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| Southern Namibia presents some of the
principally spectacular landscapes in the entire Namibia. Bordered by the dry savannah of
the Kalahari in the east and the unique Namib Desert in the west, you find the geological
history book of the earth at the Fishriver Canyon. From the early gneisses, also called
arch rock with some 5 billion years of age, to the more recent sedimentary formations up
to 20.000 years ago the Inselbergs, the terraces, the vast plains tell a story of their
own. |
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 Keetmanshoop
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| Keetmanshoop
is the largest town in southern Namibia and lies about 480 km south of Windhoek. It was
founded in 1866 as a missionary town. |
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Lüderitz |
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| The harbour town of Lüderitz,
on the wild Atlantic seaboard, has a fine collection of charming buildings dating from the
days when it was a bustling German town. Set against a background of black rock and the
sparkling blue waters of the bay, this architectural heritage gives Lüderitz its special
charm. Exploring the coast around the bay is rewarding, with its unspoilt beaches, caves,
lagoons and reefs. |
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Fish River Canyon |
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 » Fish River Canyon: The incorporation of
the Ai-Ais Hot springs Resort, Fishriver Canyon and Huns Mountains in 1989, into one
conservation area of 346 117 ha, led to the establishment of the Fishriver Canyon Park.
The main attraction is its isolated and otherworldly landscape and ... Fish River
Canyon » |
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The Namib Naukluft Park |
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| The Namib Naukluft Park, which covers an area
of 50 000m², is Namibia's most versatile conservation area. It contains key features such
as Sossus Vlei, Sesriem, Welwitschia Trail, Sandwich Harbor, Naukluft Mountains and the
Kuiseb Canyon. Besides a number of rudimentary camping sites in the Namib section, there
are a large number of private accommodation establishments adjacent to the park. |
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Sossusvlei |
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| Internationally known, as a photographer's
dream is Sossus Vlei with its monumental dunes, the highest of which has been measured
from its base as being 325m. They were formed by multi-directional winds, and are at their
highest where the Tsauchab River empties itself into the vlei. When it has rained
sufficiently, the Tsauchab River fills the main pan, drawing flamingos and other aquatic
birds to the area. At the entry to Sossus Vlei is Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of
erosion have incised a narrow gorge of about 1km in length. At the foot of the gorge,
which plunges down 30m to 40m, are pools of water that become replenished after good
rains. |
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Naukluft Mountain |
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| With its massive and varied rock formations,
Naukluft Mountain is a geologist's paradise. The intermittent layers of horizontally
folded igneous rock; quartzite, dolomite and shale are impressive with their giant
symmetrical patterns. |
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Kolmanskoppe |
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| Kolmanskoppe is situated 20km east of Lüderitz,
a coastal town along the Namib Desert that was established following the discovery of
Diamonds in 1908. Within a span of 40 years Kolmanskoppe lived, flourished and died. The
ghost town's crumbling ruins bear little resemblance to its former glory, its stately
homes, now demolished by the wind, gradually becoming enveloped by sand dunes. It is its
ghost-town atmosphere that is the main attractions for tourists visiting Lüderitz. In
1980, the mining company Namdeb restored a number of buildings and established a museum. |
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Dusiweb Castle |
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| About 72km south west of Maltahöhe, situated
amongst rolling red hills, is Duwiseb Castle, a solid rectangular structure of red
sandstone. Built by the legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife, Jayta, the castle
was completed in 1909. Today the interior of the castle and much of its original furniture
and artworks, including firearms dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, can be
viewed. |
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The Quiver Tree Forest |
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| A much-favored topic for photographers, the
Quiver Tree Forest, can be viewed on Farm Gariganus, 14km north east of Keetmanshoop.
Across the road from the Quiver Tree Forest is "Giant's Playground", a jumble of
massive dolerite boulders. |
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« Namibia Game Reserves and
Parks | South Africa Game
Reserves » |
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| Car
Rental Namibia: Hire from international and local companies, which offer a wide range
of cars, from budget to luxury. For the best deals we recommend you book your car before
travelling. |
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