DOCSLIB.ORG

Namibia Country Profile

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Namibia Country Profile TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................... 4 LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................. 5 COUNTRY FACT SHEET ..................................................................................................... 6 LIST OF ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................... 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................... 11 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ...................................................................... 14 1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 14 1.2 Background ......................................................................................................................... 15 2. OVERVIEW OF NAMIBIA ........................................................................................... 17 2.1 Namibia Transport ................................................................................................................... 18 3. ECONOMIC OUTLOOK .............................................................................................. 21 3.1 Economy ................................................................................................................................... 21 3.2 Economic Structure ................................................................................................................. 22 3.2.1 Primary Sector .................................................................................................................. 23 3.2.2 Secondary Sector ............................................................................................................. 24 3.2.3 Tertiary Sector .................................................................................................................. 26 3.3 Credit Rating............................................................................................................................. 28 3.4 Macroeconomic Policy ............................................................................................................ 29 3.4.1 Fiscal Policy ...................................................................................................................... 29 3.4.2 Monetary policy ................................................................................................................. 29 3.5 Trade Environment .................................................................................................................. 31 3.5.1 Exports to key markets .................................................................................................... 32 3.5.2. Top export products ........................................................................................................ 33 3.5.3 Imports from key markets................................................................................................ 34 3.5.4 Top import products ......................................................................................................... 36 3.5.5 Trade with South Africa ................................................................................................... 37 3.5.6 Trade by Economic Regions .......................................................................................... 39 3.5.6 Trade by Mode of Transport ........................................................................................... 42 3.5.8 Trade by border post/office ............................................................................................. 44 3.5.9 Document Requirements for Importation and Exportation ......................................... 46 3.6 Trade Agreements ................................................................................................................... 47 3.7 Business Environment ............................................................................................................ 48 2 3.7.1 Global Competitiveness .................................................................................................. 48 3.7.2 The Legatum Prosperity Index ....................................................................................... 52 3.7.3 Ease of Doing Business .................................................................................................. 53 3.8 Regional Integration index ..................................................................................................... 60 4. ROAD TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................ 65 4.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................... 65 4.2 Road Traffic Legislation .......................................................................................................... 66 4.2.1 Speed Limits ..................................................................................................................... 66 4.2.2 Traffic Fines ....................................................................................................................... 66 4.2.3 Vehicle Dimensions and Weights Restrictions ............................................................ 68 4.2.4 Border posts ...................................................................................................................... 70 4.2.5 Road User Charging System .......................................................................................... 72 4.2.6 Motor Vehicle Fund .......................................................................................................... 73 5. PASSENGER ROAD TRANSPORT ............................................................................ 76 5.1 Cross Border Road Transport Permits ................................................................................. 76 5.2 Tourist Market .......................................................................................................................... 76 5.3 Points of Entry .......................................................................................................................... 78 5.4 Mode of Travel ......................................................................................................................... 