Some Background to Namibia

Speaking from the perspective of someone who first visited Africa only recently, I realise that it is almost impossible to imagine the sounds, smells and sights of the bush. I think to those of you who have never been a short description of all the various areas Ill be visiting will be helpful.

Im not a talented wordsmith (as evidenced by my use of the word 'wordsmith'), so Ill try and use picture from my (2010) trip (mostly things no one will have seen before), and perhaps some videos to help

What is this?

I also feel confused sometimes. Travelling through Africa is a difficult thing to plan, especially in Namibia.

With a population density of only 2 people for every square kilometer, Namibia is the 2nd most sparsely populated country in the world (Mongolia is 1st). Therefore you can go many many hours (sometimes a day maybe?) without passing any form of civilisation. Civilisation is necessary; you need fuel (public transport isnt that great - so a 4x4 car is needed), you need water (a lot of desert) and you need orientation.

You can see that all the details have to be worked out before you go, you never know when you'll be able to fill up your tank and the last thing you want is to break down in the middle of nowhere.

The sparseness does have advantages though. It allows Namibia to remain in a largely natural state, nature still has power over the surface of the earth and also over the people here. 40% of the country is protected either publicly or privately for nature conservation. A lot of the rest is protected through a system of conservancies; local communities have control over their land and gain revenue from tourism and hunting - providing them with an incentive to protect the environment.

Because of this, Namibia is home to 40% of Africa's Cheetahs, has the largest population of Black Rhino in the world (most of them outside of parks), and is one of the few countries in the world where wildlife population's are increasing.

Why am I going here?
Last year (2010) I visited Namibia with my family. I realised that this country is magical and wished to come back as soon as possible. We stayed at a reserve called Mundulea, which is owned by an amazing person called Bruno Nebe who is working hard to conserve some of Namibia's more unique species.
Bruno has given me the incredible opportunity to return and to assist him in researching the elusive Pangolin. Many people have looked at me quizically? "What the **** is that?" I suggest you click on the Pangolin link to the right, and read up about this project.

The Pangolin research at Mundulea is the work of Paul Rankin. I have only spoken to Paul briefly, but he seems very friendly and has done a lot of interesting things.

Naturally, I will take hold of this opportunity with both arms (and more) and I feel that one of the best times of my life awaits.

But why would I need to plan fuel stops? Surely I cant drive.
No - but to add to the fun, I will be travelling through Namibia and Botswana in the month leading up to Mundulea! With my dad.

I look forward to this amazing trip, but I also look forward to documenting it all here for my future self, but also for anyone else who is interested enough to have read this far.
To you - Thank you for reading.

Watch this space....

Emiel,