Namibia Facts: What you need to know about Namibia

Namibia is one of the most diverse vacation destinations there is. Here you will not lack anything. A cool down in the Atlantic Ocean, a trip into the desert, a safari or hike through the impressive national parks. But not only that makes Namibia such a special destination, Namibia also has a turbulent history behind it. Today we want to take you on a journey into the past of this impressive country.

The early history of Namibia

At first glance, Namibia's history seems relatively recent. However, there is ample archaeological evidence to show that people inhabited Namibia at least 25,000 years ago. Namibia is a diverse country with hunters, traditional pastoralists, farmers, traders, miners and fishermen belonging to a variety of language and cultural groups.

Probably the oldest inhabitants of the region are the San, or Bushmen, as evidenced by rock paintings and engravings at sites in Damaraland such as Twyfelfontein and the Brandberg. Today, an estimated 35,000 Bushmen live in Namibia, only a few of whom still maintain their historic and traditional way of life. The Bushmen share some linguistic features (such as the clicking sounds) with the Damara and Nama, who settled in the area after them. Herero and Himba are the other distinctive cultures. The Herero wear extravagant Victorian-style dresses, and the semi-nomadic Himba are known for covering themselves with otjize, a mixture of butterfat and ochre, which gives their skin a reddish tint. The Owambo live in and around the northern parts of the country, where agriculture is good and they can fish in the shallow waters.

The emergence of the colony 

In 1486, the first European, Diogo Cao, set foot on Namibian soil and erected a stone cross at Cape Cross. From the time of the first landings in Namibia, the European powers begin to take more and more interest in a long-term possession of what is now Namibia.

Due to the further advance of European settlers from the middle of the 19th century, the Orlam chief at the time called all Namibian peoples together for a peace treaty. This was intended to emphasize the cohesion of the different ethnic groups in the regions and to regulate the way they dealt with the Europeans invading the country. 

Nevertheless, Great Britain finally occupied the area around the seaport of Walvis Bay on March 12, 1878, initiating disputes over colonial rule in southern Africa. 

Then, in April 1884, the colony of German Southwest Africa was born with the official hoisting of the German imperial flag.

The German colonial rule

In 1891, the former tribal center of the Orlam, Windhoek, became the official seat of the German commissariat. Unfortunately, the land seizure took place without regard for traditional tribal boundaries, which led to recurring tensions and disputes. 

Thus began a momentous Herero uprising in 1904 that put the German Empire in a state of war for three years. Towards the end of 1904, the Nama also declared war on the Germans. Because both the Nama and the Herero were in the minority and poorly equipped, approximately 60-70,000 indigenous men, women and children died during the uprising.

When diamonds were discovered near Lüderitz in 1908, this brought an economic boom to all of German Southwest Africa. This resulting wealth did not last long, however, because with the outbreak of World War I, South African troops invaded the country, forcing Germany to surrender.

The South African Mandate

The dream of the indigenous population to regain their land and live without foreign domination was shattered when South Africa became a mandate power in 1920. Thus, the political administration was in the hands of South Africa, which pursued the policy of apartheid. 

It was not until 1966 that the mandate was revoked by the UN, resulting in fierce clashes between South Africa and the Namibian freedom movement SWAPO.

The independence

On March 21, 1990, Namibia finally achieved political independence and with it a democratic constitution. Namibia came to its present name and in November 1989 the first free elections were already held, in which SWAPO achieved 57 percent of all votes. Namibia finally elected its first president, Dr. San Nujoma, who was leader of SWAPO. 

You want to travel to Namibia?

Are you as enthusiastic about Namibia as we are and do you want to discover the country for yourself? Then join us on our next 14 days Namibia round trip. We are looking forward to seeing you!