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Namibia is a destination that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a land of incredible contrasts, where vast open spaces meet stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and an abundance of wildlife. It's no wonder that travellers from around the world are increasingly choosing Namibia as their preferred travel destination.
Namibia is a country that is home to many natural wonders, from the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the rugged beauty of the Skeleton Coast. It's a place where you can gaze out at the endless horizon and feel the weight of the world lift off your shoulders. The wide-open spaces of Namibia are the perfect antidote to the stress and chaos of modern life.
The country's low population density means that visitors can experience the sense of absolute freedom that comes with being surrounded by wild expanses. Whether you want to explore the vast Namib Desert, go on a safari to see some of Africa's most iconic animals, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, Namibia offers something for everyone.
One of the best things about Namibia is its unique cultural diversity. The country is home to many different ethnic groups,
each with their own customs, traditions, and languages. From the Himba people of the north to the Herero people of the central regions, Namibia offers visitors a chance to experience the rich tapestry of African cultures.
But it's not just the natural beauty and cultural diversity that make Namibia such a special place. The country's warm and welcoming people are one of its greatest assets. Namibians are renowned for their hospitality, and visitors can expect to be treated like family during their stay.
Another reason why Namibia is such a popular destination is its commitment to sustainable tourism. The country is home to a number of eco-friendly lodges and resorts that have been built with the environment in mind. These lodges offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Namibia while also supporting local communities and conservation efforts.
Namibia's commitment to sustainable tourism is also evident in its wildlife conservation efforts. The country is home to a number of endangered species, including black rhinos, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Visitors can take part in conservation activities such as tracking rhinos or monitoring cheetahs, and learn
about the efforts being made to protect these magnificent animals.
Now is the time to rediscover the true wonders of this world and do so in a sustainable way. Travel with purpose. Make sure your visit leaves the country a better off place. Namibia is a destination that offers visitors a truly unique and unforgettable experience. There are many reasons to choose Namibia as your next travel destination. So why not come and explore this incredible country for yourself? You won't be disappointed.
Digu //Naobeb
This is Namibia: Namibia Holiday & Travel is an annual tourism directory with over 170 pages of upto-date information on the country, regions, people, activities and wildlife.
Venture Media is the pioneer of Namibia tourism promotion. We are the leader in spreading the tourism word around the world. We distribute accurate, credible, up-todate and regular tourism-related information on paper, social media, on the internet, and on mobile apps. We have reached hundreds of thousands over three decades.
Be part of our community and let’s share extraordinary Namibian stories that matter together.
Windhoek, Surroundings and Central East
Kavango, Zambezi and Surroundings
Etosha National Park and Owambo
Kaokoland and the Kunene Region
P.O. Box 21593
Windhoek, Namibia
Tel (+264) 81 2857450
E-mail: info@venture.com.na
Editor Elzanne McCulloch
Public Relations and Sales Elzanne McCulloch
Layout & Production Liza de Klerk
Admin and Enquiries Bonn Nortje
Printing John Meinert (Pty) Ltd
Text Contributors Willie Olivier Elzanne McCulloch Le Roux van Schalkwyk
Photographs © The Venture Media Team and various contributors as indicated.
Coastal Strip
Waterberg, Khaudum and Surroundings
Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft Park
Damaraland, Brandberg and Twyfelfontein
Fish River, Coastal and Deep South
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, no liability can be accepted by the publishers for any errors or omissions that may have occurred.
The publication is the exclusive property of the publishers and it is a criminal offence to reproduce any copyright material from it without written permission from the publisher.
The Land of Open Spaces, as Namibia is affectionately known, with its undiscovered landscapes and unspoiled nature, makes for a perfect and widely diverse travel destination. The well-developed road infrastructure, the abundance of scheduled tours and charter companies, and the friendly welcoming people will ensure that your visit to Namibia is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re in search of the perfect romantic breakaway, ultimate adventure or just wish to lose yourself in the wildlife, cultural diversity and mesmerising scenery reflecting Namibia’s untouched beauty, the following information and tips will leave you well equipped to explore even the remotest parts of the country.
• The best time to visit the capital and surroundings is between May and September, when it is cool and dry. In the rainy season from November to March it is hot and somewhat humid, sometimes with heavy rains. December to January is the main school holiday season in Namibia, when much of the population heads to the coast, and some of the smaller shops and restaurants in the interior might be closed.
• If you are visiting southern Namibia and the desert areas surrounding Sossusvlei it is best to avoid the summer months, as temperatures can be extreme. The period between May and September is generally better and more comfortable for visiting, but keep in mind that in winter, especially at night, it can be cold.
• The climate at Lüderitz and the southern coast is hospitable from February to May, but quite cool and misty year-round, and particularly windy in August.
• From October to March is the best time to go to the coastal areas of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Henties Bay, as the weather is pleasant compared to the hot interior. When the dry easterly winds blow, however, it can also be very hot.
• The northern Skeleton Coast has much the same moderate weather, with mist, wind and very little or no rain all year round. For fishing enthusiasts, this area is best visited between November and March.
• In Kaokoland the best time to visit is from May to August, as it is dry and cool. The summer months bring extremely high temperatures and occasionally flash floods, as most rain falls between January and March.
• The best time to visit Etosha is from April to September when the temperatures are tolerably cool, especially at night. This is also the best time for game viewing, as many animals gather at the waterholes to drink. For birdwatching, on the other hand, summer is the best time to visit, as migratory birds flock into the park after the summer rains.
• The summer months are hot and humid in the northern regions of Kavango and Zambezi, but this is also the best time for birdwatching. Rains and seasonal flooding might make it difficult to travel there, as some of the tracks might be inaccessible. It is advisable to check the condition of the roads before embarking on a trip. The months from April to October are the best time to travel to the Zambezi Region for game viewing, as it is much cooler and drier then, with practically no rain.
• April and May are pleasant months in Namibia. This is usually when the last rains of the season fall, the air is fresh and free of dust, and the land is green, vibrant and full of new life.
• During the winter months from June to August the country cools down and nights can become quite cold. As it becomes drier, game migrates to the waterholes and is easier to spot.
• By September and October it warms up again and game viewing in most areas is at its best, although there is often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.
• November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times it might be humid, the sky will fill with clouds, and the first thunderstorms and rains might occur.
Any person intending to operate an accommodation establishment or conduct a regulated business in Namibia is required by law to be registered with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB). Before such registration is granted, the premises and facilities are inspected by a tourism official who recommends whether approval for registration should be granted or not.
Establishments are classified as:
• Backpackers’ hostels
• Bed-and-breakfast establishments
• Campsites
• Camping and caravan parks
• Guest farms and guesthouses
• Hotels and pension hotels
• Lodges (other than tented lodges)
• Rest camps
• Self-catering establishments
• Permanent tented camps and tented lodges
The majority of resorts run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) are situated in state-owned conservation areas, such as national parks. They consist of accommodation ranging from luxury chalets to bungalows, tents, camping and caravan sites.
Major towns have municipal caravan parks or rest camps. Community-based camps and lodges situated in conservancies comply with the concept of ecologicallyoriented tourism, and have a low impact on the environment. Exclusive game lodges offer air-conditioned en-suite facilities, combining four-star luxury with nature and wildlife. Guest farms offer accommodation for visitors wishing to experience the warmth and hospitality of life on a farm or game ranch.
• Respect the customs and traditions of your hosts.
• Support local people and their products by spending your money within the local economy.
• Bargain fairly.
• Don’t insult Namibians by turning them into beggars.
• Try to learn a new local word every day, and be open to friendship.
• Keep the realities of the economy in mind. Even though Namibia is a developing country, the hotels and lodges are graded according to international standards, hence prices will more or less tally with international prices.
• Namibians are very relaxed people, so please be patient with them!
• It is polite to begin conversations with a courteous greeting.
• If you wish to stay in a traditional village, request permission from the headman.
• If you want to draw water from a community well, permission must be sought.
• In a Himba village it is disrespectful to walk between the sacred fire and the kraal (animal enclosure) or the headman’s hut.
• Show respect when approaching a traditional Herero or Himba grave, often indicated by an array of cattle horns.
• Arrive at your destination in the early afternoon to give your children an opportunity to work off their surplus energy.
• Even in the middle of winter it is warm enough to swim in the middle of the day.
• Children too young to take malaria prophylactics should not visit northern Namibia.
• We recommend itineraries that include fewer destinations, with more time to spend on activities.
• If the family is interested in conservation, make sure to include places with an education centre, rehabilitation programme or other conservation activities.
• Visits to Living Museums are enjoyable for children, as guests are invited to join in the dancing and participate in everyday activities.
• Keep in mind that destinations can be quite far from each other and children might become bored or frustrated on the road, so make sure they have enough to keep them busy. It is also advisable to stop frequently to stretch your legs and admire the surroundings.
• Many accommodation facilities cater for children, but not all of them, so it is advisable to establish this when making a booking.
• Depending on the age of the children, adventure activities such as quad-biking, dune-boarding and dolphin-watching can be a lot of fun.
• Make friends with the locals. If you are planning on taking photos of them in their private surroundings, it is always best to have a local guide take you around to converse with them and overcome the barrier of photographer versus subject.
• Always ask before you photograph someone. Not everybody likes to have his or her picture taken, so avoid conflict by asking first.
• Some people will expect payment for having their picture taken. This includes the Himba and Herero people, who still dress traditionally and are thus interesting subjects. They spend considerable time and effort on their appearance and if you ‘steal’ their image without asking their permission and offering payment, it might make them angry and put you at a disadvantage. The best option is to ask them first and agree on a price before taking the photo.
• Young children are often fond of being photographed, but it is always best to ask a guardian or parent first.
• Older people might be more hesitant to have their picture taken. Once again, with friendliness you will achieve more.
• If you take a digital photograph of someone, show it to him or her afterwards. Many people don’t own cameras and are amazed by the possibilities of technology. This gesture will make them warm to you, and might result in you taking a great photograph.
• If possible, try to send a copy of the picture to the person you have photographed. Those living in rural areas will truly appreciate it. But don’t promise to do so and then not deliver. If you are not sure whether you will get round to sending the photo, rather not make the promise.
• Remember that it is illegal to take photos of men and women in uniform, except when they are performing in a public parade, or something similar. Taking a picture of a police officer on duty is therefore out of the question.
• When taking photos at a cultural village, at a cultural performance, or on a pre-arranged photographic tour, it is not necessary to ask permission. To be on the safe side, check with your guide or local companion first.
• When on an organised tour, many photo opportunities are pre-arranged, making it easy for you to just snap away, while leaving the formalities to your guide. Ask your guide about this if you are not sure.
Central Africa Time zone in Namibia (GMT+2)
Malaria is potentially a serious disease that could be fatal if not treated timeously and properly.
• It is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Anopholes mosquito, usually after dark.
• It is prevalent primarily in the north of the country, mainly in summer during the rainy season.
• The risk of malaria can be reduced by using personal protection measures and prophylactics.
If any flu-like symptoms are experienced on the way home, seek immediate medical attention and inform your doctor that you recently visited a malaria-prone area.
2023
• The Namibian dollar (NAD) is fixed to and equals the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also legal tender in Namibia. Please note: the Namibian dollar is not legal tender in South Africa.
• International Visa, Diners Club, American Express and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted, while Speedpoint and ATM facilities assure quick and efficient service.
• Note: Petrol can be bought with internationally accepted debit or credit cards if the service station has point-ofsale devices.
• Value-added tax (VAT) is levied at a rate of 15% on goods and services at the point of sale. Foreign visitors to Namibia can claim VAT on holiday purchases exceeding N$ 250 when they leave Namibia via Hosea Kutako International Airport and at the border posts at Ariamsvlei and Noordoewer www.airports.com.na
• VAT on services rendered or goods consumed cannot be refunded.
• No VAT is payable on exports of goods when sold, consigned or delivered by the seller to the purchaser at an address outside Namibia.
• No customs duties are applicable within the SACU (Southern African Customs Union) countries Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini.
• Firearms must be declared and need a temporary import permit, obtainable on arrival. Only hunting rifles with magazines not exceeding a five-round capacity may be brought into the country. The importation of handguns is prohibited.
• Formalities concerning trophies are handled by the professional hunter concerned, who contacts a forwarding agent to make arrangements for the trophy to be sent to the hunter’s destination.
While all goods and gifts acquired abroad or in a duty-free shop, including goods bought duty-free on an aircraft, are subject to customs duty and VAT when brought into Namibia, travellers may qualify for the following concessions:
• Certain duty-free allowances
• A flat-rate assessment on goods brought into Namibia as accompanied baggage.
Visitors are allowed the following goods duty free:
• 400 cigarettes
• 50 cigars
• 250 grams of cigarette or pipe tobacco
• 2 litres of wine
• 1 litre of spirits or alcoholic beverages
• 50 ml perfume
• 250 ml eau de toilette
• New or used goods to the value of N$ 1 250
The following words are typical local vernacular, influenced by Afrikaans – still largely the lingua franca – and other indigenous languages. Using these words will do much to improve your communication with locals.
aweh – said in excitement. The word has many meanings and uses, including hello, goodbye, and yes
bakkie – a pickup truck
biltong – dried and seasoned meat (like jerky), a popular snack
braai – a barbecue. Braaing – a national pastime that traditionally entails turning the meat with one hand while holding a beer in the other – is taken very seriously
brötchen – a bread roll, offered with different toppings, to be eaten as breakfast, lunch, supper or a snack
dorp – small town
droëwors – dried sausage, a snack often eaten with biltong
efundja – periodic flood in the Owambo regions, northern Namibia
eish! – an interjection expressing resignation
jol – to have fun, to party just now / now-now – meaning anytime within the next 50
years other than right at this moment
kapana – traditionally barbecued meat, usually sold in the townships and at the side of the road
lekker – nice, good, great, tasty, awesome
mémé – respectful form of address for an adult female
iishana – shallow pools and watercourses in the Owambo regions, northern Namibia
pap – traditional maize porridge
plaas – farm
potjie – a three-legged cast-iron pot used for cooking
stews over the fire
robot – a traffic light
shebeen – an informal bar, open 24 hours
sosatie – meat (traditionally lamb) and vegetable pieces on skewers, usually accompanying other meat on a braai
táté – respectful form of address for a male
vetkoek – deep-fried bread dough, often sold with kapana wors – spicy sausage for accompanying meat on a braai yoh – an expression of surprise
Afrikaans
Goeie môre Good morning
Hoe gaan dit? How are you?
Goed dankie Fine, thanks
Asseblief Please
Dankie Thank you
Totsiens Goodbye
Setswana Dumela Hello
O kae? How are you?
Ke a leboga Thank you
Sala sentle Goodbye
Silozi Ma lumele sha! I greet you!
Ni itumezi Thank you
Na lapela Please Mu siale hande Goodbye
Oshiwambo Wa lelepo nawa? Did you sleep well?
Eee! Yes!
Nawa! Well!
Tangi unene Thank you very much
Kalapa nawa Goodbye
Otjiherero Perivi? Are you well?
Nawa Yes, well
Okuhepa Thank you
Kara nawa Goodbye
Kavango Morokeni! Hello!
Na pandura Thank you
Nama/Damara
Matisa? How are you?
Ayo Thank you
Moro Good morning
Gaiseha Goodbye San
Am thai? How are you?
Mem ari gu I am thirsty
Mem tlabe I am hungry
LE ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK
Opening times at border
posts
Fly from Windhoek to Katima Mulilo (Mpacha Airport) for a safari in Chobe National Park or on to the Okavango Delta.
OR Travel from Windhoek to Maun and the Okavango Delta through the Muhembo border post.
OR Link a self-drive safari through the Kalahari in eastern Namibia with a visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa and Botswana.
Fly from Windhoek to Cape Town or Johannesburg on any of the frequent scheduled flights.
OR Link a self-drive safari to southern Namibia with a visit to the Richtersveld in South Africa.
OR Link a self-drive safari through the Kalahari in eastern Namibia with a visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa and Botswana.
Include Victoria Falls in a self-drive safari from Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region through Botswana’s Chobe National Park – a journey of about 220 km.
Visit the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) and see Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Include Livingstone and Mosi-oaTunya (Victoria Falls) in a self-drive safari that visits the Zambezi Region.
Fly from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport to Luanda. OR Include Iona National Park, Angola, in a self-drive itinerary to northern Namibia.
Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA)
FENATA acts as an umbrella organisation for tourism associations in the private sector.
(+264) 61 23 0337, welcome@fenata.org
www.fenata.org
Its members are:
• The Namibian Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA)
• Tour and Safari Association (TASA)
• Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN)
• Namibian Academy for Tourism and Hospitality (NATH)
• B&B Association of Namibia (B&BAN)
• Car Rental Association of Namibia (CARAN)
• Tour Guides Association of Namibia (TAN)
• Namibian Association for Community Based Natural Resources Management Support Organisations (NACSO)
• Association of Namibian Travel Agents (ANTA)
• Tourism Related Enterprises and Business Association (TRENABA)
• Emerging Tourism Enterprises Association (ETEA)
• Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR)
• FNB – Tourism Desk
• Namibian Association for Protected Desert Areas (NAPDA)
Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN)
The Hospitality Association of Namibia has since its inception in 1987 grown from an initial 16 members to a total of close to 400 members. HAN represents the full spectrum of the hospitality industry, from hotels to guest houses, guest farms, lodges, rest camps, restaurants, conference centres and catering services. Over the years, more and more tourism and hospitality-related businesses also joined the Hospitality Association, making HAN a true umbrella body and an important factor in the tourism & hospitality industry of Namibia in general.
(+264) 61 22 2904, info@hannamibia.com
www.hannamibia.com
Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA)
Founded in 1989, TASA is a voluntary private-sector body that acts on behalf of its members, encourages the development of responsible tourism in Namibia, ensures standards and reliability in the Namibian tourism industry and furthers the common interests of Namibian Tour Operators.
(+264) 61 23 8423, info@tasa.na
www.tasa.na
With the people, for the people
Together in H•A•N
H•A•N members
• offer a total of over 10 000 beds and close to 6 000 rooms in Namibia
• enjoy special deals and rates from a number of companies and suppliers
H•A•N offers
• its members representation at all levels, official, commercial and internal
• ongoing information flow and communication via electronic channels
www.hannamibia.com
Foreign nationals must carry a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. A visa is required from all visitors except nationals of countries with which Namibia has the necessary visa abolition agreement.
• No visas are required by bona fide South African passport holders travelling as tourists.
• All other South African citizens, including business people, require visas.
• Business visas are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities.
• Holidaymakers and tourists are welcome to remain in the country for 90 days.
The process for a UNIVISA (a common EU Schengen-style visa) by RETOSA (the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa) in conjunction with the relevant Southern African Development Community (SADC) documentation allowing the free movement of visitors from SADC countries within the SADC Region is still ongoing. www.mha.gov.na, www.retosa.co.za
Visas can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, at Namibian embassies and the NTB office in Cape Town. Please note:
• Immigration officials are authorised to grant duration of stay based on the information provided on the arrival form.
• Tourists are advised to check their passports and documentation to ensure that the visa granted matches the duration of stay intended.
• Tourist visas for visitors from 47 countries can be obtained on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
• Visas can be extended only by applying at a Home Affairs Office, with prescribed fees applying.
• If visitors to Namibia have tourist/holiday visas, they are not allowed to engage in any employment while in the country.
• Visitors wishing to work in the country should apply for an employment permit in their country of residence prior to entry.
• This also applies to study permits.
In Windhoek locals use a 24-hour taxi service, while a daily bus service provides transport to and from work. A scheduled bus service and private operators transport passengers in registered taxis to and from Hosea Kutako International Airport and the capital, while daily shuttle services transport guests between Windhoek and Swakopmund or Walvis Bay. Informal minibuses travel all over the country. A bus service (www.intercape.co.za) runs between major centres in Namibia and connects with Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Upington and other towns and cities in South Africa. This service is also available between Windhoek and Swakopmund/ Walvis Bay and between Windhoek and Oshakati/Oshikango.
Another service connects Windhoek with Katima Mulilo, Oshakati, and Lusaka twice a week and covers the Cape Town route three times weekly. This service is also available between Windhoek and Swakopmund/ Walvis Bay and between Windhoek and Oshakati/Oshikango.
In Windhoek, visitors can make use of the LEFA or YANGO taxi apps, which are available on the Appstore and Google Playstore. These apps work similar to international apps such as UBER but currently still make use of cash payments instead of credit cards. UBER is not available in Namibia.
TransNamib has suspended its Starline Passenger Services between Windhoek and several towns, but there are plans to reintroduce this service. Rovos Rail offers scheduled safaris from South Africa to Namibia. Situated in the Windhoek Railway Station building at the bottom of Bahnhof Street, the TransNamib Railway Museum is a veritable mine of information for railway enthusiasts, as well as for the general public.
Namibia has an excellent road system that extends to just about every popular tourist destination in the country. However, the majority of the roads are gravel, and in the more remote areas they become tracks which require careful driving, and for safety considerations, a second vehicle. These areas are not advisable for the inexperienced driver. Guided tours or organised safaris are recommended instead.
The main choices are:
• Any 2WD with good ground clearance and standard high-profile tyres.
• Any 4WD with suitable high profile tyres.
• A camper van or motor home with suitable tyres as described above.
• 4WD vehicles cost more to hire and run, but have good ground clearance and are normally fitted with tyres that are better suited to Namibian roads.
• 2WD vehicles have less ground clearance and carry less.
• 2WD camping cars come equipped with everything you’ll need.
• 4WD camping cars also come equipped with everything you’ll need, but are more versatile than normal sedans or other two-wheel drive vehicles equipped for camping.
• Motor homes are usually better suited to tarred roads, as they tend to be top-heavy and have poor ground clearance.
NOTE: When you reserve a vehicle with a CARAN member, enquire about the class of vehicle for which you have been given a quotation. CARAN vehicles are classed in five categories, ranging from Class 1 representing the latest vehicles with the lowest mileage available for rent to Class 5 representing the oldest vehicles with the highest mileage available for rent. You will obviously pay more for a Class 1 vehicle than for a similar model Class 5 vehicle.
Your final choice will be a question of where you intend travelling and your budget.
• In Namibia we drive on the left side of the road.
• The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
• It is compulsory to drive with headlights on dim during daytime on any road outside municipal areas.
• You need a valid driving licence and must carry it with you when you are driving. If your driver’s licence is not printed in English, it is advisable to travel with an International Driver’s Licence.
• Make sure you are fully insured
• Make sure the brakes of your vehicle are in good working order.
• Your tyres must have the correct air pressure
• Always carry at least one spare tyre. Take two, if possible.
• Four-by-four vehicles are recommended when travelling through remote areas.
• Carry a well-equipped first-aid kit
• Plan your trip carefully, ensuring that you have enough fuel for the journey Fill your tank at every opportunity available, even though you may not be in immediate need.
• Always carry water when you travel.
• It is advisable to leave your itinerary with your tour operator, hotel or friends, so that in the unlikely event that you might become lost, authorities will be able to find you.
• Make sure you have a current, authoritative map before you leave on your trip. When you leave the official roads marked on your map, there may be no road signs to direct you, and the condition of the roads may be poor.
• Listen carefully to the safety briefing given by your carhire company Ask advice on the condition of the roads in the areas you plan to visit.
• If your car has extra tanks for fuel and water, use them
• Watch out for animals crossing the road or grazing near the roadside.
• Avoid travelling at night. Wildlife is most active at dusk, and the possibility of a collision at this time of day is vastly increased.
• When entering any game park or other area where there are wild animals, read the safety guidelines provided. It is dangerous to leave your vehicle when you are in a wildlife area.
• Destinations are far apart, so take regular breaks.
• Ensure that your trailer is in a good roadworthy condition.
• The tyres fitted to your trailer should match the towing vehicle's in size and should be in good condition, as they will travel the same roads. Having that extra spare for the vehicle may be a lifesaver.
• Tyre pressure should be the same on the trailer and the tow vehicle.
• It is advisable to have a break coupler that may be locked to de-activate the brake system. Excessive and unnecessary stress is placed on a trailer’s breaking system during severe off-road conditions.
• Maintain a manageable and safe travelling speed at all times.
• Pack the trailer to place a positive weight distribution of between 30 kg and 80 kg on the tow ball of the vehicle.
• Due to the erratic nature of Namibia’s rainfall, the rivers in the interior are ephemeral and usually dry.
• Runoff occurs only when the intensity of a rainstorm is high or if it lasts long enough to produce runoff.
• In terms of driving, all dry riverbeds should be considered as hazardous during the rainy season, especially when clouds are visible on the horizon.
• Devastating flash floods can occur especially in the period between late afternoon and early morning. Visitors should therefore never drive in a dry riverbed or camp near the river in the rainy season.
• The keys to successful sand driving are momentum and tyre pressure. Momentum and speed stop the vehicle from becoming mired in the sand, while dropping your tyre pressure creates a bigger tyre ‘footprint’, spreading the vehicle’s weight over a larger area and giving you more grip.
• Remember that fast cornering on soft tyres is highly dangerous, as you can roll the tyre off the rim.
• Don’t forget to re-inflate when you are back on hard ground.
• Never brake hard in soft sand. Your wheels will dig in and you’ll stop faster than you expect. Simply decelerate, as the loss of momentum will halt the vehicle.
• Always stop on a downhill or on the flat.
• Avoid wheel-spin – the vehicle will simply dig into the sand.
• The Namibian landscape is extremely fragile, so please follow only well-defined tracks and roads. In certain areas, such as the gravel plains, a single set of tracks can remain visible for decades. Deviating off existing tracks not only spoils the scenery and enjoyment of others, but also destroys plants and small creatures.
• Respect the culture and traditions of those inhabiting the area through which you are travelling. Disrespect causes resentment and ill feeling towards other tourists.
• Bear in mind that assistance could be days away in the event of an unexpected breakdown. A minimum of two vehicles travelling together is therefore strongly recommended.
• Engage four-wheel drive and manually lock front hubs (if required) before negotiating difficult terrain or steep inclines or declines. Inspect the terrain for obstacles and plan your route accordingly.
• In sandy terrain, deflate the tyre pressure to about 1 kPa (front) and 1.2 kPa (rear). If the vehicle becomes stuck, remember that brute force will not get you out of trouble. If anything, you’ll become bogged down even more. Check whether the vehicle is engaged in four-wheel drive and the front hubs are locked, and clear the sand in front and behind the wheels.
• Other options are to deflate the tyres a little more or jack the vehicle up and place stones or dead branches under the wheels.
Not all gravel roads are the same. Be aware of this and drive accordingly.
Take note of the following before you set out:
• Punctures are common on gravel roads, so carry two spare tyres.
• Do not exceed the prescribed speed limit.
• Observe road traffic signs conscientiously, particularly those indicating a gentle or sharp curve ahead, and reduce your speed accordingly.
• In dusty conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of your vehicle.
• When there is oncoming traffic, reduce speed and keep to the left of the road as far as possible.
• In rainy or wet conditions, beware of slippery roads, sections of the road that have washed away, and running and/or stagnant water at drifts and/or causeways.
• Be on the lookout for animals, domestic and wild, at all times.
• Be constantly on the lookout for the unexpected, such as loose and sandy patches, potholes or a sharp bend in the road.
• Other hazards are dry riverbed crossings and dips in the road. These are often eroded or rocky.
• Be constantly on the alert, as road signs have sometimes been removed or run over.
• Overtaking on gravel roads is dangerous. Draw the attention of the driver in front of you by flicking your headlights, indicating that you wish to overtake.
• The simple rule when going into a skid is: skid left, steer left – skid right, steer right. Gently! Take your foot off the accelerator for a moment as the car is gently brought under control, and stay off the brakes!
• Be careful when you approach the top of a blind rise, as there is often a slight bend just out of sight that could catch you off-guard.
• The major hazards when driving on gravel roads are: driving TOO FAST, not concentrating, or taking a chance by overtaking ‘blind’ into the dust of another vehicle.
Tarmac: 120 km/h | Gravel: 80 km/h
Towns: 60 km/h
Scenic flights and fly-in safaris in Namibia offer the discerning traveller the chance to explore parts of the country that are almost exclusively off-limits from the ground. When flying, the landscape unfurls before you and the breathtaking views make for once-in-a-lifetime photographs. Flying gets you to your destinations in a short period of time. As opposed to driving vast distances on dusty roads, take to the skies instead.
A flight to Namibia’s northwest passes over its dramatic desert landscapes, all along the coast and over famous fishing waters off Swakopmund, Wlotzkasbaken and Henties Bay. See shipwrecks abandoned along the lonesome beaches and the bright orange lichen fields all the way up to the Kunene River. Admire the line where Namibia’s sand dunes and the dark blue waters of the Atlantic coast meet.
From above, the Skeleton Coast becomes completely open to visitors. The area is unlike anywhere else in the country. The isolation and desolation lend themselves to the legendary area’s dramatic name. This is a part of Namibia that up until recently very few people had the opportunity to see, and it continues to be one of the least-visited places in the country.
Further east, moving inland towards the Kaokoland and Kunene River, visitors have the opportunity to land in the heart of the Himba community and pay a visit to one of the last seminomadic cultures in the world. The landscape might even offer a rare sighting of an endangered desert-adapted rhino.
Many Namibian companies offer day trips along Namibia’s coast, setting off from Swakopmund and looping around the area. Other flights are available to lodges from Eros Airport in Windhoek, and between lodges around the country.
FlyNamibia, Namibia’s only private airline, offers regular scheduled return flights from Windhoek to Cape Town. FlyNamibia also offers regular scheduled domestic flights from Windhoek to Ondangwa, Rundu, Oranjemund, Lüderitz and Katima Mulilo.
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) provides and facilitates airport infrastructure, facilities and airport services. The NAC owns and manages eight airports: Hosea Kutako International, Eros, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, Keetmanshoop, Ondangwa, Rundu and Katima Mulilo.
Foreign airlines flying to Windhoek:
• Airlink
• SAA
• Eurowings Discover
• TAAG Angola Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
Travelling through Namibia is like a good red wine, it’s meant to be savoured, not rushed. Time should be taken to enjoy every detail. The more time you have to discover the finer intricacies, the more you will be able to unearth the hidden memorable tones and thus be greatly rewarded by the experience. Keeping this in mind, Namibia is a large country and if the time for your visit is limited don’t try to do too much. You will miss out on the hidden gems. For those first-time visitors this is an itinerary that showcases what Namibia has to offer while still allowing enough time to appreciate your surroundings and relax. It also makes for a great introduction to the country and will allow you to plan future Namibian trips in finer detail.
After a long and tiring flight you will not be too keen to immediately get into your car and drive to your next destination. Take time to explore the capital, Windhoek, with its historical monuments and buildings on foot. Visit the local museums or take a city or township tour to gain some first-hand knowledge about the country and its people, before setting off on your adventure. Taste local cuisine, like Oshiwambo chicken or spicy mopane worms, at Xwama Restaurant – or if you are not so brave, head to Joe’s Beerhouse for their mouth-watering selection of game steaks and more.
Drive north on the B1 to your first stop, Waterberg National Park. Keep an eye out during this three-hour trip, as you’ll be able to spot wildlife on the commercial farms on either side of the road. Towering above the surrounding landscape, Waterberg with its steep sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation on the plateau is the perfect wildlife sanctuary. Stretch your legs and go for a hike to the top to have a bird’s eye view of the landscape, or join a guided tour on the plateau to see some of the rare animals that reside there, i.e. rhino and buffalo.
Etosha National Park is your next destination, reached by continuing north on the B1. History buffs can stop at the small town of Otavi and try to locate the Khorab Memorial where Imperial Germany surrendered to the Union of South Africa in 1915, marking the first permanent victory for the allied forces. Further north, some 20 km northwest of Tsumeb, is Lake Otjikoto. A sinkhole significant not only for its natural mystery, but also for the weapons dumped into the lake by the German Schutztruppe during World War I. A last 80 km trek will take you to the Von Lindequist Gate, the western entrance to Etosha National Park.
Experience wildlife from up close and watch the interaction between species at different waterholes dotted all along the road from Namutoni to Okaukuejo inside the park. The drive will also take you along the vast white salt pan that Etosha is known for. Spend the night next to the world-famous Okaukuejo waterhole where predators like lions and other species such as rhinos like to drink after dark.
Drive through the less frequented western part of the park and notice how the landscape and vegetation changes. Exit through the Galton Gate and drive south towards Kamanjab. From Kamanjab it’s only 100 km to Grootberg. Marvel at the view from the top of the Etendeka Plateau, looking down on the Klip River Valley. This will be one of the best views you’ll have in Namibia. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to track the famous desert-adapted elephants and rhinos.
A short 130 km drive south will take you to Twyfelfontein where one of Africa’s largest concentrations of rock engravings can be found. Interesting geological formations
in this area are the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. Another fascinating site is the Petrified Forest with its 280-million-year-old petrified trunks.
Continuing south, another short drive will take you to Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. Visit the mysterious White Lady rock painting deep in the mountain. Keep your eyes open for desert-adapted elephants which are often seen browsing in the Ugab River just north of Brandberg.
The next leg of the journey, on the D1930, will take you to the Spitzkoppe, a striking group of bare granite peaks that seemingly rise out of nowhere. Take a swim in one of the natural rock pools when doing some exploration of the weathered granite domes. Have your camera and a sundowner drink ready, for when the sun starts dipping on the horizon the light reflected off the granite makes for a magical experience.
After enough time spent inland it is time to travel west on the B2 to visit the coastal town of Swakopmund. This town with its German colonial architecture that dates back more than a century is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Also visit the surroundings and acquire a permit to drive
into Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Welwitschia Drive will take you past fields of Welwitschia, a plant endemic to the Namib Desert that can live up to 2000 years. On this route you will also enjoy great views of the barren and inhospitable Moon Landscape. The more adventurous can go skydiving, quad-biking or sandboarding in the dune belt just south of Swakopmund.
Namibia's port city, Walvis Bay, is 40 km south of Swakopmund. There you’ll find the Walvis Bay lagoon, a Ramsar site and birder’s paradise, with the main attraction being the lesser and greater flamingos foraging in great numbers in the shallow waters. Activities in and around the harbour town include boat cruises, kite surfing, kayaking and 4×4 trips into the dunes. A day trip to Sandwich Harbour, where the Namib dunes run straight into the Atlantic Ocean, is also a wonderful adventure.
Travel deep into the desert on the C14 towards Sossusvlei Be sure to get away early as the gravel road can be busy and in poor condition due to heavy traffic. The route takes you through Namib-Naukluft National Park and up the Kuiseb and Gaub passes – note the sign marking the Tropic of Capricorn – and eventually to the desert oasis of Solitaire, where good coffee and freshly baked apple crumble will fortify you for the last leg of the journey.
Have an early start to visit the much photographed Deadvlei and its neighbour Sossusvlei. Get your heart pumping by climbing one of the big dunes, like Big Daddy or Dune 45. When the heat of the day subsides, take a hike down into Sesriem Canyon and uncover its hidden nooks and crannies. After a long day’s exploring enjoy a desert sundowner with barking geckos as your soundtrack.
Start your day with a sunrise balloon trip over the breathtaking scenery of the Namib Desert. This is a great way to appreciate the vastness of the Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which lies to the west. On landing you will be spoilt with a champagne breakfast in the middle of nowhere. Make sure to thoroughly absorb the freedom and space of the desert before you have to go back to reality.
Heading back home is always the worst part of any holiday, but at least the drive back to Windhoek will take you through some scenic surroundings. After driving up the escarpment which connects the desert with the Khomas Hochland, make time for a pit-stop on top of Spreetshoogte Pass. Take it easy on the last stretch of gravel road to Windhoek and start planning your next Namibian adventure. We do hope you come back for more. To the far northeast the Zambezi Region with its rivers and wonderful wildlife experiences await. And to the far south lie the Fish River Canyon and the beguiling town of Lüderitz, once Namibia's diamond capital, with its famous ghost town, Kolmanskop. There is still so much more to explore!
Experience Timeless Beauty
Vast, contrasting and unpredictable. The top destination for those who enjoy nature, grandiose landscape, spectacular sand dunes, the darkest skies contrasted by the Milky Way and first-class wildlife viewing.
Tailor-Made Tours (guided or self-drive) | Honeymoon Getaways | Travel with Disability | Fly-Ins
Tel: +264 (61) 221 193 | swasaf@swasafaris.com www.swasafaris.com | www.swasafaris.de
Scheduled Guided Tours / Fly-in Safaris: A scheduled approach, without compromising on a uniquely personal experience
Private Guided Tours: An expertly planned itinerary to explore our country
Special Interest: For travellers looking for a more focused itinerary centered around a unique passion or interest
Mobile Camping: A comfortable tented camp set up with a touch of adventure, where guests spend their evenings around a camp re under the stars
Adventure Travel: A Namibian experience off the beaten track, offering guests insight into little known tour and safari highlights
Our Fleet: We own and operate our eet of vehicles designed and custom-built to suit the Namibian road conditions
Business-to-Business (B2B) solution: Real-time availability and rates for accommodation and tourism products
Self-Drive Travel: On the road to discovering Namibia’s many secrets. We will accommodate your requirements.
Accommodation & Car Rental: From luxurious, comfortable or budget-conscious, we have what you are looking for
Linger Longer: Stay for 3 nights, pay for 2
This is your dream holiday come true: the expansive space you’ve been craving, spectacular views and stunning wildlife, warm hospitality and exquisite accommodation. These words could describe a multitude of lodges and campsites in Namibia, so why, when you are presented with so much choice, should you choose to stay at a conservancy joint venture property?
The answers are rooted in a commitment to conservation, communities and the future, where despite low season blues, community members can count on the conservancy joint venture partnerships for benefits and Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) can count on concession fees from these private sector partners that help to protect some of the most vulnerable wildlife and spectacular places on the planet.
Namibia’s communal conservancies encompass over 20% of the country’s land, from the rivers of the Zambezi Region to the mountains of the Kunene Region, from the baobab-studded forests of the east to the deserts in the south. One in four rural Namibians is a resident of a communal conservancy, where community members have the rights and responsibilities to use their natural resources sustainably, including the bold choice to live with wildlife.
Decades of hard work and dedication by conservancy members have led to incredible results: the expansion of wildlife range and numbers, preservation of unique cultures, and the opportunity to partner with world-class tourism establishments to offer authentic travel experiences where your stay contributes directly to conservation and community development.
These tourism partnerships are called joint ventures. They are contractual agreements between communities who have the tourism rights to an area and private sector tourism operators who provide funding and expertise. But the commitment goes much deeper than a contract or a cheque. Joint venture partnerships change lives.
In remote areas in Namibia, where economic development is limited and the principal commodities are space, spectacular landscapes and stunning wildlife, rural communities and their joint venture partners have created conservation-based economies. Private sector joint venture tourism partners invest in developing stunning lodges and camps and then providing training, employment and opportunities to community members. In turn, communities have a vested interest in providing the best possible experience to guests, thus building the value of this shared asset and protecting the landscape and wildlife that attracts the world’s most discerning guests.
Support to conservancies from joint venture partners goes beyond the lodge and its activities to include support for education, nutrition and health care, cultural heritage and community-backed conservation initiatives.
Joint venture partners also support anti-poaching units that monitor and protect rare and endangered species often in unfenced wilderness areas, which has provided space for expansion in range and numbers of wildlife populations. Joint venture partners also pro-actively and reactively respond to human-wildlife conflict. The symbiotic nature of these partnerships has created trust, care and concern that has been strengthened over time, so when communities lose valuable livestock or are fearful of potentially dangerous animals, joint venture partners respond, because they have a first-hand understanding of these difficulties. They also share the communities’ sense of pride in working through these challenges and protecting wildlife for future generations.
Many conservancy joint ventures are located next to or inside protected areas or national parks, such as Bwabwata, Etendeka, Etosha, Hobatere, Nkasa Rupara, Palmwag, and the Skeleton Coast. Guests get a chance to experience these stunning areas with local guides, while rural communities receive benefits, and joint venture partners pay concession fees to the MEFT that have proven vital to the long-term conservation of these natural treasures.
For you, the traveller, joint venture properties provide experiences of a lifetime. Joint venture tourism is as varied as the landscape and the people of Namibia. Enjoy world-class hospitality and lodges, go tracking and learn the signs of the wild, dance to traditional music, visit a Living Museum, watch as traditional arts and crafts are being made, and listen to stories told around the fire.
This is authentic tourism, where partnerships matter, benefits last, and where you come away knowing that your holiday made a difference to communities, conservation and the future. You will be rewarded with fresh insights into worlds you could never imagine, and more lives will be changed, including your own.
Look for the community conservation logo in Namibia Holiday and Travel and visit our website at www.conservationtourism.com.na for more information.
• 56 joint-venture lodges
• 21 joint-venture and community campsites
• 12 Living Museums, craft and indigenous product development enterprises
• Over 1,300 full and part-time employees at jv lodges, enterprises and campsites
• Over 1,500 craft producers and harvesters
• Largest free-roaming population of critically endangered black rhino left in the world
• Growing populations of elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe, and other wildlife species, including more than 10,000 animals of 15 different game species that have been translocated out of national parks into communal lands to boost populations there
The interesting and diverse cultures of the people of Namibia – their customs, traditions, languages and beliefs – have fascinated visitors for decades. Namibia’s richness in cultural and natural heritage is the basis for the development of cultural tourism.
1 A variety of accommodation options are available at the Nakambale Museum in the village of Olukonda, 14 km southwest of Ondangwa.
2 The Omauni Community Campsite is located at the Centre for Sustainable Forest Management, east of Okongo.
3 The Ombalantu Baobab Tree Campsite is situated on community land behind the brightly-painted open market in Outapi. It is a heritage site with a large baobab tree at the centre of the campsite.
4 Hippo Pools Campsite, 12 km west of Ruacana, has shady campsites situated under leadwood and mopane trees, with superb views over the Kunene River.
5 Nestled between the huge boulders in the magnificent mountain world of the Spitzkoppe is the Spitzkoppe Rest Camp.
6 Ozohere Campsite is located between and around huge boulders under shady trees, on the banks of the Ugab River between Khorixas and Uis.
*Many of the campsites mentioned are often difficult to get in touch with and information regarding them may vary through the course of the year.
7 Kambahoka Restcamp can be found next to the Aminuis Saltpan, 180 km southeast of Gobabis.
8 For an excellent and educational San experience in the extreme east of Namibia, visit Sãa Ta Ko close to the Botswana border.
9 Boiteko Campsite, positioned at the top of the hill on the Epukiro Roman Catholic Mission Grounds, is part of the Tswana village, Metsweding.
10
10 For those travelling to Bushmanland and the Tsumkwe area via Gam, Kaumbangere Restcamp, located 5 km south of Otjinene, makes for a good stopover.
11 Southeast of Tsumkwe is the Djokhoe Camspite
12 Further east is the Makuri Camspite, situated in an area hosting with several pans that attract birds and wildlife.
13 The Living Museum of the Ju/’Hoansi San provides an opportunity to view and learn about this subgroup of the San.
Apart from the usual gear – tents, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, food, emergency supplies and a first aid kit – consider packing the following to make your adventure more enjoyable:
• Binoculars for catching sight of free-roaming game.
• Toilet paper – handy in all sorts of emergencies.
• Hand sanitiser, as it can be difficult to find clean water or facilities in some places.
• Items for campsite fun, such as balls, kites, frisbees etc., especially when travelling with children.
• Insect repellent for those buzzing and flying annoyances.
• Books and magazines for when relaxing under a tree.
• Water, water, water – rather too much than too little. Remember, Namibia is a desert country.
• Rope, which can be used to pull your car out of thick sand or even as an emergency washing line.
• Sunscreen – with Namibia’s bountiful sunshine, it’s always a good move to cover your sensitive areas with a protective layer of UVA + UVB cream (at least factor 30).
• Locks and protective covering for your valuables. Holiday stories are just not the same when the camera disappears halfway down the line.
Also keep in mind:
• Firewood should always be purchased in a prepacked form, not collected from the veld.
• Take along a small hatchet, firelighters and matches, two powerful torches and plenty of spare batteries.
• Vehicle spares should include a spare wheel (preferably two), air compressor or pump, tyre gauge, battery leads, towrope, shovel and basic toolkit.
• After use, toilet paper should be burnt if there is no risk of causing a veld fire otherwise buried to prevent it from blowing away and spoiling the surroundings.
14 Mbamba Campsite has reed-lined lapas situated on the banks of the Shamangwe tributary to the Okavango River.
15 White Sands - N//goabaca Campsite is situated next to Popa Falls, a series of rapids in the Okavango River.
16 Chobe Community Campsite is owned and managed by the local conservancy and receives management support from the nearby lodge Chobe Camp.
17 Situated in Bwabwata National Park is the Nambwa Campsite on the banks of the Kwando River.
18 Salambala Campsite can be found in mopane woodland next to a small pan and waterhole.
19 Mafwe Campsite, another community campsite managed by the Living Culture Foundation, overlooks the Kwando River.
20 Treesleeper Camp is surrounded by tamboti, leadwood and buffalo-thorn woodland, with wooden decks built into the trees for optimal viewing.
21 Near Nkasa Rupara National Park is the Wuparo Campsite, each site with its own reed and thatch ablution facility.
22 Camp at Bruckaros near Berseba in beautiful mountain surroundings. The facilities are basic, so be self-sufficient.
23 Garies Restcamp provides a glimpse of Baster hospitality in an otherwise undeveloped area.
24 Situated in a scenic rocky mountain area, the sites at Snyfontein Camp overlook an attractive section of the Fish River.
25 ≠Nudi Campsite is set amongst quiver trees and dolerite rock formations in the !Knob !Naub Conservancy.
26 Situated northeast of Tses is Ganigobes Campsite, a basic facility with views over a riverbed.
27 Goamus Campsite is surrounded by the striking mountain landscape of Gibeon, a historical area where the Nama fought against and hid from the Germans in colonial times.
28 Located in Maltahöhe, //Hai-Sores Campsite comprises six sites and several demonstration Nama huts.
29 Hoachanas Campsite, 53 km from Kalkrand, is situated in the Hoachanas settlement, a historically important location for the Nama people.
