| Did you know? |
| The Quiver tree or Kokerboom has adapted to the extreme environmental conditions by storing water in its trunks and leaves.
|
| Travel Routes in South Africa and Namibia |
|
Providing some of the most awesome scenery, the
ancient trails of the Cederberg take you through pristine mountain fynbos and wonderful rock formations.
Hikers and climbers need to be well-prepared for extreme conditions. It can be fiercely hot in high summer, yet there can also be snow in the South African winter months.
Whatever the weather, you can be sure to experience adventure at its best.
The border crossing, from South Africa into Namibia, at the Ai-Ais / Richtersveld National Park marks the starting point of the Fish River Canyon.
This harsh environment has proven to be a treasure-chest containing the world's richest desert flora. Miniature rock gardens cling precariously to cliff faces while tiny cacti are pinpoints against a backdrop of surreal rock formations.
Succulents are the main vegetation of southern Namibia and the Quiver Tree Forest near the town of Keetmanshoop is a perfect example. The tree only blossoms for the first time after 20 to 30 years and often reaches 300 years of age. The wood is very light and spongy. Branches are easily hollowed out and used by the local San hunters to make quivers for their arrows, giving this tree its name. |
|
|
| From the Editor |
No
trip to Southern Africa is complete without
undertaking the spectacular Cape Town to
Windhoek route. From the stunning mountain
range of South Africa's Cederberg with its
spectacular caves and different colours to
the prehistoric Quiver Tree Forest in Namibia,
one cannot help being in awe of these incredible
landscapes. The
Ai-Ais/Richtersveld National Park filled with an abundance of wild and bird
life is sure to keep one captivated, not
to mention the diverse and interesting
rock formations of the Fish River Canyon.
The people and the scenery of this region
are sure to remain in your memories for many
years.
|
| Yours in Travel |
| Melissa Mann |
|
| |
|
|
Travel Route Highlight 1 |
Travel Route Highlight 2 |
Travel Route Highlight 3 |
|
|
|
| A 100km long mountain range known for its characteristic jagged sandstone, richly coloured by iron oxides to a deep orange, the
majestic Cederberg
captivates one with
curious rock formations and Bushmen (San) rock art.
|
With its
desolate and forbidding landscape,
the
Ai-Ais / Richtersveld National Park incorporates the
lower end of the Fish River Canyon which is reputed to be the second largest canyon in the world.
|
Situated
north-east of Keetmanshoop lies the spectacular Quiver Tree (Kokerboom) Forest. Indigenous to the hot, dry southern part of Namibia, the plants are succulents reaching 9 metres in height.
|
| |
|
|
Wildlife of Africa |
Plants of Africa |
Birds of Africa |
|
|
|
An endangered species, the Mountain Zebra
is boldly striped in black and white and no two individuals look alike. They live in hot, dry, rocky, mountainous habitats.
|
Vast carpets of wild flowers
adorn the Cederberg countryside in floral splendour, with a burst of colour during August and September.
|
A shy and alert bird,
the African Spoonbill is a long legged wading bird.
Found in marshy wetlands they are usually single, but can be seen in pairs or groups. |
| |
|
|
Drinks of Africa |
Foods of Africa |
Culture & Art of Africa |
|
|
|
The only place on earth where Rooibos is found is the Cederberg.
The refreshing tea made from the plant
is said to contain powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals.
|
Naras are endemic plants that grow in Namib sand.
The bush bears an edible fruit, about the size of a melon that is harvested in Namibia's summer for its flesh and pips. |
Dating back as far as 8 000 years, Cederberg rock art commonly records animal scenes. It is thought that particular animals had symbolic religious meanings. |
| |
|
|
|
.Please visit our website on  |
Africa Adventure respects your privacy. We will never share your email address with other companies. Promise. Don't want any more of these? No problem. Simply click here: Unsubscribe or write us on travelnews@africa-adventure.org |
|
|
|
|