79 6. OPPORTUNITIES ........................................................................................................ 81 6.1 Mining sector ............................................................................................................................ 81 6.2 Fisheries .................................................................................................................................... 81 6.3 Manufacturing........................................................................................................................... 82 6.4 The Automotive sector ............................................................................................................ 84 6.5 Agriculture sector ..................................................................................................................... 85 6.6 Tourism sector ......................................................................................................................... 86 6.7 Logistics and Infrastructure .................................................................................................... 86 6.8 Information Communication Technology ............................................................................. 88 7. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................. 90 8. CONTACT DETAILS OF RELEVANT AUTHORITIES ................................................ 92 9. REFERENCE ............................................................................................................... 93 3 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Map of Namibia ................................................................................................................. 17 Figure 2: Districts of Namibia .......................................................................................................... 18 Figure 3: GDP Growth ...................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 4: GDP by Sector (Percentage of GDP) ............................................................................ 23 Figure 5: Primary Industries ............................................................................................................ 23 Figure 6: Secondary Industries ....................................................................................................... 26 Figure 7: Tertiary Industries ............................................................................................................. 27 Figure 8: Inflation Rate ..................................................................................................................... 31 Figure 9: Main export destinations .................................................................................................. 32 Figure 10: Top export products ......................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • GUIDE to CIVIL SOCIETY in NAMIBIA 3Rd Edition
    GUIDE TO CIVIL SOCIETY IN NAMIBIA GUIDE TO 3Rd Edition 3Rd Compiled by Rejoice PJ Marowa and Naita Hishoono and Naita Marowa PJ Rejoice Compiled by GUIDE TO CIVIL SOCIETY IN NAMIBIA 3rd Edition AN OVERVIEW OF THE MANDATE AND ACTIVITIES OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS IN NAMIBIA Compiled by Rejoice PJ Marowa and Naita Hishoono GUIDE TO CIVIL SOCIETY IN NAMIBIA COMPILED BY: Rejoice PJ Marowa and Naita Hishoono PUBLISHED BY: Namibia Institute for Democracy FUNDED BY: Hanns Seidel Foundation Namibia COPYRIGHT: 2018 Namibia Institute for Democracy. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means electronical or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission of the publisher. DESIGN AND LAYOUT: K22 Communications/Afterschool PRINTED BY : John Meinert Printing ISBN: 978-99916-865-5-4 PHYSICAL ADDRESS House of Democracy 70-72 Dr. Frans Indongo Street Windhoek West P.O. Box 11956, Klein Windhoek Windhoek, Namibia EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.nid.org.na You may forward the completed questionnaire at the end of this guide to NID or contact NID for inclusion in possible future editions of this guide Foreword A vibrant civil society is the cornerstone of educated, safe, clean, involved and spiritually each community and of our Democracy. uplifted. Namibia’s constitution gives us, the citizens and inhabitants, the freedom and mandate CSOs spearheaded Namibia’s Independence to get involved in our governing process. process. As watchdogs we hold our elected The 3rd Edition of the Guide to Civil Society representatives accountable.
    [Show full text]
  • Jackalberry Camp Zambezi - Nkasa Rupara NP - Namibia
    Jackalberry Camp Zambezi - Nkasa Rupara NP - Namibia 4 exclusive luxury tents on the banks of Linyanti Marsh in a private concession situated inside the Nkasa Rupara National Park. 4 exclusive luxury tents on the banks of Linyanti Marsh in a private concession situated inside the Nkasa Rupara National Park. The Lodge Location groups, they speak Siyeyi as their mother tongue, the language contains ZAMBIA Jackalberry Tented Camp is situated a series of clicks indicating a relation m in an exclusive concession inside the with the Khoi-Khoi. ANGOLA Nkasa Rupara NP (Mamili) situated 150km west of Katima Mulilo in David Livingstone called them river the Zambezi Region (Caprivi) of people and described the Mayeyi as Northern Namibia. the “Quakers of Africa”, because of their peace-loving nature. BOTSWANA The Camp is situated close to the banks of the Linyanti river and the fact BY CAR Jackalberry tented Camp Nkasa Rupara NP - Namibia that there is no fence will allow large Arriving from Rundu / Divundu on the mammals and other animals to roam B8, turn off on the C49 road (Now freely in the vicinity of all tarred road) until you arrive to Distances: 90 km from Kongola, 150 km from Katima Mulilo, the Camp. Sangwali village (75km). then turn 270 km from Kasane, 340 km fromVictoria Falls, 500 km from Rundu. right and drive for 26km up the camp. This will enhance Please register at the Park the sense of entrance. 4x4 required for remote wilderness this last km. Pick up and adventure for can be arranged. the guests who will also Arriving from Kasane experience the unique, / Katima Mulilo.