30 The Aba-Huab Campsite is a busy, bustling campsite located 9 km from the Twyfelfontein rock engravings.
31 Doro !Nawas Granietkop Campsite, 20 km southeast of Twyfelfontein, offers exclusive, private sites in alcoves created by granite boulders.
32 Situated near the town of Kamanjab, Hoada Campsite is surrounded by golden-yellow grass and mopane trees, boulders and birdsong.
33 Perched on a hill in the midst of mountains overlooking a dry river course, is the Khowarib Campsite
34 The Figtree Campsite, situated close to the Sesfontein Conservancy office, consists of four large sites in a grove of ancient sycamore fig trees surrounding one of the six Sesfontein springs.
35 Fonteine Community Restcamp can be found in the Twyfelfontein area of Damaraland. It offers campsites to travellers passing through.
36 Puros Campsite is positioned on the banks of the Hoarusib River, stamping ground of Namibia’s desertadapted elephants, which often wander through the campsite.
37 Providing affordable self-catering accommodation in the area is Puros Bush Lodge, with Himba settlements close by.
38 Situated on the Khumib riverbank, the Marble Campsite is an attractive and well-equipped facility that represents a veritable oasis in the rugged surroundings.
39 The Okarohombo Community Campsite is shaded by giant ana trees in the remote Marienfluss Valley along the Kunene River, with the mountains of Angola looming on the other side.
40 At the Epupa Falls Campsite, spread out among waving makalani palms, water rushes toward the falls and fine mist hovers in the air.
41 The Van Zyl’s Pass Campsite is only for those who are extremely well prepared for negotiating difficult and rough terrain to get there.
The strip of coastal dunes between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is the perfect playground for a variety of adrenalinepumping adventures.
Quad biking is the most popular activity in the dunes and guided trips of varying duration are offered. Racing up a dune at full throttle to get to the crest without getting bogged down is a thrilling experience.
If you are relatively fit and know how to handle a bicycle, you can opt for
something more physical but also more eco-friendly. Pedalling up and down the dunes on a fat bike is a thrilling experience and you will enjoy breathtaking views of Swakopmund, the Swakop River and the dunes. Guided trips last about two hours. Riding along the beach at low tide is another option and physically less demanding than longer fat bike trips along the coast to Sandwich Harbour.
The many different slip faces of the dune belt create ideal conditions for yet another popular dune adventure – sandboarding. If you don’t mind getting down and dirty there are two options: lying down or stand-up. Lying down is a simple process and the only requirements are nerves and enough energy to get back up to the dune crests. You lie down on a piece of hard board, lift your legs, arms and the front of the board and off you go on a high speed thrill as you accelerate down the dune slope at a speed of up to 60km/h. No experience is needed for stand-up boarding which is somehow similar to snowboarding, but you need to have
a good sense of balance. Although speeds for stand-up boarding are slightly slower than lying-down boarding because of the soft sand, it is nevertheless an exhilarating experience. Several coastal operators have the gear and know where the best slopes are.
The fresh southwesterly winds blowing off the coast and the dunes south of Swakopmund provide the ideal conditions and a perfect launching site for paragliding. Once you’ve mastered the techniques you will enjoy stunning views of the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean as you glide effortlessly through the air like a bird.
At first glance, the dune belt looks devoid of any life, but it is home to a fascinating variety of small creatures that are adapted to survive in this seemingly hostile environment. On a Living Desert trip you will learn more about the “Little Five of the Namib Desert.” In addition to the stunning scenery you will also get a fascinating insight into the survival of these creatures.
The Namib Dunes - the perfect playground for a variety of adrenalinepumping adventures.
Ideal atmospheric conditions over much of Namibia offer opportunities for a variety of air adventures.
Drifting silently over the Namib in a hot-air balloon is an experience that is not easily forgotten. As you float gently up, you will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the desert plains, dunes and inselbergs. Preparations for the flight begin before sunrise and the flight takes off around sunrise when there is normally little wind. Namib Sky Balloon Safaris, the company which pioneered balloon safaris in Namibia in 1991, operates from its launch site south of Sesriem. After riding the winds for about an hour it’s unfortunately time to return to Mother Earth where you are spoiled with a scrumptious sparkling wine breakfast. Hot Air Ballooning, based at Swakopmund, operates flights behind the dune belt throughout the year, while Samawati operates flights over the Tsondab Vlei area from its base near Solitaire. All balloon flights are subject to weather conditions.
Bitterwasser, north of Mariental, has an international reputation for
gliding and several world records have been set there. Situated at an altitude of 1,250 m, the area has excellent thermals, a climbing rate of 3 m to 7 m per second, sunny skies and visibility of up to 200 km. Between October and January each year, Bitterwasser becomes a hive of activity as an international array of gliding pilots gather there. Five flights of over 1 300 km and 210 flights of over 1 000 km have been recorded, while a total of 590 000 km has been
flown since records have been kept. Numerous international records have been set at Bitterwasser. There are gliding opportunities on private farms, but these are normally used by associations that book in advance.
Plummeting at a speed of up to 200 km/h towards earth during a 35 second tandem parachute jump is the ultimate adrenaline rush for some adventure seekers. Once the parachute opens you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Namib dunes, Swakopmund and the ocean as you drift down to the landing zone. Ground Rush Adventures offers the highest tandem jump in Africa (15 000 feet), as well as jumps from 12 000 feet and a standard jump. After completing a six-hour course you can also do a 3 000 feet static line jump.
Several companies at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offer scenic flights along the coast. Day excursions are also offered further afield to attractions such as Sossusvlei, the Fish River Canyon, Damaraland and even as far north as the Kunene River.
Drift silently over the Namib in a hot-air balloon
- an unforgettable experience.
The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia ranks as one of Southern Africa’s top trails. The 85-km hike is usually completed in four or five days, but it is no walk in the park. Following the course of the Fish River, the terrain varies from deep, loose sand and stretches of boulders that have to be negotiated to seemingly endless tracts of round river stones. There are no set overnight stops and no facilities along the trail which ends at Ai-Ais Resort.
The Naukluft Hiking Trail meanders through spectacular mountain scenery. It is a tough trail that should only be attempted by fit hikers. The trail offers a choice of two four-day routes or an eight-day route. The circular four-day route from the Naukluft office covers 63 km, while the linear four-day route ending at Tsams Ost is 58 km. The full route covers 120 km. Basic overnight facilities are provided on the trail.
Two-day hikes are also offered: the Olive Trail which covers 10 km, while the 17 km Waterkloof Trail is more demanding and should not be attempted if you are not fit.
Düsternbrook Safari Guest Farm is the starting point of the Khomas Hochland Hiking Trail which meanders over the farm and adjoining farms. Two circular options are available: a 54 km trail over four days, or a 90 km route over six days. Düsternbrook also offers a twoday overnight trail. For overnight visitors at Düsternbrook Guest Farm routes range from one to six hours.
Experience the untouched beauty of Kaokoveld's wilderness on foot with the Etendeka Overnight Walking Trail. This unique offering from the Etendeka Lodge Company takes you through the northwest's remote landscape, where you can marvel at ancient rock formations, desertadapted plants and wildlife. Sleep under the stars and enjoy the rustic
campsites while immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the area.
Farm Windhoek, on the city’s southern outskirts, has a network of 70 km of trails along jeep tracks and tracks of varying lengths and gradients.
At Daan Viljoen Game Park outside Windhoek visitors have a choice of two walks. The 3 km Wag-‘n-Bietjie Trail is an easy ramble, while the 9 km Rooibos Trail is a more strenuous circular route.
The Dassie Trails on Namibgrens Guest Farm follow two circular routes of 45 km with shorter options.
The Rock Sculpture Trail near Bloedkoppie in the Namib section of the Namib-Naukluft Park meanders through a natural open-air rock sculpture gallery. It takes about three hours to complete the walk.
At Klein Aus Vista near Aus in southern Namibia, visitors have a choice of 6 self-guided trails. Routes range from an easy to moderate 4.1 km to a 20 km hike graded as intermediate to advanced, depending on your level of fitness.
For outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature.LE ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK LE ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK LE ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK
Camels are synonymous with deserts, and with its vast areas of desert it is not surprising that camels were extensively used in Namibia by the colonial military and the police to patrol remote areas a century ago. But with the advent of the motor vehicle they soon lost their utility. Fortunately, though, visitors to Swakopmund can undertake a leisurely trip in an unusual way to
experience the desert from the back of a dromedary camel which can reach a height of up to two metres. Once you get used to the camel’s rather awkward way of getting up and its rocking gait you will have a grand view of your surroundings.
The Swakopmund Camel Farm in the Swakop River valley has been conducting short camel rides since 1982. Rides are conducted daily between 14h00 and 17h00 in the afternoon, except Sunday and public holidays. Desert Explorers in Swakopmund’s camel rides take riders through the Swakop River and into the dunes. Trips are conducted daily and last around 30 minutes.
Sitting astride a horse provides a totally different perspective of your surroundings and few experiences are as exhilarating as galloping at full speed over seemingly endless plains. Several Namibian companies offer short rides for beginners, intermediate and experienced riders, as well as extended horse safaris for experienced riders. Equitrails Namibia conducts a wide variety of trails for beginner, intermediate
and experienced riders in the Eros Mountains, just 15 km north of Windhoek. Trails range from hour-long and full day rides to one or two-day excursion rides with accommodation at a lodge. At Swakopmund, Okakambe Riding Centre offers short rides of one to three hours in the Swakop River Valley and the canyons of the Little Moon Landscape for beginners and experienced riders. Excursions range from one to three hours, while overnight rides are also conducted. Early morning and late afternoon rides are conducted from the Desert Homestead Lodge, 30 km south of Sesriem.
The Namibia Horse Safari Company offers four safaris for experienced riders in some of the most scenic parts of the country. Areas covered are the Namib Desert, Damaraland and the desert canyons of southern Namibia. The Wild Horse Safari in southern Namibia takes riders over the sand sea and the Namib plains and also includes seeing the wild horses of the Namib Desert. Eight of the ten nights on the trails are spent camping in the open. The packages are fully inclusive.
Sitting astride a mighty steed for a new perspective on nature and an exhilarating experience.ELZANNE MCCULLOCH
With its wide open spaces, spectacular scenery, meandering single tracks and miles and miles of gravel roads with hardly any traffic, Namibia is an ideal destination for mountain biking. The rugged terrain lends itself to a variety of extreme and physical events that draw competitors from around the world.
The gruelling Nedbank Desert Dash, the world’s longest single stage mountain bike race, is held annually in December. It takes riders from Windhoek across the undulating Khomas Hochland and the plains of the Namib to Swakopmund over a distance of more than 360 km with a 24-hour cut-off time. The race attracts over a thousand cyclists, including large numbers of international participants, competing in different categories: solo, two-person teams, four-person teams and tandem cycles.
Mountain biking events are held throughout the year in various parts of the country. Popular events include the Klein-Aus Vista MTB Challenge which is held in February near Aus every second year (even-numbered years). Cyclists can enter for the 132
km race or a 66 km race. The FNB Otjihavera Experience, a 3-day race held at Midgard Lodge, covers 132 km.
Farm Windhoek, on the southern outskirts of the city, has a 70-km network of jeep tracks and single tracks with different gradients and degrees of difficulty. It hosts several mountain bike events throughout the year.
Windhoek hosts a number of very popular mountain biking and road race events that draw in excess of a 1 000 competitors. The Nedbank Cycle Challenge which was launched in 1986 features road races as well as mountain biking races over varying distances. It usually takes place in February. The Namibian Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Classic takes place in October. Cyclists can enter for different distances in the road race as well as the mountain bike race.
The RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos is a transformative cycling safari through Namibia's rugged Damaraland. The tour raises funds and awareness for Save the Rhino Trust and Children in the Wilderness, uniting riders and local communities
in the fight against poaching to safeguard the region's black rhino population.
Lodges throughout Namibia offer mountain-bike trails. Some also offer short scenic drives and have convenient e-bikes and fat bikes with wide tyres with which to explore desert landscapes. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Erongo Region in Namibia at your own pace with mountain biking trails at Ai Aiba. Suitable for riders of all skill levels, these scenic trails offer an enjoyable and freeflowing experience.
Wide open spaces, spectacular scenery, challenging technical routes and epic quests - a mountain biker's paradise.ELZANNE MCCULLOCH LE ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK ELZANNE MCCULLOCH
Namibia offers numerous opportunities to explore offthe-beaten track destinations – either self-guided or guided. Large tracts of the country are sparsely inhabited and the scenery ranges from the wilderness of Kaokoland to the seemingly endless sand sea of the Namib Desert.
Damaraland and Kaokoland are popular with self-drive 4x4 enthusiasts, while Bushmanland and Khaudum National Park and the northeastern parks (Bwabwata, Mamili and Nkasa Rupara) also offer exciting possibilities. You need to be well-prepared and completely selfsufficient in respect of all your food and equipment, as well as fuel. Due to the remoteness of these areas it is advisable to travel with at least one other vehicle.
Day and overnight 4x4 routes can be explored from Henties Bay to destinations such as the Doros and Messum craters, Brandberg and the ‘Dead Sea’ at the old Strathmore Mine. A satellite map and booklets with GPS coordinates can be obtained from the Henties Bay Tourism Office.
A permit, issued by the Henties Bay Tourism Office, is required as the trails are either in or traverse the Dorob National Park.
tide and requires a permit, obtainable from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in Walvis Bay or Swakopmund. One can also obtain a permit to drive in the off-road vehicle zones in the dune belt between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Several companies offer day trips from Walvis Bay to Sandwich Harbour in their own vehicles. These include West Coast 4x4, Turnstone Tours, Sandwich Harbour 4x4, Unique Tours and Dolphin Tours. Contact any tour operator at the coast. You can also do this as a self-drive trip, but bear in mind that it can only be done at low
Guided tours through various parts of the sand sea are offered to destinations in what was known as Diamond Area No 2 before it was incorporated into the NamibNaukluft Park. Trips are conducted to Saddle Hill (3 or 4 days), between Lüderitz and Walvis Bay (6 days) and other remote spots along the coast. These tours will not only test your driving skills to the limit, but also your nerves as you use your own vehicle. The section of the Skeleton Coast from just north of Terrace Bay to the Kunene River mouth can also only be explored by joining a guided tour in your own vehicle.
Operators who offer these must have a legal concession from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to conduct these tours and only a certain number of trips are allowed every year.
Off-the-beaten track destinations and epic journeys across this wild land.ELZANNE MCCULLOCH
The Number 1 attraction of the Namibian coast is undoubtedly its reputation for excellent rock and surf angling, shark and skiboat angling. Galjoen tops the list of sought-after species, while kob (kabeljou), West Coast steenbras and blacktail are also popular species. Late summer is generally the most rewarding time for angling.
Snoek and yellowtail are the most common species targeted by ski-boat anglers. White stumpnose, geelbek and elf (also known as shad) are other species to be caught. November to March are usually the most abundant months. The coast also offers excellent shark angling opportunities from mid-December to mid-June. The bronzy, or copper shark, is renowned for its fighting spirit. Weighing up to 180kg, it is the main target of shark anglers. Cow shark, spotted gully shark and the hound shark are other species caught. Most shark angling operators support catch and release.
The Zambezi and Okavango rivers in northeastern Namibia are home to no fewer than 76 fish species,
including several fine angling species. Heading the list is the rapacious tiger fish, while bream, three-spot tilapia, nembwe and pink happy also rank high on the catch list.
Hardap Dam north of Mariental, Von Bach Dam near Okahandja and Naute Dam west of Keetmanshoop are popular dams with freshwater angling enthusiasts. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellowfish, carp, Mozambique tilapia and barbel are the most commonly caught species. Tour operators can put visitors in touch with clubs and expert fishermen.
The fresh southwesterly winds along the coast create the ideal conditions for kite surfing and windsurfing The Walvis Bay Lagoon and the jetty area in Swakopmund are popular, but it is the perfect conditions at Lüderitz that attract kite surfers and windsurfers from around the world to this southern coastal town where the world-speed record for kite surfing is challenged annually in November. The discovery of the best left-breaks and one of the longest tube rides in the world at
Donkey Bay off Pelican Point in 2008 put Namibia on the world surfing map. It is renowned for its barrels that can be surfed for close to a kilometre and the incredible speed of the waves. In Swakopmund, north of the Mole is a popular surf spot and further north along the coast, at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, there are also good leftbreaks when the swell is good.
The Orange River has been a popular destination for canoeing trips which are offered by several companies. Trips lasting between four and six days start a few kilometres downstream of Noordoewer and end at Aussenkehr or continue some 20 km further. A sea kayak is without doubt the best way to explore the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Kayaking on the lagoon you will get real closeup views of Cape fur seals as they play around the kayak and you might also see Heaviside’s dolphins. No experience is required as the kayaks are very stable. Cruises from the Walvis Bay Waterfront also provide ample opportunity for close-ups of seals, dolphins, sea birds and if you are lucky whales.
Namibia’s cuisine is an eclectic mix of customs derived from Germany, South Africa and of course Namibian traditions and ingredients. At lodges, hotels, restaurants and eateries that cater for foreign tourists, visitors will be familiar with most of what is on the menus.
Since livestock are reared entirely on natural grazing, Namibian meat is free of artificial stimulants and of a high quality. It’s not an exaggeration to say, “Namibia is meat country,” with a choice between free-ranging game and succulent beef, especially steak.
Gemsbok, also known as oryx, springbok and kudu are served smoked, as carpaccio, pâté, steaks or in casseroles. Zebra, eland and warthog feature less frequently on menus.
Seafood is a speciality in the coastal towns of Lüderitz, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay. Oysters and black mussels are popular starters, while rock lobster from Lüderitz and calamari feature on some menus. Cob, also known as kabeljou, has a firm texture and heads the list of line fish. Other fish dishes include steenbras, kingklip, hake and sole.
Namibian delicacies such as omajova and Kalahari truffels are seasonally available. Omajova is the Otjiherero name
for a large edible mushroom which grows at the base of termite hills in the central parts of the country shortly after the first summer rains. Sautéed in butter it is an excellent accompaniment to steak. The Kalahari truffle, a fungus known as the !Naba by the Nama people, grows in the Kalahari sands after rains. They can be cooked whole, sliced and fried in butter, or used in a delicious soup.
The German culinary tradition is still strongly represented in Namibia. Typical German dishes include eisbein (smoked pork shank), rouladen (beef roll) and kassler (salted and smoked pork chops) usually served with sauerkraut (sour cabbage). Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), rotkohl (red cabbage), bratkartoffeln (pan-fried potatoes) and spätzle (egg noodles) are popular side dishes. Some restaurants serve a traditional German Tagesessen (a dish of the day) at lunchtime.
Then there’s the almost endless variety of German-style cold meats, hams, sausages, salami and snacks produced locally by Hartlief and Windhoek Schlachterei to the highest standards. Raith Gourmet also makes a wide variety of meat products. Typical German products include Leberwurst (a liver spread), Bratwurst made from pork or veal, Bierwurst, a Bavarian-style pork, beef and game, which does not contain any beer despite its name. Jagdwurst, or hunter’s sausage, is made from pork and beef, to mention but a few.
The German baking tradition is also still alive and well in Windhoek and many small towns. Brötchen (the German equivalent of bread rolls, but more crusty) with a variety of fillings are popular as a breakfast or lunch snack. Brötchen with filling are known as belegte Brötchen and may come with the typical German Rohhack – raw mince, salt, black pepper, onion and gherkins.
The Willi Probst Bakery, Boulevard Café and Restaurant, which has been a landmark in Walvis Bay since it opened its doors in August 1957, offers what is undoubtedly the largest selection of Brötchen with a choice of more than 50 fillings.
There’s also a wide choice of German Brot (bread) made from top quality whole rye grain. Three different types of grain are used in Dreikorn, while Katenbrot is made from a mixture of wheat and rye flower with added sunflower seeds. Pumpernickel is a very dark, course wholemeal bread with a strong flavour. Bauernbrot (farmer’s bread) has a slightly sourish flavour.
For those with a sweet tooth there’s a wide selection of mouth-watering cakes and pastries. Indulge in a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake – a chocolate sponge cake with a cherry filling) or Sachertorte (Austrian chocolate cake). Or tuck into Apfelstrudel (pastry wrapped around sliced apple filling) and Käsekuchen (cheese cake).
German Stollen, a rich fruit and nut loaf, is popular at Christmas. Lebkuchen (German gingerbread in different designs), Pfeffernüsse – which true to their name contain pepper, plus a mixture of honey, cinnamon, allspice and ground cloves) and Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) are among the wide variety of cookies that are available during the Christmas season.
At social gatherings, the traditional braai (barbecue) is a popular way of entertaining. It usually includes a combination of meat cuts, chicken, sosaties (skewered meat) and sausage cooked over the coals and served with salads. Potjiekos, a stew of beef, lamb or chicken and vegetables cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire is another popular dish. Other delicacies include skilpadjies and pofadder which are made from cubes of lambs liver wrapped in caul fat and cooked over the coals. Skilpadjies (little tortoises) are named for resemblance of the parcels to the shell of a tortoise when they are roasted, while pofadder, which is shaped like a sausage, resembles the puff adder snake.
If you are looking for Namibia’s national dish and true street food, you need to make your way to an open-air market in Windhoek or any of the towns in the north of the country to buy kapana. These strips of beef which are grilled over the coals are named after the chilli spice that is sprinkled over them. Kapana has become so popular that a local bank, Nedbank, has been sponsoring a national kapana cook-off, where vendors can showcase their cooking skills, since 2015.
Another typical Namibian dish, the Smiley, is a goat’s head cooked over an open fire. It is ready when the flesh around the teeth becomes soft and tender. And if you are more adventurous you can try some mopane worms, which are named after the leaves of the tree they feed on.
Typical Namibian dishes from the north of the country include omahangu (pearl millet), the staple dish in the north and ekaka, wild spinach harvested in the mahangu fields. Also popular is oxuxwa, a dish made from chicken fried in nuttytasting marula oil. Restaurants in the north usually feature local dishes on their menus and in Windhoek you can feast your taste buds on traditional fare at Xwama Traditional Restaurant in Katutura. Also well worth a visit is Hafeni Traditional Restaurant in Swakopmund’s Mondesa township.
Locally produced cheese, meat products, organic vegetables and other Namibian delicacies are available at several markets in Windhoek and elsewhere. The Green Market, also known as the Bio-Markt, in Windhoek is the first organic market in the country. A variety of organically grown vegetables and meats, cheese and fresh farm produce is sold at the market held at Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda Street in Klein Windhoek every Saturday between 07:30 - 12:15.
The Village Sunday Market at 18 Liliencron Street in Windhoek is held on Sundays only. The market has evolved into a vibrant gathering that supports small businesses and offers a platform for recognition and growth for talented musicians. Diverse stalls showcase a myriad of artistic expressions. But it is the culinary delights that truly take centre stage with artisan bread, fresh organic produce and aromatic herbs and spices on offer.
Despite its hot and dry climate, conditions in Namibia are surprisingly ideal for growing olives. Ruheleben Estate and Shalom Farm, in the Swakop River valley, produce cold pressed virgin olive oil and olives. Noab Olive farm is further inland, in a valley along the Remhoogte Pass.
Namibia’s beer drinking tradition dates back to the arrival of German soldiers and officials in the late 1880s. Four breweries, two in Windhoek, one in Omaruru and one in Swakopmund, amalgamated in 1920 to form the South West Africa Breweries – renamed Namibia Breweries after independence. NBL was recently aquired by Heineken.
The company’s beer is brewed in accordance with the German Reinheitsgebot (Purity Laws) issued by the Duke of Bavaria in 1516, and only the purest malted barley, hops, yeast and water are used. No grains or cereals and no chemical additives, stabilizers, sugar or preservatives may be used. The brewery’s extensive range includes the Windhoek and Tafel brands, Hansa draught, King Lager (the first beer brewed from home-grown Namibian barley), Heineken and Erdinger.
Beer lovers can also enjoy a wide range of craft beers. The Camelthorn Brewing Company, Namibia’s first independent brewery, produced its first range of craft beers in 2009. It was acquired by Namibia Breweries in 2014 and its range includes Urbock – a traditional ‘bock’ beer with a sweet taste and an alcohol content of 7%. It is traditionally brewed for the winter months to meet the demand for a stronger beer and is usually served at room temperature.
The Swakopmund Brewing Company in the Strand Hotel’s Brewer and Butcher restaurant has been producing a range of craft beer since the hotel opened in 2015. Also at the coast are the Namib Dunes Craft Brewery at Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast Brewery at Henties Bay.
In Windhoek craft beer is produced by two microbreweries. Helles, Indian Pale Ale and a limited edition beer is brewed by Tholch Brewery. The on-site brewery at the Roof of Africa Hotel has a range for four beers – Helles, Indian Pale Ale and a limited edition Roof Reef Draught, Roof Unfiltered Draft, Roof Pilsner, Roof Dark Lager.
Namibian distilleries produce a variety of uniquely Namibian hand-crafted spirits made from indigenous plant products. How about trying some Eembe liqueur made from the fruit of the Jackalberry tree, or the Essence of Namibia (a liqueur made from a mixture of ginger and aniseed and Devil’s Claw) – both from the cellars of Erongo Mountain Winery at Omaruru. The winery also distils Grappa from the skins of red grapes.
Kristall Kellerei at Omaruru produces a local grappa, Nappa, as well as Matisa, a prickly pear liqueur, and Lumela, a liqueur made from the corky monkey orange. Naute Kristall, situated on the C12 to Naute Dam, has been operating since 2014. It produces NamGin, NamGlint (a gin liqueur) and NamRum which is flavoured with Devil’s Claw. Copper & Coal Distillery Company, situated at Walvis Bay, produces a range of four gins which contains a variety of herbs, spices and local plant products such as Devil’s Claw and Marula fruit.
Stillhouse Atlantic craft distillery at Swakopmund produce a range of local gin infused with a variety of herbs, spices and indigenous ingredients such as the !Nara and Devil’s Claw.
It comes as a surprise to many visitors that Namibia with its arid and hot climate has wineries that produce wine. As these wineries are small-scale, production is limited, but the wines are available in selected bottle stores and restaurants.
The country’s first wine was produced as far back as the early 1900s at the Catholic mission station in Klein Windhoek. The cellar initially produced communion wine because of the prohibitive cost of importing the wine from Germany. The range was later expanded to include a semi-sweet and a dry white wine, as well as brandy (locally nicknamed Katholischer), which was sold commercially. Production stopped in the 1980s.
The country’s oldest commercial winery, Kristall Kellerei, was established in Omaruru on the banks of the Omaruru River in 1990. The first harvest was five years later. It produces a red blend and two white Colombard wines.
Also in Omaruru is the Erongo Mountain Winery which produced its first vintage in 2014. Its range includes four red blends, three white wines and a sparkling wine made from the corky monkey orange.
Thonningii Wine Cellar in the Otavi valley produced its first wines in 2005. Its range consists of a white and a red blend as well as Shiraz, Tinta Barocca, Barbera and a Shiraz rosé.
What started off as a hobby for retired businessman Allen Walkden-Davies with the first planting of vines at Neuras in the foothills of the Naukluft mountains in 1998, has expanded over the years. The farm was bought by the N/a’an kus ê Foundation in 2012. The range consists of three red wines.
A wide range of wines from South Africa and other wineproducing countries is sold in retail stores and bottle stores and is available in restaurants.
Etosha Mountain Lodge
See page 89
Safarihoek Lodge
See page 89
Safari House
See page 89
Hoanib Valley Camp
See page 98
Shipwreck Lodge
See page 99
Kwessi Dunes
See page 133
www.bigsky-namibia.com
See page 122
Etendeka Mountain Camp
See page 122
Etendeka Walking Trails
See page 122
Villa Margherita
See page 150
Journeys Namibia is a reputable management company that takes the strain off lodge owners by taking care of the day-to-day running of lodges. We have many years of experience in the tourism industry and share an intimate passion for Namibia’s unique landscapes and its people.
www.journeysnamibia.com
Hobatere Lodge
See page 86
Hoada Camp
See page 120
Grootberg Lodge
See page 120
Fish River Lodge
See page 166
Shipwreck Lodge
See page 99
Erongo Wild Lodge
See page 120
Owned by the Ohlthaver & List Group, which was founded in 1919, O&L Leisure Hotels & Lodges is a proudly Namibian hospitality company. O&L Leisure is committed to offering our guests a unique, genuine sense-of-place experience. It’s our warm, down-toearth nature, and love of our country, that turns staying at our resorts into an unparalleled experience.
www.ol-leisure.com
Mokuti Etosha
See page 86
Midgard
See page 64
Strand Hotel Swakopmund
See page 150
Chobe Water Villas
See page 75
Meet a semi-nomadic Himba family. Run down one of the world’s tallest dunes. Quad-bike across a moon-like gravel plain. Track a herd of desert-adapted elephants. Or spend a night under the stars. Live out a desert fantasy in Namibia with Wilderness, now celebrating 40 years of creating journeys to Earth’s ultimate, untamed places. We’re more than just camp owners, we’re with you from start to finish, and everything in between. From packing lists to guided tours, 24/7 support, expert travel designers, on-the-ground assistance, and flights with Wilderness Air, we’re here to help those desert dreams come true.
www.wildernessdestinations.com
Wilderness Serra Cafema
See page 99
Wilderness Damaraland Camp
See page 121
Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp
See page 121
Wilderness Doro Nawas
See page 121
Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
See page 99
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge
See page 132
Wilderness Little Kulala
See page 132
At the Ondili Lodges, travellers feel right at home on their tour to Namibia's most attractive and impressive landscapes - the Kalahari Desert, the Sossusvlei region, the Erongo Mountains, northern Damaraland and the Etosha region with its abundant wildlife. And at the beginning or end of a round trip, the guesthouse Ti Melen welcomes its guests in a quiet location on the outskirts of Windhoek. Warm hospitality awaits guests in the lovingly designed, comfortable and ecologically sustainable lodges, located from each other no further than relaxed day stages. In each region, Ondili offers special, even multi-day activities that will make a stay an exceptional one. On hikes or horse safaris one can immerse oneself into the pristine nature and unspoilt vastness of Namibia's bizarre landscapes to discover one's very own unique experience.
www.ondili.com
Teufelskrallen Lodge
See page 64
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge
See page 64
Desert Homestead Lodge
See page 131
Namib Outpost
See page 131
Hohenstein Lodge
See page 119
Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
See page 119
Etosha Oberland Lodge
See page 86
Ti Melen Boutique Guesthouse
See page 64
Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse
See page 150
Namibia Wildlife Resorts is a state-owned enterprise, mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia. Its only shareholder is the Government of the Republic of Namibia; hence, it belongs to the Namibian people. NWR offers something for everyone – whether it is photography, nature, wildlife, landscapes, geology, camping, fishing, birding, history, culture or just the pure exhilaration of finding yourself surrounded by the essence of Africa – NWR is your willing partner and host.
www.nwr.com.na
Popa Falls Resort
See page 75
Onkoshi Resort
See page 88
Namutoni Resort
See page 88
Halali Resort
See page 88
Okaukuejo Resort
See page 88
Olifantsrus Campsite
See page 88
Dolomite Resort
See page 88
Terrace Bay Resort
See page 151
Torra Bay
See page 151
Khorixas Restcamp
See page 120
Waterberg Resort
See page 108
Gross Barmen Resort
See page 65
Sossus Dune Lodge
See page 130
Sesriem Campsite
See page 133
Naukluft Camp
See page 133
Hardap Resort
See page 65
Duwisib Castle
Shark Island Resort
See page 165
Hobas Lodge
See page 165
/Ai-/Ais Hotsprings Spa
See page 165
Mile 72
See page 151
Mile 108
See page 151
Jakkalsputz
See page 151
Boplaas Campsite
See page 165
Naturally Namibia brings together the leading safari families, with extraordinary destinations across the heart and soul of Africa’s gem, to provide visitors with the ultimate unforgettable African experience within one sublime collection.
When you desire to turn your African dream into reality, the collective of Namibia’s most prized and praised hosts and offerings enable you to cover all you could dream of in a true African adventure.
The ethos behind Naturally Namibia is simple. Whilst the individual experiences are as diverse as the spectacular regions in which they are hidden – when combined they provide the perfectly encompassing African Dream that will be beyond anything anyone can imagine.
www.naturallynamibia.com
The Mushara Collection
See page 87
Skeleton Coast Safaris
Namib Sky Balloon Safaris
Villa Margherita
See page 150
Ai Aiba Lodge
See page 122
Etendeka Mountain Camp
See page 122
Ongava Game Reserve
See page 93
Okonjima & AfriCat Namibia
See page 109
Windhoek Luxury Suites
See page 63
Mola Mola Safaris
• Windhoek is Namibia’s capital and largest city
• It is known by the traditional names of /Ai//Gams (Khoekhoe for ‘hot springs’) and Otjimuise (Otjiherero for ‘place of steam’)
• Windhoek is the economic, social, cultural and political centre of Namibia
• There are many historical sites of colonial German heritage, which contrast the contemporary architectural styles of modern buildings
Nestled in the heart of Namibia, Windhoek is a vibrant and culturally diverse city that offers a unique blend of fascinating history, captivating landscapes and warm hospitality. As the capital and largest city of Namibia, Windhoek serves as the gateway to this extraordinary country. Whether you're exploring the city's rich history, immersing yourself in its diverse cultures, or venturing into the surrounding natural wonders, Windhoek has something for every traveller.
Windhoek's history is a tapestry woven with indigenous African cultures and European colonial influences. Originally inhabited by the San and Herero peoples, the area was colonized by Germany in the late 19th century. Today, the city bears the imprints of this colonial era in its architecture and cultural traditions.
Because of the many hot springs in the area, Windhoek was initially known as Ai-gams (correctly spelt /Ai //Gams to indicate the click sound), a Nama word meaning ‘firewater’, ‘steam’ or ‘smoke’, and Otjomuise, a Herero word meaning
the ‘place of steam’. The Nama captain, Jan Jonker Afrikaner, gave the town its name. In the early 1840s Afrikaner settled where the most powerful spring reached the surface. It is thought that in a moment of nostalgia he named the place after Winterhoek, the farm in the Cape where he was born. During the German colonial administration the town was called Windhuk, which was subsequently changed to Windhoek.
To delve into Windhoek's past, begin your journey at the Christuskirche
The Evangelical Lutheran Church, it is one of the city’s most striking
landmarks, built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Its blend of the neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles is a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. The stained glass windows were donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Adjacent to this iconic Windhoek landmark is the golden Independence Museum. After visiting this museum, dedicated to the Namibian liberation struggle, head to the nearby historic buildings like the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), which houses Namibia's parliament. This is Namibia’s original Government Building, completed in
1914 in time for the first session of the Landesrat. Since then it has housed a series of successive administrations and governments. After independence it was renovated to accommodate the Namibian Parliament. The statues in front of the National Assembly honour three Namibian nationalists who campaigned for the country’s independence: Chief Hosea Kutako (1870-1970), Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi (1906-1978) and Reverend Theophilus Hamutumbangela (1917-1990). Nearby, the Supreme Court is an interesting architectural sight.
Windhoek's cultural diversity is celebrated through its vibrant festivals and markets. The Namibia Craft Centre is a haven for art enthusiasts or those looking for something authentically Namibian to take home, offering a vast collection of traditional arts and crafts created by local artisans. Here, you can witness the intricate craftsmanship of handmade jewelry, textiles and woodcarvings, while directly supporting the talented individuals who create them. For a taste of Namibian cuisine and the lively atmosphere of an informal market, visit the Penduka Craft Village, where you can sample delicious local delicacies and purchase unique souvenirs.
The historical Windhoek Railway Station, built in 1912/1913 is another worthwhile sight to visit. In front of the building is a narrow-gauge locomotive, and on the first floor is the TransNamib Railway Museum.
The National Art Gallery of Namibia is well worth a visit to see the Permanent Collection established and owned by the Arts Association Heritage Trust, which features historical and contemporary Namibian art. Next door is the National Theatre of Namibia, and opposite the Namibia Scientific Society, where a wide selection of authoritative publications on the country published by the Society can be purchased.
Up the hill on Robert Mugabe Avenue (on the right) is the former State House, a renovated version of the original house occupied by the former South West African administrators.
Explore the lively suburb of Katutura township on a Windhoek City Tour, a place that offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Namibia. Join a guided tour to learn about the township's history, including its role in the struggle for independence, and interact with its friendly residents.
No visit to Windhoek is complete without experiencing its vibrant nightlife or selection of restaurants. Head to Joe's Beerhouse, a legendary establishment known for its warm ambiance, delicious local
cuisine and an extensive selection of Namibian beers.
The National Botanical Garden of Namibia (NBGN) in the heart of Windhoek is undoubtedly one of the capital’s gems. Situated on the slopes of a hill that forms a natural divide between the city centre and the suburb of Klein Windhoek, it was proclaimed a conservation area in 1969. In 1990 the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) moved to the site above the garden.
Since then, the Botanical Garden has become a versatile paradise of greenery and flowers, providing sanctuary to many small creatures and birds. Wandering along the paths you can learn about plants from Namibia’s other regions, identifying them by their nametags, and rest on a bench while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and watching the visitors to the birdbaths. The entrance to the grounds is at the NBRI, 8 Orban Street. The garden is open on weekdays during office hours
Windhoek has the colour, sounds and pace of a modern African city.
(8:00 to 17:00). A tour is conducted on the first Saturday of each month by a member of the Botanical Society of Namibia, Tel (+264) 61 202 2014. The tour starts at 8:00.
There are several recreation resorts and guest farms close enough to Windhoek in the central region for day and weekend excursions. These include the Daan Viljoen Game Park, the Gross Barmen Hot Springs Resort about 100 km northwest of the capital, the Von Bach Recreation Resort, 65 km north of Windhoek off the B1 (a popular venue for aquatic sports and freshwater angling enthusiasts), and the Hardap Recreation Resort, 250 km south of Windhoek.
Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, located approximately 20 kilometers west of Windhoek, is a captivating natural sanctuary. Spanning an area of 40 square kilometers, the park offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Its diverse landscape encompasses rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and a variety of indigenous plant species.
Nature enthusiasts can embark on self-guided or guided game drives within the reserve to spot wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, elands and warthogs. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species recorded, including the striking Monteiro's hornbill and the colorful crimson-breasted shrike.
About 100 km northwest of Windhoek off the B1, the Gross Barmen Hot Springs Resort is another popular day and weekend destination. The main feature of this facility is the large domeshaped and glass-enclosed thermal hall, which houses a communal pool of steaming spring water (65˚C). The resort which is managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) offers accommodation in chalets and self-catering units, while campsites are also available. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, explore the area on foot and go birding at the dam.
smallmouth yellowfish. Carp and barbel also occur there.
Visitors can explore the surrounding nature reserve on foot. Game-viewing opportunities are limited, but kudu, baboon, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, gemsbok and red hartebeest are seen here. Facilities at the dam, which are on a 50-year lease by Tungeni Investments, include luxury chalets, deluxe bungalows, campsites and the Daw Restaurant overlooking the dam. Activities include taking a sundowner boat cruise, canoeing, fishing and a variety of watersports.
Accessible from the B1 from Windhoek to the north, sign-posted about 3.5 km south of Okahandja, the Von Bach Dam and Game Park extends over an area of 43 km².
The facility, proclaimed in 1972, has become a popular venue for aquatic sports such as water-skiing, yachting, windsurfing and boating. The dam is popular among freshwater angling enthusiasts, as it is stocked with largemouth bass, blue kurper and
Built in the 1960s with a capacity of 320 million cubic metres and a surface area of 25 km², Hardap was Namibia’s largest dam until the opening of Neckertal Dam near Keetmanshoop in 2018. The 252 km² game reserve and recreation resort were proclaimed in 1968. Accessible from the B1, Hardap lies 250 kilometres south of Windhoek, and 20 kilometres northwest of Mariental. Situated above the dam, accommodation at the Hardap Resort which is managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts, ranges from VIP and family chalets to bush chalets and campsites. Facilities include a swimming pool and a restaurant overlooking the dam. A national club championship and two international angling championships are arranged at Hardap every year. Regional anglers take part in the competitions.
Okahandja
Directly north of Windhoek lies Okahandja, a town of great significance to the Herero people because it was once the seat of the famous Chief Samuel Maharero. Every year on the weekend closest to 26 August – with the exception of 2011 when it was held in Gobabis, and referred to as Heroes’ Day – thousands of Hereros converge on the town to pay homage at the graves of their great chiefs. Some of the women are dressed in traditional red and black, others in green and black, while the men wear full military regalia, complete with medals. Visitors are welcome to view this rich and colourful ceremony.
According to historian Dr H Vedder the name Okahandja comes from Herero and means ‘small widening’, the place
Hardap was Namibia’s largest dam until the opening of Neckertal Dam near Keetmanshoop in 2018.ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK The view over Hardap Dam
where the rivers meet. The earliest records of the town date back to 1844 when the first two missionaries arrived there. The year 1894, however, is regarded as the birth of the town, as Okahandja became a military base that year and a fort was built. On 26 August 1923, Chief Samuel Maherero was laid to rest in Okahandja at a funeral attended by approximately 2 000 people. Since then this day has been celebrated annually at Okahandja by the Herero people.
The town is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. They practise their skills at the wood-andthatch Mbangura Woodcarvers Market next to the main road, both at the entrance and at the exit of the town. Also at the main entrance to the town, right next to the service station, is a biltong, coffee and gift shop that makes for a good pit stop. Okahandja is a good place to buy biltong, at CLOSWA
The largest town east of Windhoek is Gobabis, an important cattle-ranching centre. A monument of a bull welcomes visitors at the entrance to the town. Gobabis is the gateway to the TransKalahari Highway, linking Namibia to Botswana and South Africa. The completion of this highway resulted in the development of several new tourist lodges in the surroundings.
Gobabis developed around a mission station established in 1856 by Friederich Eggert of the Rhenish Missionary Society. In the latter half of the 1800s and the early 1900s, several conflicts flared up between the Mbanderu and Khauas Khoekhoe, as well as between the settlers and the indigenous people. The Gobabis district was proclaimed by the German authorities in February 1894, and in June the following year, Gobabis was occupied by a German garrison. While the military fort, built in 1896/7, has long since disappeared, one of the few buildings dating back to that era is the field hospital, or Lazarett, which has been declared a national monument.
Of special interest is the Gobabis Museum, rehoused by the Museum Association of Namibia in the old library building with a grant from the Federal Republic of Germany. The new museum was established with the support of Eberhard and Elfriede Einbeck, the
couple who ran a private museum in Gobabis for many years.
The Uakii Wilderness & Gobabis Info and Coffee Shop in Gobabis is the only tourism information office in the Omaheke Region. It offers services such as bookings, tour facilitation, a coffee shop, Internet facilities, camping and ‘information with a warm smile’.
Approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Gobabis, the Harnas Wildlife Foundation and Guest Farm is one of the few wildlife orphanages and welfare centres in Southern Africa. The foundation focuses on the rehabilitation of neglected, abused and abandoned wild animals, while the guest farm provides a variety of accommodation.
Southeast of Windhoek is the historical town of Dordabis, where cattle farmer and local businessman Michael Krafft of Farm Ibenstein has taken on the massive task of renovating the historical buildings of Dordabis. The Krafft family has lived in the Dordabis area for many years. Michael is the grandson of August Stauch, the diamond pioneer of Kolmanskop, who developed Dordabis as a trade centre in the 1920s. Michael has restored the old stone house –once the residence of August Stauch and his wife Ida – to its former glory and uses it to accommodate hunters. He has also restored several other historical buildings, such as the dairy and abattoirs built in the 1920s. Also in this area is the farm Peperkorrel Peperkorrel houses a sculpture studio, with works by local artist Dörte Berner.
Some 88 km south of Windhoek, amongst a relatively dense acacia woodland of camel thorn, sweet thorn and candle-pod acacia, is the historical town of Rehoboth. It is inhabited by the Baster community, descendants of people of mixed race parentage who trekked across the Orange River under their leader Hermanus van Wyk and settled at Rehoboth in 1870. The history of the Rehoboth Basters is recorded in the Rehoboth Museum, established by Namibian anthropologist and archaeologist, Dr Beatrice Sandelowsky. Exhibits display the detail the cultural heritage of the Basters and archaeological finds in the area, such as an open-air burial site. Representing a vital component in the preservation of Rehoboth’s past, displays of minerals and volcanic rocks give an insight into the geological formations on the African continent in general and in Namibia in particular, while fossil remains provide a glimpse into the evolution of man on the continent. Augmented by the many historical items representing the lives and stories of this interesting people, the reference library contains further reading on the national heritage of the Rehoboth Volk. In earlier times a camel thorn tree referred to as Kaptein’s Tree was the venue for the meetings of the Kapteinsraad, an equivalent to a Chief’s Council. Just west of Rehoboth is Oanob Dam, which supplies Rehoboth with water. Overlooking the dam are picnic places with barbecue facilities,
a restaurant, bungalows and a number of walking trails. Oanob is a favoured venue for day and weekend outings, for locals as well as bird-watchers and water sports enthusiasts.
An area of some 8 400 ha referred to as the Acacia Forest and well-known for its large camel thorn trees (some estimated to be 2 000 years old) lies within the municipal boundaries of Rehoboth. The possibility of proclaiming the area as a community park is being considered.
Mariental
Situated 178 km south of Rehoboth off the B1, Mariental is a small, quietly flourishing market town. Nearby Hardap Dam is the second largest reservoir in Namibia and provides water for irrigation, enabling the cultivation of animal fodder, as well as some fruits and vegetables. The Aimeb Superfarm in Mariental is one of the most modern dairy farms in the world produces on average 31 500 litres of milk per day and wants to increase that capacity to 60, 000 litres by 2025. Sitting astride the main route into the Kalahari and Namib deserts, Mariental also services the needs of farmers in these areas. Mariental is home to a large number of Namaspeaking people, descendants of the early Khoi inhabitants of Namibia.
