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Springbok is the largest town in the Namaqualand of South Africa’s Northern Cape province. Its name is derived from huge antelope herds that roamed here in the 19th century.
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| Travel Routes in Southern Africa |
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Well known for having some of the best wilderness and wildlife on the African continent, Botswana (Botsuana) has devoted 38 per cent of its land to
national parks, reserves and wildlife areas. The complex of salt pans in Nxai / Makgadikgadi Pan National Park is a striking physical feature covering some 12000 square kilometers and the world's largest intact inland Delta – the Okavango - attracts hundreds of visitors from around the globe.
Situated on the south west coast of Africa, Namibia
has a striking diversity of interesting cultures as well as stark and beautiful landscapes. Predominantly an arid country, Namibia is home to the Namib Desert - reputed to be one of the oldest deserts in the world and the incredible
Etosha National Park - Great White Place of Dry Water - the name given to the pan at the park's centre.
Housing the third highest level of bio-diversity in the world, South Africa is a vast and interesting country which contains an entire floral kingdom. With the Indian Ocean on the east coast and the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast, the scenery ranges from the lush tropical vegetation in the east to dry, barren, semi-desert inland and green coastal regions with a temperate climate in the west. Venture out from the buzzing cities to discover a land brimming with contrasts and splendour.
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| From the Editor |
Samuel Johnson once said "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life". The same can be said of Southern Africa. How can one ever grow tired of exploring exciting countries, each represented by their own national symbols and filled with an abundance of wildlife, diverse scenery and incredible beauty that is sure to astound, even the most seasoned traveller. From rugged mountain terrain and wide open spaces, through desert sand dunes and dry river gorges, to a warm tropical ocean, you will be continually surprised and amazed at the natural beauty that encompasses Africa!
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| Yours in Travel |
| Melissa Mann |
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Coat of Arms of
Botswana |
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Coat of Arms of
Namibia |
Highlight 7
Coat of Arms of
South Africa |
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Adopted on 25 January 1966, the Botswana coat of arms is a shield, supported by two zebras. On the top portion of the shield, three cogwheels represent industry, while the three waves symbolise water, reminding the Nation of Pula - meaning rain and also the local currency. The bull's head denotes cattle herding and the zebras represent wildlife and crop growing. |
The Namibian coat of arms represents Namibia and its people. The National flag is reproduced as the shield whilst the fish eagle has excellent vision and the
Oryx antelopes are renowned for their courage and pride.
Welwitschia Mirabilis, a unique desert plant, is a symbol of fortitude. Unity, Liberty, Justice are the key principles in the constitution. |
A Secretary Bird with uplifted wings is the central image of the South African coat of arms, with a shield in the centre signifying the protection of the nation. The protea represents harmony, the wheat, fertility of the land and the elephant tusks, wisdom and strength. A Khoisan motto - language of the Xam people - means power through unity.
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Highlight 2
National Animal
Botswana |
Highlight 5
National Animal
Namibia |
Highlight 8
National Animal
South Africa |
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Noisy and alert, the national animal of Botswana is the Zebra. They have excellent hearing enabling them to keep alert and be constantly aware of predators.
Impressive annual zebra migrations occur in Botswana, from Chobe through
the Okavango to Nxai and
Makgadikgadi Pans. |
The national animal of the Namibia, the Oryx (gemsbok)
embodies the spirit of the Namibian desert. These
large antelope with striking black and white markings on the face and legs
are able to survive the harsh, dry conditions of the Namib desert and are known for their tenacity and strength. |
A significant national animal of South Africa, the Springbok is an emblem of
the National Rugby union team. Prevalent in the Karoo in the Free State Province and the Kalahari, this beautiful antelope is a lithe animal, able to reach speeds of 90 km/h, bounding up to 4 metres in a single leap.
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Highlight 3
National Bird
Botswana |
Highlight 6
National Bird
Namibia
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Highlight 9
National Bird
South Africa |
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A very colourful, heavy-billed bird, the Lilac-breasted Roller has
brilliant blue wing-feathers and a croaking voice.
Fiercely territorial, they live in a wide variety of dry woodland, but are most abundant in the Okavango region. The name "roller" is derived from its acrobatic, aerial displays. |
Synonymous with the sound of Africa, the African Fish Eagle
is found wherever large bodies of open water occur that have an abundant food supply. White and brown in colour they have strong black wings, hook shaped beaks and powerful talons, strong enough to grasp their slippery aquatic prey. |
The Blue Crane, also known as the Stanley Crane and Paradise Crane is a 100 - 120cm tall, ground-dwelling bird, but is fairly small by the standards of the crane family. It is pale blue-grey in colour with a white crown, a pink bill and long, dark grey wingtip feathers which trail to the ground. |
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