    [Show full text]
  • RUMOURS of RAIN: NAMIBIA's POST-INDEPENDENCE EXPERIENCE Andre Du Pisani
    SOUTHERN AFRICAN ISSUES RUMOURS OF RAIN: NAMIBIA'S POST-INDEPENDENCE EXPERIENCE Andre du Pisani THE .^-y^Vr^w DIE SOUTH AFRICAN i^W*nVv\\ SUID AFRIKAANSE INSTITUTE OF f I \V\tf)) }) INSTITUUT VAN INTERNATIONAL ^^J£g^ INTERNASIONALE AFFAIRS ^*^~~ AANGELEENTHEDE SOUTHERN AFRICAN ISSUES NO 3 RUMOURS OF RAIN: NAMIBIA'S POST-INDEPENDENCE EXPERIENCE Andre du Pisani ISBN NO.: 0-908371-88-8 February 1991 Toe South African Institute of International Affairs Jan Smuts House P.O. Box 31596 Braamfontein 2017 Johannesburg South Africa CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION 1 POUTICS IN AFRICA'S NEWEST STATE 2 National Reconciliation 2 Nation Building 4 Labour in Namibia 6 Education 8 The Local State 8 The Judiciary 9 Broadcasting 10 THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC REALM - AN UNBALANCED INHERITANCE 12 Mining 18 Energy 19 Construction 19 Fisheries 20 Agriculture and Land 22 Foreign Exchange 23 FOREIGN RELATIONS - NAMIBIA AND THE WORLD 24 CONCLUSIONS 35 REFERENCES 38 BIBLIOGRAPHY 40 ANNEXURES I - 5 and MAP 44 INTRODUCTION Namibia's accession to independence on 21 March 1990 was an uplifting event, not only for the people of that country, but for the Southern African region as a whole. Independence brought to an end one of the most intractable and wasteful conflicts in the region. With independence, the people of Namibia not only gained political freedom, but set out on the challenging task of building a nation and defining their relations with the world. From the perspective of mediation, the role of the international community in bringing about Namibia's independence in general, and that of the United Nations in particular, was of a deep structural nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Namibia Airport Study - Feasibility Studies, Preliminary Design and Master Plans for Namibia Airports
    AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Language: English Original: English MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES (MIC) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUND PROJECT: NAMIBIA AIRPORT STUDY - FEASIBILITY STUDIES, PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND MASTER PLANS FOR NAMIBIA AIRPORTS COUNTRY: NAMIBIA Date: April 2010 Team Leader: P. Opoku-Darkwa, Transport Engineer, OITC.2 Appraisal Team Sector Manager (OITC.2): J Rwamabuga Sector Director (OITC): G Mbesherubusa Regional Director(ORSA): A Beileh M. Benard, OITC.1; A. Babalola, OPSM.3; D. Etienne, OITC.1, K I Mfalila, OSAN.4; Peer Reviewers TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1. Background 1 1.2. Study Objectives 1 1.3. Justification for use of MIC TAF Resources 2 1.4. Financial considerations for implementation of HKIA Master Plan– Study Component 1. 3 2. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY 4 2.1. Study Components 4 3. STUDY COST ESTIMATES AND FINANCING PLAN 5 3.1. Cost Estimates 5 3.2. Financing Plan 5 4. PROCUREMENT 6 4.1. Procurement Arrangement 6 4.2. Disbursements Arrangements 6 5. IMPLEMENTATION strategy 6 5.1. Proposed Implementation Schedule 6 5.2. Executing Agency 7 6. LETTER OF AGREEMENT 7 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7 7.1. Conclusions 7 7.2. Recommendations 8 ANNEXES ANNEX 1 – MAP OF NAMIBIA, AIRPORT LOCATION ANNEX 2 - PHOTOGRAPHS ANNEX 3 - IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE ANNEX 4 – COST ESTIMATE SCHEDULE (in USD) ANNEX 5 –REQUEST FORM ANNEX 6 –LETTER OF AGREEMENT ANNEX 7 – ABRIDGED TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF EXISTING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE This report has been prepared by Mr P. Opoku-Darkwa, OITC.2 (Ext 3142). Any matters relating to this report may be referred to Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • PO Box 20449
    ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT OF TWO NEW EXTENSIONS IN KARASBURG FINAL SCOPING REPORT APRIL 2019 Project Title: KARASBURG TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT Type of Project: ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING ASSESSMENT Project Location: REMAINDER OF PORTION 8 (A PORTION OF PORTION A) OF THE FARM KALKFONTEIN WEST NO. 48; AND REMAINDER OF PORTION 7 (A PORTION OF PORTION A) OF THE FARM KALKFONTEIN WEST NO. 48. Competent Authority: MINISTRY OF URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT NAMIBIA PLANNING AND ADVISORY BOARD / TOWNSHIPS BOARD PRIVATE BAG 13289 WINDHOEK NAMIBIA Approving Authority DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM PRIVATE BAG 13306 WINDHOEK Proponent/Client: KARASBURG TOWN COUNCIL PO BOX 33 KARASBURG Consultancy: WINPLAN PO BOX 90761, KLEIN WINDHOEK TEL.: (061) 246 761 E-MAIL: [email protected] TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................. i LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................ iii LIST OF MAPS .......................................................................................................................................... iv APPENDICES ..........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Departure from Namibia Regulation Act 34 of 1955 Section 9A