When travelling in a circular route in the Gamsberg surroundings, the scenery is spectacular, especially along the Gamsberg, Spreetshoogte and Remhoogte passes. Dominating the landscape 120 km southwest of Windhoek and characterised by its conspicuous cap of weather-resistant quartzite sandstone is the Gamsberg, a large table-topped mountain that rises some 500 metres above the surrounding Khomas Hochland. At a height of 2 347 metres, it is Namibia’s fourth-highest mountain. The plateau is regarded as an outstanding site for astronomical observations, as the night sky is extraordinarily clear and the absence of light pollution, and the resulting darkness of the surroundings makes it an ideal location from which to study the stars of the southern hemisphere. Many of the farms in the area are involved in tourism, and can be visited to have a meal, spend a night or two, or simply relax over coffee and cake. Hakos Guest Farm is situated above Gamsberg Pass on the C26, 135 km from Windhoek and 240 km each from Walvis Bay and Sesriem. Nestled against the Hakos Mountains, Hakos Guest Farm offers incomparable views. An observatory, run by the IAS (International Amateur Observatory Society) to keep Gamsberg accessible for astronomy, is situated on the farm
and guided stargazing sessions form part of the Hakos experience.
The Windhoek Green Belt Landscape is one of five Protected Landscape Conservation Areas launched in 2011, each including a state protected area at its core. With the other PLCAs – around Waterberg National Park (18 763 km²), Sossusvlei (5 730 km²), Fish River Canyon 7 621 km²) and Mudumu (2 047 km²) in north-eastern Namibia –almost 35 000 km² are under protected management. These are demonstration sites, but the long-term vision of the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is to expand such areas into a large-scale network in order to address the loss of habitat and other threats to species, to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems, and to establish corridors to sustain viable wildlife populations. Close to Windhoek the PLCA covers 760 km² in the Khomas Hochland plateau west of the capital. The area includes several state and freehold farms used for cattle, game farming, hunting and tourism, and has the Daan Viljoen Game Park at its core.
Windhoek's surroundings and the central east region are dominated by its capital, a bustling metropolitan city, surrounded by nature.
This is just an approximate indication of where these establishments are situated.
It’s more than a place. It’s an experience.
Droombos is a dream. As sweet birdsong, the gentle rustling of leaves and the delicate scent of flowers delight your senses, you’ll forget that you’re a mere 3-minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Droombos Restaurant – with its view on sprawling lawns and majestic camel thorn trees shimmering with countless fairy lights – offers culinary experiences for every occasion, while Rosewood Pub is the perfect spot to unwind with friends over the finest wines, spirits and beers. Our luxury suites are the very essence of comfort and style. You’ll feel the weight of the world slip off your shoulders as you sink into Egyptian cotton bedding on the king-sized bed, step into the exquisite free-standing bath, or soak up the sun on the private verandah overlooking lush gardens.
Tel: (+264) 81 872 2613
Email: info@droombos.com.na
Web: www.droombos.com.na
Otjimbondona is situated 80 km southeast of Hosea Kutako Airport on a red sand dune, surrounded by camel thorn trees and vast Kalahari landscapes. This boutique lodge in a private nature reserve with only 4 villas and the Manor House (main area) is the perfect destination to start or end your Namibia safari or to just relax and unwind. The Manor House invites to lounge in various comfortable areas, enjoying deliciously prepared meals, swimming in the infinity pool, browsing through the library or curio shop, or unwind with a drink and view stunning sunsets around the fireplace. The modernly decorated villas are set within nature to offer comfort and ultimate privacy. Each Villa has its own lounge, deck with a plunge pool and a sala with views onto a waterhole. The activities include game drives, nature walks, fat biking, bush sundowners, boma grills, gym and wellness. Otjimbondona is wellness for body and soul!
P.O. Box 11013 Windhoek, Namibia
Cell: (+264) 81 243 5478, Anita Slaney
(+264) 81 127 4358, Wilfried Slaney
Email: welcome@otjimbondona.com
Web: www.otjimbondona.com
Nestled in the quiet heart of Windhoek’s residential area lies a hotel that welcomes guests to feel like a local while experiencing the pampered indulgence of being a guest. Timeless elegance encapsulated by simple white exteriors, chic detailing, a fresh green garden and a water-saving artificial lawn perfectly suited for the arid city. Guests can work up a sweat on the fully maintained tennis court located on the premises that is a stone’s throw away from the rooms. The main areas offer wide open views of the Klein Windhoek hills and surroundings. The sky forms a wide arc of friendly blue through the huge windows. Practice your putt underneath the charming purple Jacaranda trees or take a swim in the refreshingly cool swimming pool to wash off the heat of a day exploring the capital.
76 & 78 Dr Kwame Nkrumah Road, Ludwigsdorf, Windhoek
Tel/Fax: (+264) 61 25 8867
Cell: (+264) 81 127 2037
Email: belvedere@afol.com.na
Web: www.belvedere-boutiquehotel.com
Welcome to Namibia's unique waterfront Lake Oanob Resort, where you can experience the savanna, its wild- and birdlife, breathtaking sunsets and still you are linked to the outside world (WiFi). We offer luxury accommodation in self-catering chalets, en-suite rooms and camping/caravan sites. The à la carte restaurant and bar is where you chill out after your water sport activities, a nature drive, or a sundowner boat cruise. Our resort is also offering different venues for workshops, conferencing, weddings, birthday parties and more –all next to the waterfront.
P.O. Box 3381, Rehoboth
Bookings Tel: (+264) 62 522370/69
Email: reservations@oanob.com.na
Web: www.oanob.com.na
Zannier Hotels Omaanda is a luxurious lodge set within the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê, an incredible private animal conservancy reserve of 9000 hectares near the capital, Windhoek. Overlooking the boundless savannah, the camp offers ten spacious round thatched huts, whose warm design, evocative of the earth, is inspired by the traditional Ovambo architecture. The authentic restaurant serves a refined cuisine, from a home-made breakfast to a delicious mezze-style lunch to a selection of meat, fish & vegetarian dishes for dinner. Melting into the incredible background, the bar on the edge of the heated outdoor infinity pool offers a refreshing retreat after unforgettable made-to-measure excursions and conservation tours. The friendly ambiance is energised with the cosy bar and the nearby boma, where guests can meet and mingle around an open fire. The atmosphere of timeless intimacy continues in the spa, where massages inspired by Namibian traditions are provided in two double treatment rooms.
Farm n° 78, Rest of Ondekaremba Farm - Kapps Farm
Tel: (+264) 81 127 2425
Email: reservations@omaanda.com
Web: www.zannierhotels.com
Hillside Accommodation offers fully serviced apartments in walking distance from the city centre of Windhoek. These apartments boast stylish, modern, spacious interiors and are the perfect home away from home for our guests. At Hillside Accommodation we surprise and delight our guests with a service and experiences that create unforgettable memories. Our seamless delivery of service excellence and shared local ‘secrets’ ensure our guests experience a crafted, bespoke stay that exceeds their needs and desires. We have many services to make your stay comfortable like breakfast included, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, free parking on site, a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry arrangements, 24-hour security and a pool for your relaxation.
Nelson Mandela Ave 93, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 248 300
After Hours: (+264) 81 287 9910
Email: admin@hillsidewindhoek.com
Web: www.hillsidewindhoek.com
With its lush green gardens and lavish designer rooms, Windhoek Luxury Suites offers luxury and tranquillity in the heart of the Namibian capital. Styled with luxurious amenities and exquisitely decorated, the comfortable rooms open to a beautifully maintained private garden. The wood-decked pool area is great for relaxing and soaking up the Namibian sun, while a refreshing dip in the pool is essential for those hot summer months. Barely a stone’s throw away, our three sister restaurants will wow you with a range of mouthwatering dishes and some of the best fine dining in Windhoek. All rooms are airconditioned, equipped with comfortable bedding, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi as well as a private bathroom and garden area with sun terrace.
Corner of Hebenstreit Street and Joseph Wood
Street, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 83 253 5020 / (+264) 81 488 3156
Email: reservations@thewindhoek.com
Web: www.thewindhoek.com
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge is a veritable Luxury of Solitude that offers its visitors abundant space and privacy. The main house consisting of a reception area, lobby, restaurant, bar, pool and shaded deck is situated in a dry vlei (pan). A 120-metre-long boardwalk connects the main building with the suites. These are nestled around the vlei, which is often frequented by game. Each suite has a tented and stone- and thatchroofed section, as well as a private terrace. There is also one superior unit. During the nature/game drives and nature walks, visitors are given the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Kalahari with its up to 30-metre-high red dunes and huge variety of game.
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings: Tel (+264) 61 240 020
Email: reservations@redduneslodge.com
Tel: (+264) 84 000 6011
Email: info@redduneslodge.com
Web: www.ondili.com
Situated on the first Kalahari dune from the western side, Teufelskrallen Lodge offers visitors a panoramic vista across the endless plains and stretches of typical Kalahari dunes. The comfortable, fully equipped tent-houses all have a large viewing deck and an their own private bathroom. A short boardwalk connects the tent with the bathroom. The old farmhouse, located three kilometres away from the tents, hosts the reception area, restaurant and swimming pool. On nature walks and nature and game drives, guests will experience the breathtaking beauty of the Kalahari Desert with its sinuous red dunes, up to 30 metres high, and the wide variety of game.
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings: (+264) 61 240 020
Tel: (+264) 840 000 6010
Email: reservations@teufelskrallenlodge.com
Web: www.ondili.com
Ti Melen, a quiet and peaceful haven surrounded by nature, offers the advantage of being only 5 minutes by car from the city centre of Windhoek. Situated on a small hill, it offers its visitors a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Here you can unwind or do some birdwatching in the beautiful and tranquil garden, or cool down in a small pool. WiFi is complimentary. For the more active guest, the beautiful Avis Dam, only 5 minutes on foot from Ti Melen, offers ample opportunity for relaxed strolls or longer hikes. The international airport is only 40 km away.
Schuckmann Str 27, Avis, Windhoek
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings Tel: (+264) 61 240 020
Tel: (+264) 81 146 7233
Email: reservations@timelen.com
Web: www.ondili.com
Midgard is an ideal family hide-away, a first or last stop for international visitors, the perfect venue for conferences, meetings, teambuilding events or weddings. Midgard offers 90 fully equipped rooms, numerous dining areas, a bar, two swimming pools, a gym and spa as well as Namibia's one and only private skittle alley. Soak up the tranquil ambience and explore the outdoors on our hiking, mountain bike and 4x4 trails. Have fun in our bowling alley, enjoy tennis, horse riding and the outdoor chess area. Experience a game drive or romantic sundowner at our hilltop venue. Relax and de-stress at our spa. We invite our guests to enjoy the tranquility, while marveling at the pioneering German settler spirit which gave birth to it all.
Central Reservations
Tel: (+264) 62 503 888
Email: midgard.res@ol.na
Web: www.midgard.com
Overlooking Hardap Dam, about 260 km south of Windhoek, is Hardap Resort. Accommodation options at the resort consist of VIP rooms, family and bush chalets, a dormitory and camping sites. Other amenities and facilities include a swimming pool, conference facility, restaurant and shop. Hardap is well known as an angler’s paradise, with annual competitions held regularly for enthusiasts. But few know that the small Hardap Game Reserve is a haven for black rhino and that the dam and surroundings accommodate one of Namibia’s most strategic Great White Pelican breeding colonies and a thriving freshwater fish institute that is supporting the country’s growing aquaculture industry.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
Gross Barmen, a short distance out of Okahandja north of Windhoek, has been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike for many years. State-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities, a variety of accommodation options, conferencing and event venues make this an ideal location for all your needs. The resort’s iconic indoor and outdoor swimming pools ideally round off your stay. For those looking for a home away from home for weekends and holidays, Gross Barmen is the place to go.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
Within the heart of Namibia, nestles Windhoek, the gateway to endless opportunities. A vibrant and modern yet spacious and friendly city, where its charm lies in its fusion of African and European influences.
Come, experience and explore Windhoek where Africa meets Europe through its rich mix of cultural diversity and fascinating festivals held in and around the year.
Contact Information:
Department of Economic Development & Community Services
Tourism Office: Tel: +264 61 290 2093
E-mail: Grace.Pujatura@windhoekcc.org.na
• Top activities are fishing, game viewing and bird-watching
• The regions are home to five of Namibia’s national parks
• Local artists and craftspeople abound
• The area enjoys the highest rainfall in the country
• The northeast is rural Namibia at its best
The lure of the area is its wild and untamed quality, which gives visitors a peek into authentic African lifestyles. Perennial rivers and expansive floodplains, lush sub-tropical vegetation, an abundance of game and birds, and scattered settlements are a complete change of scenery from the rest of the Namibian landscape. The 575-kilometre tarred Trans-Caprivi Highway provides easy access to the region.
The Okavango River and its broad floodplains make the Kavango East and Kavango West regions considerably greener than the rest of Namibia. The river forms a natural boundary between Namibia and Angola for more than 400 km and is the lifeline to the Kavango people, who make a living from fishing, tending cattle and cultivating sorghum, millet and maize.
The main town in the Kavango Region is Rundu, situated on the banks of the Okavango River. This is the home of Namibia’s well-known Kavango woodcarvers. Their ancient craft, handed down over generations, is a flourishing industry today. Wood carvings are made and offered for sale at the Mbungura Woodcraft Cooperative, which has its main workshop and office in the town. Another worthwhile stop is the Rundu Open Market to taste some local fare and experience the unique culture of the region. FlyNamibia offers several flights a week to Rundu from Windhoek. Thirty kilometres east of Rundu is the Sambyu Museum, an art and crafts facility displaying woodcarvings and traditional crafts from the Kavango Region and southern Angola, and stone tools found locally.
Previously managed as a game camp for breeding rare and endangered species such as black and white rhino, the Mangetti conservation area was proclaimed as the Mangetti National Park in 2008 to protect its wildlife and vegetation and provide tangible socioeconomic benefits to
local communities through careful tourism development.
Situated some 100 km southwest of Rundu in the Kavango Region, the park extends over some 420 km² and is managed jointly by the Uukwangali Traditional Authority and the MEFT. Animals seen here include eland, blue wildebeest, African wild dog, leopard and hyaena. Additional species such as common impala, gemsbok, kudu, giraffe and Burchell’s zebra were translocated through the Enhancing Wildlife-based Economy in Rural Areas Project from Etosha National Park and the private sector.
Formerly referred to as the Caprivi, the Zambezi Region is a fertile wilderness of riverine forests, flood plains, swamps and open woodland created by a complex network of rivers and relatively high summer rainfall. For freshwater angling enthusiasts and canoeists, Zambezi offers much excitement and challenge. Well over 400 of Namibia’s bird species occur in this
part of the country, and the region is steadily gaining a reputation as a retreat for bird-watchers, nature lovers and specialist travellers. It is also of growing interest to scientists studying the wetlands system and its flora and fauna.
Formerly known as Itenga, Zambezi was ruled by the Lozi kings until it became part of the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland, today’s Botswana. In 1890, at the Berlin Conference, Germany acquired the territory, named it after German Chancellor, Count Georg Leo von Caprivi, and added it to German South West Africa. The capital of the Caprivi was Schuckmannsburg (renamed Luhonono in 2013) until 1935, when it was moved to Katima Mulilo, a name that means ‘put out the fire’. Katima Mulilo has since become a busy tourist centre and gateway to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Travelling from Katima Mulilo on the B8, you cross into Botswana at the Ngoma border post. The road now traverses Chobe National Park to Kasane, the springboard to Impalila Island where Namibia borders on Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The link for these attractions is the 575-kilometre
TransCaprivi Highway, a wide, tarred road that has replaced the dusty gravel tracks of the past. The route runs through a region of which one third is a floodplain, and where the population is small and the human impact limited. Providing access to three stateprotected game reserves, it lies in the geographic heart of the KavangoZambezi (KaZa) Transfrontier Conservation Area. Read more on KAZA further down in this section.
The largest town in Zambezi, Katima Mulilo lies on the banks of the Zambezi River, at the crossroads of Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Angola. It beats with the pulse of Africa and is a microcosm of Zambezi, a place where seven different languages and many more dialects are spoken, with traditional villages bordering the town and open markets resonating with more modern conveniences.
Dirt tracks and freshly paved roads in the centre of Katima Mulilo lead you to a mixture of old and new shops, banks and small businesses. An interesting feature of the town is an ancient baobab which once housed a flush toilet in its hollow trunk. A large,
vibrant African market in the centre of Katima Mulilo provides a glimpse into the daily lives of Namibians in this lively town.
Zambezi pottery and baskets are noted for their distinctive beauty and symmetry. The fine workmanship of the Zambezians can be seen in the crafts offered for sale at several outlets, including the Katima Craft Centre next to the open market in Katima Mulilo; the Ngoma Crafts Centre near the Ngoma border post; Mashi Crafts at Kongola; and at the Lizauli Traditional Village, where a programme of traditional music and dance gives visitors an insight into Zambezian culture.
The Green Basket Café is a great place for a meal, and it also provides information on what to see and do in the area. If you’re looking for entertainment on the banks of the Zambezi River, Bezi Bar is a favoured hangout for locals and visitors alike.
Katima Mulilo Airport is situated 20 km outside the town within two hours’ drive from Victoria Falls and not more than four hours’ drive from the Okavango Delta in Botswana. FlyNamibia offers several flights a week to Katima Mulilo.
Mudumu National Park
Centred on the Mudumu Mulapo fossil river course, this vast 1 010 km² expanse of dense savannah and mopane woodlands, bordered in the west by the Kwando River, was proclaimed a national park in 1990. The combination of forest and water ensures a wealth of wildlife. The park is home to small populations of sitatunga and red lechwe, while spotted-necked otter, hippo and crocodile inhabit the waterways. During a game drive, animals likely to be encountered are elephant, buffalo, roan antelope, kudu, impala and Burchell’s zebra.
The park is alive with more than 400 species of birds. Of particular interest are slaty egrets, Hartlaub’s babblers, greater swamp-warblers (in the papyrus swamps), chirping cisticolas, and swamp boubous. Other
noteworthy species include black coucals (an intra-African migrant), coppery-tailed and Senegal coucals, wattled cranes (floodplains) and rosythroated longclaws. In the backwaters and swamps, African pygmy-geese and comb duck (between September and April), Allen’s gallinules (between December and April), and African and lesser jacanas are found. The infrastructure and facilities of the park were upgraded in 2012.
The 320 km² Nkasa Rupara National Park, proclaimed in 1990, has the distinction of being the largest wetland area with conservation status in Namibia.
The park is characterised by a complex network of channels, reed beds, oxbow lakes and islands, with the focal point on Nkasa and Lupala, two large elevated areas that punctuate the floodplains. Up to 80% of the park can be inundated during wet periods, leaving Nkasa and Lupala isolated as islands amid a sea of water. The same bird and animal species occur in Nkasa Rupara as in Mudumu National Park.
Camping is not permitted in Nkasa Lupala National Park, but campsites with shared hot-water ablutions, braai places and water taps, as well as self-catering chalets are available at Rupara Rest Camp, 3 km south of the park entrance.
Please note: Visitors must be completely self-sufficient in respect of food and fuel. Four-by-four vehicles are necessary here and twovehicle parties are essential during the rainy season.
In 2007 the former Caprivi Game Park, proclaimed in 1968, was incorporated into the 6 100 km² Bwabwata National Park, also including the Kwando or Golden Triangle, and the Buffalo and Mahango (the former Mahango Game Park) core areas. This heralded a new generation of parks in terms of an integrated approach towards park management. Bwabwata was designed
not only to protect the environment, but also to accommodate the people living in the park.
The central area of the park is zoned for community-based tourism, including trophy hunting, human settlement and development. Cattle movement is controlled to prevent the spread of diseases, and communities living in the park or neighbouring areas are given conditional tourism rights to establish – either on their own or in joint ventures – tourism facilities within the park's confines.
Bwabwata has three distinct areas: the perennial Okavango and Kwando
rivers, their riparian vegetation and floodplains characterised by reedbeds, floating grass mats and woodlands with jackalberry, mangosteen, appleleaf, nob thorn and wild date palm; a parallel system of drainage lines (omiramba) that run west-northwest or east-south-west; and deep windblown Kalahari sands that form dunes between 20 to 60 metres high and support deciduous woodlands dominated by seringa, Zambezi teak, wild teak and several wild raisin and bushwillow species.
The park is a sanctuary for 35 large game species – including elephant, buffalo, impala, reedbuck, red lechwe, sitatunga, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, Chobe bushbuck, tsessebe, and sable and roan antelope – and numerous small-game species. Predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog also occur in Bwabwata.
KAZA incorporates the largest contiguous elephant population on the African continent.LE ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK
Because there is no surface water, most species congregate along the Okavango and Kwando riverbanks and at the Malombe and Ndwasa pans in the northeast. Visitors are cautioned that there are crocodiles and hippos in the river. Bwabwata takes its name from a village in the park, and refers to the sound of bubbling water. It forms part of the 278 132 km² KavangoZambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area, the world’s largest conservation area. The infrastructure and facilities of the park were upgraded in 2012.
Rushing rapids, melodious birdsong and the rustling leaves of shady, riverine trees are sounds that typify Popa Game Park. Located on the Okavango River opposite Bwabwata National Park, Popa Falls is famous for its lush setting and the sound of the rapids
Traditional dancing at a Living Museum • Mokoro - a common form of transport
cascading down the rocky descents in the river. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded here. Tigerfish, threespot and green-headed tilapia are just some of the game fish that occur in the Okavango River, making
it a popular destination for anglers. Popa Falls Resort (managed by NWR) was renovated in 2014.
A basket-weaving tradition has survived in Kavango and Zambezi, where the time-honoured baskets still used by women in the mahangu fields for harvesting and winnowing their grain are ideal containers for transporting goods when on foot and for storing the grain in homesteads. The revival of inherent traditional skills, seemingly rendered redundant by modern times, and the acquisition of new skills in marketing and sales, have especially enabled women to create a vibrant and successful craft industry.
Although baskets vary from region to region, they are generally made from the leaves of the makalani palm, Hyphaene petersiana, using the coil technique. Shades of brown, purple and yellow are obtained by boiling the leaves, bark and roots of various shrubs and trees with the strands of prepared palm leaves.
Musemes, the Lozi name for reed floor mats, are made from papyrus
The revival of inherent traditional skills, seemingly rendered redundant by modern times, and the acquisition of new skills in marketing and sales, have especially enabled women to create a vibrant and successful craft industry.
by Zambezian women. Each reed is halved lengthwise and dried in the sun to allow the inner pith to shrink, thus making the reed curl inwards, which makes it more durable. The reeds are then sewn together tightly, using string made from the locally grown mafuu (mother-in-law’s tongue) and narakuku plants.
In 2011 a treaty was signed at the SADC Summit in Luanda, Angola, by the Presidents of the republics of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, which formally and legally established the KavangoZambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KaZa TFCA).
Spanning over 444 000 km² (similar to the size of Sweden), KAZA is the world’s largest conservation area. It includes about 40 formally proclaimed national parks, game reserves, community conservancies and game management areas in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Namibia has designated Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu National Park, Nkasa Rupara National Park, Khaudum National Park, Mangetti National Park, the Caprivi State Forest and Conservancies, and community forests between and around these protected areas for inclusion in the KAZA TFCA. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in this area. A key objective of a TFCA is to join fragmented wildlife habitats into an interconnected assortment of protected areas and trans-boundary wildlife corridors to facilitate and enhance the free movement of animals across international boundaries. The KAZA TFCA has the largest contiguous elephant population on the African continent, while it also includes some of the world’s renowned natural features and tourist attractions, such as the Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta, the largest Ramsar Site in the world.
The lush northeastern wetlands region of Namibia – explore its parks, rivers and wildlife.
This is just an approximate indication of where these establishments are situated.
Taranga Safari Lodge is one of very few luxury bush lodges in the Rundu-Kavango region. With 2 Deluxe and 8 Classic Luxury open-fronted tented cottages, situated on the riverbank among tall trees and a green campsite, guests are offered ample opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush with views across the river into the nearby floodplains and, during season, the lily covered wetlands. The Okavango River, which is home to crocodile and hippo, flows from west to east past the lodge on its journey towards the Okavango Delta. There are daily guided river safaris taking you out for an adventure; an early sunrise cruise through the morning mist rising from the river or a late afternoon sundowner or fly fishing. You may plan to go on a bushwalk, traditional village tour or choose to celebrate the end of a lazy day by spending memorable time at night stargazing by the firepit. The large wooden decks offer a private and idyllic location for those wishing to unwind. You’ll find a swimming pool at the main deck to keep everyone cool or allow you to just relax and enjoy the African sun.
Reservations: (+264) 81 718 1966
Email: info@taranganamibia.com
Web: www.taranganamibia.com
With its perennial river, magnificent indigenous riverine forests, expansive floodplains and reed-lined channels, Popa Falls Resort is the ideal destination from which to explore Bwabwata National Park, comprising the former Caprivi, Kwando, Buffalo and Mahango core areas. Over 450 bird species and a wide variety of wildlife species – including elephant, hippo, African buffalo, crocodile, red lechwe, reedbuck, roan and sable antelope and the elusive sitatunga – can be viewed here. Beautiful chalets are surrounded by lush woodland and luxury villas overlook the rumbling falls. The main viewpoint of the ‘falls’ – a series of cascades created by a quartzite ledge that splits the river into numerous channels – is from the resort’s riverside beach bar.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
Chobe Water Villas is an exclusive and intimate boutique lodge on the banks of the Chobe River, located on the eastern tip of the Zambezi Region of Namibia. Situated only 15 minutes by river safari boat from the adventure town of Kasane in Botswana. Guests can enjoy the spectacular views of world renowned Chobe National Park and Sedudu Island. Chobe Water Villas promises guests a warm Namibian welcome. We offer 16 free-standing water villas located at or over the Chobe River.
Central Reservations
Tel: (+264) 81 396 0551
Email: chobe.res@ol.na
Web: www.chobewatervillas.com
Kazile Island Lodge is situated on a private island on the banks of the Kwando River, within the heart of KAZA. The only way to reach the lodge is via a leisurely boat ride amongst hippos. Kazile together with its sister lodge Nambwa are the only lodges in Bwabwata National Park. The lodge offers 13 Meru tents nestled within a mangostene forest. Tents overlook the Kwando River as well as the expansive floodplains between the island and the famous Horseshoe Bend. Here, herds of buffalo and elephant traverse the wet Zambezi landscape. Sitatunga, an elusive aquatic antelope, are often spotted along the floodplains and marshes. Fall in love with this enigmatic corner of Namibia as the sun rises over the tree canopies. Enjoy the sounds of birds chirping from your tent, explore the waterways and absorb the ambiance of this beautiful wilderness.
Nambwa Tented Lodge together with its sister lodge, Kazile, are the only two lodges within Bwabwata National Park. The lodge offers ten luxurious tents nestled high in the majestic Jackalberry, Sausage and Knobthorn trees. Respecting the elephants’ right of way, the lodge is built in exquisite comfort above the African wildlife. Our unquenchable desire to create the most authentic African experience takes you drifting down the unspoilt Kwando River. The famous Horseshoe Lagoon is the ideal spot for a sundowner after a riveting game drive. Soak up the breathtaking sunsets together with hippos and large herds of elephants silhouetted in purple hues over the water. An exclusive night drive to view the nocturnal wildlife takes you back home.
As part of the continued endeavour for African Monarch Lodges to be sustainable and give back to the community and conservation, Tinolla Rodgers and her late husband Dusty launched The Sijwa Project in November 2018, in the company of Honourable Chief Mayuni. In January 2020 the ‘gates’ to The Sijwa Project opened with a simple organic greenhouse, a cultural village and a list of capacity building workshops and a list of recycling workshops with a noble goal to employ 66 plus Mayuni community members.
The Sijwa Project has a broad vision of empowering the local community by creating jobs, preserving traditional knowledge, teaching skills, and conserving the surrounding environment through a variety of recycling and innovative activities. It's the repurposing and re-inventing of all recyclable waste from the African Monarch Lodges’ Nambwa Tented Lodge and Kazile Island Lodge, and from the local community, into
exquisite saleable craft and art. The project’s organic permaculture nursery supplies fresh food for local people and lodge guests.
Braite Yawanu is one of the many locals who have found hope through The Sijwa Project. He proudly tears up large cartons from the African Monarch Lodges and turns this waste matter into mulch filled with small pieces of charcoal and chillies organically grown at The Sijwa Project. In March 2023, he stood by as they handed their first batch of recycled fire logs to one of the owners of a nearby village who lost his entire crop to elephants in 2022. The owner of the village came to The Sijwa Project a week later to thank Braite and the team after he experienced what he called a miracle when the chili inside the recycled fire logs managed to chase away the large herd of elephants who were marching toward his fields. The Sijwa Project is indeed a testament to what is possible when a community comes together to create a better future for all.
To be one with nature and blending in is the underlying theme of Wild Waters Exclusive Camps and Lodges. Our lodges do not only inspire visitors, but provoke some soul-searching, and surely create memories of a lifetime, leaving guests with a warm feeling of having contributed to and lived the legacy of wildest Africa.
Located on the banks of one of the many channels in the KwandoLinyanti river system is Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge. This unique Namibian wetland paradise in eastern Zambezi was proclaimed as Mamili National Park in 1990 and recently renamed Nkasa Rupara NP. The lodge offers ten luxury tents with en-suite facilities and is 100% powered by solar energy. Be ready to experience a truly eco-friendly holiday in one of the most exclusive and unknown parks of Namibia. This is sustainable tourism at its best! The Italian owners/managers are looking forward to welcoming you.
Reservations Tel: (+264) 61 22 4712
Lodge Tel: (+264) 81 162 5372
Email: info@nkasalupalalodge.com
Web: www.nkasalupalalodge.com
Jackalberry Tented Camp is inside Nkasa Rupara National Park. The ONLY 4 luxury tents are situated close to the banks of the Linyanti River and the fact that there is no fence allows large mammals and other animals to roam freely in the surroundings and to be sighted from the rooms. Jackalberry Tented Camp welcomes guests to one of the most unique areas in the Zambezi Region, the wetland paradise for ultimate adventure. This enhances the sense of remote wilderness and adventure. Guests will experience an environment like the Okavango Delta, combining wetland, woodlands and open plains, which is characteristic of the Zambezi Region and unique to Namibia. The lodge offers four double rooms and one double guide room, restaurant, bar, lounge area, transfers, specials & activities, and birding.
Tel: (+264) 81 162 5372
Tel Reservations: (+264) 61 224 712
Email: info@jbcamp.com
Web: www.jbcamp.com
Serondela Lodge is located on the Namibian side of the Chobe River, precisely in front of the famous sighting spot in Chobe NP called Serondela. With only 8 rooms, the guests at Serondela will have a dedicated service with a smile. The free boat transfer from Kasane, situated 17 km away, is in itself a unique game viewing experience. All the rooms are on high ground overlooking the banks of the Chobe River. The southwest-facing balconies overlook the Serondela area, especially famous for big herds of elephants and many other animals that come to feed and drink.
Tel: (+264) 66 252 677
Tel Reservations: (+264) 61 224 712
Email: info@serondelalodge.com
Web: www.serondelalodge.com
Perched on one of the many channels of the Kwando-Linyanti river system on the southern boundary of the Wuparo Conservancy, Rupara Rest Camp is perfectly situated to explore Nkasa Rupara National Park. It offers four double and two single sites, each with its own fireplace and water tap. Two neat ablution blocks are shared between the campsites providing hot water and solar-powered lights. There are also two selfcatering units consisting of two fully equipped double chalets, and one family chalet (sleeps 2+3) with private ablutions, fresh water and solarpowered lights.
Tel: (+264) 81 162 5372
Email: info@rupara.com
Web: www.rupara.com
For more inspiration on these lodges go to wildwatersgroup.com
• Etosha was first proclaimed a game reserve in 1907
• Today’s Etosha National Park spans over 22 912 km²
• The Etosha Pan covers 23% of the surface area of the park
• It is the largest saltpan in Africa, visible from space
• The park hosts 114 mammal species and 340 bird species
The internationally renowned Etosha National Park – undoubtedly Namibia’s most popular tourist attraction – is the heart of the north-central region. The park serves as the ultimate stopover before heading for the arid northwest, the water-rich northeast, or the largely unexplored culturally rich Land of the Owambo People. Due to the constant maintenance of the infrastructure – including the completion of the tarred road between Rundu in the Kavango Region and Elundu in Ohangwena – the region is easy to navigate and allows travellers a glimpse of rural roadside life. Slowly opening up to tourism, the northernmost region of Namibia is the traditional home of our largest population group, the Aawambo.
Etosha owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow chalky white depression of approximately 5 000 km² that forms the heart of the park. Once a large inland lake fed by the early Kunene River and rivers from the north, it began drying up about three million years ago when the Kunene was diverted to the Atlantic Ocean. A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often spectacular game viewing. In good rain years the pan fills with water draining southwards from Angola via a delta-like system of shallow rivers and oshanas, drying out in the winter to become an austere expanse of white cracked mud, shimmering with mirages and upward spiralling dust devils.
What we call Etosha today was proclaimed as Game Reserve No 2 in 1907 by the German Governor Friedrich von Lindequist. With subsequent additions it became the largest game reserve in the world, covering a vast area of ±80 000 km². For political considerations its size was progressively diminished, until by 1975 it had been reduced by 77 per cent to its present surface area of 22 912 km². Nevertheless, it is still one of the largest game reserves in Africa.
Of the 114 mammal species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as black rhino and cheetah, and the lesser-known black-faced impala, which is endemic to northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola. Etosha’s current population of black rhino represents one of the largest populations of black rhino in the world.
Other large mammals in the park include elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest, mountain and plains zebra, hyaena and lion. Cheetah and leopard complete the trio of ‘big cats’. Antelope species range from kudu, gemsbok and the large and stately eland, to the diminutive Damara dik-dik. Smaller mammals include jackal, bat-eared fox, honey badger, warthog and the ubiquitous ground squirrel. For the greater part of the year (the dry season) Etosha’s animals and birds are dependent on about 30 springs and waterholes. These provide excellent game viewing and photographic opportunities. A good policy before setting out is to enquire from camp officials what the current game movements are. During the rainy season, the bird life at the main pan and Fischer’s Pan is well worth viewing. Etosha’s vegetation varies from dwarf shrub savannah and grasslands, which occur around the pan, to thornbush and woodland savannah throughout the park. Eighty per cent of all of Etosha's trees are mopane. West of Okaukuejo is the well-known Sprokieswoud –Fairy, Phantom or Haunted Forest – the only place where the African moringa tree, Moringa ovalifolia, grows in such a large concentration on a flat area. Etosha is open throughout the year and is accessible by tarred roads via the Andersson Gate on the C38 from Outjo, the Von Lindequist Gate in the east from Tsumeb on the B1, the Galton Gate in the west from Kowares on the C35 and the King Nehale Gate located on the Andoni plains just north of the Andoni waterhole, which provides access from the north-central Owambo regions on the B1 from Omuthiya.
About 340 bird species occur in Etosha, about one third being migratory, including the European Bee-eater and several species of wader. Larger birds include Ostrich, Kori bustard and Greater and Lesser Flamingo, of which tens of thousands congregate on the pan to breed during a good rainy season. Ten of Etosha’s 35 raptor species are migratory. Those most commonly seen are Lappet-faced, White-backed and Hooded Vultures, while sightings of the Cape, Egyptian and Palm-nut Vultures have been recorded. There are eight species of owl, including the Pearl-spotted Owlet and Southern White-faced Scops-owl, and four species of nightjar.
Located amidst a cluster of low hills is the town of Outjo, an important cattle-ranching centre and regarded as Etosha’s gateway to the south. Situated on the C38, Outjo is about 100 km from the Andersson Gate. The history of the
Etosha is known as the jewel in Namibia's crown.
town and surroundings is depicted in the Outjo Museum, where the focus is on gemstones and wildlife. The museum is housed in Franke House, built in 1899 for the German commanding officer, Hauptmann Franke. The Naulila Monument was erected in 1933 to commemorate the 12 German soldiers who lost their lives in the attack on the Portuguese military post at Naulila in southern Angola on 18 December 1914. The attack was launched in retaliation for the death of the District Commissioner of Outjo, two military officers and an ‘African police servant’ in an incident that took place in Naulila earlier. Also of interest is the Water Tower, built in 1900 to provide fresh water for the German soldiers, their horses and the hospital. Outjo Bakkery, a good place to stop for refreshments, offers tasty freshly baked German delicatessens, while The Farmhouse, which is open from breakfast to dinner, has a shaded beer garden. Namibia Gemstones is situated in Hage Geingob Street. Besides providing information on the town and surroundings, it also sells a large variety of local gemstones.
Accessed from the B1 and situated about 96 km from the Von Lindequist Gate, the town of Tsumeb was founded in 1905. While initially closely linked to the mining industry, operations have been scaled down considerably. The colourful jacarandas, flamboyant trees and bougainvillea that line the town’s streets have earned Tsumeb the title 'Namibia’s garden town'. The history of the town is depicted in the Tsumeb Museum, where a comprehensive collection of rare minerals can be viewed. An interesting facet of the Tsumeb Museum is the Khorab Room, displaying a collection of restored cannons and other armaments dumped into Lake Otjikoto by retreating German forces shortly before the signing of the Khorab Peace Treaty. It is estimated that at least 30 cannons and 4 500 boxes of ammunition were plunged into the lake. The museum is housed in the former German Private School Building, constructed in 1915, now a national monument. The Tsumeb Arts and Crafts Centre, situated in the main street, is run by an educational trust promoting traditional arts and crafts. An African-style, openair market on the outskirts of Tsumeb gives small traders the opportunity to
sell their wares. The Arts Performance Centre is another popular attraction in Tsumeb. The centre presents concerts, African dance, music, and typical plays from the north of Namibia for tourists.
The Tsumeb Cultural Village, also known as the Helvi Mpingana
Kondombolo Cultural Village – named after founding president Sam Nujoma’s mother – is located in the southern outskirts of town. This community project is presented as an open-air museum, where exhibits display the life, history and culture of the majority of Namibians. The centre also hosts a curio shop and bungalows for overnight guests. The oldest building in town is the Otavi Minen und Eisenbahn Gesellschaft (OMEG) Minenbüro, completed at the end of 1907, while the Second Director’s House, erected in 1912, is the secondoldest building. The latter still houses some of the original furniture and retains its original appearance. St Barbara’s Roman Catholic Church, which was built in 1913, is one of the town’s most prominent landmarks.
Popular places to dine at or stop for a refreshment include the Sindano Court and Cosmos Nursery. The Tsumeb Airstrip meets International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and is the closest commercial airstrip to Etosha National Park.
Lake Otjikoto, located 24 km northwest of Tsumeb in the Oshikoto Region, was used as a unique underwater dumping site in 1915 when retreating German forces disposed of their military equipment during the South West Africa Campaign. South African divers of the Ministry of Works recovered armaments in January 1916 while several more pieces of armaments were brought to the surface during subsequent diving expeditions. What’s left in the lake can be inspected by qualified divers. The majority of the armaments are on display in the Tsumeb Museum (see above).
The 130 metre-deep Lake Guinas, which lies northwest of Otjikoto, is noted for its beautiful setting and the dark inky-blue colour of its water. However,
Etosha National Park is home to Namibia's largest lion population. It serves as a vital stronghold, offering a protected habitat and abundant prey for their survival and growth.
since it is on a farm, permission to view it needs to be obtained from the farmer.
Visitors to Namibia who are qualified divers are welcome to join club members on a journey of underwater exploration to view these two geological curiosities.
A rare, mouth-breeding species of tilapia or dwarf bream is found in both of these sinkhole lakes.
A large percentage of Namibia’s inhabitants live in the Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions between Etosha National Park and Namibia’s northern border with Angola. After the capital, this region has the largest urban concentration of people in the country.
The major portion of these four regions, which have a total surface area of just over 56 100 km², consists of communal farming land – that is land where there is no individual ownership or demarcation and where the majority of the inhabitants live from subsistence farming.
Life on the vast plains of these essentially agricultural regions depends on the seasonal efundja, the floods that feed the rivers and iishana. The latter are flat, shallow depressions, many of which light up with copious growths of white lilies soon after they have filled with water in the rainy season. The highlands of Angola are the origin of these waters. After a long journey southwards, the Cuvelai River disperses its contents into many channels, covering the sandy flats of southern Angola and spreading into northern Namibia to form a large expansive delta of rivulets and oshanas. These, in turn, provide drinking water for humans and animals, protein in the form of fish and a habitat that supports large numbers of aquatic birds.
The essentially flat landscape is characterised by huge expansive marula trees and sporadic stands of the tall makalani palm, Hyphaene petersiana. Sap is tapped from the growing tip of the stems of these palms and left to ferment into a potent drink called palm wine. The fruit of the makalani palm takes two years to mature and has a white, bony kernel. Referred to as vegetable ivory, the hard kernel is suitable for carving small ornaments, jewellery and curios.
The best time of the year to visit these regions is from April to August, after the rains. By this time the roads are suitable for driving on, the heat of the summer has abated, and the wetlands still host many water birds, such as cranes, storks, ducks, herons and small waders.
Oshakati, Ongwediva, Ondangwa
Owambo’s two main centres, Oshakati and Ondangwa, are in the Oshana Region. These two bustling towns have the same informality and happy-go-lucky character as urban centres throughout much of Africa. Their main streets are lined with a haphazard arrangement of residential houses and shops, and the traffic varies from donkey carts to the latest in luxury four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The Oshakati Omatala (open market) is the largest in Namibia and a big tourist attraction in the north.
The Ongwediva Trade Fair has been held annually since 1995. Apart from an array of local stands, it also hosts exhibitors from Botswana, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Afrika Stadt Haus is a good place to enjoy a meal or a drink. The town
hosts two modern shopping malls, which feature the most popular fastfood restaurants, including the Silver Wolf , and an assortment of retail outlets.
Since independence, the OshakatiOngwediva- Ondangwa complex has experienced dramatic urban growth. The complex plays an increasingly important commercial role in the north and has considerable industrial potential.
In close proximity to Ondangwa, at Olukonda, is the oldest building in northern Namibia, the Nakambale Mission House
A new concept for Namibia, the Ongula Village Homestead Lodge allows visitors to experience authentic village life at an Owambo homestead.
Visitors can gain a fascinating insight into the history, culture and life of the Uukwaluudhi , one of the eight Aawambo communities, at the Uukwaluudhi Royal Homestead on the outskirts of Tsandi. Guided tours are conducted from Monday to Friday and there is also a small craft shop where locally made handicrafts can be bought.
FlyNamibia conducts regular flights from Windhoek to Ondangwa several times a week.
Tourism in this vast flat region, typified by oshanas, makalani palms and herds of cattle, used to be virtually non-existent. However, these days it is steadily increasing. The area has a rich and interesting cultural and historical tradition, which can be explored by visiting some of the sites in the surroundings.
The town of Oniipa hosts the Onandjokwe Medical Museum in the grounds of the Onandjokwe Hospital Built by the Finnish Mission Society in 1911, Onandjokwe was the first hospital in Owambo.
The Eenhana Heroes’ Memorial Shrine depicts the history of the liberation struggle and acknowledges the courage of the combatants of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the civilians who supported them.
The main attraction at the Ombalantu Baobab Heritage Centre is a huge Baobab tree estimated to be around 700-750 years old. During tribal wars the tree served as a hiding place and was later also used as a post office and a chapel. The centre, located in Outapi, also offers camping sites laid out under the tree, a small kiosk, a craft centre and facilities for day visitors.
ORC (Ongava Research Centre) is dedicated to carnivore research and conservation, focusing on African carnivores beyond the well-known lions and cheetahs. These animals, including smaller species like jackals and caracals, play a vital role in ecosystems as keystone species. ORC, located on Ongava Game Reserve near Etosha National Park in Namibia, conducts research on carnivores within its boundaries and on a larger scale in the Greater Etosha Landscape.
Early studies at ORC involved monitoring carnivores' movements and behaviours using GPS collars and camera traps. Lions and spotted hyenas were found to roam between Ongava and Etosha but did not cross the game-proof fences surrounding Ongava. However, leopards were observed crossing these fences freely. Spotted hyenas were discovered to have large territories and rest on elevated ground during the day, while leopards were found to have a transient presence on Ongava, with only a few establishing stable territories.
The research also revealed the presence of servals on Ongava, expanding their known distribution range. In collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Hyaena Specialist Group, ORC organised a workshop in 2019 to reassess the conservation status of hyena species across their range.
In 2020, ORC partnered with the Etosha Ecological Institute to establish a comprehensive, longterm research program on carnivores in the Greater Etosha Landscape. This collaborative program aims to understand the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of carnivores, including lions and
African wild cats. Researchers utilise advanced technology such as collars capable of recording frequent GPS locations and activity levels. Livestock are also equipped with solar-powered ear tags to monitor their movement and response to predation risk. The program involves local and international partners and focuses on spatial and social ecology as well as human-wildlife coexistence in the periphery of Etosha.
While lions and spotted hyenas are currently the primary focus, ORC plans to include additional species like jackals and brown hyenas in its research. On a broader scale, ORC contributes to the study of landscape genetics of lions across northern Namibia. Collaborating with various organisations, they collected over 200 lion samples to understand genetic changes, sub-population relationships, and connectivity across different parks and regions. The study revealed a potential disconnection between lions from Khaudum and Etosha, with decreasing genetic diversity from east to west.
ORC welcomes visitors who are passionate about carnivore conservation and offers opportunities for travellers to contribute to their research efforts. By combining travel with a purpose, visitors can support wildlife research and conservation at ORC.
Based on an article by Stéphanie
Périquet, ORC Resident ScientistNamibia's central north, characterised by culture and the country's most famous and successful national park.
This is just an approximate indication of where these establishments are situated
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An idyllic oasis in the rugged Otavi mountains: rustic farm walls, tall palm trees, thick bush and a lush lawn surround the lovingly restored historic buildings of the Ghaub Lodge.
The 120 km² area of Ghaub houses a game-rich nature reserve with a unique fauna and flora, extraordinary rock engravings, a limestone cave as well as a farm with livestock and cultivation of vegetables.
