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| 1200 kilometres long and 140 kilometres wide
the Namib Desert is the oldest known and the most extreme on earth. The Namib is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and
extends from the Kunene River in the north for some 1600kms to the Orange River. The cold
Benguela Current, sweeping northwards along the south-western coast of Africa, transports
cold Antarctic waters into the warmer subtropical regions. This nutrient-rich current
sustains a wealth of marine life and generates a life-giving fog, ensuring the survival of
an intriguing variety of desert-adapted animals and plants. |
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 Swakopmund
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| Swakopmund is a popular seaside town with a
nostalgic atmosphere and many tourist attractions. It is characterized by numerous
colonial buildings. It is generally cool in Swakopmund compared to inland temperatures.
The Benguela current is responsible for the thick fog in which the town is usually
shrouded in, until midday. |
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Walvis Bay |
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| Walvis Bay is a deep-water bay on a shallow
coast which was discovered by American whalers. However, it was first used by the English
and then the South Africans as a commercial port. In 1994, after lengthy negotiations,
South Africa gave Walvis Bay back to Namibia. Today, Walvis Bay is a pretty South African
style town of 25,000 inhabitants. Walvis Bay is home to 40% of Southern Africa's pink
flamingoes, as well as other sea-bird species such as pelicans, cormorants, etc. On the
south side of the town there is a very pleasant esplanade which serves as an observation
post for watching the pink flamingoes. |
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Skeleton Coast |
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 » Skeleton Coast: The attraction of this remote
area lies in the colours, changing moods and untouched profiles of the landscape. The aura
of mystery and mightiness is largely due to the dense coastal fog and cold sea breezes and
bones scattered along the beaches from which the coast derives ... The Skeleton
Coast » |
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The Brandberg Massif |
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| The Brandberg
massif, is a challenge to rock climbers, especially at its peak Königstein, which is at
2574m the highest point in Namibia. The Brandberg is famous for the White Lady rock painting and the
high quality of locally mined crystals and the area is also famous for its desolate
landscapes and its free roaming game, of which the Desert elephants are the most famous. |
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 Accommodation
- Brandberg
Accommodation |
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The Walvis Bay Lagoon |
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| The Walvis Bay
Lagoon is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal birds in Southern
Africa. A bird count during 1998 found it to be a safe haven for between 70 000 -120 000
birds and a feeding station for about 200 000 birds on their natural migration route to
and from the Arctic. Wading birds including the Lesser and Greater flamingos and rare
White pelicans can be seen on the lagoon. |
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The Cape Cross Seal
Reserve |
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| The Cape Cross
Seal Reserve is the largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals on the Southern
African coast. At the peak of the breeding season in November and December as many as 200
000 seals can be seen here. |
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The Epupa Falls |
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| The Epupa Falls
are a series of cascades where the Kunene River drops a total of 60m over a distance of
about 1.5km, dividing into a multitude of channels and forming a myriad rock pools. Richly
colored rock walls, variety of trees including wild fig, baobab and Makalani palms,
spectacular sunsets and perennially flowing waters, the Epupa area offers much to see and
experience. |
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Swakopmund Attractions |
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| Swakopmund,
Namibia's seaside resort offers a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm
trees and beautiful public gardens. Attractions range from its charming old buildings,
tours featuring the unique landscapes of the Namib, Swakopmund Museum, the tannery, which
manufactures well-known leather, as well as the local brewery, which produces some of
Namibia's finest beer. |
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« Namibia Game Reserves and
Parks | South Africa Game
Reserves » |
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