Off to Namibia…
Two weeks of adventure and exploration await me, along with a large group of eager students. This should be a wonderful opportunity to discuss this land and its many secrets of survival.
Both plants and animals have learnt to adapt to this very old landscape. 100 million years ago the genus Ficus (fig tree) began a mutualistic relationship with the wasp. Each wasp species co-evolved to lays its eggs in a specific tree species. So that today the two really cannot live without each other. One can generally find the large fig tree in the more northerly areas of namibia or in the rocky terrain where bats frequent and water collects.
We’ll be haeding up to Etosha after a couple of days of introductions into the ecology of Namibia. Once in Etosha we’ll explore the various relationships between prey and predator, and plant and herbivore. Of course, we’ll enjoy those remarkable sunsets too. Although, the winter months tend to be rather cold, so no doubt lots of warm drinks will be had.
After Etosha we’ll head south to learn about cheetah conservation and then onto the coastal areas, exploring the geology along the way. Spitzkoppe is just one of a number of remarkable ‘koppies’ which can be found near Swakopmund. These granite intrusions were formed underground many millions of years ago. Slowly the erosive nature on the surface exposed these granite domes, much like how Uluru or Aire’s Rock in Australia was formed.
Finally, we’ll head into areas further south to explore the canyons and incredible moon landscapes of Sesriem. It should prove to be a very interesting trip, and I’m sure I’ll be able to give some feedback when I return.
Until then, please browse through the many other articles!
