History of Namibia

Namibia came into formal existence as a state only after South Africa relinquished control in 1989. Early in the 20th century Namibia was a German colony. Soon after the First World War it became a League of Nations administered colony. After the Second World War, the United Nations gave the control of the country to South Africa. It was run by an Administrator General appointed by South Africa.

Europeans reached the shores of the country as early as 1485, when a Portuguese sailor Diogo Cao, stopped at the Skeleton Coast briefly. The second sailor who set foot in this part of Africa was the famous Bartholomeu Dias. He stopped at Walvis Bay while on his way to sail around the Cape of Good Hope.

In the pre-colonial history Namibia was home to different tribes. The San tribes or more famously known as the Bushmen were the earliest inhabitants of the country. The Owambo and the Kavango, lived in Northern Namibia and Southern Angola. The Khoisan immigration that happened 2000 years ago brought in the Nama and Damara tribes. The Herero and the Oorlans were the other tribes who settled in Namibia.

The colonization of Namibia started when the Dutch decided to take control of Walvis Bay because they found it good to be used as a deep water harbor. The United Kingdom took control of the Cape and the Walvis Bay in 1793. The country has a rich history and if you want to relive it, you can pack your bags and visit this beautiful country.