P.O. Box 1549, Grootfontein 12010, Namibia
Tel: (+264) 67 240188
Email: info@ghaub-namibia.com
Web: www.ghaub-namibia.com
Etosha Oberland Lodge, at the southern entrance of Etosha National Park, combines luxury with a lot of privacy. The main house is reminiscent of an English garden with restaurant, pool, bar and a cozy lounge with a fire place. In the evening a 4-course menu is served. Large mopane trees create private spaces that have a fantastic view of the wide grassy plain and the waterhole. Guests can observe wildlife with a sundowner on the restaurant terrace after eventful days in Etosha National Park. Etosha Oberland's spacious guesthouses are lovingly integrated into nature. All houses are positioned apart from each other and promise complete privacy. The suites and their terraces offer a unique view of the surrounding savannah. Tasteful design and stylish decor present the background for an unforgettable stay.
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings Tel: (+264) 61 240 020
Lodge Tel: (+264) 84 000 6015
Email: reservations@etoshaoberland.com
Web: www.ondili.com
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Hobatere Lodge is strategically located 65 km north of Kamanjab on the western border of Etosha National Park. The lodge is situated in a concession area of 8,808 ha which is home to an abundance of game, including elephant, giraffe, eland, and Hartmann’s zebra. Be sure to ask about our Tree House for the romantic adventurers at heart. The Tree House offers total isolation to become one with the wildlife drinking from the nearby waterhole. The lodge belongs to the #Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy. Our lodge's primary objectives are to increase the benefits of the local community, reduce human-wildlife conflict and contribute to the conservation of the area.
P.O. Box 91045, Windhoek
Reservations Tel: (+264) 61 228 104
Email: res5@journeysnamibia.com
Web: www.hobatere-lodge.com
Mokuti Etosha is just a stone's throw away from the eastern border of Etosha National Park, 40 meters from the historic Von Lindequist Gate, offering 106 Standard Rooms and 8 Family Rooms. Situated on its own 4,000-hectare private nature reserve, the lodge has been newly renovated, offering a wide range of experiences including sundowners, snake shows, game drives and night activities. Our spa offers luxurious relaxation, rejuvenation and world-class treatments from expert therapists. The restaurant serves a fusion of traditional local and international cuisine. Mokuti is Africa re-imagined.
Central Reservations:
Tel: (+264) 64 67 229 084
Email: mokuti.res@ol.na
Web: www.mokutietosha.com
Mushara offers luxury accommodation on the doorstep of the famous Etosha National Park, located just 8 km from the Von Lindequist gate of the reserve. This special place caters for families and those seeking exclusive private accommodation, where an aura of tranquillity and contemplation prevails.
Experienced and enthusiastic guides will embellish guests with their intricate knowledge of the Etosha Pan, the flora and fauna and the diverse animal species you will encounter.
Mushara Lodge is the original establishment in the collection – the elegant lady. The comfort to be found whilst relaxing in luxury, will offer welcome relief to the day's game viewing activities. In the heat of the Namibian day, guests can indulge in a refreshing dip in the invigorating large blue swimming pool, surrounded by green lawns which are kept perfectly manicured by visiting local wildlife.
With individuality in mind, at Villa Mushara only two exclusive villas are available. They were designed to create an elegant retreat from the strains of modern-day life. An aura of tranquillity and contemplation prevails in the villas.
Mushara Bush Camp offers a down-to-earth tented bush experience. It is ideally suited as an exceptionally affordable base for independent travellers and families exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park.
Mushara Outpost, modelled on the welcoming elegance of an African homestead, offers a superb combination of splendid accommodation, exquisite cuisine and personal service which will appeal to the most discerning traveller.
P.O. Box 1814, Tsumeb
Booking Office: Tel: (+264) 61 24 1880
Email: reservations@mushara-lodge.com
For more inspiration on these lodges go to www.mushara-lodge.com
Dolomite Resort is perched atop a dolomite ridge in the western part of Etosha National Park, where animals abound. Built by hand, Dolomite offers panoramic views unique in Etosha. The ecologically designed thatched chalets blend into the mountaintop, creating a sense of being one with nature. Three of the twenty chalets are deluxe, with their own plunge pools. A large pool with several pavilions, a fireside boma for game viewing, dining, and relaxing complete the comfortable and ambient layout of the resort. There are more than fifteen waterholes in the vicinity of Dolomite Resort. Distances between Dolomite Resort and the other resorts in Etosha are: Okaukuejo (180 km), Halali (250 km), Namutoni (320 km) and Onkoshi (350 km).
Onkoshi Resort is a low-impact environmentally friendly accommodation facility on the eastern edge of the Etosha Pan. Built on elevated wooden decks, it offers 15 chalets, a restaurant and bar area, and an infinity pool overlooking the pan. Guests enter the park at Namutoni. The road between Namutoni and Onkoshi Resort, which was previously only accessible by NWR vehicles, is now open to guests, who can drive through with any vehicle. The lodge is situated on a secluded peninsula overlooking the immense Etosha Pan. It offers a pristine, tranquil and unique experience to its guests.
Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park. The resort is famous for its floodlit waterhole where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. The waterhole experience has been enhanced by reducing disturbance in this area. Five of the waterhole chalets are premier double-storey units with a balcony overlooking the waterhole. Accommodation suits every need, from premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole to family chalets, bush chalets, double rooms and camping.
Halali is situated at the base of a dolomite hill, amongst shady mopane trees. A flood-lit waterhole which is viewed from an amphitheatrestyle vantage point provides exceptional wildlife viewing day and night. Accommodation units are beautifully integrated into the natural surroundings. The largest swimming pool in the park provides a welcome respite. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop and fuel station. Accommodation options include family chalets, two- and four-bed bush chalets, double units and camping.
Olifantsrus, a historical site in Etosha National Park, situated in the less utilised western section of the park, approximately 60 kilometres from Galton Gate, is the sole camping-only location in the park. It also boasts what some describe as the greatest wildlife observation hide in southern Africa. Olifantsrus Camp is situated conveniently between the Galton Gate entrance at the western side of Etosha National Park, and Okaukuejo – one of the park’s oldest accommodation sites. The campsite consists of 10 sites for a maximum group of 8 people per site.
P.O. Box 13267, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Namutoni is located on the eastern side of Etosha National Park. It centres around an old German Fort, overlooking the King Nehale waterhole. Namutoni has been redeveloped to highlight the fort itself, which is a National Monument. Privacy for each unit has been enhanced. Accommodation options include comfortable double rooms, bush chalets and camping.
For more inspiration on these lodges go to www.nwr.com.na
In the middle of northern Namibia’s arid, captivating savannah, bordering the world-famous Etosha National Park, is Safarihoek Lodge. Perched on top of a hill, overlooking the plains below, Safarihoek is a stylish retreat, and you’ll find cool, thatched chalets all with private decks, a double-storey photography hide, and a swimming pool with 180-degree vistas of the brilliant savannah.
If there’s one thing about Safarihoek, it’s the location. Everywhere you turn, the rugged Namibian savannah stretches into the distance, with only a spangly tree here, and a spiky bush there. The wildlife roams freely across the neverending space, unhindered and unobstructed. This is a place of silence and solitude, and a rare opportunity to be at one with nature and the animals that thrive here.
Located on the Etosha Heights Private Reserve, just next to Safarihoek Lodge, it’s a traditional Namibian farmhouse that we’ve given the Natural Selection treatment and can be booked on an exclusive-use basis. Expect three, ensuite bedrooms and a fullyequipped kitchen, dining room and sitting area. Outside, there’s a large veranda with a braai and plenty of seating, a fire pit and a second thatched braai area, as well as a swimming pool, all amidst the luscious green gardens.
With a private guide, vehicle and a chef all to yourself, it’s a safari that’s 100% on your terms whether you want to look for big game early in the morning, or have a leisurely start to the day. Flexibility is key here and the house is a perfect spot for families, groups of friends and adventurers looking for their very own, day-to-day itinerary.
Along with good wine, cheese, and the founders of Natural Selection, some things get better with age – and Etosha Mountain Lodge is one of them. Located in the exclusive Etosha Heights Private Reserve on the southwestern border of Etosha National Park. Ten safari-chic chalets, all with 180 degree, camera-loving panoramas of the wilderness, a beautiful main ‘lapa’ area, and a cool swimming pool for the hot Namibian days. And the activities certainly won’t disappoint either. Think morning and afternoon game drives in the private reserve, a former hunting concession, and one which we are pleased to be rehabilitating into a photographic safari area. Go out in search of big cats and watch for signs of elephant on the horizon; watch all the action at the waterhole in front of the camp; hop on a night drive with some of the best guides out there; and, of course, track endangered rhino, the icons of the area.
Tel: (264) 61 225 616
Email: resnam@naturalselection.travel
Web: www.naturalselection.travel
Sharing the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park, Onguma Nature Reserve is a beguiling mixture of sophistication and relaxation, of elegance and the earth. In the local Herero language, Onguma means ‘the place you don’t want to leave’, and the 34 000-hectare private reserve certainly lives up to its name.
Onguma Camp Kala – sophisticated, authentic, intimate
Onguma Camp Kala is an unparalleled lodge elevated on wooden decks with a central tower, resembling a termite mound, blends perfectly with the surroundings and offers panoramic views of the natural waterhole. The lodge offers several vantage points for game viewing, including a lounge, cocktail bar, and a beautiful deck. Guests can also enjoy a gym, spa, yoga deck, and a photographic hide. The four spacious suites, each with its own butler, feature private decks, wood-fired hot tub, plunge pool, and shaded sala, perfect for an armchair safari or stargazing.
Onguma The Fort - iconic luxury
Onguma The Fort, unlike any other, boasts an idyllic location, providing guests with breathtaking panoramic views across the waterhole to Etosha Pan, perfect for enjoying stunning sunsets. With its elegant north African-inspired architecture, The Fort comprises of a Sultan Suite within the main lodge, a Honeymoon Suite with wood-fired hot tub and 11 Bush Suites, each located 50 metres apart, ensuring complete privacy. The Bush Suites feature a fireplace, air conditioning, a spacious bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, and long wooden decks with private outdoor seating area and sun loungers to unwind and relish the extraordinary views.
Onguma Tented Camp – the ultimate in safari chic
Onguma Tented Camp offers a charming 'Out of Africa' atmosphere, the epitome of understated safari chic. The camp’s intimate setting around an active waterhole features 7 tented suites, each a unique structure of Etosha stone and triple-layered canvas on decks. Designed with attention to detail, the suites boast air conditioning, both indoor and outdoor showers, a gorgeous modern interpretation of an old zinc bath, and a private seating area to observe animals quenching their thirst at the waterhole.
Onguma Forest Camp – for a secluded bush-lodge experience
Nestled amidst the trees is Onguma Forest Camp, an intimate and relaxed bush lodge with a character that gives guests a glimpse into the authentic yesteryear safari-style. The main lodge area, featuring an elevated fire pit on a deck overlooking a large waterhole, and its 11 bungalows are adorned with thatched roofs and wooden furniture, enveloped in nature. The down-to-earth friendly character of the lodge and staff embody the true spirit of the Namibian bush experience. A wellstocked wine cellar complements hearty meals served under the stars.
Onguma Bush Camp - ideal for families
Onguma Bush Camp offers guests a stunning waterhole around which the main guest areas are positioned, ensuring there is something to see while enjoying every meal. Thatch, wooden decks and canvas ensure a quintessentially African atmosphere. With 18 rooms available, the camp caters to singles, couples, and families. Since the camp is fenced, it is perfectly suitable for families, allowing little ones to enjoy our Young Explorer’s Walk and stretch their legs while parents relax around the pool or enjoy an Onguma-tailored massage.
Onguma Tamboti Campsite - the ultimate in luxury camping
Onguma Tamboti Campsite boasts a lovely restaurant overlooking the waterhole – for days when you just want to relax and enjoy a hearty meal. The 25 campsites are well placed to offer privacy and each one is equipped with generous private ablutions and ample plugs for charging cameras and equipment. The swimming pool, Wi-Fi and small supply shop ensure campers want for nothing! Game drives can be booked at reception.
Onguma Leadwood Campsite – an intimate camping experience
Nestled in the shade of large leadwood trees are 6 private camping sites, each with their own ablution, wash-up area and power point. Leadwood campers can also make use of Onguma Bush Camp’s facilities including sipping sundowners at the waterhole or cooling off in the swimming pool. This is the perfect campsite for exclusive use and to explore the eastern side of Etosha.
P.O. Box 24046, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 23 7055
Fax: (+264) 61 23 5677
Email: reservations@onguma.com
Web: www.onguma.com
Nestled in the mountains and plains, Ongava Game Reserve provides visitors with the ultimate in accommodation, offering comfort, luxury and a connection to the earth. Each lodge on Ongava has its own unique style, layout and atmosphere; but all offer the same wonderful sense of luxurious seclusion. Built from local materials in traditional fashion, they blend tastefully into the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to feel at one with nature.
Designed for privacy, luxury and intimacy with the land, Little Ongava is set on a high hill with pristine views across the plains. A boardwalk meanders over rocks and trees, connecting the beautiful main area with one of only three secluded en-suite thatched suites. Each suite is like a home, featuring a large sala with a cosy fireplace, comfortable seating, a private deck, infinity pool and sun loungers. The overall impression is one of pure natural indulgence indoors, surrounded by untamed nature outdoors. The lounge and dining areas have wonderful views over a popular waterhole, the open deck allowing for relaxed, stylish dining under the African sky. In the company of Ongava’s well-versed guides, ensuring the best possible nature experience including bird watching, game drives, guided nature walks, white rhino approaching, excursions into Etosha National Park and use of the photographic hide. The Ongava Research Centre's Visitors Centre boasts dozens of in-depth displays where guests can interface with science and research on a personal level.
Central to the design of the new Anderssons at Ongava is the connection to the wild, and it is most keenly felt at the waterhole and nearby underground viewing hide. Here guests have a water-level view of the prolific wildlife and birdlife on Ongava Game Reserve in a setting that inspires intimacy without intrusion. The social area, where guests gather for meals and to meet fellow wildlife enthusiasts, guides and naturalists, encompasses an undercover and open-air dining area, a spacious lounge and bar, a sunken observation terrace and an open fireplace. Additional features include the curio shop, small library and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Ongava Research Centre's Discovery Centre is a short walk away and guests can meander through the self-guided exhibition area at their own pace.
Ongava Lodge
Ongava Lodge is perched on a ridge with seemingly endless views across the plains. Ongava Lodge’s fourteen air-conditioned brick, rock and thatch chalets, each with en-suite facilities, offer a relaxing retreat in the African bush. Gather at the main thatched dining area and enjoy a refreshing drink while watching wildlife interact at the floodlit waterhole. Your lodge experience includes a swimming pool, curio shop, Wi-Fi and a dedicated guide and shared game drive vehicle to participate in bird watching, game drives, bush walks, wellness in the wild treatments and the waterhole hide. Guests are encouraged to explore the Ongava Research Centre's Discovery Centre.
Immersed in the African mopane bush, Ongava Tented Camp is a natural extension of this wild, wonderful landscape tucked away in a hidden valley at the foot of a dolomite hill. Eight large, comfortable tents all have ensuite facilities, with double basins, indoor and open-air showers and private verandas. The dining area, bar and deck have an unobstructed view of the active waterhole. Your lodge experience includes nights at the campfire, stunning waterhole views, curio shop, swimming pool, a dedicated guide and shared game drive vehicle. The available activities include bird watching, game drives, guided nature walks, white rhino approaching, excursions into Etosha National Park and the opportunity to meander through the self-guided exhibition area of the Ongava Research Centre's Discovery Centre.
P.O. Box 58, Okaukeujo
Tel: (+264) 83 330 3920
Email: hello@ongava.com
Web: www.ongava.com
• The region hosts one of the largest waterfalls in Africa
• It is the stamping ground of the worldfamous desert-adapted elephant
• The semi-nomadic Himba call this arid land home
• The area is a geological wonderland
• It has off-the-beaten-track destinations aplenty
Kaokoland extends from the Kunene River southwards across a sparsely populated and harsh environment down to the Hoanib River. The area holds a special allure for lovers of remote and wild places to negotiate its challenging and rugged terrain in four-wheeldrive vehicles. Attractions include the desert-adapted elephants, scattered Himba settlements, the impressive Epupa Falls, off-thebeaten-track destinations such as the expansive Marienfluss and Hartmann valleys, the wild and beautiful Khowarib Schlucht, and Swartbooisdrift, site of a Dorslandtrekker monument.
an arid habitat for at least part of the year and have special behavioural characteristics, large annual and seasonal ranges, and a social structure and daily activities suited to an arid environment. When feeding, these denizens of the desert take far greater care than their relatives in Etosha. They hardly ever fell trees, break fewer branches and debark much less than other elephants. Whereas adult elephants on average drink between 100–200 litres of water a day, in the Kunene Region they drink only once every three or four days. During droughts they dig deep, narrow holes (gorras) in dry riverbeds with their tusks, trunk and feet to find water.
Another curiosity of the area is the remarkable desert-adapted lion. With only a small number of their kind left, the desert lions are a rare group of carnivores that have adapted to survive in one of the harshest, most unforgiving landscapes on earth. With their numbers dwindling as poaching and human encroachment threaten their future, sightings are few and far between. For more information on the desert lions of the Namib visit www.desertlion.info
The African elephant, a strong and majestic giant, is a key feature on the plains, in the forest and across other landscapes in Africa. In remote parts of north-western Namibia these gentle giants have adapted to survive in harsh desert conditions. In Kaokoland the desert-adapted elephant's home ranges cover as much as 3 000 km², with the animals trekking up to 200 km in search of water. It was thought initially that these elephants were a different species to the African elephant, Loxodonta
africana, because they seem to have longer legs, are taller and have larger feet. However, because they have less to eat than their Etosha counterparts, they don’t carry the same body mass, and therefore appear to be taller and have longer legs. But they do have larger feet, an environmental adaptation caused by walking primarily on soft sand all their lives.
Kaokoland’s desert-adapted elephants rotate the home ranges that they occupy as the seasons change to where food and water can be found. Herds are led by a matriarch, who is usually the oldest female and has accumulated as much as 30 years’ experience of the climatic conditions in her home range. By definition, desert-dwelling elephants occupy
With its scenically beautiful surroundings, Epupa is one of Namibia’s prime tourist destinations. The falls are a series of cascades where the Kunene River drops a total of 60 metres over a distance of about 1.5 km, separating into a multitude of channels and forming a myriad of rock pools. Enhanced by richly coloured rock walls, a variety of trees including wild figs, baobabs and waving makalani palms, spectacular sunsets and perennially flowing waters, the Epupa area offers much to see, do and experience.
Bird-watching is rewarding, especially for the rare Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush. Also seen are Bee-eaters, African Fish Eagles, Kingfishers ranging from the
Giant to the tiny Malachite Kingfisher, Rosy-faced Lovebirds, Paradise Flycatchers, Turacos, Bulbuls, Hornbills and Rollers.
Scattered settlements of Himba are an especially interesting feature of the area.
Although officially declared as a town only at the end of 2000, Opuwo has long acted as the capital of the Kunene Region, and as the gateway to Epupa Falls and the land of the Himba people. The town itself doesn’t offer much for the tourist, except in the form of hand-made jewellery and other crafts, which can be found at street stalls and at the open market. The Kunene Craft Centre is also a good place to stock up on souvenirs from the area. Opuwo has well-stocked grocery shops, Internet cafés, a post office, banks, fuel stations, a hospital, and everything else a traveller might need.
Opuwo is connected to Kamanjab and Windhoek by a tarred road that is in excellent condition. There’s an airfield in town, managed by the Opuwo Country Hotel .
A newly opened Living Museum now allows visitors to discover the mysteries and wonders of Ovahimba culture . An exhilarating, energetic demonstration, the living museum gives you the opportunity to learn
about the intriguing traditional life of the Himba people. This includes their dress, food and crafts (wood carving and metal work). Guests learn about how the homestead is built, with the Holy Fire at its heart, where all the important communication with the ancestors takes place. They also have the unique opportunity to sit in a hut with a bevy of Himba women learning about their intricate beauty rituals. The Ovahimba Living Museum opened officially in November 2016 and is the sixth of its kind. The museum can be found on the C43, 40 km north of Opuwo.
At 120 metres high and 700 metres wide, the Ruacana Falls on the Kunene River are one of the largest waterfalls in Africa. However, for most of the year the waterfall is dry, due to the Ruacana Hydropower Plant , which is the major source of electricity generated in Namibia.
There are several campsites along the Kunene River between Hippo Pools and the Epupa Falls. Facilities vary from campsite to campsite and you might find no-one in attendance when you arrive at some campsites. Some campsites mentioned in tourist brochures have closed down. Facilities at Kunene River Lodge and Epupa Falls Lodge are, however, of a high standard.
Namibia's desert elephants navigate the arid landscapes with grace, adapting to survive in one of the world's most challenging environments.
The Mysterious Lone Men
Kaokoland has long been described as a forelorn and mysterious place, often called the Wild West of Namibia. But, a new mystery has recently emerged, one that adds to the atmosphere of this fascinating desert wilderness: the Lone Men of Kaokoland. Nearly life-size rock sculptures of men have started appearing across the area a couple of years ago. Made from the rock prevailing in the area, they blend in perfectly with their surroundings and take on different poses, catching you by surprise with their lifelike gait or posture. One figure sits on a hilltop, surveying the arid landscape, another one – referred to as the Dapper Stapper – strolls across the stony plains carrying a bundle on the end of a stick like an old-time traveller, another appears to be deep in thought, while yet another strides across the rugged land with a strong sense of purpose. Each figure has an aluminium disc attached to it, with a number and a message as to where it is going. The sculptures have been spotted along the road on the routes between Puros in the south, Van Zyl’s Pass in the east, Otjinungua in the north and the Skeleton Coast Park in the west.
This is just an approximate indication of where these establishments are situated
In a country jam-packed with vast, spectacularly beautiful landscapes, Kaokoland may just be the most incredible of them all. Deep in north-western Namibia, the area is a melee of towering mountains, sand dunes, and huge expanses of desert, scattered with unique wildlife and nomadic Himba settlements. It’s also one of Namibia’s most remote and wild environments, and one that not many will get the chance to discover in their lifetime. And that’s exactly why we’ve decided to build Hoanib Valley Camp. A joint venture between the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the world’s only Africa-wide giraffe conservation organisation, the camp is an elegant, intimate affair that immerses you into the wilds of the desert. The six rooms blend seamlessly with the environment, offering a simple aesthetic that matches the rugged landscape down to a tee. Days are spent tracking endangered rhino, desert-adapted elephant, and of course desert-adapted giraffe, before retiring to your private veranda to marvel at the magnitude of your surroundings (G&T in hand).
Tel: (+264) 61 225 616
Email: resnam@naturalselection.travel
Web: www.naturalselection.travel
Epupa Falls Lodge & Campsite guards the Kunene River as it rushes down the cliffs of the Epupa Falls. Here, on the deck, a mere 100m above the falls, many dry throats are rescued by a cold beer or icy water from the bar. Guests from the five Riverview Huts on stilts, three Ground level Budget chalets and the more private honeymoon chalet all enjoy dinner on the deck served from Christa’s Kitchen. Campers from the six River view campsites are also welcome to join on the deck for meals and drinks while a communal ablution block ensures that our campers are nice and clean. The pool and masseuse provide a refreshing end to the day. A variety of activities is also available.
Cell: (+264) 81 250 8225 (WhatsApp Only)
Email: reservations@epupafallslodge.com
Web: www.epupafallslodge.com
Unravel the mystery
Shipwreck Lodge is located in the famous Skeleton Coast concession between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in Skeleton Coast National Park. This iconic lodge is only 45 km from Möwe Bay. The shipwreck-shaped cabins are nestled between the dunes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean where the cold Benguela Current provides guests with a refreshing breeze. Our exclusive clients can look forward to appreciating the harshness of the desert and the beauty of these solitary landscapes filled with geological history. A sundowner drive will take you to the roaring dunes. Take a 4x4 trip to the clay castles, a natural geological formation. Guests can enjoy lunch on the beach, if the weather permits it. Other activities on offer are dune boarding and quadbiking guided trails.
P.O. Box 91045, Windhoek
Reservations Tel: (+264) 61 228 104
Email: res6@journeysnamibia.com
Web: www.shipwrecklodge.com.na
Against the backdrop of the vast Hartmann's Valley and its spectacular geology, gaze upon lush Kunene riverine vegetation. Put your feet up and immerse yourself in the spectacular surrounds. Relax, the powerful silence of the desert restoring your soul. Travel the dunes on foot and by quad-bike, or lean back in a boat and look out for crocodiles and dazzling birds along the river. Don’t be surprised to see wildlife in the desert surroundings, from Hartmann’s mountain zebra and oryx, to tiny desert chameleons. This is also the home of the Himba, Namibia’s last semi-nomads. Respectful, authentic engagement with them in one of their temporary villages is wondrous, a true privilege.
P.O. Box 6850, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 41 27 4500
Email: enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com
Web: www.wildernessdestinations.com
Remote Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp rests in Namibia’s famed, ancient Kaokoveld, in a life-filled private wilderness area near the legendary Skeleton Coast. Search the rust-coloured crags and arid plains for desert-adapted wildlife. Hike rocky outcrops, scramble down enormous sand dunes, marvel at desert oases, and dine under impossibly starry night skies. At Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp eight pale olive, generously appointed, tented suites peak like whitecaps from an ocean of sand. Here a truly unique experience beckons the intrepid traveller seeking chic luxury in a startlingly rugged and isolated landscape.
P.O. Box 6850, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 41 27 4500
Email: enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com
Web: www.wildernessdestinations.com
• The Waterberg Plateau rises 200 metres above the surrounding savannah
• The Hoba Meteorite is the largest known meteorite in the world
• Tsumkwe and surroundings are home to Namibia’s earliest ancestors
• Dragon’s Breath is the world’s largest known underground lake
• Dinosaur footprints are found in the area
Rising as an island of colour some 200 metres above the surrounding African bush and savannah, the Waterberg Plateau, with its flamboyant brick-red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation, is without a doubt the main drawcard of the region. Other attractions are the Hoba Meteorite, the Otjihaenamaparero dinosaur footprints and the Dragon’s Breath underground lake. Tsumkwe, the administrative centre of Bushmanland, is home to a large San population, and the southern gateway to Khaudum National Park.
The 405 km² Waterberg National Park was proclaimed in 1972 as a reserve for endangered and protected species. The history of the park began on 15 June 1956 with the declaration of two portions of the plateau as natural monuments. This came to pass after representations were made to the then SWA Administration by the Kameradschaft Ehemaliger Deutscher Soldaten, members of the Scientific Society, the Monuments Commission, and other interested parties. The two areas – the Omuverume Plateau and the Karakuwisa Mountain Range – were, however, divided by farms that had been allocated to farmers in the past. The Omuverume Plateau is probably the only sandveld vegetation type that developed for many centuries without being disturbed, due to the vertical cliffs and flora there having reached a unique stage of climate development. Interestingly enough, the original motivation for the proclamation of the entire Waterberg Plateau as a park was to create a reserve for eland. It was reasoned that there were about 800 eland in the Waterberg area that moved from farm to farm and caused a nuisance. As soon as the farmers would obtain ownership of the game on their land, the future of these eland would be in jeopardy because the farmers did not tolerate eland on their land. How wrong this statement proved to be! It was only when farmers were granted ownership of their game, that game populations in the country began to flourish and increase.
Today's Waterberg National Park is home to some 25 game and over 200 bird species. Rare species such as roan and sable antelope, Cape buffalo and tsessebe occur in large numbers.
Species such as black and white rhino are also firmly established on the plateau. The vegetation changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of the plateau to lush green sub-tropical dry woodland with tall trees and grassy plains at the top. Ten fern species have been recorded at the Waterberg, of which one is endemic to Namibia and Angola. There is also an impressive range of flowering plants, including the conspicuous flame lily, Gloriosa superba
On the site of the historic Battle of Waterberg, at the foot of the plateau, a graveyard serves as a reminder of a turbulent period in history. Schutztruppe soldiers who died in the battle fought between the Herero and German colonial forces in 1904 are buried here.
At the eastern extremity of the park is the Okatjikona Environmental Education Centre, a facility run by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism that provides the opportunity for visiting groups, mainly schoolchildren, to learn about the importance of environmental conservation.
The superb natural beauty of the Waterberg can be enjoyed by vehicle on a guided game-viewing tour conducted by NWR or on easy walking routes along the base of the plateau.
The largest known meteorite of its kind in the world, Hoba Meteorite, lies in a shallow depression on the farm Hoba-West, about 20 km west of Grootfontein. The 50-tonne mass of iron and nickel is between 100 to 300 million years old. It crashed into earth some 30 000 to 80 000 years ago. Discovered by Jacobus Hermanus Brits in the 1920s, it has periodically been subjected to vandalism.
Measures to protect the meteorite were taken in the 1980s in a joint venture between Rössing Uranium Ltd and the National Monuments Council. A stone amphitheatre was built around it to allow for convenient
viewing, with a museum wall at the entrance displaying information about the meteorite. An interesting variety of birds such as Kalahari Scrub Robins and several species of waxbills inhabit the surroundings, and there are barbecue facilities at the site.
Tracks of a two-legged, three-toed dinosaur can be viewed 29 km north of the town of Kalkveld on the farm Otjihaenamaparero. The cluster of small, shallow indentations in the rock surface – declared a national monument in 1951 – is estimated to be 150 million to 185 million years old. Visitors are required to pay a fee,
Today's Waterberg National Park is home to some 25 game and over 200 bird species.MATTHEW WALTERS
and overnight and picnic facilities are provided on the farm.
On the farm Harasib, 46 km northwest of Grootfontein off the C42 to Tsumeb, is the world’s largest known underground lake. It lies about 60 metres below ground level in a cave referred to as Dragon’s Breath, an enormous cavern of solid rock accessed from above using ropes and caving equipment. The lake has crystal-clear water and a surface area of almost two hectares. It is currently accessible only to professional cavers and divers. On the same property is Harasib Lake, where a group of cave divers, reaching depths of 147 metres in July 2012, set a new record. Though an interesting feature of the area, Dragon's Breath is not open to the public.
The small town of Grootfontein serves the surrounding cattle-ranching community and is the last urban centre on the road to Rundu and the far northeast. Its history and character are personified in its coat of arms by depictions of the Hoba Meteorite, a palm tree, kudu, eland and cheetah.
The Herero name of the town –Otjiwanda Tjongue – means leopard’s crest, and these secretive, nocturnal cats still occur in the surroundings. Due to the relatively high rainfall and large number of springs in the area, the San and Damara who lived here during the first half of the 19th century called the place Gei-/ous, which translates as Grootfontein (Afrikaans for large spring).
A historic fort from the German era, built in 1896, houses the Grootfontein Museum with its extensive mineralogical collection, ethnical display – including an extensive exhibition on the Himbas – implements for making ox wagons, utensils used in the Kavango Region and an exhibition featuring the German colonial Schutztruppe. The museum celebrated its 30th year in 2013. It hosts an annual Christmas market on the last weekend of November, as well as movie nights throughout the year. Housed in the same building in Eriksson Street is the Tourist Information Centre. Close by is the fountain that gave rise to the town’s name, encircled by the Tree Park with its collection of exotic trees.
Situated in the Grootfontein district, northeast of the homestead of the farm Keibib, is a large baobab tree that was declared a national monument
because it was regarded as the largest of its kind in the commercial farming area. On the farm Rietfontein is the grave of Axel W Eriksson, well-known traveller, hunter and pioneer in South West Africa during the second half of the 19th century.
Grootfontein Museum/ Tourist Information Centre Tel (+264) 67 24 2456
The small towns of Otavi, Grootfontein and Tsumeb demarcate the so-called Maize Triangle, a relatively high-rainfall area with a flourishing agriculture sector centred mainly around the cultivation of maize and lucerne, some of which is under irrigation. While the town itself doesn’t offer much in terms of tourist attractions, the surroundings do.
The Khorab Memorial – about 3 km from Otavi and dating back to the First World War – marks the spot where a ceasefire was signed at Khorab on 9 July, 1915.
On the farm Ghaub , 35 km northeast of Otavi, a historical mission station built in 1895 was converted into Guest Farm Ghaub . There is much of interest in the surroundings, including the Ghaub Caves , remarkable for their stalactites, and San paintings, which have been declared a national monument. The Fourways Stopover at the intersection leading to Tsumeb and Grootfontein hosts a petrol station, car wash, biltong shop and butchery, takeaway outlet, chicken-and-chips shop, pizzeria, fresh vegetable market, and a small nursery. There are also braai facilities for truckers, and the Camel Inn Restaurant and Bar , which is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Otjiwarongo
The town of Otjiwarongo, a Herero word meaning ‘a good place’, is an important centre for cattle ranching. It is situated about 250 km north of Windhoek, on a slope amid undulating plains.
The Otjiwarongo Crocodile Farm , where you can get close-up views of crocodiles of various ages, is
well worth a visit. The restaurant, which has indoor and outdoor seating, serves light meals, including crocodile delicacies. There is also a kiddies’ playground.
The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to the longterm conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, is based at Okonjima, south of Otjiwarongo.
Also in the area, albeit east of Otjiwarongo, are the headquarters of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), an acclaimed oganisation dedicated to saving the cheetah in the wild. Founded by Dr. Laurie Marker in 1990, CCF has created a set of integrated programmes aimed at addressing the principle threats to the cheetah. Using this research as an underpinning, CCF has created a set of integrated programs that together address the threats both to the cheetah and its entire ecosystem, including human populations. CCF is open to the public every day of the year except Christmas Day. Visitors to CCF can enjoy a variety of activities and experiences, including:
• Centre Tours – a walking tour of the main facility and an introduction
to the cheetahs, dogs and livestock that live at the centre.
• Cheetah Drive - a drive through the Elandsvreugde cheetah enclosure in search of some of the female cheetah who live there. An experienced guide will be on hand to explain how cheetah such as Samantha, Rosie and Solo came to be at CCF,
• Cheetah Runs – see the resident cheetahs stretch their legs on a lure course and experience the wonder of watching the world’s fastest land animal in action.
Located in the small settlement of Okakarara, the Okakarara Community Cultural and Tourism Centre (OCCTC) was inaugurated in August 2004 during the 100-year commemoration of the Battle of Ohamakari, fought in the early liberation struggle of Namibia’s indigenous people.
The centre serves as a link between present and past, as well as between visitors and residents, and works towards enhancing a common future in and around the traditional lands of the Herero people. The site hosts a café and kiosk, a small souvenir shop and a dialogue circle for meetings and team-building exercises. Camping sites are available.
Tel (+264) 67 31 7603/7604
Tsumkwe
The main town in Bushmanland –home to the San people – is Tsumkwe. It is reached by turning onto the C44, which is signposted on the B1, 55 km north of Grootfontein. A further 220 km along the C44 will get you to Tsumkwe. Further south and east is a vast expanse of wooded savannah where animals such as roan antelope and elephant roam. A distinctive tree found in the area is the baobab, easily recognised by its grotesquely fat trunk. Exclusive tours to introduce visitors to the San and their vanishing way of life are offered by several safari companies.
Groups usually leave from Tsumkwe, visit Khaudum National Park, and are introduced to San communities such as the Ju/’Hoansi. Depending on the tour company, the San act as hosts, demonstrating skills such as tracking and food gathering, and sharing their knowledge of local customs and beliefs with their guests.
Several tour operators offer guided tours to traditional San villages in the area. The itineraries include bush walks with San trackers, who demonstrate hunting, snaring and tracking skills, and how bush food is collected. Ninety per cent of the proceeds generated by these tours remains with the San. The general dealer at Tsumkwe can usually supply petrol and diesel, but this may not always be the case. If travelling towards Tsumkwe, be sure to rather fill up with petrol at Grootfontein and Tsumeb and also carry extra jerry cans of fuel. It is
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Leopards are masters of camouflage
also recommended to stock up with provisions and to carry extra water.
Khaudum National Park is a densely wooded wilderness reserve that borders Botswana in the east and can be explored only in 4x4 vehicles. It is the only conservation area in Namibia where the northern Kalahari sandveld biome is protected. The Khaudum Game Park was proclaimed in 1989. In February 2007, the 3 842 km² reserve was given national park status and its name was adapted accordingly. The wilderness harbours several big game species and a multitude of birds. However, as a result of the dense vegetation, game viewing in the Khaudum requires considerable patience. Large animals found throughout the park are elephant and giraffe, while predators are lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, and side-striped and black-backed jackal.
African wild dogs also occur here. Game numbers vary considerably, as Khaudum is largely unfenced,
enabling the animals to follow their natural migration routes. Khaudum is the stronghold of Namibia’s roan antelope. Other animals seen here are kudu, steenbok, gemsbok and blue wildebeest, while tsessebe, hartebeest, eland and reedbuck occur in the central areas. About 320 bird species have been recorded at Khaudum. Rare species include Coppery-tailed and Senegal Coucal, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Rufous-bellied Tit, Black-faced Babbler and Sharptailed Starling.
Please note: A minimum of two 4x4 vehicles per group are required for travel in the park. There are two campsites in the park: Khaudum in the north and Sikereti which has been upgraded. You are advised to bring your own water, wood, fuel and provisions. Fuel is only available at Bagani , Divundu and Rundu in the Kavango East Region to the north of the park.
At a base in Waterberg National Park lives a special band of wildlife protectors. With a tough job, and through vigorous training and vigilant operations, this team is one of our country’s most successful contributors to the fight against wildlife crime.
Namibia's K9 Unit, managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, is a highly trained team of canine officers and their handlers, dedicated to protecting Namibia's wildlife and combating wildlife crime.
The K9 Unit was established in 2005 in response to increased poaching of elephants and rhinos in Namibia. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most effective tools in the fight against wildlife crime in the country. The unit is made up of a team of handlers and specially trained dogs who are deployed to wildlife crime hotspots across Namibia.
The dogs in the K9 Unit are specifically trained to detect wildlife contraband such as ivory, rhino horn and pangolin scales, as well as firearms and ammunition used by poachers. The dogs' sense of smell is many times more powerful than that of humans, making them a valuable asset in the fight against wildlife crime. The dogs are trained to track poachers through the bush, locate hidden wildlife contraband, and even apprehend suspects.
The K9 Unit's success in protecting Namibia's wildlife is due in large part to its close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and wildlife conservation organisations. The unit works closely with the Namibian Police, Customs and Excise, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to intercept poachers and smugglers. The unit also works closely with conservation organisations such
as the Save the Rhino Trust and the Cheetah Conservation Fund to protect endangered species.
The K9 Unit's success can be seen in the declining poaching numbers in Namibia. Since its inception, the unit has helped to reduce elephant and rhino poaching. The unit's work has also led to the successful prosecution of many poachers and smugglers. One of the greatest successes, however, is the fact that the unit has been able to pre-emptively foil would-be perpetrators, before they could poach specially protected species.
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situated
In the North of Namibia, en route to the untouched Bushman country and the Zambezi Region, and only three hours away from the Etosha Pan lies our guest farm Dornhügel. We offer you a unique combination of a guest farm with a homely atmosphere, stylish ambience, and rustic farm life. Our eight spacious guestrooms are all individually decorated and surround the lush green courtyard – our oasis in the middle of the farm.
Reservations:
reservations.dornhuegel@travel-weaver.com
Reservations Office Tel: (+264) 67 240 901
Cell: (+264) 81 276 3974
Website: www.dornhuegel.com
The Waterberg Plateau, towering some 200 metres above the surrounding landscape, is one of the most spectacular features of the region. Nestled along the base of the cliffs, amongst tall trees, Waterberg Resort offers comfortable premier bush chalets, two- and four-bed bush chalets and double rooms. Amenities include a restaurant, bar and kiosk, housed in the historic Rasthaus originally built in 1908, and a shop, swimming pool and camping site. Guided drives are offered daily to the plateau, which is managed as a breeding area for rare and endangered species such as rhino, buffalo, sable and roan antelope. The natural beauty of the area can also be explored on foot on various walking and hiking trails.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
Okonjima Nature Reserve is equally famed for frequent leopard, brown hyena and pangolin sightings on its safaris, as well as the AfriCat Foundation.
AfriCat’s mission has been to make significant contributions to conservation, while trying to ensure the survival of Namibia’s predators, endangered species and their natural habitat. AfriCat has one of the longest running leopard monitoring projects in Namibia, and the AfriCat Pangolin Research Project is one of only a handful of projects studying free-roaming pangolin.
Okonjima offers a wide spectrum of accommodation, ranging from well-appointed private campsites to breath-taking safari lodges.
The Okonjima African Villa is a luxurious accommodation located in a serene wilderness area that offers breath-taking views of a natural waterhole. This spot is perfect for wildlife photography and bird watching. Our discreet hosts and chefs attend to all our guests’ needs. The villa features a safari-chic design and has two luxury bedrooms in the main house, as well as two separate private mini suites.
For a private and luxurious experience, the Private Bush Suite is the perfect choice. It is nestled in the open Acacia thornveld within the secluded wilderness area of the Okonjima valley. With two separate luxury bedrooms under a double-volume thatched roof, this suite can accommodate a family or group of four. Guests are treated to a private chef, a guide and safari vehicle, providing an unparalleled luxury safari experience.
The Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp is located within the wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and offers frequent leopard and hyaena sightings during guided drives. The camp consists of eight safari-chic chalets, each with its own ‘sala’ – a lounge and dining area with earthy tones and African design elements. The chalets offer amazing views over a waterhole in the lush savanna landscape.
For a taste of history and tradition, the Okonjima Plains Camp is the perfect option. The design of the camp honours the founding family, the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming history. The Plains Camp Barn includes a warm dining and lounge area with stunning views over a spectacular waterhole and the Okonjima plains.
Camping in Okonjima Nature Reserve epitomises the African safari experience.
Nature drives in search of elusive leopards and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, upclose perspective of Namibia’s wildlife with special emphasis on its most endangered species.
Okonjima Reservations:
Tel: (+264) 67 314 000
24h Emergency Cell: (+264) 81 127 6233
Email: info@okonjimalodge.com
Web: www.okonjima.com
The AfriCat Foundation:
Tel: (+264) 67 314 000
Email: info@africat.org
Web: www.africat.org
• The region hosts Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first World Heritage Site
• It is home to the Damara people
• It offers arts and crafts aplenty
• The region is dominated by the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain
• Rock paintings and mineral deposits abound in the surroundings
The highlight of this region is Twyfelfontein – Namibia’s first World Heritage Site – with its wealth of rock engravings. Other special attractions are the majestic Brandberg with its treasure trove of ancient San rock art and daunting backpacking challenges, the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, the Spitzkoppe, and the Erongo Mountains.
Namibia’s first World Heritage Site (status awarded in 2007), Twyfelfontein (meaning doubtful fountain) is a massive, open-air art gallery that is of great interest to international rock-art connoisseurs. The 2,000-plus rock engravings, estimated to be 6,000 years old, represent one of Africa’s largest and most noteworthy concentrations of rock art.
Contemporary research suggests that the creators of the rock art were San medicine people, or shamans, who went into an altered state of consciousness and connected with the spiritual world when a trance was induced. This could be used for purposes such as rain-making and healing the sick. The engravings depicted the images they saw after returning to normal consciousness.
About 50 km away is the Petrified Forest , where a cataclysmic event millions of years ago deposited giant tree trunks that subsequently turned to stone. Today the Namib’s living fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis , grows among these prostrate fossilised trunks. South of
Twyfelfontein is the Burnt Mountain , a panorama of desolation with coloured rocks contrasting vividly with the grey-black mountain. The Organ Pipes , a mass of vertical basalt columns in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in the area. Southwest of Twyfelfontein is the Doros Crater , where fossil remains have been found among the rocks.
Khorixas, the unofficial capital of the former Damaraland, is a useful stopover for refuelling your vehicle and stocking up on basic supplies. Although the town itself has little to offer, the surroundings feature rare and unusual rock
formations, ancient rock engravings and strange geological wonders, tempting geologists and many other travellers to the region. Near the hot-water spring at Warmquelle is Sesfontein Fort . A desolate and rapidly disintegrating ruin for many years, it has been reconstructed and equipped to accommodate tourists. Sesfontein derives its name from the six fountains that have their source in the vicinity. The palm trees at the fort were planted by colonial German police officers who manned it to combat weapon smuggling and elephant and rhino poaching. Close by is Signal Hill , a lookout point, where a heliograph station was constructed by German troops.
Dominating the landscape when travelling westwards en route to Khorixas, 95 km west of Outjo is the Vingerklip ( Finger Rock) situated amongst the rugged Ugab Terraces. About 35 metres high, this distinctive monolith was shaped by erosion spanning many millennia.
Although not offering much in terms of tourism, the small settlement of Kamanjab’s Pots of Hope project is well worth a visit. Here, a group of rural women and young people combine their skills to create unique, hand-made pottery items. Founded by Alexia /Naris, the project supports poor, stigmatised and abused women and girls, providing them with an alternative means of income derived
from their creative skills. The girls and women create products ranging from vases, tea sets and milk jugs to garden pots, goblets and plates.
Fine specimens of the desert plant Welwitschia mirabilis can be seen at the Messum Crater southwest of the Brandberg.
Between 132 and 135 million years old, Messum has a diameter of 18 km. Messum is regarded as a volcanic feature that forms part of the Goboboseb Mountains to the northeast. It dates from the Etendeka period and, according to geologists, was the source of many of the intrusive and quartz-like extrusive rocks found in the area today. The crater was named after Captain W Messum, who was an explorer of the coastal regions of Southern Africa, which he surveyed from the ocean between 1846 and 1848.
While driving to the Messum area you should, however, not overlook the lichen fields . The western part of Messum lies in Dorob National Park and you will need a permit, obtainable at the Henties Bay Tourism Association.
The imposing Brandberg massif is a challenge to hikers, especially its peak, Königstein, which at 2 573 metres is the highest point in Namibia.
The Brandberg is famous for the White Lady rock painting which can be seen on an overhang in Maack’s Shelter, named after the surveyor who first
The region is home to the largest free-roaming population of black rhino in the world.
reported it in 1918. Maack’s Shelter lies in the Tsisab Gorge, a wild and beautiful ravine located amongst a vast jumble of rocks that are remnants of many ancient landslides. Although the figure of the White Lady, surrounded by paintings of numerous animals, has faded over the years, a pilgrimage to see it is well worth the effort. Walks to the shelter are conducted daily by National Heritage Council guides from 08h00 until 16h30 when the last walk departs. The round-trip takes around two-and-a half hours and is best done early in the morning. This massive outdoor gallery has been nominated for proclamation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Senegalia montis-usti trees, conspicuous in the Brandberg valley, are endemic to this region.