    REGULATIONS MADE IN TERMS OF Departure from Namibia Regulation Act 34 of 1955 section 9A Departure Regulations Government Notice 136 of 1994 (GG 895) came into force on date of publication: 29 July 1994 The Government Notice which issues these regulations repeals the regulations published in RSA GN R.827/1963. as amended by Government Notice 243 of 2013 (GG 5284) came into force on date of publication: 16 September 2013 Government Notice 7 of 2020 (GG 7099) came into force on date of publication: 21 January 2020 ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS 1. Interpretation 2. Departure from Namibia 3. [Regulation 3 has no heading.] 4. Powers of Immigration Officer 5. Penalties ANNEXURE A: Departure form ANNEXURE B: Border Posts and Ports of Exit from Namibia Republic of Namibia 2 Annotated Statutes REGULATIONS Departure from Namibia Regulation Act 34 of 1955 Departure Regulations Interpretation 1. In these regulations, unless the context otherwise indicates, an expression in the Act has a corresponding meaning, and - “conveyance” includes any vehicle, train, aircraft or ship; “Immigration Control Act” means the Immigration Control Act, 1993 (Act 7 of 1993); “immigration officer” means an immigration officer defined in the Immigration Control Act; “port” means a port defined in the Immigration Control Act; and “the Act” means the Departure from Namibia Regulation Act, 1955 (Act 34 of 1955). Departure from Namibia 2. A person wishing to depart from Namibia, excluding a person referred to in paragraph (b) of section 2 of the Act shall at a port listed in Annexure “B”, present himself or herself to an immigration officer on duty at that port.
    [Show full text]
  • The De Beers and Namibia Partnership
    DE BEERS AND NAMIBIA The partnership between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers delivers real and sustained benefits to Namibia and its people. ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR NAMIBIA RECEIVES MORE THAN TO STATE REVENUE MORE THAN 80 CENTS OVER 1 IN EVERY 5 DOLLARS OF EVERY OF NAMIBIA’S DOLLAR N$3bn FOREIGN EARNINGS GENERATED BY THE PARTNERSHIP SINGLE LARGEST CONTRIBUTOR INVESTMENT IN DEBMARINE NAMDEB HOLDINGS EMPLOYS AFTER GOVERNMENT VESSEL SS NUJOMA, APPROX. TO NAMIBIAN ECONOMY N$2.5bn 2,500 PLUS A MULTITUDE OF CONTRACTORS Cunene Okavango Ondangwa Oshakati Cuando Tsumeb Otavi Tsumkwe Kamanjab Grootfontein Outjo Khorixas Our recent partnership with the Otjiwarongo University of Namibia (UNAM) further Omaruru underscores our embodiment of true Usakos Okahandja partnerships. Many young Namibians Henties Bay NDTC Gobabis will now have the opportunity to Swakopmund WINDHOEK Walvis Bay attain tertiary education through this Rehoboth Aminuis programme. Aranos Stampriet Akanous And our new 10-year sales agreement, the longest ever agreed between Maltahohe Gochas Koes De Beers and the Government, DOUGLAS BAY Bethanien Keetmanshoop will see the partnership generate even Luderitz Aroab more value for the Namibian economy. ELIZABETH BAY Aus BOGENFELS MINING AREA 1 Grunau Karasburg SENDELINGSDRIF DABERAS ATLANTIC 1 AUCHAS Warmbad Oranjemund Orange DE BEERS/NAMIBIA 10-YEAR SALES AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED PARTNERSHIP TIMELINE MAY 2016 • US$430 million worth of rough diamonds offered annually to Namibia Diamond Trading Company customers
    [Show full text]
  • Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout
    Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout Environmental Impact Assessment - Nakop - 1 1. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: NAKOP 1.1 INTRODUCTION The farm Nakop is privately owned, belonging to Mr and Mrs Tonnemacher. The farm is located approximately 5km east of the Namibian Border post and approximately 6km east of the nearest settlement which is called Ariamsvlei. The presence of the Namibian border post en route to South Africa contributes to a large average number of tourists passing through the town annually. 1.2 RATIONALE FOR SITE The position of the existing microwave tower at Nakop has very good coverage even beyond the Namibian border into South Africa, covering large parts of the south-eastern extremities of Namibia (Figure 1-1). This microwave tower is however very visible from the B3 road to South Africa. For this reason the proposed site is located close to the existing infrastructure but further back from the edge of the plateau to ensure that it is not quite as visible as the existing infrastructure. Figure 1-1: Predicted coverage of the existing microwave tower at Nakop. Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout – NBC EIA - Nakop August 2013 2 1.3 SITE DESCRIPTION Ariamsvlei is located at the foot of a plateau and as one approaches the Orange River approximately 40km south of the town, there is a sharp decrease in elevation. The surrounding area forms part of the Nama Karoo biome and comprises of a combination of small succulents and grass species. Although not particularly high in faunal diversity, the rocky side slopes of the plateau are an optimal niche for the occurrence of a variety of reptiles and birds.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mineral Industry of Namibia in 1999
    THE MINERAL INDUSTRY OF NAMIBIA By George J. Coakley Namibia is located on the southwestern coast of Africa many years, De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. had held an between South Africa and Angola. The 825,418-square- exclusive right to exploit the diamond-bearing Orange River kilometer country had an estimated population of 1.77 million alluvial and marine beach sand deposits within the Sperrgebiet. in 1999 and a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of about Namdeb Diamond Corp. (Pty.) Ltd. increased diamond $4,3001 based on purchasing power parity. In 1999, the mineral production to nearly 1.3 million carats, or about comparable industry of Namibia provided about 43% of exports and 20% of with that of 1998. Namdeb began phasing out production at its the country’s GDP (U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, Auchas Mine and planned to open the new Daberas Mine at the Namibia—Economy—World factbook, accessed December 5, end of 2000; the new mine will have an expected mine life of 10 2000, at URL http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/Factbook/ years. During its first full year of operation, De Beers’ geos/wa.html#Econ). Diamond remained the most important NamGem Diamond Manufacturing Co. diamond cutting and sector of the mining industry followed by uranium, for which polishing plant near Okahandja produced 100 finished stones Namibia ranked as the world’s fourth largest producer. per day at an average size of 14 points based on 100 points to a Namibia was also the largest producer of salt in Africa. carat. According to the Chamber of Mines of Namibia (2000, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Strategic Plan for 2014-2017
    2014 -17 STRATEGIC PLAN SAFE AND SECURE AIRPORTS CONTENTS CHAIRPERSON’S REMARKS 2 ACTING CEO’S REMARKS 3 1. IMPLEMENTATION PHASES 4 2. THE NAC STRATEGY MAP 7 3. THE NAC STRATEGIC PREMIUM 8 4. STRATEGIES 9 4.1 KEY RESULT AREAS 10 4.3. POLICY REQUIREMENTS 10 OUR VISION To be a World Class Service Provider in 4.4. FUTURE STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES 11 Airport Operations and Management 4.5. STRATEGIC GOALS OF NAC 19 OUR MISSION Develop, Manage and Operate Safe and Secure Airports on Sound Business 5. ACTION PLANS 12 Principles with due consideration to the interest of our stakeholders. OUR CORE VALUES Safety and Security Integrity Team Work Customer Service Excellence Innovation 1 FOREWORD ACTING BY BOARD CHAIRPERSON CEO’s REMARKS The Namibian Airports Company as per statutory obligation outlined in the Sun Tzu the great Chinese Army General and tactician once said, “You cannot Airports Company Act (Act N0. 25 of 1998) provides and facilitates essential be everything to everyone”. In this strategy document the NAC has chosen to activities for developing, managing and operating eight airports and be a leading Airport service provider, providing safe and secure airports while aerodromes within Namibia, namely Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros providing opportunities and a conducive environment for our human resources Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, Ondangwa Airport, Rundu Airport, Katima Mulilo to thrive and flourish. Airport, Keetmanshoop Airport and Luderitz Airport . The strategic plan is a precise articulation of what we want the NAC to be As the Board of Directors, we remain committed to Statutory requirements and in the next three years.
