Namibia is a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine and a
feeling of unconfined space. With its unspoilt landscapes and large variety of
game, Namibia is one of the larger countries in Africa and draws an increasing
number of visitors from various parts of the globe. A sense of freedom is
generated by the wide horizons, the clear unpolluted skies and a population
density which is among the lowest in the world.
Namibia has three distinct regions. First, the coastal belt consisting of the
Namib Desert. Second, the central highlands characterized by steep terraces, the
region reaching altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 m (Moltkeblick peak reaches
2,484 m). Third, the Kalahari Desert in the east, part of which is on Botswanian
territory. The Namib Desert extends along the Atlantic coast (100 to 160 km
wide). The highest elevation of the country is the Brandberg (2,580 m) located
in this area.
Although it is predominantly a desert, there are regional climatic variations
in Namibia. The most arid climate is found in the centre, where summer daytime
temperatures climb to over 40°C, but can fall to below freezing point at night.
Daytime temperatures on the hilly and semi-arid Central Plateau (including
Windhoek) are generally lower than in the rest of the country. December is the
hottest month all over the country with daily temperatures an average of 30°C.
The rainy season is from October to April. However, the low-lying areas in the
eastern part of the country profit little by it, generally it is much hotter
than on the Central Plateau.