The 8 083 km² Tsiseb Conservancy in the Uis and Brandberg environs is the second-largest conservancy in Namibia. The small town of Uis has a Multi-Purpose Information Centre, with a coffee shop and Internet facilities, enabling travellers between Swakopmund and Etosha to access information about the entire region and to book tours with the Dâureb Mountain Guides to climb the Brandberg.
To preserve the extremely rich rock painting heritage of the Brandberg, hikers planning to ascend the mountain must be accompanied by a guide provided by the National Heritage Council. The guides know the mountain intimately, including where to find water which can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with the Brandberg. The National Heritage Council (NHC) of Namibia has announced:
• A letter of permission issued by the NHC is required by a person or group before hiking and camping on the mountain. In order to obtain a letter simply contact the NHC in Windhoek requesting permission. Their number is (+264) 61 244 375 and they are located at 52 Robert Mugabe Avenue in Windhoek.
• You need to indicate the number of days you will stay and how many are in the group.
• A permit is required for any other activities such as research or filming.
For more information contact the National Heritage Council directly at www.nhc-nam.org or (+264) 61 244 375.
Omaruru in central Namibia is a splendid example of a town that continues to reinvent itself and thrive in the process. Having evolved in recent years as a haven for an active
artists’ community, it is a small town with big ideas.
Like many towns in Namibia, it started as a mission station. Missionary Hugo Hahn was the first European to set foot here. When Omaruru was besieged by Herero forces during the Herero/German war, it was freed by Captain Victor Franke and his men. The Franke Tower , built to commemorate this event, was inaugurated in 1908. The oldest building in Omaruru, the Old Rhenish Mission House , now serves as the town museum.
In 1907 Omaruru officially acquired municipality status. By this time Willi Wronsky had built his residence, today’s Wronsky House, at the north end of Wilhelm Zeraua Road; the small Roman Catholic Church on Wilhelm Zeraua Road had been built and dedicated; and the Omaruru River had run above ground throughout the entire winter, most unusual in this dry part of the country.
Every year the artists’ community of Omaruru presents an Artists’ Trail The open studios and outdoor exhibits draw visitors to Namibia from around Southern Africa and beyond. During 2009 the Omuntu Garden was opened with an exhibition of over 50 sculptures by five Namibian sculptors. The creator of Omuntu, Hanne Alpers, maintains the garden as a permanent display area for sculptural art. Omuntu means ‘human being’ in Oshiwambo.
On the south-western edge of town you will find Tikoloshe Afrika , a vibrant gallery and workshop where visitors can watch award-winning woodcarvers in action. In an open-air studio they transform weather-worn roots and tree trunks into unique sculptures of animals, varying in size from 10 cm to 10 metres high.
Since June 2004, the Kristall Kellerei in Omaruru has been manufacturing its own brandy. It also produces wines. A range of schnapps is distilled from prickly pears, prosopis roots, lemons and, naturally, grapes. Well worth a visit is the Erongo Mountain Winery situated on the fringe of town along the Omaruru River. The boutique winery is open for personal tours and tastings of their interesting and innovative wines and spirits.
The Erongo Mountains and the area surrounding Omaruru are extremely rich in rock paintings; among them Omandumba Guest Farm. At Etemba there are six main sites with rock paintings. The largest of these is the Etemba Cave, where a large number depict humans and animals.
The Spitzkoppe is a group of rounded granite mountains situated northwest of Usakos, en route to Swakopmund. A favourite with climbers, the Spitzkoppe peak – affectionately known as Namibia’s Matterhorn because of its resemblance to the famous Swiss mountain – was first climbed in 1946. The Spitzkoppe group peaks at 1 728 metres above sea level. Seventy metres above the surrounding gravel plains are Sugarloaf Mountain and the Pondok Mountains (resembling the rounded Damara huts called pondoks). Rising 600 metres above the Kaokoveld plains, the main inselberg of the Spitzkoppe is approximately 700 million years old. After good summer rains, tall grass sways on the plains and small pools of water collect on the granite rocks of the mountain in shallow hollows. The group also has a
minor peak, Little Spitzkoppe , which extends into the Pondok Mountains. On the eastern side is Bushman’s Paradise , with a walk up the steep incline made possible by the use of a fixed steel cable. Remains of San paintings can be seen in the overhang. Unfortunately, like most rock art in the Spitzkoppe area, they have been vandalised. Other rock paintings can be seen at the Small Bushman’s Paradise and Golden Snake sites At the Spitzkoppe turn-off, where the D1918 meets the B2, is the popular Ûiba-Ôas Crystal Market . Here the local community sells a variety of crystals, gemstones and minerals. The market is open seven days a week.
Incorporating the Erongo Mountains and the western escarpment, the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy extends over approximately 200 000 hectares, encompassing one of the most environmentally diverse areas in Namibia, and including cultural artefacts such as rock paintings, rock engravings and prehistoric settlements. The region harbours high densities
of leopard and brown hyaena. The members of the conservancy are committed to reintroducing species that formally inhabited the area, such as black-faced impala and black rhino. In terms of endemic species, the Erongo environment is one of Namibia’s hotspots, as it hosts a vast array of endemic and near-endemic plant, reptile, bird and mammal species. These include the Angolan dwarf python, White-tailed Shrike, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Ruppell’s Parrot, Rockrunner and Hartmann’s zebra. Rare species that have found refuge in the Erongo Mountains include the Peregrine Falcon and Booted Eagle. The striking Verreaux’s Eagle can also be seen breeding in the mountains.
Known for the white marble extracted at a nearby quarry, the small town of Karibib lies en route to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The marble and granite mined at the Karibib Marble Works is used commercially for tombstones and to enhance public buildings and private homes in Namibia. It is also exported to countries such as the USA, China,
Italy and Thailand for building purposes. The Navachab Gold Mine southwest of the town was established in 1987, two years after the discovery of gold on Navachab Farm . The gold is of a relatively low quality, however, as 750 000 tonnes of rock must be processed every year to make the enterprise viable.
Brought to life by the construction of the railway line between Swakopmund and Windhoek, one of the oldest buildings in Karibib, the Rösemann Building , was built in 1900. It serves as an excellent example of the German architecture of the period, and is still in use today, housing a bank and some shops. The Hotel Zum Grünen Kranze , situated in Main Street and built in 1913, was one of six hotels in the town during the German colonial period. Hälbich House serves as the only reminder of the firm G Hälbich & Co (founded in 1873), the oldest trading company in the history of Namibia, and an integral role player in the development of Karibib. Another interesting building is Haus Woll , constructed with granite and marble BELOW
Namibia's pride - the Black Rhino
sourced from the area. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century as a residence for Georg Woll.
Other heritage buildings of interest are the Kubas Station Building , a white marble building erected in 1900, serving as a station building for the German State Railway until 1914; and the Proviantamt (Provisions Office), built in 1911 as a quartermaster’s store. The latter is currently used by the Karibib Marble Works.
Situated at the northern edge of the town is Kaiserbrunnen , a water reservoir and drinking trough built in 1906. The well has since dried up.
South of Karibib is a small, dusty, almost-forgotten village called Otjimbingwe, a name thought to mean ‘place of refreshment’ and referring to a spring in the Omusema River Yet Otjimbingwe was proclaimed the administrative centre of DeutschSüdwestafrika during German colonial occupation. A mission station was established here in 1849, and the first church was built in 1867.
Historical features in the town include the Hälbich Trading Store , the Rhenish Mission Church , the Powder Magazine erected in 1872 to protect the local population against
attacks by the Nama, and the old Windmill , which generated power for the wagon factory belonging to the Hälbich family.
After Curt von Francois moved his garrison to Windhoek in 1890, the town began to fall into decline, and when it was bypassed by the railway line between Windhoek and Swakopmund, completed in the early 1900s, Otjimbingwe soon faded into obscurity.
The small sun-baked town of Usakos, nestled in the valley of the Khan River , developed around a station on the old narrow-gauge railway built in 1900. Beyond Usakos is the Trekkopje Battlefield , site of one of the most important battles fought during the short-lived 1915 campaign waged by South Africa against German forces.
The Erongo Mountains north of the town are renowned for the rock art found at various sites. A popular stopover for visitors to and from the coast, the Namib Oasis farm stall is well known for its homemade biltong and droëwors, home-cooked meals and handmade gifts.
Children in the Wilderness, a project run by Wilderness, is an inspiring initiative that aims to connect children in Namibia with their natural heritage and foster a sense of environmental stewardship. With a focus on conservation education and community engagement, this program has made a significant impact on the lives of both the children involved and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Namibia, a country known for its vast landscapes, diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage, provides an ideal backdrop for this transformative project. The program operates in several regions across Namibia, targeting children from rural communities near key wildlife areas. By engaging with local schools and communities, the project creates an immersive experience that combines education, practical skills, and handson conservation activities.
One of the primary goals of the project is to instil in children a deep understanding and appreciation for their natural surroundings. Through interactive workshops, wilderness camps and mentorship programs they are exposed to various aspects of conservation, including wildlife biology, environmental sustainability and the importance of preserving biodiversity. These experiences serve to inspire a sense of responsibility and a desire to safeguard their natural heritage for future generations.
The Children in the Wilderness project also emphasises community involvement and empowerment. By partnering with local schools and community leaders, the program ensures that its initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and enables long-term sustainability.
The program incorporates a range of activities to engage children in handson conservation efforts. From tree planting and habitat restoration to wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching campaigns, participants actively contribute to the preservation of their natural environment. These activities not only have a direct positive impact on the ecosystems but also empower the children, showing them that they can make a tangible difference in their communities.
Furthermore, the project recognizes the importance of cultural heritage in conservation. Namibia's diverse ethnic groups have rich traditions and deep connections to the land. Through cultural exchanges and storytelling sessions, children learn about the cultural significance of their natural surroundings and the need to preserve these traditions alongside the environment. This holistic approach ensures that conservation efforts are rooted in local culture and values. Children in the Wilderness has
achieved remarkable success in its endeavours. It has reached thousands of children, providing them with transformative experiences and equipping them with knowledge and skills that can shape their future. Many program alumni have gone on to pursue careers in conservation or become ambassadors for environmental sustainability within their communities.
The impact of this project extends beyond the children themselves. By nurturing a generation of environmentally aware and active citizens, Children in the Wilderness contributes to the long-term conservation of Namibia's wildlife and ecosystems. It fosters a culture of conservation that transcends generations and ensures the preservation of this unique natural heritage for years to come.
Through its holistic approach to conservation education, practical initiatives and community involvement the project is shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for Namibia's natural wonders and the generations that will inherit them.
www.childreninthewilderness.com
A region rich in history and wildlife, where ancient art can be found and prehistoric mega-fauna roams.
This is just an approximate indication of where these establishments are situated
Madisa Camp
Uitkyk Guest Farm
Hohenstein Lodge
Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
Hoada Camp
Grootberg Lodge
Erongo Wild Lodge
Khorixas Restcamp
Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp
Wilderness Doro Nawas
Wilderness Damaraland Camp
Brandberg White Lady Lodge
Big Sky Lodges
Ai-Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge Etendeka Mountain Camp
Madisa Camp is located in the heart of Namibia’s north-western region, and is surrounded by ever-changing landscapes and desertadapted wildlife. Dwarfed by massive rock formations and ancient mopane trees, Madisa Camp embraces its rugged environment perfectly. The Safari Tents are unique and built around scenic granite boulders, with an en-suite outdoor rock bathroom. The nine private campsites are situated on the dry Goantagab riverbed with private ablution and braai facilities. The five overland campsites under large trees are situated close to the bar and swimming pool. Activities include a guided elephant tracking excursion in an open game-viewer vehicle and a scenic sunset drive.
Email: bookings@madisacamp.com
Reservations: (+264) 81 698 2908
Website: www.madisacamp.com
Uitkyk Guest Farm is a green oasis on the banks of the Khan River, and is located 5 km outside the town of Usakos. Uitkyk Guest Farm offers spacious accommodation with 5 double rooms and 2 twin rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, a small fridge and free WiFi. Cool off in one of two swimming pools, or enjoy a cold beverage at the Uitkyk Lapa while watching the different game species that call Uitkyk home. The 6 campsites at Uitkyk Guest Farm are beautifully situated under large trees in the Kahn Riverbed. Uitkyk Guest Farm is the perfect family getaway and a children’s paradise.
Email: uitkykusakos@gmail.com
Reservations: (+264) 81 287 6299
Website: www.uitkykguestfarm.com
The Hohenstein represents the impressive western edge of the Erongo mountain range. In the evening, spectacular sunsets above the desert plains bathe the mountain in a fantastic red light. Have a drink on the terrace and enjoy this exceptional view. Accommodation is offered in 14 spacious rooms, each with a safe, shaded terrace, and a Superior Chalet with a wonderful view on the mountainside. The reception area and restaurant are located in the main building, which is connected to the swimming pool and bungalows by paved walkways. Two of the rooms are wheelchair-friendly. Children of all ages are welcome. Activities: 2-day adventure package ‘ABSOLUTE ERONGO’, hiking trails, birdwatching.
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings Tel: (+264) 61 240 020
Tel: (+264) 64 530 900
E-Mail: info@hohensteinlodge.com
reservations@hohensteinlodge.com
Web: www.ondili.com
Nestled along the edge of a granite outcrop, Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp is conveniently situated a mere ten minutes from Namibia’s famous Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, within walking distance of the Damara Living Museum and within the Huab River Valley. Visit the neighbouring Damara Living Museum, it offers a fascinating look at the people, heritage and soul of Damaraland. The camp consists of 12 furnished en-suite tents with two beds, an open bathroom with solar-heated hot water shower, basin and toilet and a shaded terrace with armchairs. A scenic nature drive down the ephemeral Huab River and surrounding valley, including a picnic lunch, is a wonderful experience for nature-lovers. It is an excursion that will introduce visitors to the unique geology of the region, with the possibility of meeting the elusive desert-adapted elephants and rhinos that call this area home.
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings Tel: (+264) 61 240 020
Tel: (+264) 84 000 6009
Email: info@twyfelfonteincamp.com
reservations@twyfelfonteincamp.com
Web: www.ondili.com
Hidden among large granite boulders and mopane trees, Hoada Campsite offers travellers a serene home in the wilderness. The area is rich in a variety of animal species and offers spectacular views. This sensational landscape is a natural habitat of Namibia’s uniquely adapted desert elephants. We offer eight campsites and four tented units for the glampers out there. At night, uncountable stars offer a spectacular sight. The campsite was designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. The hot water system works in combination with the braai (BBQ) area to warm the water for your shower as you prepare your food. Light and sound pollution is virtually non-existent due to the absence of electric light and power points. The Hoada Campsite is situated 25 km east of Grootberg Lodge, or 75 km on the C40 west from Kamanjab, in the #Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy, Damaraland.
P.O. Box 91045, Klein Windhoek
Reservations Tel: (+264) 61 22 8104
Booking Email: res4@journeysnamibia.com
Web: www.hoadacampsite.com
In the footsteps of giants
Perched on the rim of the Etendeka Plateau, the Grootberg Lodge stands sentinel over the Klip River Valley. Fourteen rock-and-thatch chalets and two family units gaze out over the gorge. Twelve thousand hectares have been set aside by the #Khoadi //Hoas community for conservation and tourism and it is through this pristine wilderness that you meander either on foot or by car to encounter the inhabitants of this remote biosphere. Activities on offer include tracking the elusive desert-adapted elephants and rhino, a Damara cultural tour as well as educational guided walks to discover the myriad of smaller mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and plants that exist here. We also offer sundowner drives.
P.O. Box 91045, Klein Windhoek
Reservations Tel: (+264) 61 22 8104
Booking Email: res3@journeysnamibia.com
Web: www.grootberg.com
Where giants play
Just 14 kilometres west of the small town of Omaruru you will find The Erongo Wild, nestled amongst the rugged granite koppies (hills) of the lower Erongo Mountains. History is captured in ancient Bushmen rock paintings amongst the boulders, that will make you contemplate an era long past. The Erongo Wild is also well-known for its excellent hiking trails. This bushveld Eden is home to bounteous birdlife, with over 260 local species. Namibia has approximately 900 species in total – truly a birder's paradise. The tented chalets, constructed on stilts, offer luxury and comfort with a view as they peek out from between the boulders and the acacia’s surrounding them. So relax, slow down, and take the foot off the accelerator as you traverse this land, and let it show you its heart.
P.O. Box 91045, Klein Windhoek
Reservations Tel: (+264) 61 22 8104
Booking Email: res7@journeysnamibia.com
Web: www.erongowild.com
In the heart of arid central Namibia, between Swakopmund and Etosha National Park, lies Khorixas Camp, a port of call that provides a relaxing environment for travellers weary after a day’s exploration.
Near Khorixas is the Burnt Mountain, the Petrified Forest and the famous accumulation of rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lodge offers 29 bush chalets, two family chalets, a house for self-caterers, 10 single rooms, a camping site and a restaurant. Khorixas can be reached from Windhoek by taking the B1 northwards, turning onto the C38 from Otjiwarongo through Outjo and then the C39 to Khorixas.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
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Desert Rhino Camp is set in a starkly beautiful, boulder-strewn wilderness. A desert dreamland where Critically Endangered black rhinos are the stars. Track these free-ranging desert-adapted beauties in the Damaraland plains, finding a myriad of other wildlife along the way. Relax on the deck of your airy, Meru-style tent, and drink in the endless view of the rocky vistas. Inside, hints of red, brown, and orange reflect the ancient desert, while Namibia’s extraordinarily clear skies seem to flow from the outside in, inviting endless evenings of sharing and storytelling.
P.O. Box 6850, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 41 27 4500
Email: enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com
Web: www.wildernessdestinations.com
Experience a true cultural immersion in Namibia at Doro Nawas, amid dramatic scenery and amazing desert animals. Feast your eyes on otherworldly panoramas, populated by intriguing desertadapted wildlife and unusual flora. Engage with the local Doro !Nawas community. Glimpse black rhinos and desert-adapted elephants. And discover the fascinating ancient history and incredible geological phenomena of Damaraland. A fortress on a rocky outcrop, the wood, canvas and thatch guest rooms at Doro Nawas open to the desert with glorious views in every direction. An inviting pool and private outdoor shower provide respite from the hot Namibian sun.
P.O. Box 6850, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 41 27 4500
Email: enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com
Web: www.wildernessdestinations.com
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Discover a true frontier with mountainous landscapes, cultural riches and rare desert-adapted wildlife. Come for the elephants, but stay for the rich community interactions. Damaraland’s ruggedly beautiful setting will surprise with all the life it supports, revealing dramatic scenery, fascinating wildlife, unusual flora, ancient rock art and aweinspiring geology. Meet the Damara people. Marvel at the more than 2,000 ancient San petroglyphs, as well as fascinating rock paintings at Twyfelfontein. Explore Namibia’s highest mountain. It’s dramatic, aweinspiring, and soul-filling.
P.O. Box 6850, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 41 27 4500
Email: enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com
Web: www.wildernessdestinations.com
Be transported to a place where time stands still. At the foot of the highest mountain in Namibia lies Brandberg White Lady Lodge, a destination of choice for nature enthusiasts since 2002. With an experienced guide to lead the way, you will have the opportunity to explore the Brandberg and Ugab river areas and be in awe of the magnificent desert-adapted elephants of Namibia in their natural habitat. The beautifully rugged landscapes of Damaraland is only matched by the warm and welcoming hospitality of Brandberg White Lady Lodge. Our restaurant with bar and pool area allows us to show you friendly and professional service along with tangible tranquility during your stay. Whether camping or staying in a chalet, we pride ourselves in staying in tune with our authentic Namibian surroundings that even the local elephants enjoy as they stroll through the lodge grounds. Clocks, cellphones and watches are not part of this world. Here, at Brandberg White Lady Lodge – you have all the time you need.
Tel: (+264) 64 684 004
Cell: (+264) 81 791 3117
Email: ugab@iway.na
Web: www.brandbergwllodge.com
Dramatically set against imposing granite boulders in the foothills of the Erongo Mountain range lies Ai Aiba Lodge. Famous for its countless rock painting sites, Ai-Aiba is a mystical exploration of nature. The lodge with its high thatched-roof restaurant, lounge, pool and thatched mountain-facing chalets, is an oasis surrounded by tall palms and scenic vistas of magnificent rocky outcrops and bush savannah.
Highlights & Activities: Panoramic views from restaurant and rooms, comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms, delicious and original meals, swimming pool, relaxation, birding, stargazing, guided and self-guided walks, guided nature drives, numerous rock art sites, spectacular mountain biking trails and magical sundowners.
Reservations & Enquiries:
Tel: (+264) 61 239 199
Email: info@aiaiba-namibia.com
Lodge Tel: (+264) 64 570 330
Web: www.aiaiba-namibia.com / www.bigsky-namibia.com
Etendeka Mountain Camp
Set in the foothills of the Grootberg massif in Northern Damaraland (Kaokoveld), this property appeals to the traveller who is prepared to step outside of their comfort zone and experience this remote wilderness with its harsh beauty in an authentic way. Here one is reminded that we are all guests of Mother Nature.
Highlights & Activities: Comfortable tented accommodation, Etendeka bucket showers, eco-friendly, set in the remote wilderness of Kaokoveld, magnificent scenery, “back to basics” experience, wholesome meals, true wilderness experience, guided walks, guided nature drives and great wildlife.
Etendeka Walking Trail Experience
A multi-day guided walking experience that promises to be an authentic and exhilarating engagement with nature. Trek through one of Namibia’s most remote and untouched landscapes on foot with a highly experienced guide.
Highlights & Activities: Challenging “back to basics” hiking experience, sleep under the open skies on raised wooden platforms, wholesome meals cooked over open fire, true wilderness experience and great wildlife.
Reservation & Enquiries: Tel: (+264) 61 239 199
Email: info@etendeka-namibia.com
Web: www.etendeka-namibia.com / www.bigsky-namibia.com
In the heat and dust of ancient Damaraland, designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment are two lodges and a camping site offering respite whilst exploring the raw beauty of this Namibian wilderness. Relax by the sparkling pools, enjoy our signature sundowners, and embark on unforgettable adventures with our local guides. Explore the desert-adapted wildlife, track the elusive desert elephants, or visit the world-renowned Twyfelfontein – Namibia's first World Heritage Site, famous for the San rock engravings. Discover ancient rock formations and wildlife in a way you'll never forget.
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At Mowani Mountain Camp, tranquillity and inner calm awaits you.
Take in the breathtaking views across the boulderstrewn landscape from the decks of our 12 View Rooms.
Cocooned in the rocks is the Mini Suite, whilst the Luxury Room overlooks the valley – both offer even more comfort with air conditioning and a heated splash pool. For those seeking complete privacy, the elegant Mountain Suite will leave a lasting impression with its expansive decks, heated splash pool, and open-air bathroom – it will certainly stay with you long after you have left.
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Nestled against stunning boulders with sweeping views of the Aba Huab Valley, lies Camp Kipwe. Stepping into one of our 9 dome-shaped Bungalows, you will feel like you are entering a serene, cool cave. Relax on your veranda and become one with the breathtaking landscape. Tucked into the boulders, you are led from your room to your private outdoor bathroom. For the more discerning guests, the Kipwe Suite offers space and style. And for those seeking ultimate luxury, our two elevated Luxury Suites, facing east and west, feature separate lounges, extensive decks with heated splash pools, and sweeping Damaraland vistas.
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P.O. Box 40788, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 232 009
Email: res@chiwani.com
For more inspiration on these lodges go to www.chiwani.com
• Sossusvlei is Namibia’s second-most popular tourist attraction
• The dunes at Sossusvlei are up to 325 metres high
• Namib-Naukluft Park is home to the famous Welwitschia mirabilis
• The Naukluft Mountain massif is a geologist's paradise
• The Sandwich Harbour Lagoon is fed by fresh water seeping from an inland aquifer
Proclaimed in 1979, the Namib-Naukluft Park is an amalgamation of several areas into one nature reserve. It is the largest conservation area in the country and home to one of Namibia’s top tourist attractions, the legendary Sossusvlei, a spectacular white pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world.
On 22 March 1907, German Governor Friedrich von Lindequist proclaimed three nature reserves, one of which was Game Reserve No 3 in the central Namib Desert. Renamed as the Namib Desert Park in 1962, this tract of scenically beautiful desert was amalgamated with the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park (proclaimed in 1968) and unoccupied state land in 1979, and proclaimed as the Namib-Naukluft Park . Portions of the Diamond Area as far south as the Aus/Lüderitz road were subsequently added, which virtually doubled its size to 49 768km², making it the largest conservation area in Namibia, the fifth largest in Africa and one of the largest terrestrial parks in the world. The top attraction in the park and one of the country’s major tourist destinations, second only to Etosha National Park, is Sossusvlei , renowned for its spectacular, desiccated white pan surrounded by majestic star-shaped dunes with deep, warm hues, and close by, the eerie Deadvlei with its bleached skeletons of ancient camel-thorn trees. Other features in Namib-Naukluft Park are Sesriem , the Welwitschia Trail , Sandwich Harbour , the Naukluft Mountains and the Kuiseb Canyon
This section lies between the Swakop and Kuiseb river valleys. Ostrich, springbok and gemsbok are conspicuous, especially on the desert plains, while giraffe, blue wildebeest and warthog also occur here. Hartmann’s mountain zebra, klipspringer and baboon frequent the canyons of the Swakop and Kuiseb rivers, and leopard and spotted
hyaena move in and out of the Kuiseb Canyon. Other species include blackbacked jackal, bat-eared fox and ground squirrel. This section of the Namib also has a large Lappet-faced vulture population.
An intriguing host of small creatures have adapted to survive in the Namib dunes. The fog-basking beetle, Onymacris unguicularis, drinks water by positioning itself on the crest of a dune, dropping its head and extending its hind legs. Its back serves as a condensation surface for fog, which forms droplets and slides downwards towards its mouth. An intriguing ‘thermal dance’ is performed by the shovel-snouted lizard, Meroles anchietae, to cope with the extreme heat radiating from the dune surfaces.
The Gobabeb Training and Research Centre on the banks of the Kuiseb River has an international reputation for researching Namib ecology. Gobabeb is generally not open to the public, except on special "open" days.
At Sandwich Harbour the light orange coloured dunes merge with the Atlantic Ocean, creating a lagoon of infinite beauty. The lagoon is a wetland of international importance
and supports over 400,000 Palearctic and intra-African waders, cormorants and significant numbers of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes. A permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment offices in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay. A fourwheel drive vehicle is essential and the onward and return journey can only be undertaken during low tide.
Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the desert is visually more dramatic than Sossusvlei with its monumentally high dunes. These gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand – one of the largest was measured from the base as 325 metres high – are a sought-after subject for artists and photographers. The warm tints of the sand contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the large deflationary clay pans at their bases. One of these, referred to as Deadvlei, is a large ghostly expanse of dried white clay, punctuated by skeletons of ancient camel thorn trees, carbondated as being between 500 and 600 years old.
Sossusvlei’s mountainous dunes lie at the end of an erosional trough formed by the Tsauchab River They are shaped by strong multidirectional winds, primarily the southwester, and have three to five sinuous crests, which meet at the highest point to give them their characteristic star shapes.
Visitors are allowed access to Sossusvlei only between sunrise and sunset. The first 60 km of the road from Sesriem to Sossusvlei have a permanent surface and is suitable for sedan cars, whereas the last fivekilometre stretch of sandy track is negotiable by 4x4 vehicles only. A shuttle service is available for people who do not want to hike the last 5 km.
The permit office complex for entry to Sossusvlei and other destinations in this section of the park is at Sesriem Four kilometres south from here is Sesriem Canyon, where the erosion of many centuries has incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30–40 metres, are pools that become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when
area.
The Sesriem Canyon
early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools.
To early inhabitants, the gorge was an important water source in an otherwise waterless area. Even during very dry times there is water in the upper reaches of the canyon, where the deep clefts reduce evaporation. The Tsauchab River flows through the Sesriem Canyon and continues down to Sossusvlei.
About 110 km west of Mariental on the C19 en route to Sossusvlei is the small town of Maltahöhe, named by Hauptmann Henning von Burgsdorf after his wife, Malta. He supervised a police station of the German colonial administration there in 1895.
About 35 km north of Maltahöhe, on the farm Sandhof, lies an enormous salt pan that is usually bone dry, except in good rainy seasons. If the pan reaches a depth of over 15 cm, shoots break miraculously through the surface of the shallow water, seemingly out of nowhere, and burst into bloom. For hundreds of hectares,
as far as the eye can see, a shortlived vista of iridescent amaryllis lilies appears in an ephemeral blaze of pink, purple and white. But, as soon as the flowers have formed, they wither, and an almost biblical horde of elephant beetles descends and devours them within the space of a few days. The single weekend in which the lily season falls, usually in January or February, is a hectic one for Maltahöhe.
When on the way to attractions such as Sossusvlei and Sesriem, many visitors elect to stay in the Maltahöhe Hotel, one of the oldest country hotels in Namibia.
The cemetery at Nomtsas, some 45 km north of Maltahöhe, contains the graves of some German pioneers and is a national monument.
The Naukluft section of the park was created to serve as a sanctuary for Hartmann’s mountain zebra competing with livestock for grazing on farms. With its massive and varied rock formations, Naukluft is a geologist’s paradise. The intermittent layers of horizontally folded igneous rock, quartzite, dolomite and shale are impressive with their giant symmetrical patterns. Five different vegetation communities within the
park ensure a wealth of tree and shrub species, and a variety of aloes. Animals found at Naukluft in addition to Hartmann’s mountain zebra are kudu, gemsbok, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, leopard, baboon, blackbacked jackal, bat-eared fox, African wildcat, caracal and aardwolf. Naukluft’s steep cliffs are nesting grounds for various cliff-breeding bird species, including Verreaux’s Eagles.
Permits for the Namib-Naukluft Park are available at the permit offices of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in Swakopmund ((+264) 64 40 4576), Walvis Bay ((+264) 64 20 5971) and Windhoek ((+264) 61 284 2111). Permits are also available at Sesriem.
What originated as a dream to extend the frontiers of the Namib Desert by consolidating a large number of former sheep farms and rehabilitating the land into a sanctuary free of fences and other farm paraphernalia became the NamibRand Nature Reserve during the second half of the 1980s. Many facets of the Namib Desert are represented at NamibRand, creating a living tapestry of colour and contour that makes it a visual utopia for artists and
photographers. Game species found on the reserve include gemsbok, giraffe, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, spotted hyaena, Cape fox and African wildcat. In the more rocky areas, kudu, klipspringer, baboon and leopard can be found, while the dunes harbour a rich and diverse microfauna of lizards, beetles and spiders, and even the elusive golden mole. The reserve is also home to a rich variety of birds – over a hundred species have been recorded on NamibRand. The NamibRand Nature Reserve today comprises 15 former farms and extends over an area of some 202 000 hectares, making it one of the largest private nature reserves in Southern Africa, and it is also an International Dark Skies Reserve . Situated on the reserve are the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET) Centre, and the NamibRand Desert Research & Awareness Centre
About 72 km southwest of Maltahöhe, situated amongst rolling red hills, is Duwisib Castle (currently being renovated), a solid rectangular structure of red sandstone with battlements and turrets on its corners. Built by the legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife, Jayta, the castle was completed in 1909. Most of the construction materials and the furniture were shipped all the way from Germany, off-loaded at Lüderitz and transported to Duwisib by ox wagon. The interior of the castle and much of its original furniture and artworks can be viewed. Accommodation is provided in five rooms in the castle, while camp sites, a restaurant, bar, tourist shop and picnic sites are also available. As the castle is protected as a historic monument, guest bedrooms and bathrooms were seamlessly fitted into the existing large rooms of the castle's centuryold interiors.
Side-winder snake • Cape Vulture • Gemsbok in the NamibRand Nature Reserve
This is just an approximate indication of where these establishments are situated
Sossus Dune Lodge offers guests an evocative and life-changing experience. Situated within the park, guests will benefit from being able to reach Sossusvlei before sunrise, and to stay until after sunset, and on their return after an exhilarating day, to relax in the tranquillity and splendour of the Namib Desert, under the spectacular African sky. Sossus Dune Lodge offers professional guided tours to fully unleash the beauty and biological diversity of the desert environment to visitors.
P.O. Box 13267, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
Zannier Hotels Sonop is a luxurious tented camp nestled at the southern extremity of the Namib Desert, in the Hardap Region. Constructed on top of boulders, the ten spacious tents aim to offer a unique journey through time, with a refined British colonial atmosphere from the 1920s. Richly furnished with antiques made of fine materials, colourful carpets and precious wood, they are an invitation to live the life of yesteryear’s wealthy explorers. Every evening, guests can enjoy an opulent gastronomic experience, where silverware and candelabras set the mood, enhanced by black-tie and white gloves service. With its warm atmosphere, the cocktail & cigar lounge evokes with subtlety the splendour of colonial interiors. For guests' ultimate comfort, Zannier Hotels Sonop also offers a spa, a fitness center and heated outdoor infinity pool and private stables, all facing the desert’s vastness.The sophistication at Zannier Hotels Sonop is also in the views, all awe-inspiring. A large list of adventures allows guests to admire the desert’s genuine beauty.
Sonop Farm - Road D707 - Hardap Region
Tel: (+264) 81 125 4930
Email: reservations@sonop.com
Web: www.zannierhotels.com
The Desert Homestead lies three kilometres northwest of the C19 and D854 road junction, approximately 32 km southeast of Sesriem. The wide grassy valley is sheltered by the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft mountains with a view reaching the distant dunes of the Namib Desert in the west. In this exquisite position we offer simple but stylish accommodation in thatched chalets designed with the fragile beauty of this remarkable environment in mind. The Desert Homestead will ensure you have an unrivalled respite from the desert extremes. Tranquil surroundings, al fresco dining, delectably fresh farm cuisine, refreshing dips in the pool, stunning sunsets and sunrises are the basic pleasures at our lodge.
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings Tel: (+264) 61 240 020
Tel: (+264) 63 293 301
E-Mail: reservations@deserthomesteadlodge.com
Web: www.ondili.com
The Namib Outpost is situated 30 km southeast of Sesriem, the entrance to Namib-Naukluft National Park, on a private nature reserve bordering the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Namib Sand Sea”. It is the ideal starting point for trips to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. Other exciting activities offered by the Lodge are horse safaris, scenic drives and a guided walk from Desert Homestead Lodge to Namib Outpost, called the Namib Mountain Trail. Hot-air balloon rides can be arranged on request. Nestled against the west side of the Namib Mountains, guests can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the vast open plains. The lodge offers 11 individual thatch-roofed comfortable and cosy suites and an exclusive suite.The unique location in the vastness of the nature reserve offers complete peace and tranquillity.
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings Tel: (+264) 61 240 020
Tel: (+264) 84 000 6005
E-Mail: reservations@deserthomesteadoutpost.com
Web: www.ondili.com
Explore the ancient desert at down-to-earth, comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge. Here an exclusive-use gate gives you early access to Sossusvlei, one of the most remarkable landscapes on the planet. Hike along the 30-metre deep Sesriem Canyon. Take a leisurely stroll near camp on the Tsauchab River Trail. Strike a pose alongside eerie, centuries-dead camelthorn trees in Deadvlei. Challenge your fitness on one of the dunes. Or spot desert-adapted game and smaller creatures on this unforgettable desert adventure.
P.O. Box 6850, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 41 27 4500
Email: enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com
Web: www.wildernessdestinations.com
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An exclusive-use gate provides direct, early access to the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei and the evocative panoramas of Deadvlei. Float above the world’s oldest desert in a hot-air balloon. See the desert come alive on nature walks and drives. Or get your thrills on an e-bike or low-impact quad bike. Little Kulala effortlessly embraces its Namib vistas. Your suite’s private pool is where we’re sure to find you enjoying lazy afternoons, while your rooftop invites private sundowners and suppers. A roll-out bed on your shaded deck is perfect for a siesta, or heavenly night’s sleep.
P.O. Box 6850, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 41 27 4500
Email: enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com
Web: www.wildernessdestinations.com
At Kronenhof Lodge features an area buffered by mountains and the red sand that stretch across the Sperrgebiet and Namib-Naukluft Park. Rock-strewn plains formed by ancient volcanic activity form part of the landscape as far as the eye can see. Panoramic vistas sketch a portrait of a harsh and unforgiving landscape created out of chaos and yet, its beauty is discovered in the eye of the beholder. The main area and accommodation facilities sit elevated at the foot of a hill to allow for impressive views of the surrounding landscape. Activities such as clay pigeon shooting, sundowner and scenic drives in open 4x4 vehicles, cycling and E-bikes can be booked upon arrival. The reserve has a variety of antelope species and a few giraffes that can be spotted from the vehicle or on foot for those who prefer a hike. We offer campsites, self-catering units, twin rooms, family rooms and our exclusive Mountain View Villa for guests who prefer privacy and tranquillity.
Reservations: info@kronenhof.com.na
Booking Office: (+264) 83 700 0077
Direct Lodge: (+264) 83 700 0077
Emergency Cell: (+264) 81 379 0593 (WhatsApp only)
Website: www.kronenhof.com.na
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At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, where millennia of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30 to 40 metres, are pools that become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs (riem) together to draw water from the pools. Explore the Sesriem Canyon from this great and scenic campsite. Sossusvlei is the reason you are staying here! The dunes are best seen early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Elim Dune – a petrified dune near the Sesriem Camp provides a popular spot to watch the sunset.
P.O. Box 13267, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
The Naukluft section of the Namib-Naukluft National Park was created to serve as a sanctuary for Hartmann’s mountain zebra, which are endemic to Namibia. Other wildlife includes kudu, gemsbok, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, leopard, baboon, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, African wildcat, caracal and aardwolf. Naukluft’s steep cliffs are nesting grounds for various cliff-breeding bird species, including Black Eagles. Five different vegetation communities within the park ensure a wealth of tree and shrub species, and a variety of aloes. With its massive and varied rock formations, Naukluft is a geologist’s paradise. The camp offers 6 modern guest chalets and 21 campsites. This area is a nature lover's playground where guests can enjoy hiking trails, 4x4 trails, nature walks and bird watching.
P.O. Box 13267, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
Kwessi Dunes is located deep in Namibia’s striking NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast desert wilderness of over 200,000 hectares. With its rolling desert plains and backdrop of craggy mountains and iconic red dunes, this is a place where time seems to stand still and the space is never-ending. Here, it’s not about chasing big game but rather soaking up the beauty of the colourful landscape, admiring the antelope that scatter the sand, and gazing at the stars that light up the night sky. At Kwessi Dunes, you’ll find 12 cool and comfortable (and air-conditioned) chalets all with canvas walls and thatched roofs. Each bedroom has a separate ‘star gazer’ room, completely open to the sky, and the perfect spot from which to watch the celestial theatre show above. Views from the rooms, the main area and the swimming pool are of the vast, desert vistas and when you can bear to tear your eyes away, enjoy quad biking, scenic drives and walks, hot-air ballooning, helicopter flights, horse riding and day trips to Sossusvlei.
Tel: (+264) 61 225 616
Email: resnam@naturalselection.travel
Web: www.naturalselection.travel
Our purpose is the pursuit of happiness, and Wolwedans exists to inspire a new way. If you are planning to visit one place in Africa, then it should be Wolwedans.
Located in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Wolwedans is more than just a collection of camps - it's a collection of dreams. The landscape and immersive experiences are simply out of this world, providing beauty to feed your soul, tranquility to clear the mind, and space for your imagination to run wild. Wolwedans maintains a healthy balance of People | Planet | Profit, and hence sustainability has been in our DNA from the get-go. It drives all our actions Past | Present | Future. Wolwedans' hallmark warmth and personalised service, combined with our commitment to preserving nature, will ensure a remarkable stay. Our lodges and activities provide a captivating glimpse into the desert's elusive grandeur and breathtaking beauty.
Positioned on the edge of a 250-metre high dune, Dune Camp offers breathtaking views across the NamibRand. Its lounge, dining area, and tea room are spread out across a series of interlocking decks, while the tented and wooden structures are designed to capture the cool breeze in summer and keep guests warm in winter. With a charm that appeals to travellers seeking a stylish yet down-to-earth experience, the camp's main areas are intimate, encouraging conversation between guests around the fire pit. Dune Camp can accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 spacious and comfortable rooms, including a tented family suite, and each private deck comes with a water filled silo or "Wolwedans Chiller" for cooling off in hot summer months. The family suite is located a short walk away from the main camp and features a lounge, spacious deck and outdoor bathrooms.
Plains Camp is the epitome of exclusivity in the Wolwedans Collection, catering for up to 8 guests in 4 spacious en-suite rooms. The villa's openplan design, using canvas and timber, offers uninterrupted views of the endless plains, its structure blending effortlessly into the surrounding desert with canvas walls that can be opened up completely to allow the desert in, or closed for warmth and privacy. The villa offers a central lounge area, a study, living room, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, swimming pool, various decks and a "Sala" for siestas. Your experience is complete with a private guide and vehicle, house manager, and chef.
With a spacious en-suite bedroom that opens onto a pool deck and ‘sala’, guests can fully indulge in the surroundings of the NamibRand at the Mountain View Suite. Perfect for couples or families with small children, the suite can accommodate up to two adults in the bedroom and two children in an igloo tent or lounge area. Additional amenities include a private lounge, dining area, fire-pit, outside bathroom, sleep-out deck and plunge pool. The suite's design blends natural elegance with a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, consistent with Wolwedans' traditional style.
Boulders is our most secluded camp located around the base of a massive granite outcrop in the NamibRand plains, three hours south of Wolwedans. Boulders offers an intimate experience for up to 10 guests in five spacious tented rooms. Explore the deep south of the reserve through guided scenic drives, walking safaris, and e-biking on fat bikes. The camp's carefully choreographed three-night package, with fixed arrival dates every Monday and Thursday, creates a truly immersive and mindful desert experience. The leisure area is sheltered, featuring both a dining tent and a lounge tent, complete with an open fireplace and an incredible sundowner spot that overlooks the vast stretches of the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
As part of the Wolwedans Desert Academy, this is our hospitality training facility. Staying at Desert Lodge contributes to the future of tourism in Namibia and Southern Africa in a long-lasting and sustainable way. Though some staff are students, the experienced managers and senior staff on-site ensure smooth operations. Raised on platforms above the dunes, the lodge's design combines wood and canvas to provide the comfort and protection of a permanent building, while reflecting the ambience of a tented camp. Nine spacious tented rooms are spaced apart and orientated to the environment, with each bedroom and bathroom overlooking a verandah and views of the desert and mountains beyond. Additionally, the lodge is family-friendly, with three tented family rooms that have an adjacent twin-bedded room.
P.O. Box 5048, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 23 0616
Fax: (+264) 61 22 0102
Email: info@wolwedans.com
Web: www.wolwedans.com
Explore the remarkable desert environment and its diverse wildlife through a range of activities at Wolwedans. Whether on foot, horseback or by car, visitors can experience the wonders of the desert firsthand with interpretive scenic drives led by our resident field guides. Enjoy the thrill of horse-back riding through the undulating dunes or savour a picnic in the wild. Unwind with sundowners on the dunes or indulge in a candlelit dinner beneath the stars. For a truly unique experience, we offer horse-back safaris and leisure rides that showcase the magnificent natural beauty of the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
Guests at Wolwedans can embark on awe-inspiring scenic flights to the Diamond Coast and Sossusvlei, with departures available in the late afternoon or early morning. Additionally, for those staying three to four nights, a day trip by plane to the Fish River Canyon and Lüderitz can be arranged.
Hot-air ballooning is a unique experience that allows you to admire the breathtaking 360-degree vistas of untouched plains and dunes of the NamibRand. After soaring silently for about an hour, you can celebrate this extraordinary adventure with a champagne breakfast at the landing spot.
Whether you prefer a self-drive, guided transfers, fixed air seat rates or private air charter, we can help you find the best option based on your group size, preferred travel times and other needs. Contact our Wolwedans Travel Desk to learn more and plan your perfect journey.
• The coast is Namibia’s adventure Mecca
• It offers abundant history, culture, arts and crafts
• The Skeleton Coast Park protects one third of the Namibian coastline
• The coastal strip is a haven for unique plants, animals and birds
• It is the ultimate summer holiday destination for locals
The towns on the coastal strip are Henties Bay, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, and the small settlement of Wlotzkasbaken. Dorob National Park – proclaimed to protect sensitive environmental areas –extends between the Swakop and Ugab rivers, while the Skeleton Coast Park covers the area north of the Ugab River up to the Kunene River, protecting the northern third of Namibia’s coastline. In 2013, the Namib Sand Sea – stretching from the Kuiseb River southwards to the northern boundary of Tsau// Khaeb National Park – achieved World Heritage Site status, making it
Heritage Site.
To protect the most frequented coastal area against damage caused by offroad driving, the stretch of coastline between the Kuiseb Delta and the Ugab River – eastwards from the lowwater mark of the Atlantic towards the boundary of the Swakopmund district – was proclaimed a national park in 2008, elevating the status of the West Coast Recreational Area (WCRA) to that of national park, and proclaiming it as the Dorob National Park. It includes the Walvis Bay Lagoon – a RAMSAR site – but excludes the municipal areas of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay, as well as Wlotzkasbaken. The Namibian coastline is a haven for numerous unique plants, animals and birds. A special feature of international interest is the occurrence of extensive lichen fields. Over a hundred lichen species have been recorded in the Namib Desert. A symbiotic composition of an algae and a fungus, lichens are dependent on coastal fog for survival. The continued existence of this intriguing form of desert life is a matter of serious concern to environmentalists,
as lichens are extremely slow growing and are destroyed when vehicles driving offroad tread on them. The 200-km stretch of coastline between the Swakop and Ugab rivers is renowned for its excellent angling potential. Over the years popular angling spots along the coast were identified by dedicated anglers and named to indicate their distance from Swakopmund. To drive in specially demarcated off-road areas, drivers must have a permit, which is issued free of charge and can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) offices in Swakopmund ((+264) 64 40 4576) and Walvis Bay ((+264) 64 20 5971). A free information pamphlet is also available from these offices, as well as from coastal information offices.
