Editor's Letter

It is Autumn in Namibia– THE GOLDEN SEASON

A few years ago in Travel News Namibia we had a series about the weather. Annabelle Venter researched and wrote it. Spectacular photographs taken during specific seasons added that extra drama. The most dramatic images of the four seasons were those of autumn. The majestic clouds and spectacular sunsets. Usually the rainstorms are powerful and accompanied by thunder and lightning. Rain does not continue for days on end like a grey curtain as it does in the greener parts of the globe. Showers in a desert country enriches the atmosphere with scents and sounds that energise all living creatures. The smell of rain on dry soil is intoxicating. Watching springbok on the white Etosha Pan against the purple clouds that had moved on but left the dramatic backdrop confirmed my belief that indeed it is.

All Namibians are fixated on the weather. When you grow up or live in a desert country where the rain means life or death – not just a matter of “should I take my umbrella” – it is no wonder that we start most conversations with “wasn’t the rain yesterday a blessing”. As you can see on the cover, the elephants in Damaraland have adapted to desert conditions and still walk their ancient paths despite the devastating drought of the past years. We have lost large numbers of wildlife and domestic stock on commercial and communal land, but the awe-inspiring landscape is still there to inspire and enchant the most well-travelled photographers who thought they have seen everything.

Fortunately for our readers, we have much to share in this Autumn edition to entice you to come visit again, or plan your first safari. If you are conscious of over-tourism or your carbon footprint or the positive impact that your tourism money will have on the place you visit, Namibia can offer you some of the best options.

Read about the B2Gold Rhino Gold Bar Project on page 54, an initiative that will ensure a sustainable future for the communities in the northwest who live, monitor and protect the biggest wild population of black rhino in the world. Writer and filmmaker Ginger Mauney, a long-time contributor to our publications and Board Member of Save the Rhino Trust, came up with the brilliant idea; Mark Dawe, Country Manager of B2Gold sold it to his mining company and in January the project was launched in Windhoek with great success.

Be assured that in every edition of Travel News Namibia you will find the gems that make this country a destination that inspires – whether your heart goes out to people or nature, your soul needs beauty, your body yearns for adventure and your eye needs to focus through the lens.

Every season is the best and in every direction you go there are gems to be discovered.

In the 30 th year of Namibia’s Independence, we welcome you to come and celebrate peace, freedom and prosperity with us.

Rièth van Schalkwyk