words and photos Dearbhaile Ní Dhubhghaill
In the south-west corner of the African continent sits a little-known gem: Namibia. Often overshadowed by its popular neighbour, South Africa, Namibia’s underrated status offers a distinct advantage – it’s blissfully free from the tourist crowds that inundate Africa’s more famous destinations like the Okavango Delta and the Serengeti. When I set foot in Namibia for the first time in my late teens, I instantly recognised its extraordinary allure; that initial impression has remained with me ever since.
Modern Namibia is a young nation, only gaining independence in 1990, which marked the end of German and British rule and South African protectorate status. Despite this colonial history, Namibia boasts a vibrant tapestry of indigenous cultures, with around eleven major ethnic groups. For instance, the San people, among the world’s oldest cultures, inhabit the Kalahari Desert and still practise ancient hunting and gathering traditions. The Herero, located primarily in central and eastern Namibia, are known for their distinctive attire, including the otjikaiva, a headdress that resembles cattle horns, symbolising the significance of cattle in their culture. The Damara, who mainly reside in the dry north-western region, now thrive amidst abundant wildlife, community conservancies and ecotourism facilities.
Namibia’s environmental diversity mirrors its cultural richness. From the iconic sand dunes and salt pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei to the cascading waterfalls of the Naukluft Mountains, from the verdant landscapes of the Caprivi Strip to the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast that is strewn with shipwrecks, Namibia offers a wealth of experiences for adventurous travellers. Ranked as the second least-densely populated country in the world, it can be explored in complete serenity. Moreover, its minimal light pollution provides unparalleled stargazing opportunities – an enduring experience regardless of how much time I spend there.
The country’s extraordinary landscapes and ecosystems support some of the world’s most unique and endangered species. From the majestic elephants of Damaraland, who have adapted to living with the harsh conditions of the desert, to the elusive desert lion, Namibia’s wildlife holds a rare and precious appeal. In the north-east, the Caprivi Wetlands teem with over six hundred species of birds and an abundance of hippos, zebra and the rare, semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope.
Namibia is also home to the largest population of cheetahs, the world’s fastest land mammal. Elegant, sleek and deadly, the cheetah is one of the most iconic African animals. Despite this, cheetah populations globally face significant threats from climate change, habitat loss and overhunting, both legal and illegal, placing them at high risk of extinction. With approximately a fifth of the world’s remaining 7,500 wild cheetahs residing in Namibia, the country is a critical conservation area for the species. As a wildlife enthusiast, I became intrigued by the conservation efforts aimed at restoring cheetah populations and this is one of the reasons I am always eager to revisit this remarkable country.
Namibia’s conservation ethos, rooted in its colonial history, has evolved to encompass community engagement, sustainable tourism and cutting-edge research. Recognising the importance of conservation for both ecological integrity and socioeconomic development, Namibia has adopted a community-based approach to wildlife management. Conservation tourism, for example, plays a crucial role in generating funds for conservation efforts while providing visitors with unique wildlife experiences.
Lodges and safari operators often collaborate with local communities and conservation organisations to ensure that tourism benefits both people and wildlife. For travellers with a passion for protecting wildlife, Namibia offers many opportunities to witness conservation efforts in action, from safari tours to visiting the country’s wildlife centres where you can learn about ongoing efforts to protect its important biodiversity.
Namibia’s Cheetah Conservation Fund
Situated in the heart of Namibia’s central shrubland, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) Research and Education Field Station was founded by Dr Laurie Marker in 1990, the same year that Namibia gained independence. Over the course of three decades, Dr Marker’s unwavering commitment has propelled the CCF to the forefront of global cheetah conservation.
A cornerstone of the CCF’s efforts is the Livestock Guardian Dog Program, which provides farmers with Anatolian and Kangal Shepherd dogs to protect livestock from predators like cheetahs. This reduces conflict between farmers and wildlife, thus safeguarding the current cheetah population.
Education lies at the core of the CCF’s mission, with innovative programmes targeting local communities and schools, fostering awareness and coexistence between humans and wildlife. Additionally, their genetic research laboratory is instrumental in securing the long-term survival of cheetahs in the wild.
The CCF hosts numerous volunteers, interns and researchers annually, along with day visitors and overnight guests at their Cheetah View Lodge and Babson Guest House in Otjiwarongo. During my recent two-month stay for my Master’s research on cheetah behaviour, I witnessed first-hand the dedication and passion of every individual in the quest to protect these magnificent cats.
Despite the ongoing challenges, organisations in Namibia have implemented innovative conservation efforts to safeguard its cheetah population, as well as other endangered species such as the black rhino and pangolin, the world’s most trafficked animal. Through programmes that promote coexistence between humans and wildlife, local communities are empowered to protect these iconic animals while ensuring the sustainability of Namibians’ way of life.
- ‘Namibia: Africa’s hidden gem of natural beauty and conservation’ is published in Anthology Volume 21. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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