Swakopmund is much-loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the heat in the interior. It is also popular among visitors because of its oldworld charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during German colonial rule, it served as the territory’s main harbour for several years.
Today this quaint town between the desert and the sea is enhanced by lush green lawns, elegant palm trees and carefully tended public gardens. It has a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, and several coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries. The coast with its desert hinterland offers many options, both for adventure and for relaxation.
Just before reaching Swakopmund from the interior, enclosed in a small glass-fronted structure, visitors can view the Martin Luther ‘steam-ox’ imported from Germany in 1896 to transport goods between the town and other settlements. When the steam tractor became irretrievably bogged down in the sand, it was dubbed Martin Luther, because of Luther’s historic statement in 1521, “Here I stand, may God help me, I can go no further.” The venue has a museum, toilet facilities and curios for sale.
Quaint architecture from a bygone era adds to the place-out-of-time atmosphere of Swakopmund. When approached from the interior, domes, turrets and towers on the skyline appear like a hazy desert mirage. Much of the distinct German colonial character has been preserved and today many of the town’s old buildings house shops, offices and other services.
Namib i
Tel/Fax (+264) 64 40 4827/3129
Swakop Info
Tel (+264) 64 40 5488
What to see and do Woermann House, built in 1905 to accommodate the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company and sold in 1909 to Woermann Brock, houses the Swakopmund Arts Association and Public Library. The Woermann Tower, which can be accessed at specified times, affords a panoramic view of desert and sea. It has a platform from which, in earlier times, a flag was flown whenever a ship of the Woermann Line was sighted at sea.
The Living Desert Snake Park in Libertina Amadhila Street hosts a variety of interesting creatures for the whole family to enjoy. The historical Otavi-Bahn building served as the terminal for the mining railway line. The goods shed next to this building, built in 1911 and called OMEG-Haus, is a national monument.
The old barracks, known as Die Alte Kaserne, were built by the German colonial government in 1905 to house the German Engineer Regiment responsible for the construction of the jetty and the railway line into the interior. The privately-owned Hohenzollern-Haus, embellished by a frieze of angels and lions and originally built in 1905 to accommodate visiting aristocracy from Germany, at one time functioned as a house of ill repute. Today this striking building serves as an apartment house, while the Prinzessin Rupprecht-Heim, built in 1902 to operate as a hospital, is now a guesthouse.
The Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht (magistrate’s court) was built in 1901. Since independence the building has been serving as a summer residence
for the President of Namibia. Next to it are the gardens of the Marine Memorial, commemorating marines who died in the 1904/5 Herero uprising. The elaborate Railway Station Building, erected in 1901, was transformed into a luxury 75room hotel and entertainment centre, complete with casino, cinema, bar and restaurant. Resembling a Bavarian villa with its ornamental exterior, the Swakopmund Jail is often mistaken by visitors for a hotel. One of the town’s most prominent landmarks, the Swakopmund Lighthouse, was completed in 1903, as was the harbour breakwater known as The Mole, today the southern boundary of Swakopmund’s main tourist beach.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church, consecrated in 1912, is the secondoldest of its kind in the country. Closely associated with the history of the town, is the Kramersdorf building (1912), with its architectural value lying in the wide, flat wooden bow. It traditionally served as a private residence, school hostel, and summer house. Today it is privately owned.
Another historical landmark is the Old Iron Jetty, originally built in 1905 during the German colonial era. The jetty was frequented especially by anglers and tourists, but gradually fell into disrepair. Major repairs were done in 1983 when 17 pairs of the iron pillars were encased in concrete. In 1997 the Save-the-Jetty Fund was established and in 1998 the jetty was closed because it was deemed unsafe. Following a major N$ 3.7 million refurbishment in 2006, the front section was reopened to the public. In 2010 the back section was reopened and now includes an oyster bar and restaurant, with an observation deck on top.
Laid out in stone in 1915, a selection of the regimental badges from the South West Africa Campaign can be viewed 27 km east of Swakopmund. The campaign was launched by the Union of South Africa on the Germans stationed in South West Africa at the outbreak of WWI. More regimental badges can be seen about 46 km east of the town. Similar badges and patterns, also laid out in stone, can be found between Swakopmund and Trekkopje, along the railway line. Other interesting sites in the area are small fortifications, the trenches, and the cemetery at the Trekkopje station
A 27-million-year-old fossil, meteorite chunks, fossilised wood, and jawbones of our human ancestors mingle with Spanish coins, restored ox wagons and turn-of-the-century drawing rooms in the Swakopmund Museum, a small but comprehensive institution with displays ranging from natural history, mineralogy and botany to historical and ethnological dioramas. A walk through the museum, founded by Dr Alfons Weber in 1951, takes you travelling through time, from ancient earth forming to a more recent colonial past. Situated on the seafront between avenues of palm trees, this treasure house holds a multitude of interesting artefacts. A large airy hall houses a People of Namibia exhibition with information on the diverse and distinct population groups of Namibia. Baskets, headdresses, amulets and ostrich eggs fill the many display shelves. The Emil Jensen Herbarium exhibits Namib flora. The entrance of the museum faces the Atlantic Ocean and the Mole which shelters a popular swimming beach. The Alte Brauereistube café has been added to one side of the building.
The Public Library has amenities for visitors, while the well-known reference facility known as the Sam Cohen Library comprises some 6 000 volumes and an impressive collection of historic photographs. This includes the renowned 2 000-title Africana collection of the late Ferdinand Stich. The archives, housed in the same building, give visitors access to a unique collection of newspapers dating from 1898 to the present day.
On the beachfront next to the National Marine Information & Research Centre in Strand Street is the Swakopmund Aquarium where the ocean comes to life for visitors. Its main feature is a transparent tank with a glass walk-through viewing tunnel and a number of additional viewing panels, placed at different angles. The oval tank holds 320,000 litres of seawater. The tank contains a variety of fish, including spotted shark, sand shark, kabeljou, steenbras and galjoen, and many other organisms. The theme depicted in the tank is a typical west-coast reef with related flora. There are also 17 smaller
viewing tanks, one of them in the form of a tube. Special features are the socalled touch pools containing typical intertidal flora and fauna. A new touch tank was added during the upgrades, hosting stingrays, and the top floor has been renovated into a welcoming educational environment for children. The complex also houses an auditorium, with seating for approximately 120 people. It is used for conferences, lectures, slide shows and other presentations and is fully equipped with audio-visual, interpretation and other amenities. Feeding takes place daily at 15:00. The aquarium is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but is open all other days from 10:00 to 16:00.
The Mole and adjacent Palm Beach provide a popular if somewhat cold swimming area, with the lee of the Mole serving as a launching place for yachts and other pleasure crafts. The contestants in the annual Jetty Mile , which takes place in December, end their swim at The Mole. Rossmund is a grass golf course with a unique desert setting located some 10 km inland from Swakopmund. The well laid-out 18-hole golf course has been described as one of the most scenic and unusual in Southern Africa, with herds of free-roaming springbok in the surroundings adding to its charm. The annual horse show, known as the Reitturnier, brings the best horses and riders in Namibia together. Other sports are skydiving, duneboarding, sand-skiing, paragliding, surfing and windsurfing, yachting, and
Quaint architecture from a bygone era adds to the place-out-oftime atmosphere of Swakopmund.LE ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK
angling from the beach or a boat. There are motocross and 4x4 rally facilities on the outskirts of the town. The latest development in town is the multi-million Swakopmund Indoor Sport Centre, also known as The Dome Swakopmund, the only multi-sport complex of its kind in Africa. Spanning over 7 000 m² and comprising five storeys, the centre accommodates more than 40 different sport codes and their supporting facilities and services. The Dome also houses a hotel, restaurant, bar, shops and a health and wellness centre.
Accessible from Sam Nujoma Avenue and Hendrik Witbooi and Tobias
Hainyeko streets is the Brauhaus Arcade with its many small specialist shops offering handmade leatherwork, arts and crafts, furnishings and Namibian textiles and embroidery. The Brauhaus itself is a well-liked German-style restaurant and bar with seating outside, popular for serving large beers in boot-shaped glasses. The main outlet for Art Africa is also situated here, selling quirky crafts and fine African tribal art, amongst others. Another branch is situated in Tobias Hainyeko Street, flanked by a corridor of craftsmen and the Art Africa Garden Café. The Woermann Brock Arcade, accessible from Sam Nujoma Avenue and Hendrik Witbooi Street, features regular shops and several outlets selling Namibian products. It leads into the Ankerplatz complex, also accessible from Sam Nujoma Avenue. In Sam Nujoma Avenue, Ikhoba offers a range of well-crafted embroidered goods in vivid colours, produced by 400 women of various ethnic groups as part of
the Ikhoba Textiles Farm Project Meme Ikhoba, situated in Hendrik Witbooi Avenue, is another outlet for these goods. Karakulia Weavers sells woollen carpets and wall hangings made from karakul wool, woven into designs depicting Namibian animals and desert scenery.
Namibian and African crafts are sold at two street markets. The first of these is situated opposite the old prison building on Moses Garoëb Street, and the second adjacent to The Mole, known as The Open Market
The Bonus Markt Plaza houses a collection of businesses, including an ice cream parlour reminiscent of the soft serve ice cream the centre was famous for many years ago.
A special feature of the coastal town is its outstanding jewellery shops, staffed led by master goldsmiths and specialised craftsmen and women, who design individual pieces with local semiprecious stones in styles ranging from classic and contemporary to Namibian, African and European.
One of Swakopmund’s top outlets for handcrafted jewellery is African Art Jewellers next to the Hansa Hotel on Hendrik Witbooi Street, with a second, duty-free shop in Sam Nujoma Avenue, Swakopmund’s main street.
At the Imke Engelhard Design Studio, award-winning jewellery designer Imke Engelhard transforms locally produced traditional shell necklaces into one-ofa-kind works of art.
An interesting museum-like shop to visit in terms of its mineral displays such as gigantic quartz crystal clusters is Kristall Galerie on the corner of Garnison and Bahnhof streets. It also offers jewellery featuring semi-precious stones for sale.
The Swakopmund Arts Association is situated on the first floor of the historical Woermann House. It showcases a wide range of diverse Namibian art, as well as a selection of works by European artists.
There are several commercial galleries in Swakopmund where contemporary Namibian art and
crafts can be viewed and purchased. These include the Art Africa in the Brauhaus Arcade; Die Muschel, which also sells books and prints and hosts a coffee shop; and in Sam Nujoma Avenue the Fine Art Gallery, which presents regular exhibitions.
Swakopmund offers a plethora of restaurants, many testifying to the German heritage of the town, such as the Bistro Zum Kaiser, Brauhaus, Kücki’s Pub and the Wurstbude. Coffee and German-style confectionery are served at Café Anton. Then there are Two Beards and a Saint, Wild Rocket Café, Bojo’s Café, the funky Village Café and Slow Town Coffee Roasters Raith’s, the ever-popular Namibian bakery, deli, bistro and gelateria, is situated in the centre of town, and right around the corner the Art Africa Garden Café serves light, healthy meals. The Jetty 1905 offers seafood, sushi and oysters in a spectacular setting at the tip of the revamped jetty. At the Mole, the iconic Strand Hotel, which was reopened in 2015, hosts four eateries: Brewer & Butcher, The Ocean Cellar, Farmhouse Deli and Café Mole
Great light meals are served at the Tiger Reef beach bar. Then there’s
The Wreck, The Tug, Desert Tavern, Western Saloon, Napolitana, Bits
‘N Pizzas, The Fish Deli, Garnish, Ocean Basket, Spur, and, and, and…
A market with fresh produce from the Swakop environment is held every Saturday at Shalom Farm, just outside Swakopmund at the turn-off to Nonidas.
The environmentally friendly Swakopmund Saltworks (not open to the public) north of the town have been registered as a private nature reserve. The shallow expanses of water created to allow evaporation in the salt-producing process are ideal feeding grounds for thousands of wetland birds, such as Greater and Lesser Flamingos. Damara Terns breed on the surrounding desert plains and bring their young to the salt works to feed.
Other visitors are rare Great Crested Grebes and a large colony of Cape Cormorants. The Swakopmund River Mouth is also a good place for birdwatching.
Camel and horse rides are offered a short distance from the town. Cars and 4x4 vehicles can be hired to embark on day trips or safaris into the desert. Beach-buggy excursions to the beach, dunes or hinterland also include sundowner tours, fishing safaris, and dune and tyre surfing. Flights over the town and the shipwrecks along the coast can be expanded to include charter flights further afield, while specialised safaris take visitors to see the dune landscapes and plants of the desert.
Reputable air-charter companies take visitors on short flips over the dunes.
While Walvis Bay is Namibia’s major harbour town, it is fast developing into a sought-after seaside holiday haven. Attractions are the lagoon with its prolific bird life and variety of recreational possibilities; a desert golf course; modern and comfortable hotels and a choice of restaurants; and activities such as sightseeing in a donkey cart and kayaking on the lagoon at sunrise. The town has a well-developed and efficient port, while its fishing harbour is the hub of Namibia’s lucrative fishing industry. Entry permits to visit the harbour can be obtained from the Police Office at the Harbour Entrance on 13th Road. The Civic Centre complex of the harbour town contains the Walvis Bay information office and consists of the Town Hall, Mayor’s Office, a Museum and a Library, the latter with temporary membership facilities. The oldest building in Walvis Bay, and a national monument, is the Rhenish Mission Church, a timber
structure built in Hamburg in 1880, then dismantled and shipped to Walvis Bay. Other places of interest in Walvis Bay include the historic cemetery along Ben Amathila Avenue and historic monuments such as the old railway tracks on the airport road and Railway Engine No 652. A relic from the first attempts to introduce railroad transport to Namibia, the narrow-gauge engine which arrived from London in 1899 can be seen in front of the railway station in a glass enclosure to shield it from the prevailing southwesterly winds and the corrosive effect of the salt-laden mists. Interestingly, due to complications with the railway line caused by the prevailing southwesterly winds, the locomotive was put to little use during its brief lifetime. Outside the town, in the Kuiseb Valley, stands a wooden Boundary Post, erected in 1885 to demarcate the border between the newly founded colony of German South West Africa and the British enclave of Walvis Bay.
At the end of Union Street in Walvis Bay, bordering the desert and tourist area, the Walvis Bay Tourism Centre is a welcoming ‘one-stop shop’. The Centre is a novel concept, with much to offer, such as accommodation in four bungalows, a restaurant, Internet facilities, pro-golf shop and driving range, Information Desk, Levo Tours offices and Photo Ventures – which offers photographic and other tours.
Tel (+264) 64 20 0606
Flamingos at the Kuisebmond wetlands outside Walvis Bay
Accompanied by a local guide, visitors can go on self-drive township tours. Various options for sightseeing can be included in the package. Lasting from three to four hours, the tour includes stops at the Kuisebmond Market Hall; the kindergarten in Daniel Maxuilili Street where children present a special show; the Multi-purpose Community Centre; and Tutaleni Village. The tour ends at the Mola Mola shebeen, where traditional foods such as mopane worms, makaka, oshifima porridge and beans can be sampled. The Tutaleni Village and Relocation Project in the township is an example of how the problem of overcrowding is solved by means of an innovative housing concept. More than 800 families have been relocated successfully and now enjoy amenities that previously seemed unattainable. The Tutaleni Village remains municipal property and will be treated as an ongoing project sustained through the joint efforts of the resettled communities, the local authority and the private sector.
Options in Walvis Bay include The Raft restaurant on the Walvis Bay Lagoon and Crazy Mama’s Restaurant for pizza lovers. The Fairway Restaurant & Bistro in the Walvis Bay Tourism Centre serves breakfast, lunch and homemade cakes, sundowners and pizza. Other places to eat are Anchors and Willi Probst Bakery. The Lemon Tree Deli offers health sandwiches,
sushi, fresh fish, and a selection of other seafood delicatessen. See the Walvis Bay Waterfront for an eclectic selection of eateries.
The Walvis Bay Waterfront is abuzz with activity. Apart from the unique ocean atmosphere – with pelicans and other seabirds entertaining visitors with their playful antics – and operators offering ocean cruises, there is a wide selection of restaurants. Pirate's Wreck Sports Bar is a popular sundowner spot, and the Jetty Shoppe sells a wide variety of gift items. Dockside Seafood and Grill has a rustic atmosphere and a great selection of light meals and drinks. Local crafters also sell their goods at the Waterfront.
The Walvis Bay Lagoon takes pride of place as a scenic attraction in the Walvis Bay area. The tranquil body of water, its natural beauty accentuated by thousands of flamingos gathering at the rich feeding grounds, is over 3000 years old. The lagoon has been silting up for hundreds of years, a process hastened by man’s activities. Because of its value nationally and internationally as a wetland area, it was designated as a RAMSAR site in 1995, RAMSAR being a convention on wetlands held in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The lagoon is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal birds in Southern Africa. Wading birds including Lesser and Greater Flamingos, and White Pelicans are seen here. A pleasant walk of just over 3 km leads to Lover’s Hill, which overlooks the lagoon.
Midway between Walvis Bay and
Established by the Walvis Bay Municipality, the neighbourhood's main beach features tidal pools and ideal swimming conditions. The neighbouring Dolphin Park Recreation Resort has its own chalets, swimming pool, hydroslide and barbecue facilities. Dune 7, on the outskirts of town, is the highest dune in the area. Palm-tree-shaded facilities for day camping and barbecues are ideal for family entertainment.
The angling potential along the coast is particularly good. An angling area favoured by locals is Paaltjies, which consists of four angling spots south of the town. The ‘paaltjies’ are navigational beacons used by commercial fishermen. The first ‘paaltjie’ can be reached by ordinary vehicle, but a 4x4 is required to reach the other three further south.
The Walvis Bay Lagoon is ideal for windsurfing, boating and regattas organised by the Yacht Club, in which Hoby Cats, Fireballs and catamarans compete. A tour operator offers skiboat trips for shark, bottom and game fishing. Beach-fishing trips in 4x4 vehicles along the coast specialise in shark fishing. Boating day trips are enjoyable pleasure excursions.
If you’d like to lay your hands on some fresh fish, a good option is to catch it yourself by booking an ocean safari, or going on a fishing expedition along the beach.
The lagoon at Sandwich Harbour, situated 48 km south of Walvis Bay at the foot of towering ivorycoloured dunes, is a spectacular and sought-after destination. The lagoon,
referred to in old texts as Sandfisch Haven , is a former bay that silted up over the years. Today especially ornithologists, photographers and nature lovers visit Sandwich.
The Sandwich area has a strange mystique, enhanced by the legend that buried somewhere in the dunes above the high-water mark is a ship with a rich cargo of ivory, gold and precious stones. This treasure has been searched for by many fortune hunters, but to date has eluded all. The lagoon is fed by fresh water seeping from an inland aquifer, and it is a sanctuary for large numbers of coastal and freshwater birds. It is also an important breeding ground for a variety of fish species. Sandwich Harbour was proclaimed a RAMSAR site in 1995. It is one of five such protected wetlands in Namibia.
Permits to visit Sandwich are obtainable from the MEFT offices in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Sesriem and Windhoek. Please note that Sandwich is accessible only by 4x4 vehicles; that in certain areas angling and vehicles are prohibited; that angling is not allowed from 25 January to 15 April; and that overnight camping is not allowed here.
In 1929, Major Hentie van der Merwe, a motorcar dealer who operated from Kalkveld, discovered a fresh-water spring close to the mouth of the Omaruru River while on a rhino-hunting expedition in the desert. He fell in love with the surroundings and for years it was his private haven to which he escaped every December.
Henties Bay has since become a popular proposition for holiday and retirement property investments, due to the relatively affordable property prices and the town’s popularity as a holiday resort. Its peaceful atmosphere and remote setting on the Skeleton Coast is one of its greatest assets.
www.hentiesbaytourism.com
A surprising phenomenon is a freshwater fountain situated almost on the beach in the so-called Valley, an old tributary of the Omaruru River. Apparently this fountain served as a lifesaver to many early explorers, one being Henties Bay’s own Major Hentie van der Merwe.
One of the biggest events in Henties Bay is the Henties Bay Fish Festival in August each year which attracts visitors from all over Namibia, South Africa and even overseas. The annual Christmas Market, Angling Bonanza and Touchies in December are events that have a high priority on the yearly calendar.
Although shore fishing is still Henties Bay’s number-one attraction, there is much to do for those who don’t fish. The Jakkalsputz walking trail leads through the beautiful Solitude Bay with its rocky shores and hummock dunes stabilised by coastal desert plants adapted to grow in harsh conditions. The Omaruru River Walking Trail, a long hike along the riverbed and across the Namib Desert plains, gives hikers an experience of the harsh but beautiful desert environment. Remember to take drinking water along.
The Henties Bay Golf Course is laid out in the Valley. It is a nine-hole course, extending over 2.7 km, and has well-tended grass greens and tees, while the fairways are being planted with grass, which will turn it into a lush green spot in the riverbed. Golf competitions are organised regularly, especially during the December holiday season.
Walvis Bay: renowned for its vibrant marine life and thriving harbor.
The Walvis Bay lagoon is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal birds in Southern Africa.
While quad-bikes provide fun on the beach, they should be used responsibly and with due consideration to residents and other holidaymakers. Areas specifically designated for their use are 10 km upstream in the Omaruru River surroundings and the beach either side of the residential areas. When riding on the beach, please take other people into consideration and be on the lookout for children and pets, especially during the holiday season. Quad-bikes are not allowed north of the Omaruru River and east of the C34 or in front of residential areas and campsites.
Henties Bay offers the Fishy Corner Seafood Restaurant & Take-away, Legends Pub & Grill, Desert Sands lapa bar & braai, De Duine Hotel, Pirate’s Cove sports bar and pizzeria, the Skubbe Bar and more. Good options for coffee and cake are the Coffee House, Misty Bay Café & Coffee Shop, and NamPie coffee shop
Situated in Dorob National Park (the former National West Coast Recreation Area), Henties Bay offers the nature lover an attractive albeit sensitive natural environment with diversified fauna and flora and many sites of interest. Some of the biggest and best specimens of the renowned Welwitschia mirabilis grow among the hills of the Messum Crater. This curious plant –some specimens are estimated to be at least 1 500 years old – is endemic to the Namib Desert, from Swakopmund northwards to Mossamedes in Angola.
Desert-adapted game species seen on the desert plains and in the dry watercourses include steenbok, springbok, gemsbok and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Ostrich are commonly seen in southern Damaraland. This wonderland can be explored along 4x4 routes to destinations such as the Messum Crater, Brandberg West, the Ugab Menhir, Spitzkoppe, Omaruru River and various mineral
mines. All roads are signposted and graded. An A2 satellite map with all the routes can be bought from the Henties Bay Tourist Office. Please note that permits are required for trails in and traversing Dorob National Park.
Lichen fields can be viewed at Mile 30 south of Henties Bay, just north of the turnoff to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and on the way to the Messum Crater. Visitors are asked not to leave the existing roads, but to park their vehicles next to the road and inspect these interesting organisms on foot. If a little water is sprinkled on them, they magically come to life.
The Damara Tern, a bird endemic to Namibia that makes its nest in shallow scrapes among the saltbushes (ganna) on the gravel plains, is especially threatened by off-road driving. The nesting grounds of these diminutive birds are between the coastal road and the sea, and there is an important breeding colony just north of the Omaruru River. If you leave the road to reach the beach, stay on the existing tracks.
The Omaruru River offers opportunities for walking, quad-biking and 4x4 driving, and has excellent picnic sites. The Old Fig Tree is a wellknown and popular picnic site not far from Henties Bay. You can also drive up the sandy riverbed past the Omdel Dam to Skoenklip and exit the river at Lêwater to follow the route to the Spitzkoppe. The Omdel Dam – mostly dry – offers picnic sites, a variety of bird species, especially when there is water in the dam, and interesting desert-adapted plants. To reach Omdel Dam, take the C35 to Uis for
±27 km, then turn right and follow the narrow track for 14 km to the Omdel Dam wall. Alternatively, the course of the Omaruru River can be followed in a 4x4 to reach the dam.
The Cape Cross Seal Reserve, with a surrounding area of 60 km² consisting of flat gravel plains and the rocky outcrop where the seals gather, was proclaimed in 1968 to protect the biggest and best known of the 23 colonies of Cape fur seals that breed along the Namibian and western South African coast. The reserve is situated approximately 130 km north of Swakopmund. From January until the end of June the reserve is open on weekdays from 08:00–17:00; from the beginning of July until the end of November from 10:00–17:00; and in December again from 08:00–17:00. On weekends the reserve is open from 08:00–17:00. For further information contact the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism at Cape Cross, Tel: (+264) 64 69 4037. It was here that the Portuguese navigator, Diogo Cão, on his second expedition to Africa south of the equator, erected a stone cross in 1486. Two replicas of this cross can be viewed at the site where the original one was erected. Germany has undertaken to return the original padrão to Namibia.
A small lichen reserve containing a relatively large variety of species can be viewed from close by. Bird islands off the coast are also protected.
The South African (Cape) fur seal,
Arctocephalus pusillus, is the largest of the world’s nine fur seal species. As many as 210 000 of these animals gather at Cape Cross at any one time during the November/December breeding season.
The Skeleton Coast Park, proclaimed in its present form in 1971, extends from the Ugab River for 500 km up to the Kunene River in the north, covering an area of 16 845 km². It protects about one third of Namibia’s coastline.
The landscape in the park ranges from sweeping vistas of windswept dunes, to rugged canyons with walls of richly coloured volcanic rock and extensive mountain ranges. Over a hundred species of lichen grow on the plains and west-facing mountain slopes, changing colour and becoming soft and leathery to the touch when the coastal fog generated by the cold
Benguela Current pushes inland. Animals occurring on the plains are gemsbok, springbok, jackal, ostrich and brown hyaena, while desertadapted elephant and even black rhino, lion and giraffe roam up and down the dry river courses. The northern section of the Skeleton Coast Park is a tourism concession area that is restricted to fly-in safaris and guests to Shipwreck Lodge north of Möwe Bay. Of special interest are the clay castles of the Hoarusib, the saltpans near the Agate Mountain and the seal colony at Cape Frio. The southern section – between the Ugab River and just north of Terrace Bay – is accessible to the general public staying at Terrace Bay and Torra Bay. Because of the ecological sensitivity of the coastal desert, the entire park is managed by the MEFT as a wilderness area.
A day permit to drive directly through
the southern section of the park is obtainable from the MEFT Tourist Office in Swakopmund, as well as at the Ugab and Springbokwasser gates . Visitors driving through need to enter before 15:00 and leave by 17:00 and may not visit Terrace Bay or Torra Bay along the way. Overnight visitors must be in possession of a valid reservation advice for Terrace Bay or Torra Bay and arrive at the checkpoints at the Ugab Mouth and Springbokwasser gates no later than 15:00 and leave from these points no later than 17:00.
Mondesa Youth Opportunities (MYO) is a non-profit organisation based in Mondesa, a suburb of Swakopmund, offering comprehensive educational support to underprivileged, promising students. MYO combats the country's struggling public education system by offering after-school programmes, including academic subjects and life skills. The organisation, founded in 2003 with an initial focus on tennis, has since expanded to become an essential academic lifeline for its students.
MYO provides students with a nutritious meal before commencing lessons, highlighting the link between nutrition and effective learning. Besides academic skills, the organisation also emphasises whole-person development, instilling confidence and life-navigating values. Its small class sizes and supportive environment have yielded exceptional
academic success, with all past students passing their AS levels.
The organisation provides free education to disadvantaged students, selecting them based on their academic abilities and their parents' financial situation. MYO promotes classroom discipline and leadership skills, fostering personal growth. It operates solely on donations, covering costs like staff salaries, utilities, meals, textbooks and transportation.
MYO's alumni continue to benefit from the organisation through free access to the library, dedicated computers for homework and research, and an alumni program offering workshops on selfimprovement and career opportunities. MYO's unwavering commitment to education and leadership development is a shining example of the transformative power of education for individuals and communities.
Namibia is one of the few countries in the world that protect their entire coastline. Over 1500 kilometers of pristine and beautiful shores.
This is just an approximate indication of where these establishments are situated
Under the bespoke offerings of Big Sky Lodges is Villa Margherita. A classical luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Swakopmund. This is where fusion of contemporary art and colonial history blends into eclectic luxury. With its beautifully manicured gardens and its romantic suites, luxury double rooms and two self-catering units, with Nespresso coffee machines and high-speed wireless internet connection, Villa Margherita offers seclusion and personalized service. Relax in the lounge, treat yourself to a wonderful massage, a lavish meal or enjoy a drink in the courtyard garden. There are many activities to savour in and around Swakopmund, whether in the air, in the dunes, or on the ocean. Villa Margherita offers a perfect stay to unwind and to experience all that Swakopmund and the surroundings have to offer.
34 Daniel Tjongarero Street, corner Otavi Street, Swakopmund
Reservations Tel: (+264) 61 239 199
Villa Margherita Direct: (+264) 64 402 099
Cell: (+264) 81 332 4293
Email: info@villamargherita.com.na
Brigadoon Guesthouse offers spacious, well-equipped rooms to accommodate two people, or families, in style and comfort, allowing an opportunity for total relaxation, away from the hustle, bustle and buzz of Namibia’s most vibrant town. Each room overlooks the lush garden from its own private patio deck where guests always appreciate their individually served breakfast.
P.O. Box 23106, Windhoek
Bookings Tel: (+264) 61 240 020
E-Mail: reservations@namibiatravelconsultants.com
Web: www.ondili.com
Nestled in the heart of Swakopmund, walking distance from the beach, trendy cafés, restaurants, as well as popular tourist sights, Swakopmund Luxury Suites is the only place you need to book to ensure a memorable visit in this beautiful coastal town. Each of their 21 suites is designed for utmost comfort - ideal for the leisure or corporate traveller. Enjoy breakfast on the premises and relax in the beautiful patio area before heading out for a Swakopmund adventure. Praised for excellent customer service, modern designs and quality amenities, Swakopmund Luxury Suites promise an unforgettable stay.
The Courtyard, Am Zoll, Plott 228c
Tobias Hainyeko, Swakopmund
Tel: (+264) 64 463 298
Web: www.swakopmundluxurysuites.com
With its extensive and entertaining restaurants, bars, lounges, deli, spa, sea-facing terraces, conference & banqueting centre the Strand Hotel is the social epicenter of Swakopmund, Namibia. Uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole and surrounded on three sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean, its 125 rooms and suites offer the finest décor, absolute comfort and an uninterrupted sea breeze available anywhere in this quaint historic town. The Strand Hotel Swakopmund has been “sculptured” to be more than just a hotel. It is an integral part of the town’s historical centre and a beachfront entertainment destination in itself, hosting both visitors and locals.
Tel Reservations: (+264) 64 411 4000
Email: strand.res@ol.na
Web: www.strandhotelswakopmund.com
Torra Bay is a seasonal fishing retreat, situated inside Skeleton Coast National Park on the Atlantic coast. Open only in December and January, Torra Bay is famous in angling circles due to the variety and quantity of fish that come with the Benguela Current. Other activities include bird watching, walking along the beach, and more fishing. The resort offers minimal facilities for a lesser impact on its natural surroundings: 60 campsites (that need to be booked in advance, and visitors are advised to bring all of their equipment with them), a shop, petrol station and communal shower facilities.
Mile 72 is located along the Namibian coastline in Dorob National Park, which offers a perfect getaway for families looking for a peaceful and scenic vacation. The accommodation features well-equipped self-catering chalets, providing visitors with a comfortable stay, including a lounge area, kitchen and private bathroom. The chalets also feature a braai area, perfect for having a traditional braai while enjoying the magnificent ocean views. The location of Mile 72 is ideal for visitors to explore the nearby tourist attractions such as seal watching at Cape Cross, swimming in the Dead Sea, or visiting the towering dunes of the Namib Desert.
Mile 108 is a beachfront accommodation which offers a perfect escape for those seeking to enjoy the beauty of nature. The accommodation features well-equipped fishing chalets or sizable campsites, making it an ideal destination for families, couples or solo travelers. The fishing chalets are designed to provide a comfortable stay, equipped with all the necessary amenities, including a kitchenette, lounge area and private bathroom. The spacious campsites can accommodate tents, caravans or motorhomes, providing access to communal ablution facilities and braai areas. Mile 108 is an excellent fishing destination, offering abundant marine life.
Terrace Bay is an angler’s paradise offering an exceptional experience inside the famous Skeleton Coast National Park along Namibia’s northwestern coastline. The resort is located on the coast, set in an undisturbed and peaceful spot, surrounded by the majestic dunes of the northern Namib Desert. You can easily venture into the nearby Uniab River Delta, for a glimpse of Terrace Bay’s wildlife. Here, you can hike, watch birds, spot game or witness breathtaking sunsets from atop the dunes. Choose from two Beach Chalets or our 20 double rooms and enjoy our restaurant, bar and kiosk during your adventurous stay.
Jakkalsputz is a beautiful coastal campsite, a popular attraction for fishing enthusiasts. It is known for its pristine and rugged coastline, breathtaking sunsets and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy fishing for a variety of species including shark, kabeljou and galjoen, either from the shore or by boat. The campsite offers basic amenities such as running water, fire pits and barbecue facilities. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching and exploring the nearby seal colonies. Jakkalsputz is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway, surrounded by the natural beauty of Namibia's coast.
For more inspiration on these lodges go to www.nwr.com.na
• The region is home to one of the most majestic canyons in the world
• It hosts Namibia’s first transfrontier conservation area
• A diamond-mining industry of note was established here
• Lüderitz is renowned for its distinctive German colonial architecture
• Namibia’s famous ghost town is found here
The country’s most spectacular geological phenomenon and the highlight of Namibia’s ‘Deep South’ is the Fish River Canyon. The famous ravine lies in the lower reaches of Namibia’s longest river, the Fish River. It took millions of years to evolve to its present shape – a massive 161 km long, up to 27 km wide and up to 550 metres deep.
Top tourist attractions in the region include the quaint coastal town of Lüderitz; Namibia’s most famous ghost town, Kolmanskop, a former diamond settlement that was deserted in the 1950s; the Northern Sperrgebiet, which can be explored with concession-holding tour operators. Further east are the Quiver Tree Forest, Giant’s Playground and Brukkaros Mountain, the latter not an extinct volcano as is popularly thought but the remnants of a gaseous explosion that took place many millions of years ago. Lying at the centre of this region is the unofficial capital of the south, Keetmanshoop – the gateway to many of these attractions. Further south lies the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world.
The /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs and Fish River Canyon were first proclaimed a game park in 1968, and in 1989 the Huns Mountains complex west of the canyon was added 'to these features' to form a single conservation entity. The Namibian Government acquired several farms in the surroundings, which were also incorporated into the unit, and in 2003 the long-term conservation objective to manage the Huns Mountains and /Ai-/Ais Game Park jointly with the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa as one integrated Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) became a reality when the /Ai-/ Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park became Namibia’s first transfrontier conservation area. The attraction of this rugged wilderness is its isolated
and otherworldly landscape, and its wealth of interesting xerophytic plants, such as the halfmens or elephant’s trunk, Pachypodium namaquanum. Geologically and botanically the area is similar to South Africa’s Richtersveld south of the Orange River. Eroded over many millennia, the Fish River Canyon is the second-largest natural canyon in the world. Set in a harsh, stony plain, dotted with drought-resistant succulents such as the distinctive quiver tree or kokerboom, Aloidendron dichotomum, and Euphorbia gregaria, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon that took hundreds of millions of years to form. While its full length is 160 km – the width is up to 27 km and the depth up to 550 metres – its most spectacular section is the 56-km stretch downstream of the northernmost viewpoint. Because the river flows intermittently, there is always water in some of the pools, except in very dry years. Containing smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish, sharptooth catfish, tilapia and common carp, the pools are also frequented by the water monitor or leguan. Baboon, rock hyrax, ground squirrel and klipspringer are often seen in the canyon, while the presence of leopard and mountain zebra is indicated by tracks left at waterholes. Kudu inhabit the densely vegetated lower reaches north of /Ai-/
Ais. An interesting variety of birds, such as the Olive Thrush, Cape Robin-chat and African Black Duck, are found in the canyon.
The viewpoint overlooking the spectacular canyon landscape was completed in 2010. Designed by Windhoek-based architect Nina Maritz – who is internationally recognised for her expertise in energy efficiency and sustainable building in developing countries – the new facility greatly enhances this popular southern destination. Displayed at the viewpoint are a series of interpretive information posters for tourists, providing details on the flora, fauna and geology of the canyon, the history of the area, the human footprint, the transfrontier process and the Fish River Canyon hiking trail
One of Namibia’s truly unique destinations is the coastal town of Lüderitz in the so-called Deep South.
Originally named Angra Pequena (small bay) by the famous Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias in 1487, the settlement was renamed Lüderitz in honour of its founder Adolf Lüderitz in 1884. Located directly on the shores of Lüderitz Bay facing the Atlantic Ocean, Lüderitz forms a barrier between the towering coastal dunes of the NamibNaukluft Park directly to the north, and the unforgiving rocky coastline to the south. The town has a fishing harbour surrounded by early 20th century German colonial buildings.
Ten kilometres to the east the worldrenowned ghost town, Kolmanskop, affords you the opportunity to gain a spellbinding insight into what life was once like in this former diamond settlement. Other activities include birdwatching such as at Halifax Island to view Namibia’s largest colony of African Penguins from a boat.
Set aside a morning or afternoon to explore the sheltered bays of the Lüderitz Peninsula, Shark Island, Grosse Bucht, Sturmvogel Bucht and Dias Point where the Portuguese navigator Batholomeu Dias erected a stone cross in July 1488.
Lüderitz is especially famous for its delicious fresh seafood: west coast rock lobster (called crayfish locally), oysters and the much sought-after delicacy abalone (perlemoen variety). The town celebrates its rich seafood culture with an annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival.
The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world.
A wind farm, known as Ombepo Wind Farm is Namibia’s first wind farm, the 5 MW Ombepo farm is east of Lüderitz, became operational in April 2018. With strong and reliable southwesterly winds, Lüderitz has been earmarked for two more wind farms.
A major project for the future is the establishment of the largest maritime museum complex in Africa. This multi-million-Namibia-dollar tourist attraction will display Namibia’s rich maritime history, geology and marine fauna and flora. Cafés, restaurants, an outdoor arena, a yacht jetty and large promenades will provide additional relaxation opportunities for the visitor. The maritime museum is still in its planning stages.
Lüderitz is easily accessible by good roads from Windhoek (685 km tar), Keetmanshoop (340 km tar) and the Fish River Canyon (480 km from Ai-Ais Resort – 184 gravel and 295 tar).
To fully appreciate Lüderitz, a minimum of two nights’ stay in the town is recommended.
Among the most striking architectural attractions are the Goerkehaus and Felsenkirche. Both adorn the slopes of Diamond Mountain. The church with its beautiful stained-glass windows is truly unique, as all building materials – even the sand - were shipped from Germany.
In the ‘old town’ are the houses of former mining magnates and prominent businessmen, including Kreplin House and Troost House The Krabbenhöft & Lampe Building was erected for a trading business during the period of economic prosperity that followed the discovery of diamonds. The Deutsche Afrika Bank is part of the historic street view of Bismarck Street, one of the oldest roads in town.
In Berg Street, in the historic core of the town, is a complex of residences built during the diamond boom. Other noteworthy structures are the old post office, the former German school, the Lesehalle and the Turnhalle
The small Lüderitz Museum on Diaz Street is another fascinating stop to learn about the town’s history and heritage.
The Lüderitz Peninsula is characterised by numerous bays, lagoons and unspoilt stretches of beach. At Diaz Point a replica of Bartolomeu Dias’ padrão can be seen, while a memorial on Shark Island commemorates Captain Cornelius Fredericks. Another one, which was unveiled in 1903 to mark 20 years of German colonisation, originally stood in the old Nautilus cemetery on the site of the first surveyor’s beacon but was moved in 1976, as were the graves of German soldiers. The popular local beaches are Grosse Bucht, Sturmvogelbucht and Agate Beach, the latter with its barbecue facilities, long sandy beach and good bathing opportunities. The remains of an old Norwegian
whaling station can be viewed at Sturmvogelbucht. The Lüderitz area is home to a wide variety of aquatic birds. Large numbers of flamingos, cormorants and seagulls inhabit the shallow lagoons. When sailing in the bay, seals and dolphins can be seen playing in the water. For anglers, favoured species are galjoen, steenbras, dassie and rock lobster. It is not unusual to see an occasional jackal or brown hyaena trotting along the beach, or a group of springbok close to the sea. An attractive plant in the surroundings is the Bushman’s candle, its pink flowers contrasting vividly against the black rock. Unusual species of dwarf succulents grow in the area, such as small but intriguing lithops.
Excursions from Lüderitz range from guided overnight self-drive 4x4 trips into the Namib Sand Sea and guided
day trips to Elizabeth Bay and the Bogenfels to exploring the Lüderitz Peninsula which is accessible by sedan vehicle. Attractions on the peninsula include the abandoned whaling station, WWI entrenchments, Dias Point, secluded bays and beaches and the old lighthouse. Sightings of Cape fur seals, Heaviside’s dolphins and, in season, Humpback and Southern Right whales, as well as a variety of seabirds are possible on a catamaran cruise. Deep-sea angling, private charter and bird watching are other possibilities. The large Lüderitz second lagoon, with strong winds coming from the surrounding Namib Desert, offers windsurfers and kitesurfers exciting sailing opportunities throughout the year – this is a real sailing paradise with no crowds and plenty of opportunity to test your skills.
The annual Crayfish Festival is celebrated in April/May, a Snoek Derby usually takes place in May and in August/September the biannual Lüka (Lüderitz Karneval) is held according to German traditions. Windsurfing and speed sailing are two activities that draw crowds to the small town during October/ November for the annual Lüderitz Speed Challenge. Excellent wind conditions and a specially made 500 m long canal attract the world’s best kitesurfers and windsurfers to compete for the top world-ranking in speed sailing. More than 100 national and 17 world records have been achieved since the first event in 2007 and Lüderitz has become synonymous with speed sailing records. Lüderitz offers the perfect conditions for speed sailing records: warm winds gain momentum on their way through the coastal hills of the Namib Desert and are accelerated to incredibly high speeds by thermal atmospheric pressure when they reach the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Statistically the wind blows at 35 knots and more at least 3 times a week during the event, often reaching 40-45 knots and sometimes even 50 to 65 knots (119 km/h). If you are in Lüderitz during the annual speed
challenge it is definitely worth your while to see these worldclass speed sailors in action.
www.luderitz-speed.com
Oyster and abalone production in Lüderitz is on the rise, with marine aquaculture enterprises currently producing abalone, oysters, mussels and seaweed in the Lüderitz lagoons and the salt-ponds of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. There is a wide choice of eateries serving seafood. The Lüderitz Nest Hotel has two restaurants: the Penguin Restaurant and Crayfish Bar & Lounge . Another place to enjoy is Essenzeit at the Waterfront.
A number of exciting modern developments have taken place in the centre of Lüderitz. One of them is the Lüderitz Waterfront Development which currently includes the harbour square that
The Lüderitz Peninsula is characterised by numerous bays, lagoons and unspoilt stretches of beach.
hosts the annual Crayfish Festival. The harbour square consists of shops, restaurants and coffee shops, offices and apartments. The Yacht Club is also at the Waterfront. The second phase of the development, currently underway, is the upgrading and renovation of the historical power station located directly on Lüderitz Bay. Future developments that will put the bay on the map include a shopping centre with sea views, luxury apartments, a fourstar hotel, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a modern satellite campus for the Namibia University of Science and Technology, and Africa’s largest Maritime Museum.
Namibia’s most famous ghost town, Kolmanskop, is situated in Tsau //Khaeb National Park about 10 km inland from Lüderitz. It was named after transport driver Johnny Coleman, who lived in the tiny settlement of Aus at the turn of the century. During a fierce sandstorm he was forced to abandon his ox wagon on the small incline from where Kolmanskop can be seen. It stood there for a while, giving rise to the name Colemanshügel, which eventually became Kolmanskop. In 1908, the railway worker Zacharias Lewala found a sparkling stone in the sand he was shovelling at Grasplatz railway station nearby Kolmanskop. His supervisor, August Stauch, was convinced he had found a diamond. When this was confirmed, the news spread like wildfire, sparking a frantic diamond rush and causing fortune hunters to converge on Kolmanskop in droves. It soon became a bustling
little centre, featuring a butchery, bakery, furniture factory, sodawater and lemonade plant. By 1915, Kolmanskuppe was one of the richest towns in the world with its own millionaire’s row, large outdoor salt-water swimming pool, bowling alley, hospital, entertainment hall and ice-making factory. The first X-ray machine in the southern hemisphere was introduced here, as well as the first tram in Africa. Today, Namibia’s diamond-mining operations take place offshore in the Oranjemund area (on the border with South Africa).
The development of the town reached its pinnacle in the 1920s, with approximately 300 German adults, 40 of their children and 800 Owambo contract workers living there. In spite of, or probably because of, the isolation and bleakness of the surrounding desert, Kolmanskop developed into a lively little haven of German culture, providing entertainment and recreation to suit the requirements of the affluent, for whom large, elegant houses were built.
However, when richer diamond deposits were discovered further south, operations were moved to Oranjemund. Today, the crumbling ruins of the ghost town bear little resemblance to its former glory. The stately homes, their grandeur now scoured and demolished by desert winds, are gradually enveloped by sand. In 1980 the mining company CDM (now Namdeb) restored a number of the buildings and established a museum for tourist viewing.
Permits are needed to enter Kolmanskop. These can be obtained at the entrance gate, which is open daily from 08:00 to 13:00 (longer for visitors who have a photo permit). Interesting guided tours are conducted free of charge, in English and German, from Mondays to Saturdays at 09:30 and 11:00, and on Sundays and public holidays at 10:00.