    [Show full text]
  • Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls
    Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Private 4th to 22nd July 2017 (19 days) Trip Report Cheetah by Wayne Jones Trip report compiled by Tour Leader, Wayne Jones Trip Report – Nambia, Botswana & Victoria Falls - Private 2017 2 Tour Summary Our Namibia/Botswana/Zambia tour is one of our most popular trips; and, with excellent lodgings, good infrastructure and fabulous bird and wildlife viewing, it is well-suited to a family visit. We recorded 360 bird and 44 mammal species during our 19-day journey from the highlands of Windhoek to the lush banks of the Zambezi, with desert, savanna and wetlands in between. ________________________________________________________________________________ We officially kicked off our birding with a late afternoon visit to Avis Dam, on the outskirts of the Namibian capital. The area was so thick with different species that we didn’t even complete a quarter of the route before the sun dipped behind the Auas Mountains. It started with a tree full of waxbills – Blue, Violet-eared, Black-faced and Common. Our list soon included Green-winged Pytilia, Red-headed Finch, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Scarlet- chested and Marico Sunbirds, Black-chested Prinia, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Acacia Pied Barbet, Pririt Batis, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bearded and Cardinal Woodpecker, Lark-like Bunting, White-backed Mousebird and a Pearl-spotted Owlet. On a repeat visit the next morning, we had just climbed out of the car when a pair of Orange River Francolins starting calling, eventually allowing us excellent looks. Our other major quarry was Quailfinch. After spotting several flying specks, we finally found a female on the ground where she sat Acacia Pied Barbet by Wayne Jones for a couple of minutes.
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa and Namibia, 20 July - 12 August 2017
    South Africa and Namibia, 20 July - 12 August 2017. VLADIMIR DINETS This trip was an introduction to Africa for my wife and daughter; the latter was two and a half years old at the time and enjoyed it a lot. We had three weeks to kill while a container with our stuff was traveling from New Jersey to our new home in Okinawa. We started from Cape Town, drove east to Hermanus and then north to Oranjemund, flew to Windhoek, briefly explored a few locations up to Etosha, returned to Windhoek and spent one day and two nights in Johannesburg. In 2017, Cape Town area, Namaqualand and Namibia were experiencing a major drought. Full moon was on August 7; that made finding small mammals difficult during the Namibian part of the trip. I had six Sherman traps and caught only twelve rodents of two species (two pygmy mice in the far south and Namaqua rock rats almost everywhere else). Bats seemed absent with few exceptions. I saw almost a hundred species, all but four of which I had seen before (see my 2008 trip report), and removed a few species from my “better view much desired” list. South Africa Simon’s Town is a convenient base for exploring the area; M4 south from it is a good place to look for chacma baboons, while humpback whales are often feeding offshore (we saw one, and heard a few while scuba diving). Watch for South African fur seals, too. Four-striped grass mice (locally called “field mice”) were abundant in wooded parts of penguin colonies.
    [Show full text]