life has existed here for more than 650 million years, before the supercontinent Pangaea broke up into the current continents. Bones of forgotten species that lived more than 5,000 years ago have been found on the margins of the Etosha Pan. The Bushmen were some of the first inhabitants of this area. They lived in harmony with the environment around them and viewed life on the plains as a matter of survival. It has also been the scene of battles and triumphs, such as the battles between German soldiers and the “Owambo”. Even when the park was reduced to the current portion of protected land, its flora and fauna survived to begin a new chapter in Etosha history.

The Mbangura Market is a vibrant and authentic place where you can experience the daily life of the local population. Among its colorful stalls, visitors can find fresh produce, traditional crafts, spices, and typical items, making the visit a genuine and immersive cultural experience. The lively atmosphere, the aromas, and the direct contact with local vendors allow you to learn about the customs and way of life of the region in a natural and spontaneous way. Exploring the Mbangura Market is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.