An almost-forgotten hamlet on the north-south and east-west crossroads between the Maltahöhe–Rosh Pinah and Keetmanshoop–Lüderitz routes has reinvented itself. Most people usually pass Aus or just drive in briefly to fill up with fuel. However, apart
from refuelling, having refreshments and perhaps staying at one of the accommodation establishments, there are more reasons to stop at Aus, as it offers much of interest. The settlement has several historical buildings and traces of crucial historical events, including the remains of the prisonerof-war camp where over 1 500 German prisoners were kept after the surrender of the German forces in 1915. Aus is also a starting point for viewing the well-known wild horses of Garub and a trading centre for the karakul farmers of the surroundings.
Aus is not only at the crossroads of major transport routes, but also at the meeting point of three main ecological biomes – the Succulent Karoo, Nama Karoo and Dune Namib. In terms of natural assets this makes Aus one of the most diverse places in Namibia. Over 500 plant species have
been recorded in the surroundings, representing nearly one fifth of Namibia’s entire flora. Some species are restricted to the granite koppies around Aus, and grow nowhere else but there. The sporadic occurrence of winter and summer rains, and diverse landforms including granite koppies, sand-andgravel plains and riverbeds, contribute to this extraordinary natural diversity. As an outpost of the Succulent Karoo biome, the area yields flower displays that rival those of Namaqualand a few weeks after significant rains. These could occur almost any time of the year due to the transitional nature of the Aus environment between the two major climatic regimes in Southern Africa. Good times to view the plant life are from May to June and from August to September.
Aus is also a rewarding spot for birding. Namib endemics such as the
Namib Dune Lark can be seen here, as well as a variety of other larks, raptors and shrikes, in addition to the regular inhabitants of the marginal desert areas, such as Ludwig’s Bustard, Rüppel’s Korhaan and Namaqua Sandgrouse.
A captivating feature of the Sperrgebiet are the legendary desert horses seen from the road when travelling between Lüderitz and Aus. About 100 km east of Lüderitz, a signpost indicates the turn-off to Garub, a maintained water point where the feral horses can be observed and photographed as they come to drink.
There are several theories regarding their origin. One is that they are descendants of the horse stud belonging to Baron von Wolf, who built Duwisib Castle 160 km northeast of Garub. Another is that they are descendants of horses left behind when the German Schutztruppe abandoned Aus during the South West Africa Campaign in 1915, and yet another that they are descended from some 6 000 horses belonging to South African soldiers who camped at the borehole at Garub in 1915. There was also the so-called Kubub stud at the Kubub Station under management of Emil Kreplin (mayor of Lüderitz from 1909–1914), who bred workhorses for mining purposes and racehorses. It is thought that the Kubub horses also added to the evolvement of the famous desert horses of Aus.
Rosh Pinah, a mining village south of Aus, is yet to gain town status. Mining operations in Rosh Pinah started in 1969 when the Rosh Pinah Lead-Zinc Mine commenced operations. In 2001, the village received another economic boost when the Anglo Skorpion Zinc Mine started operations. Rosh Pinah doesn’t offer much in terms of
Namibia’s famous ghost town, Kolmanskop, is situated in Tsau //Khaeb National Park.LE ROUX VAN SCHALKWYK ELZANNE MCCULLOCH
activities and leisure, but serves as a convenient stopover between Aus and Oranjemund. The Geo Centre is worth a mention though, displaying rocks and minerals from the Rosh Pinah and Skorpion mines, as well as from other areas in Namibia.
Open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 to 17:00, the Geo Centre also offers geology and history trips to interesting locations in the vicinity, ranging from day trips, to five-day, all-inclusive tours.
Known as the ‘town built on diamonds’ where jackal, ostrich and gemsbok wander the streets amongst the local inhabitants, Oranjemund was officially granted local-authority status in August 2011. The long-standing plan to proclaim Oranjemund as an open town came to fruition following the proclamation of a 90-km access road linking Rosh Pinah to Oranjemund as a national road. The town was previously owned privately by Namdeb.
Oranjemund can lay claim to being the only town surrounded completely by Tsau//Khaeb National Park. In its heyday, when Oranjemund boasted 15 000 inhabitants, the mining giant DeBeers provided luxuries for its employees, such as one of the best 18-hole golf courses in Namibia. Fishing and birding are other popular pastimes in Oranjemund, as the town
is located at the Orange River mouth, a RAMSAR wetland.
The Jasper House Museum in 7th Avenue has an interesting photographic display depicting the town’s history, mining at Oranjemund and the desert environment, as well as numerous historical artefacts. As of October 2017, visitors to the town no longer require to apply for an entry permit prior to their visit.
Oranjemund Border control is situated between Namibia and South Africa. On the Namibian side you have the town of Oranjemund, and on South Africa’s side, Alexander Bay. A single paved carriageway leads towards the border post crossing at the bridge at Alexander Bay to Oranjemund.
Sperrgebiet National Park, now renamed Tsau //Khaeb National
Park (Tsau meaning Soft and //Khaeb meaning Sand), was proclaimed in 2008. While it is still largely undeveloped and much of it remains inaccessible to visitors, a small section of this wild landscape can be explored with a tour group, accompanied by an official of the MEFT. The Sperrgebiet (forbidden territory) covers 26 000 km² of globally important semi-desert. It forms part of the Succulent Karoo biome that extends into South Africa. With its profusion of succulent species, unrivalled anywhere else on the planet in terms of endemism and quantity, conservation scientists have classified this area as one of the world’s top 35 Biodiversity Hotspots. To qualify for hot-spot status, an area must contain at least 1 500 endemic vascular plants (0.5% of the planet’s total) and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. Prior to the establishment of Tsau //Khaeb National Park, a mere 11% of the surviving Succulent Karoo, which is home to 2 439 endemic plants, was in protected areas. Now, following the proclamation of the park, 90% of this zone is protected.
Because the Sperrgebiet, due to its diamond wealth, has been off limits to the public for close to a century, the habitat is largely untouched and pristine, making a visit to the park a truly unique wilderness experience.
To protect the fragile environment, visitors can only explore the park by joining one of the tours operated by
The Sperrgebiet (forbidden territory) covers 26 000 km2 of globally important semi-desert. It forms part of the Succulent Karoo biome.ELZANNE MCCULLOCH
tourism concession holders. Areas open to tourists include the mysterious ghost towns of Elizabeth Bay, Pomona (noteworthy for enduring the highest average wind speeds in southern Africa) and the Märchental – the famous ‘Fairy Tale Valley’ – where diamonds were once so common that they could be picked up in handfuls from the surface as they lay gleaming in the moonlight.
Guided day and overnight drives to Dagger Rocks and Douglas Bay, north of Lüderitz, are also conducted, while the Roter Kamm, a meteorite impact crater, which previously has been inaccessible to tourists is now also accessible. Guided activities offered further south in the adventure zone of Oranjemund include 4x4 dune driving and sandboarding and kayaking on the Orange River.
Lüderitz is also the starting point of guided 4x4 trips into Namib-Naukluft National Park. Options include trips to Saddle Hill, an old mining camp and Spencer Bay. Longer, six-day trips to long-abandoned mining camps, Conception Bay, the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay are also conducted. Participants drive in their own vehicles and are accompanied by a tour guide and a backup vehicle with the kitchen equipment and meals.
In April 2008, a shipwreck was discovered on the southern Sperrgebiet coast with priceless treasure in the form
of gold coins and hundreds of almost mint-condition silver pieces. Other artefacts retrieved were fifty ivory tusks, thousands of Portuguese and Spanish gold and silver coins minted in late 1400 and early 1500, and pewterware. Astrolabes were the only navigational tools found on the wreck. Astrolabes were used to determine how far north or south you had sailed, although what doomed this ship still remains a mystery. In all likelihood it ran aground due to bad weather, as this stretch of coast is notorious for fierce, disorienting storms. Unofficial estimates are that the gold coins alone are worth N$ 16 million.
The origin of this find also remains a mystery, although informed sources speculate the ship could have been one of a fleet of four small, fast Portuguese ships – led by Bartholomeu Dias in the 15th century - that came to grief during a storm off the Cape of Good Hope in May 1500. Dias’s caravel was part of a fleet of a dozen ships that set sail from Portugal in early 1500 under the command of the legendary sailor Pedro Alvarez Cabral, who stumbled on Brazil after becoming lost at sea. The discovery was made inside Namdeb’s Mining Area 1, which is accessible only with permits issued jointly by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the government's Protective Resources Unit. Namibian heritage laws on such discoveries automatically give ownership of the treasure to the State. A maritime and mining museum for Oranjemund is in the pipeline to display, among others, the artefacts found on the wreck.
The historical town of Bethanie, one of the oldest settlements in the country,
lies west of Keetmanshoop. It can be visited from the road leading to Lüderitz. A significant historical event took place in Bethanie in 1883 when the first recorded deed of sale was signed at the house of the 19th century Nama Chief, Joseph Fredericks, for the land that was to become known as Lüderitz. The house, built in the same year, is a national monument.
Buildings of historical interest in Bethanie are the Evangelical Lutheran Church Complex, comprising Schmelenhaus, built in 1814 and believed to be the oldest existing building in the country, the original mission church and the adjacent graveyard. The twin-towered church, one of the first churches in Namibia, was built by Rhenish missionary Hermann Kreft and was consecrated in June 1859. Several missionaries who worked at Bethanie and their relatives were buried in the small cemetery.
The main centre and focal point of the scenic and historic attractions in the south is its ‘capital’ Keetmanshoop. Founded in 1860 by the Rhenish Mission Society, the town still retains vestiges of its original German buildings, and some dating back to the arrival of the first Europeans, who trekked across the Orange River to trade, hunt and explore the land. The first of these expeditions was in 1791. It was led by Hendrik Hop, who trekked as far as Hainabis on the Löwen River, about 12 km from Keetmanshoop. In 1866 preacher John Schröder of the German Missionary Society built a shelter at Keetmanshoop from which to operate. It is said the two acacias he used to
support the shelter are still alive and well. Schröder approached the rich industrialist, Johan Keetman, chairman of the society, for funds to build a church and a dwelling for himself and his family. Keetman donated 2,000 German marks for the church and was rewarded for his generosity by having the settlement named after him, although he never saw the town himself. The first version of the Rhenish Mission Church built by Johan Schröder was swept away in 1890 by floodwaters of the Swartmodder River. It was then rebuilt on higher ground, completed in 1895, and used as a church until 1930. It is now a museum with displays depicting the colourful past of the region. Eagle’s Monument, built between 1897–1907 in remembrance of the casualties in the battles fought with the Bondelswarts and the Namas and declared a National Monument in 1966, can be viewed in the Garden of Remembrance. A former officers' barracks built in German colonial times, the Turnverein Gut Heil has been converted into tourist accommodation. Much of the German architectural style was retained, as well as unexpected Jewish motifs in the shape of the Star of David, lending an interesting detail to the tall windows of Schützenhaus The previous owner transferred the windows to the house when the old Jewish Synagogue in Keetmanshoop was demolished. The Southern Tourism Forum (STF) operates from an information office in the centre of Keetmanshoop. The building in which it is housed was inaugurated in 1910 as Kaiserliches Postamt (Imperial Post Office) and is a national monument. The
STF is actively engaged in the annual Dorsland Trek/Fish River Canyon awareness project, which entails collecting garbage left by hikers on the hiking trail. Also in the Keetmanshoop vicinity is the site of the former monolith Mukurob, a relic of erosion also referred to as the Finger of God, which collapsed in December 1988. Today, only the base and part of the neck are still in evidence.
Forty-two kilometres northeast of Keetmanshoop on the road to Koës is the Mesosaurus Fossil Site & Quivertree Dolerite Park. Father and son, Giel and Hendrik Steenkamp, happened on a rock with an imprint of a reptile’s skeleton on their farm, which geologists informed them was a fossil of the early saurian Mesosaurus tenuidens, a predecessor of the dinosaurs. They unearthed further fossils in the layers of mudstone, and, having gained permission from the National Heritage Board, started taking tourists to the site in 2000. Tourist facilities are provided on site. Close by is a quiver tree ‘forest’ and a ‘singing rock’. A guided tour takes 90–120 minutes. For those who prefer to explore on their own, there are two marked trails.
A subject much favoured by photographers, the Quiver Tree Forest can be viewed on Farm Gariganus , some 14 km northeast of Keetmanshoop. About 300 specimens of this Aloidendron dichotomum , also referred to by its Afrikaans name, kokerboom , reach skywards with graphically forked branches. On average about 3–5 metres tall, the trees are rewarding
subjects to photograph, especially at sunset or sunrise. They produce bright yellow flowers during the winter months, and their trunks are smooth and shiny with light silverygrey bark, which peels and forms intricate rectangular and diamondshaped patterns as the tree matures. Across the road from the Quiver Tree Forest is Giant’s Playground, an impressive jumble of massive dolerite boulders between 160 million and 180 million years old. Wandering through the maze of boulders is an interesting excursion, but care must be taken not to become lost in the extensive rocky labyrinth.
Founded in 1896 as a base for the German Schutztruppe, and serving as an overnivisitors travelling by rail to present-day Lüderitz, the settlement doesn’t offer much apart from the hotel. Seeheim was a booming settlement during the 40s and 50s, of even greater prominence than Keetmanshoop. In the late 50s it started falling into decline and in 1974, the last remaining business –the Seeheim Hotel – was forced to close down. After standing empty for 30 years, the hotel is once again open for business.
Some 50 km southwest of Keetmanshoop en route to Seeheim, is Namibia’s third-largest water reservoir, the Naute Dam, fed by the Löwen River , a tributary of the Fish. Surrounded by flat-topped ridges and large rust-coloured boulders, the area is scenically attractive and harbours a surprising variety of birds, including some aquatic species. The Naute Recreation Resort was proclaimed in 1989. The Naute Project is an irrigation scheme fed by the dam for the production of white maize, dates, grapes, prickly pears and pomegranates. Only about 20–25 tonnes of the dates produced at Naute are distributed locally, as Namibians are not great consumers of this highly nutritious fruit. The other 70–75 per cent is exported primarily to Britain, Canada, Spain and France.
About 130 km northwest of Keetmanshoop en route to the small
settlement of Berseba , where a mission station was established in 1850, is the conspicuous Brukkaros Mountain. In a landscape almost devoid of vegetation, this mass of dark-coloured rock rises abruptly from a vast, sun-scorched plain. The turnoff to the base of the mountain, accessible only with 4x4 vehicles, is south of Tses. A well-maintained footpath leads from the end of the road via the eroded southern rim to the mountain. The footpath was built when the Smithsonian Institute installed a solar telescope in a tunnel on the crater’s southwestern rim in 1929 to determine the amount of energy the earth received from the sun. It closed down two years later. At the turn of the century the German authorities maintained a heliograph station on the eastern rim of Brukkaros. Relatively recently, a VHF radio mast was placed on the northern rim. Brukkaros is not an extinct volcano, as its shape would suggest, but the eroded remnants of a pile of fragmented rock produced by a gigantic gaseous explosion some 84 million years ago. At its highest point it is about 1 580 metres, the mountainous ridge surrounding a deep crater of almost 2 000 metres in diameter, with a flat, rock-littered floor. The mountain’s vernacular name, the Nama word Geitsigubeb , refers to its resemblance to a large leather ‘trouser apron’ worn traditionally by Khoekhoe women.
Although the small settlement of Helmeringhausen doesn’t offer much in terms of tourism it is a nice stopover seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Founded during the German colonial era as a farm by a member of the Schutztruppe, the Helmeringhausen area later became famous for the breeding of karakul sheep. On the farm Mooifontein is a cemetery containing graves of German soldiers who were killed during the Nama uprisings against German colonial rule (1903–1907), as well as some civilian graves. The farm was formerly a German military post known as Chamis.
For most Namibians the small settlement of Warmbad in southern Namibia is a mere dot on the map.
However, in historical times Warmbad occupied a prominent place in the country. Two hundred years ago the Albrecht brothers, Abraham and Christian, as representatives of the London Missionary Association, settled in Warmbad to introduce Christianity to local inhabitants. By then, in addition to its Nama residents, including Bondelswarts people who were farming in the surroundings, the settlement was an important stopover for big-game hunters, traders and adventurers en route to and from South Africa. Thus, although these activities started as early as 1760, the Albrecht brothers are regarded as the founders of Warmbad. Today the town is inhabited primarily by Nama people, a friendly race with a rich history of folklore and tales of heroism in battle. Of great historical interest in Warmbad is the site where the Bondelswarts leader, Jan Christiaan Abraham, was shot and killed by German district officer Lieutenant Jobst when resisting arrest in 1903. The Bondelswarts retaliated by shooting Lieutenant Jobst and a non-commissioned officer, an incident that gave rise to the Bondelswarts taking up arms against the Germans. This historic event is re-enacted every year on the weekend preceding or following 25
October. Also of interest in Warmbad is the stone entrance built between 1907 and 1913 as a gateway to the German fort . Completed around 1895, the fort with its single tower was enclosed by a stone wall. Although the fort no longer exists, the remains of the Schutztruppe stables with their beautiful stone cribs can still be seen. Nearby is the old prison building with its two cells, still in a relatively good condition. To appreciate the historic attractions offered by Warmbad, it is best to engage the services of a guide. The hot-water springs at Warmbad were discovered by the Bondelswarts people more than 200 years ago when searching for water and grazing for their livestock. Another site of interest is that of a commemorative stone erected in 1929 for Reverend Edward Cook, the second Wesleyan missionary to arrive in the area. The community-based Warmbad Museum is the result of an alliance between the Warmbad CommunityBased Tourism Enterprise (WCBTE) and the History Department of the University of Namibia. It houses pictures and items that are unique to Namibia. Other sites of historical interest are old German and South African graves , the Lutheran Church of 1805 and the Roman Catholic mission building
Namibia's southern reaches with its dramatic vistas and endless horizons will warm wandering hearts and intrigue any traveller.
This is just an approximate indication of where these establishments are situated
Shark Island is located on the Shark Peninsula in Lüderitz Bay in southwestern Namibia. The resort overlooks the bay, town and harbour. Visitors can spot the seals and pelicans that frequent the rocky areas around the site. The resort is an excellent central point for exploring the town of Lüderitz, the famous Kolmanskop Ghost Town and Diaz Point, the historic landing spot of 17th century explorer Bartolomeu Dias. The resort also runs its own signature trip, Sand Roses, into the Diamond Area at Agate Beach. Visitors get to see the sand roses formed from crystallised gypsum, which are a stunning natural marvel, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Visitors can also swim at Agate Beach.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
Hobas Lodge is located in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, near the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world and the main attraction in southern Namibia. Hobas Lodge sits at the start of the 90-km Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail, ranked one of the best hiking trails in southern Africa. The lodge offers six en-suite rooms and 14 campsites nestled among shady trees. Hobas is closely located to the Fish River viewpoint.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
/Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Spa offers comfortable accommodation in 36 exquisitely appointed double rooms facing either the Fish River or the mountains, all with direct access to the indoor spa pools, and seven self-catering chalets. Visitors can enjoy the therapeutic powers of the thermal springs in the central indoor spa or choose to luxuriate in the large outdoor thermal pool, and experience an invigorating and relaxing foot massage with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. For a true Namibian touch, true relaxation and true tranquillity that heals body, mind and soul, a wide range of wellness treatment options are on offer. Hikers and visitors alike can experience exotic massages on the banks of the Fish River.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
Boplaas Campsite is a popular camping destination situated on the banks of the Orange River. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area while camping in this peaceful and serene location. One of the most popular activities at Boplaas Campsite is kayaking, and the Orange River provides an excellent opportunity for this water sport. The campsite is easily accessible from either the /Ai-Ais Hotsprings Spa or Hobas Lodge, making it a convenient location for visitors to explore the surrounding area.
P/Bag 13378, Windhoek
Tel: (+264) 61 285 7200
Fax: (+264) 61 22 4900
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Web: www.nwr.com.na
7
Kalahari Game Lodge is a luxury private game farm situated next to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on the south-eastern border of Namibia. It is an oasis surrounded by red dunes and it is home to the free-roaming Kalahari lion. The lodge comprises eight luxury chalets and for the more adventurous six spaciously set apart campsites along the dry Auob riverbed. The accommodations provide idyllic views of the tranquil surroundings. At the lodge, guests can enjoy the restaurant, swimming pool, bonfire pit and bar facilities. The lodge offers open vehicle game drives all year round of which the lion tracking is the main attraction. Guaranteeing an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent animals.
Lodge Tel: (+264) 63 252 052
Head office Tel: (+27) 21 880 9870
Email: reservations@kalaharigamelodge.com
Web: www.kalaharigamelodge.com
The historic Bahnhof Hotel presents itself in a modern, elegant format, combining rich history and traditional comfort with excellent service and an à la carte cuisine. Light lunches, daily fresh bread and cakes from the kitchen are best enjoyed on the sundeck. 26 double rooms with en-suite facilities, including a 4-bed family unit and a room accessible by wheelchair, are inviting the weary traveller to stop over for a good night’s rest.
Address: 20 Lüderitz Street, Aus, Namibia
Reservations: reservations.bahnhof@travel-weaver.com
Reservations Tel: (+264) 67 240901/3
Direct Hotel Tel: (+264) 63 258091
Website: www.hotel-aus.com
The only lodge situated directly on the rim of Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, the world’s second largest canyon. Set amongst ancient “kokerbome" (quiver trees), the uniquely designed lodge has breathtaking views of the canyon from sunrise to sunset. The 45 000 hectare Canyon Nature Park includes 75 km of river frontage and offers incredible hiking and cycling from the lodge. Take a stroll along the rim, or a guided hike or 4 x 4 drive down into the heart of the canyon. Enjoy the scenery on our cycling trails. The Canyon Hiking Trail (that lasts 2-3 nights) along the river in the heart of the canyon is a unique experience reserved exclusively for guests of Fish River Lodge from April to September. Overnight at Camp Edge and Camp Eternity, carefully designed stone gabion shelters that merge with the landscape after a long days hike. Also the newly introduced cycling trails of 2-3 nights exploring the plateau above the Canyon.
P.O. Box 91045, Klein Windhoek
Reservations Tel: (+264) 61 22 8104
Booking Email: res2@journeysnamibia.com
Web: www.fishriverlodge-namibia.com
Situated in the centre of Keetmanshoop are the gracious Bird’s Mansions Hotel with 26 rooms and the clean and fresh Bird’s Nest Guesthouse with 10 rooms. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have bathrooms en suite, direct-dial telephones, free Wi-Fi and television (DStv – five channels). Both establishments have secure parking and provide a laundry service and transport to and from the airport or station. They prepare takeaways and lunch packs on request. The hotel has a fully licensed restaurant, shaded beer and tea garden and two conference venues. Enjoy Slowtown coffee, home-made cakes and snacks at the Weaver's Nest Coffee Shop.
P.O. Box 460, Keetmanshoop
Bird’s Mansion Hotel: Tel (+264) 63 22 1711
Bird’s Nest Guesthouse: Tel (+264) 63 22 2906
Email: birdsnest@iway.na / birdsmansions@iway.na
Web: www.bird-accommodation.com
The bedrock of Namibia’s tourism is a versatile range of natural assets – from the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Skeleton Coast, Sperrgebiet and Namib-Naukluft Park, featuring the celebrated Sossusvlei with its monumental dunes of red-orange sand, to the famous Etosha National Park where rare and endangered species such as black rhino, cheetah and black-faced impala can be viewed against the unique backdrop of the Etosha Pan. In the far northeast there are the river paradises of Zambezi and Kavango, and in the deep south expansive grassy plains sandwiched between the colourful sand seas of the Kalahari and Namib deserts.
Additional drawcards are the friendliness and cultural diversity of the Namibian people, a well-developed infrastructure and an extensive choice of parks, resorts and accommodation establishments ranging from luxury hotels and upmarket guest lodges to simple and rustic facilities in the quiet seclusion of the bush. Namibia has it all, whether you opt for travelling in luxury or economically, with a guide or by yourself, and whether your interest is in wildlife, landscape, people, adventure, geology, photography, culture or cuisine. Namibia’s bountiful sunshine, abundance of wildlife, scenic beauty and rich diversity of geological phenomena make it a tourist destination to which visitors return time and again.
• Namibia has 13 cultural groups.
• English is the official language.
• Other languages spoken are the Bantu languages of the Owambo, Herero, Kavango, Zambezian and Tswana people; the Indo-Germanic languages – Afrikaans, German and English; and the Khoesan languages spoken by the San, Nama and Damara.
• Namibia has a surface area of 824 269 km².
• Situated on the south-western Atlantic seaboard of the African subcontinent, Namibia is bordered by Angola and Zambia in the north, South Africa in the south and Botswana in the east.
Namibia’s varied geographical features have played a significant role in the history of the Namibian people. In pre-colonial times a relatively stable water supply and the well-wooded terrain in the north-eastern regions of the country encouraged cattle farming and agricultural practices by people along the Okavango River. Among the earliest inhabitants of the central and southern areas were the San, who were hunter-gatherers; the Damara, about whom little is known other than that they were hunters and to a lesser extent pastoralists; and the Nama, who were nomadic stock farmers.
Namibia has a democratic constitution that is highly regarded by the international community.
• The country is ruled by a multi-party parliament.
• Nine political parties are represented in the National Assembly, the lower chamber of parliament. They are SWAPO, Rally for Democracy and Progress, Congress of Democrats, Popular Democratic Movement (formerly DTA), United Democratic Front, National Unity Democratic Organisation, Republican Party, All People’s Party, and the South West Africa National Union.
• Following independence the territory was divided into 14 regions: Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto in the north; Kunene in the northwest; Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi in
the northeast; Erongo in the west; Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Khomas and Hardap in the central parts of the country; and Karas in the south.
• Namibia hosts the following diplomatic missions: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Brazil, China, Congo, DRC, Cuba, Egypt, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Portugal, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, the United States of America, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe
• The country is represented by diplomatic missions in Angola, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, China, DRC, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United Nations, the USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe
• The Namibian Police Force, based on the British model of policing, has its headquarters in Windhoek. It has 22 A-class, 26 B-class and 70 C-class police stations, 36 sub-police stations, 18 immigration border posts, 14 satellite police stations and three checkpoints across the country.
• The judiciary, headed by the Chief Justice, is independent and accountable only to the Constitution and the Law. The judicial power is shared by the Supreme Court, a High Court and lower courts, consisting of regional and magistrate’s courts.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia was established by an Act of Parliament, the Electoral Act, Act 24 of 1992. The Electoral Commission of Namibia is mandated to specifically:
a. Supervise and control the registration of voters for the purposes of any election under this Act;
b. Supervise the preparation, publication and maintenance of a national voters’ register and local authority voters’ register;
c. Supervise and control the registration of political parties under this Act;
d. Supervise, direct and control the conduct of elections under this Act;
e. Supervise, direct, control and promote voter education in respect of elections;
Vision
To be an excellent and independent election management institution committed to credible elections.
Mission
To promote and deliver free, fair and credible elections, managed in a transparent, innovative and participatory manner to the Namibians.
Did you know?
In the 2014 general elections, Namibia was the first SADC nation to implement the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The EVMs replaced the cumbersome process of manual voting and thereby minimised challenges associated with the normal voting process.
Electoral Commission of Namibia
Private Bag 13352, Windhoek
Namibia
Tel: (+264) 61 376 202
Email: vhango@ecn.na
Visit us at: www.ecn.na
Namibia’s main topographical regions are the:
• Central plateau
• Namib Desert in the west
• Kalahari in the east
• Kavango and Zambezi high rainfall areas in the northeast.
Distinctive mountains
• Brandberg – highest, western Erongo
• Moltkeblick – second highest, Auas range, south of Windhoek
• Bismarckfelsen – third highest, south of Windhoek
• Gamsberg – fourth highest, table-topped, Khomas Hochland, southwest of Windhoek
• Mount Etjo – south of Otjiwarongo
• Spitzkoppe – most imposing peaks, Erongo Region
• Omatakos – twin-peaked, between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo
• Erongo Mountains – between Usakos and Omaruru
• Naukluft Mountains – massif, Namib-Naukluft Park
• Waterberg Plateau – east of Otjiwarongo
• Brukkaros Mountain – crater-like, halfway between Mariental and Keetmanshoop
• Dicker Willem – conspicuous inselberg, towards the west near Aus
Namibia is the most arid country in southern Africa, with water being a key resource.
Perennial rivers:
• Orange River, forming the southern border
• Kunene, in the northwest
• Okavango, Zambezi & Kwando/ Linyanti/Chobe, in the northeast
Major ephemeral/seasonal rivers:
• Fish and Nossob, tributaries of the Orange
• Kuiseb, Swakop, Omaruru, Hoarusib, Hoanib, Ugab and Khumib, all west-flowing and draining into the Atlantic
• Tsauchab, landlocked, with floodwaters occasionally feeding Sossusvlei
• Marienfluss and Omatako, northflowing
• Cuvelai, a drainage system of rivers originating in southern Angola, with floodwaters flowing into the Etosha Pan.
• Typical of a semi-desert country, with droughts a regular occurrence.
• Namibia is the most arid country in southern Africa, with a humidity of less than 10% during the winter months and varying from 50% to 80% during the summer.
• Except for the south-western areas where winter rainfall occurs, rain usually falls during the southernhemisphere summer.
Rainy season
• Short – October/November to December
• Main – January to March.
Average annual rainfall
• 50 mm and less, along the coast in the west
• 350 mm, central highlands
• 700 mm, far north-eastern areas
Temperatures
• Days – mostly warm to very hot, summer from 20–34°C, in winter average day temperatures vary from 18–22°C.
• Nights – generally cool, dropping to ± 18°C, average from 0–10°C, as low as 8°C.
• Interior – lower than in pre-Namib due to altitude.
• Coast and hinterland – moderate due to influence of the cold Benguela Current, causing the typical fog of the coast, reducing rainfall in the rest of the country.
Fauna
Namibia’s abundant wildlife is arguably its greatest tourist asset.
Fast facts on fauna
• The country hosts eight endemic mammal species.
• Over 20 antelope species,
• A wealth of small mammals, including mongoose and jackal; the less common, solitary and nocturnal aardvark; and the honey badger.
• The Namib Desert is world-renowned for its large number of endemic dune-dwellers, especially lizards, including 30 endemic species.
• Large game species are elephant, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah.
• Endangered mammals are wild dog, cheetah, black rhino, lion, puku, oribi and waterbuck.
Namibia’s plant-life is categorised into 14 vegetation zones:
• Desert
• Semi-desert
• Mopane
• Mountain
• Thorn bush
• Highland
• Dwarf shrub
• Camel-thorn
• Mixed tree and shrub savannahs
• Forest savannahs and woodlands
• Golden expanses of African grasslands, dotted by solitary acacias, typified by stretches of silvery grass after rains
Fast facts on flora
• Over 120 species of trees grow in Namibia.
• There are approximately 200 endemic plant species.
• A large variety of dwarf succulents grow in the Lüderitz surroundings.
• The Namib hosts over 100 species of lichen, several endemic.
• Namibia’s most noteworthy plant, the Welwitschia mirabilis, is endemic to the Namib Desert and one of the oldest plants known to man.
Of 887 bird species recorded for southern Africa, 676 occur in Namibia. About 500 breed locally, the rest migrate; 11 species are endemic, with over 75% of world populations found in Namibia.
Special endemics
• Herero Chat
• Rockrunner
• Monteiro’s Hornbill
• Damara Tern
For detailed information, refer to Atlas of Namibia – A Portrait of the Land and its People by John Mendelsohn, Alice Jarvis, Carole Roberts & Tony Robertson.
Namibia was the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment in its constitution. Today approximately 19% of its surface area is protected, either as a national park, game reserve, conservancy or other form of state protected area, exceeding the 10% prescribed by the IUCN. The broader conservation network, including private and communal conservation areas, covers over 46% of the country.
• The protection of rare and endangered species was boosted in 1972, when the Waterberg National Park was proclaimed a sanctuary and breeding ground for animals such as white rhino, eland, buffalo, roan and sable antelope and tsessebe.
• Protection of the black rhino in the western arid regions gained
momentum in the early eighties. Today Namibia is one of the few countries in Africa with growing populations of the highly endangered black rhino, within as well as outside national parks.
• The first Marine Protected Area –stretching 400 km along the coast and 30 km offshore, incorporating 10 islands – was established in 2009. This will be expanded to encompass the entire coastline (excluding towns), as the Namib-Skeleton Coast National Park, set to be the eighth largest park in the world and the largest in Africa.
• In the private sector several NGOs assist Government with conservation and development. These include the Namibia Nature Foundation, Save the Rhino Trust, Cheetah Conservation Fund, AfriCat Foundation, and the Namibian Association of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Support Organisations, an association comprising 15 nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and the University of Namibia (UNAM).
• Certain game ranches and lodges focus especially on the conservation of certain species of wildlife on their farms. The largest private conservation area in Namibia is the NamibRand Nature Reserve, an area of over 200 000 ha situated south of Sesriem. Others are the Gondwana Canyon Park in the south, Erindi Private Game Reserve in the central plateau area, the Huab Private Nature Reserve in the northwest, and AfriCat North in the north. A total of 161 private game reserves are registered with the MEFT.
Venture Media, the publisher of Namibia Holiday & Travel, also publishes Conservation and the Environment in Namibia annually, containing the latest information on conservation efforts by the MEFT and NGOs in Namibia. www.travelnewsnamibia.com
Namibia’s economy is based on agriculture, fishing, mining, food processing and tourism.
• Mining is the biggest contributor to the GDP.
• The country’s economy provides many employment opportunities.
• Green Economy promotes sustainable development.
• Agricultural production is small but sustains ±70% of the population.
• Only 2% of Namibia’s surface area is arable.
• ±46% is suitable for natural grazing and livestock rearing.
• 22% is forested.
• The rest is semi-arid to arid.
• Irrigation schemes are possible only along two perennial rivers on the northern and southern borders.
• Irrigation schemes produce mainly white maize and mahangu.
• Beef, mutton and exports are the largest single contributor to GDP.
• Dairy industry mainly in Gobabis, Mariental and Windhoek areas.
• Poultry farming became productive early in 2012.
• Local fruit production consists mainly of table grapes, olives, dates.
• Namibia Organic Association promotes organic agriculture.
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: www.mawf.gov.na
Agricultural Union:
www.agrinamibia.com.na
Namibia Organic Association: www.noa.org.na
• The Chamber of Mines of Namibia, with 105 members, represents interests of the industry.
• In 2012 the sector grew by 11.2%
• Exports rough diamonds, uranium oxide, high-grade zinc and acidgrade fluorspar.
• Produces gold bullion, blister copper, lead concentrate, salt and dimension stone.
• Mines and exploration companies collectively employ some 15 000 people.
www.chamberofmines.org.na
The presence of the radioactive metal uranium, used to fuel commercial nuclear power plants, determines Namibia’s mining future.
• While uranium was discovered in the Namib Desert as far back as 1928, intensive exploration was carried out only in the late 1950s.
• In 1966, Rio Tinto took the rights to the low-grade Rössing deposit, 65 km inland from Swakopmund.
• Namibia’s two major uranium mines are at Trekkopje, a calcrete deposit
80 km northeast of Swakopmund, and Langer Heinrich, a calcrete deposit 80 km inland from Walvis Bay within the Namib-Naukluft Park.
• Further drilling for uranium has taken place in the Namibplaas area, 7 km northeast, and at the Etango project 30 km southwest of Rössing and 35 km east of Swakopmund.
• Namibia is party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, has a comprehensive safeguards agreement in force since 1998, and in 2000 signed the Additional Protocol.
• Due to the boom in uranium exploration worldwide, Bureau Veritas, a global provider of conformity assessment, certification services and mineral analysis, opened its first geochemical laboratory in Swakopmund in 2010.
• Extract Resources completed its definitive feasibility study for the Husab Uranium Project in March 2011. Husab is likely to be the world’s second-largest uranium mine and the largest open-pit mine on the African continent. The mine was expected to commence production in December 2015.
• In April 2011, the Namibian Government announced that its state-owned mineral exploration company, Epangelo Mining Ltd, would have exclusive control over new strategic minerals developments, including uranium.
• Canada’s Xemplar Energy Corp is exploring its Cape Cross Uranium Project in the Namibian ‘uranium corridor’, near the coast.
• The Namibian government has articulated a policy position of supplying its own electricity from nuclear power.
• While Namibia’s identified uranium resources are about 5% of the world’s known total, the country is capable of providing 10% of world mining output.
Namibia is also internationally known as a producer of a large selection of fine gemstones. These include tourmaline, beryl, garnet, pietersite, jeremejevite, iolite, dioptase, topaz, sodalite, agate, jasper, amethyst, rose quartz, carnelian and a host of others.
The latest mining development in Namibia involves the proposed mining of approximately 1.8 million tonnes
of magnetite and haematite, two of the most prominent iron ores used in steel and sponge-iron industries. The Lodestone Dordabis mine, the first operational iron mine in Namibia, commenced production in 2015.
The marine fishing industry is currently Namibia’s second-largest earner of foreign currency.
• Due to the inshore upwelling of the nutrient-rich Benguela Current , Namibia’s fishing grounds of 200 nautical miles are highly productive.
• With over 90% of the output already being exported, the Namibian coastline is potentially one of the world’s richest fishing grounds.
• Namibia currently lands nearly 600 000 metric tonnes of fish and shellfish per annum for processing onshore.
• Over 20 commercially important species are currently harvested, including hake, monkfish, horse mackerel, pilchard, deep-sea red crab and rock lobster.
• Mariculture production comprises predominantly oysters, abalone and seaweed, farmed in Lüderitz, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
• Walvis Bay is one of the largest seafood processing centres in the southern hemisphere.
Freshwater fisheries
Inland fisheries are crucial in the north-eastern Zambezi and Kavango regions.
• The Okavango and Upper Zambezi rivers provide food for more than 100 000 people.
• Fish is a source of subsistence and livelihood for over 90% of these households.
• Selling fish provides income for approximately 45% of households.
The development of aquaculture is aimed at:
• enhancing food security
• reducing poverty
• generating employment
• improving rural livelihoods
Freshwater aquaculture
• Tilapia, catfish and carp are currently being cultured by centres in the northwest and northeast.
• The viability of culturing a second species of tilapia is underway.
• The Onavivi Inland Aquaculture Centre (IAC) at Onavivi is focussed on training, fingerling production, and breeding.
• Fingerlings not distributed are taken to the Epalela Fish Farm in Omusati to mature, where marketsize tilapia and catfish is available to the community all year round.
• The Kamutjonga Inland Fisheries Institute (KIFI) in the Kavango Region does research and training, and produces fingerlings and mature fish.
• The Uis Fish Farm Ecotourism Enterprise is focussed on farming tilapia in cages
• The potential culturing of rock lobster, freshwater prawns, marine shrimps, dusky kob, rainbow trout, scallops and clams is being researched by commercial companies.
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources:
www.mfmr.gov.na
Namibia enjoys one of the most peaceful and politically stable environments in Sub-Saharan Africa and has an infrastructure to rival those of many developed countries.
• Most of the country’s primary resources are exported.
• Almost all consumer goods are imported.
• There is scope for investment in manufacturing for both local and international markets.
• Economic activity is complemented by an advantageous legislative and fiscal environment and a government keen to boost the engines of economic growth and prosperity.
www.gov.na
See also the 2023 Namibia Trade Network, the official foreign investment directory for the Ministry of Industialisation & Trade.
www.namibiatradedirectory.com
Namibia has a highly competitive incentive and fiscal regime, which adds to its attractions for foreign investors. Cornerstones of this regime are:
• The Foreign Investment Act and its provision for a Certificate of Status investment;
• The Special Incentives for Manufacturers and Exporters, and
• The Export Processing Zone Incentives
• The Foreign Investment Act provides for:
• Liberal Foreign Investment conditions;
• Equal treatment of foreign and local investors;
• Openness of all sectors of the economy to foreign investment;
• Full protection of investments; and
• The granting of a Certificate of Status of Investment (CSI)
Tourism structures
Rigid standards of protection, conservation and control are practised to ensure sustainable utilisation of Namibia’s natural assets by the tourism industry.
• Tourism developments are closely monitored, with the emphasis on high-quality tourism, carrying capacity and minimum impact on the environment
• Environmental impact assessment studies are required.
• New resorts or expansion of existing resorts require registration and endorsement by the MEFT and the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB). NTB ensures that services rendered and facilities provided to tourists comply with prescribed regulations. www.namibiatourism.com.na
• Before any development takes place, the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) acts as an umbrella organisation for tourism associations in the private sector.
• The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA), Tour and Safari Association (TASA), and the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) are the three oldest and largest tourism associations in Namibia.
• The Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) is a specialised agency of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), mandated to facilitate the development of regional tourism and market the region as a single destination.
www.retosa.co.za
Namibia is one of the world’s foremost producers of gem-quality diamonds
and the world’s sixth-largest diamond supplier by value. The first ‘pretty stone’ to be identified as a diamond was picked up by railway worker Zacharias Lewala in 1908. Today the leading diamond-mining company, Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd, produces 90% of all Namibia’s diamonds and employs over 1 600 people, primarily Namibians. De Beers and the Government of Namibia are now equal shareholders in Debmarine Namibia. Namdeb does land-based prospecting, mining and rehabilitation operations and services for Namdeb Holdings, primarily along Namibia's south-western coast and in inland areas around and between the coastal towns of Oranjemund and Lüderitz.
The Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) is a diamond sorting facility established in 1988 under the name Central Selling Organisation (CSO) Valuations. NDTC, headquartered in Windhoek, sells diamonds in Namibia for local manufacturing, and handles all diamonds produced by Namdeb and Debmarine Namibia. www.debeersgroup.com
Namibia has well-developed and efficient infrastructures to supply its citizens consistently with electricity and water. A total of 126 bulk national schemes supply water for domestic, stock-watering, mining, irrigation and industrial purposes.
Electricity
Namibia depends to a large extent on imports of electricity to meet national demand. Opportunities for hydrocarbon exploration exist on and offshore.
The local power utility company, NamPower, has three power stations: the Ruacana Hydro Power Station on the Kunene River (249 MW), the coal-fired Van Eck Power Station in Windhoek’s north (120 MW), and the diesel-powered Paratus Power Station in Walvis Bay (24 MW). The latter is used mainly to match short-term demand peaks. The latest development in terms of energy is the construction of the Ombepo Wind Farm near Lüderitz. www.nampower.com.na
Namibia is attracting significant international interest as significant oil reserves off the coast near Lüderitz
has recently been discovered and holds great potential.
Fuel
Namibia has no refining capacity, and imports the petroleum products consumed in the country mainly from South Africa.
Roads
Namibia has a well-established road network of over 45 645 km, of which 6 664 km is bitumen-surfaced and the responsibility of the Roads Authority of Namibia.
• Arterial roads link Namibia with Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.
• The Trans-Caprivi and TransKalahari highways provide a road link between Walvis Bay and landlocked neighbouring countries in the Southern SADC Region, reducing the time required to transport imports and exports by at least five days.
• There are also 37 170 km of wellmaintained gravel roads, and 287 km of salt roads, providing access to most towns, parks, nature reserves and tourist attractions in the country.
www.ra.org.na
Ports and harbours
Namibia’s two harbours, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, are administered by the Namibian Ports Authority (NamPort), a state-owned organisation.
NamPort:
• Manages a Syncrolift (dry-dock facility) that can lift vessels of up to 2 000 tonnes for repairs.
• Operates two floating docks with a lifting capacity of 8 000 tonnes each through its subsidiary – the ship repair company, Elgin Brown & Hamer.
The Port of Walvis Bay:
• Is Namibia’s largest commercial port.
• Is a sheltered deepwater harbour benefiting from a temperate climate.
• Has direct access to principal shipping routes.
• Is strategically located halfway down the Namibian coast.
• Provides a fast transit route between southern Africa, Europe and the Americas.
The Port of Lüderitz:
• Provides access to markets in South Africa’s Northern Cape.
• Caters for southern Namibia.
• Serves the needs of the Namibian fishing industry.
• Also caters for the needs of the offshore diamond industry. www.namport.com
Railways
Namibia’s railway network comprises 2 615 km.
• The Cape gauge (1 067 km) railway network is managed by TransNamib Holdings Ltd. www.transnamib.com.na
This network of transport corridors consists of well-maintained tarred roads and rail networks, accommodating transport from Walvis Bay via the TransKalahari, Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor (Trans-Caprivi Corridor), the Trans-Cunene Corridor and the TransOranje Corridor, providing landlocked SADC countries with access to the global market. www.wbcg.com.na
Namibia’s leading communications company, Telecom Namibia:
• Has a transmission network that is 100% digital.
• Provides a comprehensive portfolio of communication services and solutions in broadband, data and voice-over fixed, fixed-wireless and mobile platforms.
• Enables Namibians to enjoy full Internet connectivity through various independent Internet Service Providers.
• Offers a mobile service called TN Mobile (formerly trading as Leo) that covers much of the country.
• Has a highly developed international network that provides direct connections from Namibia to more than 240 destinations worldwide.
• Is an investor in some of the world’s most sophisticated submarine cable systems, such as SAT3, Seacom and WACS (West Africa Cable System), to which it was linked with a new fibreoptic cable of approximately 14 400 km along the southern Atlantic coast in 2012, improving Internet and other telecommunications capabilities to and from the African continent.
• Is involved in business operations
in Angola and South Africa through joint ventures with Startel and Neotel.
www.telecom.na
• Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) is the country's largest mobile operator with over two million active subscribers. MTC is a joint-venture between the Namibian government and private partners.
• Paratus is the first privately and wholly owned Namibian telecommunications operator.
Namibia has one of the most modern postal infrastructures in Africa. NamPost (Namibia Post Ltd) was established in 1991 following the commercialisation of post and telecommunications. It is affiliated to the Universal Postal Union and provides postal, logistics and financial services to customers through more than 128 post offices countrywide. NamPost Philately, which is well-known for its outstanding stamp designs and firstday covers, has won two international awards for its beautiful stamps. Financial services such as SmartCard savings accounts with fingerprint identification, Save-As-You-Earn, and tax-free investments for individuals are also available. The Tourist SmartCard provides tourists with a safe option to transact at all post offices and selected merchants nationwide. www.nampost.com.na
Health and welfare
Namibia currently has:
• About 700 registered medical practitioners
• Approximately 250 medical specialists in fields of expertise
• An average of one doctor per 4 000 people
Qualifications of medical practitioners measure up to international standards. All specialist fields are available in Windhoek, where 90% of emergency cases can be treated. All medication is obtainable in the capital. There is strict adherence to the American Food and Drug Organisation standards, and the local Drug Control Board controls all imported medication. www.hpcna.com.na
Emergency evacuation services extend to the furthest corners of Namibia.
• E-MED Rescue 24 is a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) company.
• Crisis Response Rescue Union offers an emergency medical service that includes a medical service, transfer and standby.
• Air evacuation is a highly reliable service, since weather conditions are suitable for safe flying most of the time.
All major centres have state-run hospitals. In Windhoek there are four world-standard, privately run hospitals and two state hospitals, all with fully equipped and maintained intensive care units. In smaller towns, villages and rural settlements, the Ministry of Health and Social Services operates well-equipped clinics and health-care centres with professionally trained medical staff. Windhoek has four private hospitals:
• Medi-Clinic in the Eros suburb.
• The Paramount Health Care Centre, also in Eros.
• The Roman Catholic Hospital in the centre of town.
• The Rhino Park Private Hospital, accessible from the northern highway.
• The Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, in Kleine Kuppe.
Major private hospitals outside Windhoek include Cottage Medi-Clinic in Swakopmund, the Medi-Clinic Private Hospital in Otjiwarongo, the Tsumeb Private Hospital in Tsumeb, the Welwitschia Hospital in Walvis Bay, and Ongwediva Medipark in Ongwediva.
• Namibia is one of the countries in Africa most affected by the pandemic.
• The overall HIV prevalence in Namibia stands at under 20%, peaking in the age group of 30–34 years.
• The Namibian Government has called on stakeholders in the public and the private sector to establish comprehensive HIV/Aids programmes.
• Non-governmental organisations, churches, and youth and women’s groups are assisting by raising awareness and provide care and support.
www.mhss.gov.na
Freedom of religion is enshrined in Namibia's Bill of Fundamental Rights.
• About 90% of the population is Christian.
• There are three Lutheran denominations.
• Major denominations represented are Roman Catholic, Dutch Reformed, Rhenish, Anglican, Methodist and Protestant.
• There are several reformed groupings and independent African churches.
• Many traditional African celebrations have permeated the Christian denominations, such as Ancestors’ Memorial Day observed by the Herero people in Okahandja, and similar festivals in Gobabis and Omaruru.
• In 1995 Namibia’s first mosque opened in Windhoek.
• The Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) is the governing body for most Christian churches.
Despite its small population, Namibia has a varied and lively press, with 13 newspapers.
• Five are dailies – The Namibian, New Era (issued by Government), The Namibian Sun, Allgemeine Zeitung and Die Republikein.
• The Namib Times appears twice a week
• The Economist, Informanté and Confidénte once a week
• A weekend tabloid, the Windhoek Observer, appears on Fridays, as does Namibia Today, mouthpiece of the SWAPO party. Caprivi Vision and The Northern Bulletin are published twice monthly.
Likewise, there is an eclectic variety of broadcasting media:
• The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has nine radio services and one television channel. It broadcasts in English, German and eight indigenous languages.
• There is one privately owned television channel, One Africa TV
• Privately owned radio stations operating from Windhoek are Radiowave, Radio Kudu, Radio Omulunga, Fresh FM, Radio Energy, Kosmos, 99FM and Channel 7 Base FM is owned by the Katutura Community Trust, while UNAM Radio, also community-owned, operates from the UNAM campus.
• In July 2012, Hitradio Namibia, a
commercial radio station targeting the German market, was launched.
• Private commercial enterprises, such as Multichoice Namibia, account for several additional television channels.
• The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is an NGO with members in 11 SADC countries. The MISA Namibia Chapter was launched in November 1998, aimed at maintaining a genuinely free and pluralistic media in southern Africa. www.misa.org
The current literacy rate in Namibia is about 83%, one of the highest in Africa.
• An estimated 94% of children between the ages of seven and 18 now attend school.
• There are over 1 600 schools in the country, with an average learner/ teacher ratio of 29:1.
• The University of Namibia (UNAM) , the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) , the Polytechnic School of Health and Applied Sciences , two agricultural colleges, four colleges of education (that fall under UNAM) and seven vocational training centres provide tertiary education.
• The privately owned International University of Management (IUM) – which has its roots in the Institute of Higher Education (IHE) – was founded in 1993.
• The Microsoft IT Academy was launched as a partnership between the Polytechnic of Namibia Centre of Entrepreneurial Development and Microsoft Tate Group.
www.nust.na
www.unam.edu.na
www.ium.edu.na
The German-colonial architecture found in many of Namibia’s towns contrasts with the open expanses of African bush and savannah. Residences with wide, shady verandas reflect European architectural styles of the time, adapted to the local climate.
In Windhoek, Swakopmund and Lüderitz many of these earlier buildings have been renovated as government offices, libraries and research facilities. New developments follow the post-modern movement, echoing the German-colonial style, with the
emphasis on shape and colour. www.nia.org.na
The first artists of Namibia were the San, whose rock art can be viewed in shelters on mountains and hills throughout the country. Today, relative to its small population, Namibia has a surprisingly large and active community of artists and craftspeople.
• The National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) and Arts Association Heritage Trust (AAHT) have comprehensive permanent collections of Namibian art that can be viewed by the public.
• The Katutura Community Art Centre (KCAC) offers a wide range of training programmes for young artists and houses the John Muafangejo Art Centre, an NGO that also offers training programmes and exhibition space for young artists.
• Work by contemporary artists and craftspeople can be viewed and purchased in galleries, craft centres, at urban and rural street markets and along roadsides. The biggest of these is the Namibia Craft Centre (NCC) in Tal Street, Windhoek.
Traditional crafts include woodcraft from Kavango and Zambezi; Owambo, Kavango, Zambezian and Himba baskets; and San eggshell jewellery. Embroidery and appliqué work, wall hangings and carpets woven from karakul wool feature native designs of trees, animals and birds.
www.nagn.org.na
www.namibiacraftcentre.com
Cultural development is promoted by institutions such as the National & Mobile Museum, Museum Association of Namibia, National Art Gallery of Namibia, National Theatre of Namibia, College of the Arts , the Art Department at UNAM and the Bank Windhoek Namibia Theatre School
Reflecting the traditions of the many different groups that coexist in the country are:
Namibian cultural groups performing customary African dances to rhythmic drumbeats.
The COTA Youth Choir and Voices of Namibia choir, with singers drawn from different cultural groups singing songs that originate from all over of the country.
Multicultural events that include exhibitions, dance and music concerts featuring Namibian and foreign artists. The cultural activities of diplomatic missions have expanded the cultural dimensions of Namibians considerably, and helped promote rural art abroad. The Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) has been particularly active by organising different cultural activities and supporting all art disciplines. It regularly presents film screenings and courses in French, English, art, photography and cooking. Annual events on the arts calendar: The Windhoek Jazz Festival stages an array of local and international artists. The /Ae//Gams Arts and Cultural Festival usually takes place during the first week of September at various venues throughout the city. The event showcases Namibia’s artistic and cultural diversity through music, cuisine, traditional attire, dance and song, contemporary visual arts, crafts, theatre and poetry. www.cityofwindhoek.org.na
The National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) is situated in the heart of the city, providing art lovers with activities ranging from theatre, contemporary dance and music to ballet and opera. Higher up in Robert Mugabe Avenue is the Bank Windhoek Theatre School The College of the Arts and UNAM Performing Arts Department presents music recitals, art, drama, ballet and experimental theatre. The Warehouse Theatre in the Old Breweries Building provides a platform for theatrical and social needs. African music groups perform at the Windhoek Showgrounds and the Independence Arena in Katutura. www.ntn.org.na
The museum circuit
A wealth of historical collections are presented as concise and viewerfriendly overviews of local history, natural history and cultural life to educate and interest children, members of the public and visitors to the country.
• The National Museum of Namibia houses collections with more than two million cultural and natural history items. It has a reference library for public use and facilitates research on the different collections.
• The Independence Memorial Museum is next to the Alte Feste Museum.
• The TransNamib Railway Museum in the historical Windhoek Railway Station at the bottom of Bahnhof Street depicts the history of railways and transport in Namibia.
• The National Earth Science Museum, on the ground floor of the Ministry of Mines and Energy at 1 Aviation Street near Eros Airport, houses displays of minerals, fossils and meteorites in their geological context. Namibia’s mining activities and geology are depicted with collections of maps, ore samples and photographs.
• The Museum Association of Namibia (MAN) – accessible from Love Street – works on new museum projects in regions and communities where museums and heritage sites were previously underdeveloped. MAN joined forces with the National Museum of Namibia in 2008 to launch the annual Museum Week. In 2010 the National Heritage Council was also included and it became known as Namibian Heritage Week, held each year under a different theme.
Museums in the north
• Nakambale Museum and Rest Camp is part of the Olukonda National Monument in the Oshikoto Region in northern Namibia.
• Guided excursions are offered in the Omusati Region, among others to the Uukwaluudhi Royal Homestead near the town of Tsandi, the former traditional house of King Taapopi of Uukwaluudhi.
• Also of historical interest is the Ombalantu Baobab Tree Heritage Centre in the centre of Outapi, a town 80 km west of Oshakati.
• The Tsumeb Museum in the town’s main street depicts the history of copper mining in the Tsumeb region. It includes a large display of items raised from Lake Otjikoto (First World War cannons and ammunition).
• The Okakarara Community, Cultural and Tourism Centre (OCCTC), a short drive from the Waterberg Plateau, contains displays focussed on the culture of the Ovaherero community and their war against German colonial forces in the early twentieth century.
• The Omaruru Museum is housed in the Rhenish Mission House, a national monument in the main street in Omaruru (arrange with the municipality to view).
• The Grootfontein Museum in Das Alte Fort is a private museum with displays of domestic life, mining and minerals, wagon construction, blacksmithing and traditional crafts.
• Franke Haus Museum in Outjo makes for another interesting visit.
• In Katima Mulilo the small Sangwali Museum tells the interesting story of the journey of early missionaries in the region and the pre-colonial Kololo invasion.
• The Sambyu Museum, 30 km from Rundu, is an art and crafts facility containing mainly woodcarvings and traditional crafts from the Kavango Region and southern Angola.
Museums at the coast
• The Swakopmund Museum in the Old Customs House displays archaeological and historical artefacts, the natural history of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, and the cultural anthropology of Namibia’s ethnic groups.
• The Walvis Bay Museum in the Civic Centre of the harbour town focusses on domestic and commercial developments in the town and its links with the sea.
• The Lüderitz Museum in Diaz Street in the harbour town is a private local history museum, offering special displays on the Dias expeditions of discovery, diamond mining and the history of Lüderitz.
• The Kolmanskop Ghost Town, 10 km east of Lüderitz, is an open air museum portraying the history of this legendary diamond mining community. Some of the houses are kept clear of sand.
• Another private enterprise is the Sperrgebiet Museum in Oranjemund, featuring local history, minerals and mining, fossils and regional history.
Museums in central and southern
Namibia
• Colonial household items and farming implements are displayed at the Gobabis Museum
• A unique display of Baster history can be viewed in the Rehoboth Museum housed in the old Postmaster’s House.
• Situated at the edge of the Namib Desert is Duwisib Castle , built in 1908/9 by the legendary Baron von Wolf.
• Housed in one of the oldest mission houses in Namibia is the
small Schmelenhaus Museum in Bethanie, containing natural history and Rhenish missionary displays.
• Keetmanshoop Museum depicts the history of Keetmanshoop and the traditional culture of the Nama people.
Traditional cuisine in Namibia is unusually interesting and varied.
• Mahangu (pearl millet) is the staple food of countless families in the north.
• Ekaka is a wild spicy spinach that grows in the mahangu fields.
• Oxuxwa is a dish made from fresh chicken fried in nutty-tasting marula oil, also produced in Namibia.
• A seasonal delicacy is omaungu, or mopane caterpillars, named after the mopane leaves on which they feed.
• Another Namibian delicacy is goat’s head cooked on an open fire until it is tender and tasty and the flesh around the teeth becomes soft.
• For centuries San people have been harvesting nuts from manketti trees and edible tubers from beneath nearby bushes as their main staple.
• A highly sought-after form of edible mushroom found in Namibia is omajowa, the Herero name for the large fleshy mushrooms that appear at the foot of termite hills shortly after the February rains.
• The elusive Kalahari truffle is found in the sandy eastern regions of the country. The truffles are also known by their Nama name !nabba, and appear only when the rains have been late.
• Popular across all cultures in Namibia is the traditional braai, an institution that bridges social and economic divides. It typically includes lamb and pork chops, chicken portions, beef or game steaks, and boerewors, a savoury spicy Namibian and South African sausage speciality.
• A top favourite on festive occasions is sosaties (kebabs), cubes of succulent lamb on skewers marinated beforehand in a spicy sauce containing soaked, dried apricots.
• A popular variant on the braai is potjiekos (pot food), prepared over an open fire in a three-legged castiron cauldron, the potjie.
• Other local specialities worth sampling are Swakopmund green asparagus (September to April),
Lüderitz oysters (all year round), homemade cheese (including goat’s), Namibian olives and, of course, the famous and much enjoyed Brötchen (a German bread roll).
• Because Namibia’s cattle live entirely off savannah grass and shrubs, Namibian beef is free from harmful residues, hormones and antibiotics, as is Namibian mutton
• Venison is becoming increasingly popular; especially ostrich, springbok and gemsbok, while game birds, crocodile and seafood are also highly regarded.
• Namibia is well known for its local beer, brewed by Namibia Breweries Limited according to the traditional purity law, the Reinheitsgebot, issued in 1516 in Bavaria.
• Wine is produced in Namibia at the Kristall Kellerei and Erongo Mountain Winery in Omaruru, and at Neuras, part of the N/an ku sê Foundation, on the edge of the Namib Desert in southern Namibia.
The objective of a conservancy is to reinstate the original biodiversity of the area and to share resources amongst all conservancy members.
• The first conservancies in Namibia were commercial conservancies, now called freehold conservancies, as they are on privately-owned land. Today there are 25 freehold conservancies in Namibia, all voluntary associations that came into being through the concern and dedication of communities in the commercial farming areas.
• To streamline the conservancy movement in Namibia, an umbrella organisation, CANAM, was established in 1996 to co-ordinate and liaise conservancy efforts and to act as a lobby group in the interest of conservancies and conservation with the relevant ministries.
• Communal conservancies are managed by local inhabitants. They provide employment, and give locals the opportunity to benefit directly from their wildlife and other natural resources. There are currently a total of 82 registered communal conservancies in Namibia, adding another 19% to Namibia’s protected area network.
Areas under conservation management cover 46% of Namibia’s total land area.
www.canam.iway.na
www.nacso.org.na
After independence in 1990, a Directorate of Environmental Affairs (DEA) was established in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to actively promote and maintain the welfare of the people.
• Namibia, as a signatory to several international environmental treaties, has introduced a number of groundbreaking programmes and policies aimed at tackling environmental challenges while implementing national development goals.
• Desertification is Namibia’s most pressing environmental concern.
• Other issues are deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, bush encroachment, climate change, loss of groundwater resources and decreasing crops.
• Threats related to mining and habitat and biodiversity loss have also been highlighted as areas of concern.
The Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia provides economic opportunities and a stake in the use of natural resources to the impoverished sectors of Namibian society.
www.eifnamibia.com
The Eco Awards Namibia programme was launched in 2004 to promote sustainable tourism practices. Any accommodation establishment in Namibia can apply for the Desert Flower emblem, which is awarded to establishments that work successfully according to sustainability principles. The programme is the only certification scheme that rates the sustainability of tourism establishments.
www.ecoawards-namibia.org
As a private-public sector partnership, the Recycle Namibia Forum (RNF) is aimed at promoting the 3 Rs (Recycle, Reuse and Reduce) for products through projects and networking.
www.rnf.com.na
The Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) is an umbrella Association that provides a forum and mouthpiece for the broader environment sector, that can lobby with government and other
parties, that can raise funds for its members and represent the sector.
The Chamber aims to become a financial (and other) resource centre, sponsored by industry, but at the same time keeping industry at arm’s length and ensuring complete independence. Many environmental specialists work in remote areas, often alone or in small groups with little in the way of support structures. The Chamber aims to provide support to such individuals and organisations.
www.n-c-e.org
The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) is Namibia’s leading nongovernmental environmental organisation. Other NGOs that aim to support the environment are the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN), which incorporates the Desert Ecological Research Unit (DERU); the Namibia Institute for Sustainable Development (NISD); the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET); Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC); and the Namibia Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO). One of Namibia’s longest-standing NGOs is Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), founded in 1982. Others worth mentioning are the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF); the AfriCat Foundation; N/a’an ku sê; Harnas; the Namibia Animal Rehabilitation, Research and Education Centre (NARREC); the Namibia Environmental and Wildlife Society (NEWS); the Large Carnivore Management Association of Namibia (LCMAN); the Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA); the World Wildlife Fund (WWF); Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST); the Namibia Development Trust (NDT); and the Southern African Institute for Environmental Assessment (SAIEA).
www.nnf.org.na
www.savetherhinotrust.org
SEAs in Namibia offer a well-developed methodology for improving strategic decision-making and integrating of environmental issues into policies, plans and programmes. The country’s Environmental Management Act (EMA) of 2007 stipulates mandatory environmental assessments for
a number of policies, plans and programmes. An Environmental Commissioner’s office was established within the MEFT.
Private landholders in Namibia have played a significant role in the conservation of wildlife by establishing conservation initiatives on their land.
• The NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast area of about 202 000 ha situated south of Sesriem, is a scenically beautiful conservation area created by Windhoek businessman, Albi Brückner.
• The Erongo Mountain Nature Sanctuary encompasses an area of more than 200 000 ha, protecting a unique wilderness reserve with the Erongo Mountains at its centre.
• In southern Namibia the Gondwana Collection has established four private nature reserves (about 197 000 ha combined).
• Also in the south is the Sandfontein Nature Game Reserve, which extends over 76 000 ha.
• The Erindi Private Game Reserve (79 000 ha) in central Namibia is home to over 20 000 animals.
• Situated in the upper reaches of the Huab River, the Huab Private Nature Reserve (8 060 ha) provides a sanctuary for the desert-dwelling elephants of the area.
• Fischer’s Pan Private Game Reserve (7 000 ha) lies east of Etosha National Park.
• The 36 000 ha Onguma Private Game Reserve adjoining Fischer’s Pan, harbours many of the mammals and birds found in Etosha. At present there are about 200 private game reserves registered in Namibia.
Guided by strict ethical standards set and encouraged by the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA), hunting is intrinsically part of the Namibian culture. The country’s hunting activities have evolved into a highly specialised wildlife industry, with trophy hunting playing a crucial role in managing wildlife populations and contributing significantly to the GDP. www.napha.com.na
The concept of TFCAs (Transfrontier Conservation Areas) has rapidly gained
momentum in SADC countries such as Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. TFCAs are transfrontier wildlife sanctuaries that embrace crossborder conservation areas and game parks. The first TFCA established in the region was the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which incorporates parks in Botswana and South Africa.
www.peaceparks.org
The Namibian Government is firmly committed to the transfrontier process and has achieved cross-border agreements with several countries. Namibia established its first TFCA, the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, in 2003, with South Africa as co-signee. About 70% of the 6 046 km² park is situated in Namibia, comprising the /Ai-/ Ais Hot Springs Game Park, the Hunsberg conservation area, the Huns Mountains, Fish River Canyon and /Ai/Ais Hot Springs.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Namibia and Angola was signed in 2003 to establish the Iona Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Conservation Area, encompassing 31 540 km² of the northern Namib coastal desert.
Officially launched in 2012 and spanning over 444 000 km² (similar in size to Sweden), the KavangoZambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) is the world’s biggest conservation area, comprising national parks, game reserves, forest reserves, conservancies, game/wildlife management areas and communal lands in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
www.kavangozambezi.org
Symbols
/Ae//Gams Arts and Cultural Festival 174
/Ai-/Ais Hot Springs 154, 165
/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
154, 165, 176
!Nabba 44, 175
!Nara 47
A
Aawambo People 82
Acacia Forest 60
Accommodation 9
Adventures 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
African moringa tree 80
Africa on Wheels 21
AfriCat Foundation (CCF) 105, 169, 176
Afrikaans 12, 104, 159, 162, 167
Agate Beach 148, 156
Agriculture 169
Aimeb Superfarm 60
Air Travel 22
Airport 22
Albrecht brothers 163
Andersson Gate 80
Andoni plains 80
Andoni waterhole 80
Angling 42
Ankerplatz Complex 142
Aquaculture 170
Architecture 173
Art Africa Garden Café 142
Art and Crafts 173
Art and Culture 173
Arts Performance Centre 81
Asparagus Farm 46
Astronomy 60
Atlantic Ocean 27, 36, 80, 127, 140, 155, 157, 174
August Stauch 59, 158
Aus 38, 40, 126, 158-160, 166, 168
Aussenkehr 42
B
Bantu 167
Baobab Tree 104
Basket traditions 6, 72
Baster community 60
Bechuanaland 69
Best-culture practice 10
Bethanie 161, 175
Birds 169
Bitterwasser 37
Bloedkoppie 38
Bogenfels rock arch 161
Bondelswarts people 162, 163
Botanical Garden 6, 57, 58
Botanical Society of Namibia 58
Brandberg 26, 41, 112-114, 121, 146, 168
Brandberg White Lady Painting 113
Brukkaros Mountain 7, 154, 163, 168
Burnt Mountain 26, 112, 120
Bushman 115, 156
Bushmanland 33, 41, 102, 105
Bushman’s Paradise 115
Bwabwata National Park 34, 71-73, 75, 76
C Africa Safaris & Tours 28
Camelthorn Brewing Company 46
Camping 9, 18, 32, 34, 39, 59, 83, 97, 105, 114, 144, 145
Camping on the Kunene 7, 97
CANAM 175
Cape Cross Seal Reserve 42, 146, 147
Caprivi Game Park 71
Car Rental Association of Namibia (CARAN) 15
Catamaran Charters 43
Catholic mission station 47
Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) 105, 107, 169, 176
Chief Samuel Maharero 59
Chobe National Park 69,75
Chobe River 75
Chobe Water Villas 50, 75
Christuskirche 56
City of Windhoek 65
Climate 168
Coastal Strip 7, 136, 137 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147
College of the Arts 173, 174
Communal conservancies 30
Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) 169, 176
Communication Services 172
Conservation and Ecotourism 169
Conservancies 9, 30, 31, 73, 175, 176
Copper & Coal Distillery 47
COTA Youth Choir 174
Copper & Coal Distillery 47
Crayfish Festival 155, 157, 158
Craft Beers 46
Cuisine 44, 45, 46, 47, 175
Cultural activities 173
Cultural campsites for campers 32, 33, 34
Cultural Township Tours 144
Cultures 1, 22, 30, 32, 56, 175
Currency & Credit cards 11
Cuvelai River 82
CYMOT 35
Daan Viljoen Game Reserve 58
Damara 12, 104, 115, 119, 120, 121, 140, 167
Damaraland 34, 37, 39-41, 51, 112, 116, 146
Damaraland, Brandberg & Twyfelfontein 7, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116
Damara Living Museum 119
Dassie Trails 38
Dâureb Mountain Guides 114
Day trips from Windhoek 58
Deadvlei 27,126, 127
Dead Sea 41
Deep South, Coastal and the Fish River 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159 160, 161, 162, 163,
Desert Air 24
Desert Elephants 96
Devil’s Claw 47
Diamond Area No 2 41
Diaz Point 156
Dinosaur footprints 103
Distinctive mountains 168
Dolphin Park Recreation Resort 144
Dolphin Tours 41
Donkey Bay 42
Dordabis 59, 170
Dorob National Park 41, 113, 138, 146, 151
Doros and Messum craters 41
Doros Crater 112
Dragon’s Breath 104
Driving in Sand 19
Dune 7 144
Dune 45 27
Dune Adventures 36
Duty-free allowances 11
Duwisib Castle 52, 129, 159, 175
Eagle’s Monument 162
Earth Science Museum 174
Eco Awards 175
Economy 169
Ecotourism 169
Eisbein 44
Eenhana Heroes’ Memorial Shrine 83
Ekaka 45, 175
Electoral Commission of Namibia 168
Electricity 171
Elizabeth Bay 157
Emergency medical services 172
Endangered mammals 168
Environmental management 175
Environmental Investment Fund 175
Epupa Falls 34, 96, 97, 99
Equitrails Namibia 39
Erindi Private Game Reserve 169, 176
Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy 115
Erongo Mountains 51, 112, 115, 116, 120, 168, 176
Erongo Mountain Winery 47, 115, 175
Eros Mountains 39
Etemba 115
Etendeka Overnight Walking Trail 38
Etosha National Park & Owambo 6, 8, 78, 79, 81-83
Etosha National Park 9, 26, 69, 80, 82, 84, 85, 126, 167, 176
Etosha Pan 79, 80, 87, 88, 90, 108, 167, 168
F
Farm Windhoek 38, 40
Fauna 168
Fast facts on fauna 168
Fast Facts 167
Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) 15, 171
Fine Art Gallery 143
Firearms 11
First-timer Route 25 ,26, 27, Fish River & Surroundings 7, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163
Fish River Canyon 27, 38, 154
Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail 165
Fishing Industry 170
Flash Floods 19
Flora 168
Fast facts on flora 169
FlyNamibia Inside front, 22, 23
Fourways Stopover 105
Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC)
174
Franke Tower 114
Freshwater aquaculture 170
Fuel 171
G
Galton Gate 26, 80
Game Reserve 53, 58, 65, 69, 73, 79, 80, 84, 92, 126, 169, 176
Gamsberg 60, 168
Garub 159, 160
Gaub Pass 27
Gateways to Etosha 80
General Safety precautions 19
General information 167
German 26, 34, 44-47, 55, 56, 59, 64, 69, 80-82, 88, 103, 104, 113, 114, 116, 126, 128, 139-143, 153, 155-159, 161-163, 167, 173-175
German Reinheitsgebot 46
Ghaub Caves 105
Giant’s Playground 154, 162
Gibeon Meteorite
Gobabeb Training and Research Centre 127
Gobabis 33, 58, 59, 169, 173, 174
Gobabis Information 59
Gobabis Museum 59
Government and the Rule of Law 167
Gravel Roads 20
Grootfontein 103-106, 174
Grootfontein Museum 104
Gross Barmen Hot Spring Resort 52, 58, 59, 61, 65
Grosse Bucht 156
Hafeni Traditional Restaurant 45
Hakos Guest Farm 60
Halali Resort 52, 85, 88
Hardap Dam 42, 58, 60
Hardap Game Reserve 58
Hardap Resort 52, 58, 61, 65
Harnas Wildlife Foundation 59
Hartlaub's Spurfowl 116
Hartlief 44
Hand-Crafted jewellery 142
Health and welfare 11, 172
Heaviside's dolphins 42
Helmeringhausen 163
Henckert Tourist Centre 116
Hendrik Witbooi 57
Henties Bay 9, 22, 41, 44, 46, 113, 138, 145, 146
Henties Bay Golf Course 145
Henties Bay Tourism Office 41, 145
Hentie van der Merwe 145
Henties Bay Fish Festival 145
Herero people 1, 10, 56, 58, 59, 105, 173
Hermanus van Wyk 60
HIV/Aids in Namibia 172
Hiking Trails 38, 60, 108, 119, 120, 122, 133, 155, 162, 165, 166
Himba people 96, 97
Hippo Pools 33, 97
Historical and Political Development 167
Hoba Meteorite 7, 103, 104
Hohenzollern-Haus 140
Hollard 13
Horse Riding 39
Hosea Kutako International Airport 11, 17, 14, 22
Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) 15, 171
Hospitals 172
Hot-air balloon 37
Hunting and hunting safaris 176
Ikhoba 142
Impalila Island 69
Independence Museum 57
Investing in Namibia 170
Investment incentives 170
J
Jakkalsputz 52, 145, 149, 151
Jakkalsputz walking trail 145
Jan Jonker Afrikaner 56
Jetty 42, 139-141, 143, 156
Jetty Mile 141
Joe's Beerhouse 26, 57
Johan Keetman 162
Joint venture tourism 30, 31
Ju/’Hoansi San 33, 106
K
Kabeljou 42, 44, 140, 151
Kalahari Desert 64
Kamanjab 26, 34, 86, 97, 113, 120
Kaokoland & the Kunene Region 7, 9, 94-98
Kaptein’s Tree 60
Kapana 45
Karibib 115, 116
Karibib Marble Works 115
Katima Craft Centre 70
Katima Mulilo 14, 17, 22, 69, 70, 174
Katima Mulilo Airport 70
Katutura 45, 57, 173, 174
Katutura Community Art Centre 173
Kavango East & West Regions 68
Kavango people 68
Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier
Conservation Area 69,72, 73
Kayaking 42
Keetmanshoop 22, 42, 58, 154, 156, 158, 161-163, 166, 168, 175
Khaudum National Park 41, 73, 102, 106
Khoesan 167
Khomas Hochland 27, 38, 40, 60, 168
Khomas Hochland Hiking Trail 38
Khorixas 33, 112, 113, 120
King Nehale Gate 80
Kite- & wind-surfing 42
Kolmanskop 27, 59, 154, 155, 158, 165, 174
Königstein 113
Khorab Memorial 26, 104
Kristall Kellerei 47, 115, 175
Kubas Station Building 116
Kuiseb Pass 27
Kuiseb Canyon 126
Kunene Region 7, 97
Kunene Craft Centre 97
Kunene River 22, 33, 34, 37, 41, 80, 96, 97, 99, 138, 147, 171
Kwando River 34, 69-73, 76
Kwessi Dunes 48, 130, 133
L
Lake Guinas 82
Lake Otjikoto 26, 82
Lichen fields 113, 146
Lindequist Gate 26
Linyanti River 77
Literacy and education 173
Living Desert Snake Park 140
Lizauli Traditional Village 70
Local Lingo 12
Lozi 69, 72
Lüderitz 9, 22, 27, 41, 42, 44, 126, 129, 135, 154-159, 161, 162, 165, 169-171, 173-175
Lüderitz Karneval 155
Lüderitz Museum 156
Lüderitz Peninsula 156
Lüderitz Oysters 155, 175
Lüderitz Speed Challenge 157
Lüderitz Waterfront 157
M
Maack's Shelter 114
Mahangu 45, 72, 169, 175
Maize Triangle 104
Makalani Palm 72
Malaria 11
Maltahöhe 34, 128, 129, 158
Mangetti National Park 68, 73
Map of Namibia 4
Mariental 37, 42, 58, 60, 128, 168, 169
Marine Memorial 140
Maritime Museum 158
Markets 46, 57, 69, 142, 173
Martin Luther ‘steam-ox’ 139
Marula fruit 47
Mashi Crafts 70
Mbangura Woodcarvers Market 59, 68
Media 3, 173
Mesosaurus Fossil Site 162
Messum Crater 113, 146
Mile 72 52, 149, 151
Mile 108 52, 149, 151
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism - MEFT 30, 41, 60, 69, 103, 128, 139, 145-147, 160, 169, 171, 175, 176
Mining - Facts & Figures 169
Moon Landscape 27
Mondesa township 45
Mountain biking 40
Möwe Bay 147
Mudumu National Park 70, 73
Musemes 72
Museum Circuit 174
Museums in the north 174
Museums in the coast 174
Museums in central and southern Namibia 174
N
NaDEET 129
Nakambale Mission House 83
Nakambale Museum 33, 174
Nama people 34, 44, 163, 175
Namib Desert 1, 27, 36, 39, 41, 60, 126, 128, 129, 138, 145, 146, 157, 167-169, 174-176
Namib Dunes Craft Brewery 46
Namibia Airports Company (NAC) 22
Namibia Breweries - NBL 46, 175
Namibia Car Rental 20
Namibia Craft Centre 57, 173
Namibia’s Gemstones 81, 170
Namibia Horse Safari Company 139
Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) 169, 176
Namibia Wildlife Resorts - NWR 9, 15, 38, 52, 58, 151
Namibia Scientific Society 57
Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) 1, 9,171
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) 173
Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) 173
Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) 176
Namibian Environment 168
Namibian Public Holidays 11
Namibian Lodge Groups 48, 49,50,51,52,53
Namibian meat 44
Namib Dunes 27, 36, 37, 127
Namib-Naukluft National Park 26, 27, 131, 132, 161
Namib-Naukluft 126
Namib I information Centre 140
Namib Oasis farm stall 116
NamibRand Nature Reserve 128, 129, 133-135, 169, 176
NamPort 171
Namutoni Resort 26, 52, 85, 88
National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) 57
National Earth Science Museum 174
National Heritage Council 114
National Marine Information & Research Centre 140
National Theatre of Namibia 57
Natural grazing 44, 169
Navachab Gold Mine 116
Naukluft Section 128
Naukluft Hiking Trail 38
Naute Dam 42, 162
Naute Kristall 47
Navachab Gold Mine 116
Nedbank Cycle Challenge 40
Nedbank Desert Dash 40
Neckertal Dam 58
Neighbouring Countries 14
Ngoma Crafts Centre 70
Nkasa Rupara National Park 34, 70, 73, 77 Noab Olive farm 46
Non governmental organisations 176
Noordoewer 11, 14, 42
Northeast, Kavango & Zambezi 6, 66, 67,68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73
Northwest's famous 'desert elephants' 96
Old Iron Jetty 140
Old Rhenish Mission House 114
Olukonda 33, 83, 174
Omaheke Region 59
Omajova 44
Omaruru 46, 47, 114, 115, 120, 168, 173175
Omaruru River 47, 114, 115, 145, 146
Omaruru River Walking Trail 145
Ombalantu Baobab Heritage Centre 83
Omdel Dam 146
Omuntu Garden 144
Ondangwa 22, 23, 83
One Africa TV 173
Ongwediva Trade Fair 83
Opening times at border posts 14
Opuwo 97
Orange River 42, 59, 155, 160, 161, 165, 168
Oranjemund 14, 22, 158, 160, 161, 171, 174
Oranjemund Border Control 160
Organic market 46
Organ Pipes 26, 112
Oshakati 17, 83, 174
Ongwediva 83
Ondangwa 83
Oshiwambo 12, 26, 115
Otavi 26, 82, 104, 105
Otavi Valley 47
Otavi-Bahn building 140
Otjihavera Experience 40
Otjiherero 44
Otjimbingwe 7, 116
Otjiwarongo 105, 168, 172
Outjo 80, 81, 113, 174
Outjo Museum 81
Ovaherero 174
Ovahimba 96
Ovahimba Living Museum 97
Owambo 12, 80, 83, 158, 167, 173
Oysters 175
Pearl millet 45, 175
Pelican Point 42
Penduka Craft Village 57
Performing arts 174
Petrified Forest 26, 112
Physical Infrastructure 171
Plan your trip 16, 17, 18,19,20,22
Pofadder 45
Oanob Dam 59
Oil and gas 171
Okahandja 58
Okakambe Riding Centre 39
Okakarara Community Cultural & Tourism Centre 105
Okaukuejo Resort 26
Okavango delta 14, 70, 73, 75, 77
Okavango river 34, 42, 68, 71, 72, 75, 167, 168, 170
Pondok Mountains 115
Popa Falls 34, 72, 75
Popa Game Park 72
Ports and harbours 171
Port of Lüderitz 171
Port of Walvis Bay 171
Postal service 172
Potjiekos 45
Private game reserves 176
Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA)
176
Public Library 140
Public transport 17
Pumpernickel 45
Q
Quad biking 36
Quivertree Dolerite Park 162
Quiver Tree Forest 154, 155, 162
R
Railway Engine No 652 143
Railways 172
Railway Station Building 57
Rainy season 168
Raith Gourmet 44
Recycle Namibia Forum 175
Rehoboth 59, 60, 174
Rehoboth Basters 59
Rehoboth Museum 59
Reitturnier 141
Religion 173
Remhoogte Pass 46
Rennies Travel 29
Rhenish Mission Church 116, 143, 162
Richtersveld 14, 154, 155, 165, 176
Rivers 19, 30, 42, 59, 68, 69, 71, 80, 82, 126, 138, 139, 168-170
Ride for Rhinos 40
Roads 171
Rock paintings 115
Rock Sculpture Trail 38
Rooibos Trail 38
Rösemann Building 116
Rosh Pinah 7, 159
Ruacana Falls 97
Ruacana Hydropower Plant 97
Ruheleben Estate 46
Rundu 22, 68, 69, 104, 106, 174
Rundu Open Market 68
S Sachertorte 45
Safety Precautions 19
Samawati 37
Sambyu Museum 68
Sam Cohen Library 140
San People 105, 175
Sandboarding 36
Sandwich Harbour 27, 126, 127, 144
Sandwich Harbour 4x4 41
Seasonal tips 9
Seeheim 162
Self-Driving 19
Self-Drive 4x4 41
Sendelingsdrift 14
Sense of Africa 29
Sesfontein Fort 113
Sesriem 37, 39, 60, 126, 127, 128, 131, 145, 169, 176
Sesriem Canyon 27, 127, 128, 132, 133
Shalom Farm 46
Shark Island 155, 156, 165
Skeleton Coast Brewery 46
Skeleton Coast Park 97, 137, 138, 147
Skilpadjies 45
Small Bushman’s Paradise 115
Snoek Derby 157
Social Infrastructure 172
Solitaire 27, 37
Sossusvlei & The Namib Naukluft Park 7, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, Sossusvlei 1, 9, 27, 37, 60, 125-128, 167, 168
Speed limits 20
Special endemics 169
Sperrgebiet 154, 159, 160, 161, 167, 174
Spitzkoppe 26, 33, 112, 115, 146, 168
Spreetshoogte Pass 27, 60
Sprokieswoud 80
Stillhouse Atlantic craft distillery 47
Strand Hotel's Brewer and Butcher 143
Strategic Environmental Assessment 168
Strathmore Mine 41
Sturmvogelbucht 156
Sugarloaf Mountain 115
Supreme Court 57, 167
Swakopmund 9, 17, 22, 26, 27, 36, 37, 39, 40-42, 44-48, 127, 128, 138-143, 150, 169, 170, 172-175
Swakopmund Aquarium 140
Swakopmund Arts Association 140, 142
Swakopmund Asparagus Farm 46
Swakopmund Brewing Company 46
Swakopmund Camel Farm 39
Swakopmund surroundings 143
Swakopmund green asparagus 46
Swakop Info 140
Swakopmund the Dome Centre 142
Swakopmund Lighthouse 140
Swakopmund Municipality 148
Swakopmund Museum 140
Swakopmund River Mouth 143
Swakopmund Salt works 143
Swakop River 36, 39
Swakop River valley 39, 46
Swartbooisdrift 96
SWA Safaris 29 T
TASA 15, 171
Tax and customs 11
Temperatures 168
Terrace Bay 41, 147, 151
The Desert Horses 159
The Dome Swakopmund 142
The Erongo Mountains 51, 112, 115, 116, 119, 120, 122, 168, 176
The Electoral Commission of Namibia 168
The Farmhouse 81
The Green Market 46
The Mole 140, 141, 142
The Sijwa Project 76
The Village Sunday Market 46
Tholch Brewery 46
Thonningii Wine Cellar 47
Tintenpalast 57
Tips for travellers 6, 8, 9, 10, 11,12
Tips on trailer towing 19
Tips for car rentals & self drives 18
Tips for Photographic People 10
Tips for Travellers 6, 8,9,10
Top attractions in the South 154
Torra Bay 147, 151
Tourism structures 171
Towns close to Windhoek 58
Traditional cuisine 175
Trail 38-41, 60, 99, 108, 114, 119, 120, 122, 126, 131-133, 145, 146, 155, 162, 165, 166
Train Travel 17
Trans-Caprivi Highway 69
Transfrontier Conservation Areas 176
Transport Services 171
Trans-Kalahari Highway 59, 69
TransNamib Railway Museum 57
Travel documents 17
Tree Park 104
Trekkopje Battlefield 116
Tsau //Khaeb National Park 7, 160, 161
Tsiseb Conservancy 114
Tsondab Vlei 37
Tsumeb 26, 80-82, 104-106, 172, 174
Tsumeb Arts and Crafts Centre 81
Tsumeb Cultural Village 82
Tsumeb Museum 81, 82
Tsumkwe 33, 101, 102, 105, 106
Turnstone Tours 41
Twyfelfontein 26, 34, 112, 115, 119-121, 123
Twyfelfontein rock engravings 26 U
Uis 33
Ûiba-Ôas Crystal market 115
Ugab River 26, 33, 121, 138, 139, 147
Ugab Vingerklip 113
Unique Tours 41
Uranium exploration and mining in Namibia 169
Usakos 116
Uakii Wilderness Information 59
Uukwaluudhi culture 86 V
VAT 11
Van Zyl’s Pass 97
Venison 175
Venture Media 2, 3, 5
Vingerklip 113
Von Bach Dam 42, 58
Von Bach Recreation Resort 58
Von Lindequist Gate 26, 80
Wag-'n-Bietjie Trail 38
Walvis Bay 9, 17, 22, 27, 36, 37, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 128, 138, 139, 143-145, 157, 161, 170-172, 174
Walvis Bay surroundings 144
Walvis Bay harbour 27
Walvis Bay Lagoon 27, 138, 144
Walvis Bay Tourism Centre 143
Walvis Bay Waterfront 42, 144
Walvis Bay Corridors 172
Warmbad 163
Warmbad Museum 163
Water Adventures 42
Waterberg, Khaudum & Surroundings 7, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104,105, 106
Waterberg National Park 26, 60, 102, 103, 169
Waterkloof Trail 38,126
Welwitschia mirabilis 27,112, 146
West Coast 4x4 41
West Coast Recreational Area 113, 138
Wild Horses of Garub 159
Wilderness Air 24, 50
Windhoek 14, 17, 22, 26, 27, 38-40, 44-47, 55-58, 62-64, 114, 167, 171-174
Windhoek City Tours 57
Windhoek Railway Station 57
Windhoek, Surroundings and Central East 6, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60
White Lady Rock paintings 26
World Heritage Site (UNESCO) 27, 112, 114
Wronsky House 114 X
Xwama Traditional Restaurant 26, 45
Zacharias Lewala 158, 171
Zambezi Region 9, 14, 27, 30, 69, 75, 77, 108
Zambezi River 69, 70, 170
Zimtsterne 45
LODGE GROUPS
Natural Selection 48
Big Sky Lodges 49
Journeys Namibia 49
O&L Leisure 50
Wilderness 50
Ondili Lodges & Activities 51
Namibia Wildlife Resorts - NWR 52
Naturally Namibia 53
ACCOMMODATION WINDHOEK SURROUNDINGS & CENTRAL EAST
Map 61
Droombos 62
Otjimbondona 62
Belvedere Boutique Hotel 62
Lake Oanob Resort 62
Zannier Hotels Omaanda 63
Hillside Accommodation 63
Windhoek Luxury Suites 63
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge 64
Teufelskrallen Lodge 64
Ti Melen Boutique Guesthouse 64
Midgard 64
Hardap Resort 65
Gross Barmen Resort 65
ACCOMMODATION NORTHEAST, KAVANGO & ZAMBEZI
Map 74
Taranga Safari Lodge 75
Popa Falls Resort 75
Chobe Water Villas 75
Kazile Island Lodge 76
Nambwa Tented Lodge 76
The Sijwa Project 76
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge 77
Jackalberry Tented Camp 77
Serondela Lodge 77
ACCOMMODATION ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK & OWAMBO
Map 85
Ghaub Private Nature Reserve & Farm 86
Etosha Oberland Lodge 86
Hobatere Lodge 86
Mokuti Etosha 86
The Mushare Collection 87
Dolomite Resort 88
Onkoshi Resort 88
Okaukeujo 88
Halali 88
Olifantsrus Campsite 88
Namutoni 88
Safarihoek Lodge 89
Safari House 89
Etosha Mountain Lodge 89
Onguma Nature Reserve 90
Little Ongava 92
Ongava Lodge 93
Ongava Tented Camp 93
ACCOMMODATION KAOKOLAND & THE KUNENE REGION
Map 98
Hoanib Valley Camp 98
Epupa Falls Lodge 99
Shipwreck Lodge 99
Wilderness Serra Cafema 99
Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp 99
ACCOMMODATION WATERBERG, KHAUDUM & SURROUNDINGS
Map 108
Dornhügel Guestfarm 108
Waterberg Resort 108
Okonjima Nature Reserve 109
ACCOMMODATION DAMARALAND, BRANDBERG & TWYFELFONTEIN
Map 118
Madisa Camp 119
Uitkyk Guest Farm119
Hohenstein Lodge 119
Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp 119
Hoada Camp 120
Grootberg Lodge 120
Erongo Wild Lodge 120
Khorixas Restcamp 120
Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp 121
Wilderness Doro Nawas 121
Wilderness Damaraland Camp 121
Brandberg White Lady Lodge121
Ai-Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge 122
Etendenka Mountain Camp 7 Walking Trails 122
Mowani Mountain Camp 123
Camp Kipwe 123
Mowani Campsite 123
ACCOMMODATION SOSSUSVLEI & THE NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK
Map 130
Sossus Dune Lodge 130
Zannier Hotels Sonop131
Desert Homestead Lodge131
Namib Outpost 131
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge 132
Wilderness Little Kulala 132
At Kronenhof Lodge 132
Sesriem Campsite 133
Naukluft Camp 133
Kwessu Dunes 133
Wolwedans Collection 134
ACCOMMODATION COASTAL STRIP
Map 149
Villa Margeherita 150
Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse 150
Swakopmund Luxury Suites 150
Strand Hotel Swakopmund 150
Namibia Wildlife Resort 151
ACCOMMODATION DEEP SOUTH, COASTAL AND THE FISH RIVER
Map 164
Shark Island 165
Hobas Lodge 165
/Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Spa 165
Boplaas Campsite 165
Kalahari Game Lodge 166
Bahnhof Hotel Aus 166
Fish River Lodge 166
Birds Accommodation 166
