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FOUR ADVENTURES IN SOUTH OF NAMIBIA
The south of Namibia is a rugged and exquisitely beautiful part of the country. It is vast,
under-populated and yet incredibly diverse. As such there are a lot of adventures to be
had in the Land of the Brave's southern region. We have picked four popular attractions
and given you all th information you need to start planning your next trip...
1. Exploring Pomona and the Bogenfels
What it is: This tour, exclusively operated by Luderitz tour operators Coastways, takes
travellers on an amazing journey through some of the south of Namibia’s most isolated
and beautifully vast landscapes. The entire tour takes place in the “Sperrgebiet”
(“forbidden zone”).
You need Coastways to enter the Sperrgebiet.
The area is totally off-limits to the general public.
It was in this area that a large part of Namibia’s diamond mining was conducted more
than fifty years ago. Today the region is almost completely deserted. The only remnants
of the area’s diamond heydays are the abandoned settlements of the once bustling town
of Pomona.
An abandoned loading bay at the train station just outside the site of Pomona.
You may have heard of Namibia’s most well known ghost town Kolmanskop (which is
nearby), but it is likely you have not heard of Pomona. This ghost town is absolutely
stunning for pictures as the only people who will be with you on this tour will be
whomever else is part of the small once-a-day tour group.
Some ruins of the abandoned mining town.
After visiting the abandoned towns and satellite settlements of Pomona, your Coastways
tour will take you to one of the greatest geological wonders in Namibia: The Bogenfels
Arch. Extending from the land to the sea the Bogenfels stands at an impressive 60
metres at its highest point. With waves crashing at on end of the arch, while the other
side slopes into the desolate Sperrgebiet, it is truly an impressive sight to behold.
The mighty rock arch that is the Bogenfels.
This tour is a must for anyone interested in history, photography and getting off the
beaten path. Not only will you be given a unique historical insight into Namibia on this
tour but you will also be able to spend some time in one of the most abandoned places
on earth, far away from the crowds of tourists and bustle of the city.
To read a first-hand account of this adventure read our blog on the tour through the
Sperrgebiet.
Where to stay
There is really only one realistic accommodation option if you want to do this tour and
that is Luderitz. Coastways operates out of the small town and the tour is a full day so
you will be spending the night in Luderitz.
Luderitz, one of the friendliest places you are likely to visit.
The Nest Hotel in Luderitz has a good relationship with Coastways and they will be able
to book you a tour if you ask at reception. To find out more click here to go to the Nest
Hotel's website.
The Nest Hotel.
There are several other places to stay in Luderitz as well, here’s a list of the various
options available to travellers:
Bayview Hotel: Tel: +264-63-202-288
, bayview@namibnet.com
Kapps Hotel
: Tel: +264-63-202-345
, pmk@mweb.com.na
Kratzplatz B&B
: Tel: +264-63-202-458
Haus Sandrose
: Tel: +264-63-202-630
Hansa Haus Self Catering
: Tel: +264-63-203-581
Obelix Village B&B
: Tel: +264-63-203-456
Island Cottage Self Catering
: Tel: +264-81-292-298
2. Finding the wild horses of Namibia
What it is: Namibia’s southern region is home to one of the few feral populations of wild
horses in the world. Near the small town of Aus these majestic animals roam freely
along with ostriches, gemsbok and whatever other migrating herds of animals traverse
through the region.
A herd of wild horses on the move.
(Photo by Cheryl Korff, via Panoramio)
It is widely believed that the current horse herds are a result of animals having escaped
from the German military during World War I. These horses then interbred with other
abandoned horses from nearby stud farms that used to operate in the area. If you are
interested in a more thorough history of these animal you can read it here.
The horses have had to adapt to their harsh envrionment.
The great thing about these animals is they offer wonderful photo opportunities for
photographers as you have a chance to take some quite surreal snaps of these usually
domesticated animals living in the wild.
Two horses in full flight.
(Image courtesy of Vincent Grafhorst)
There is an observation point from which you can watch the horses. It is a shelter that
has been constructed so that visitors can sit on benches and under shade while they
watch the horses and various other game interact at the nearby watering hole.
An unusual gathering of horses, ostriches and Oryx is common place at this watering hole.
Where to stay
The best place to stay if you want to spend an afternoon with the feral horses is in the
village of Aus. Aus has several accommodation options that can account for everybody’s
needs.
Klein Aus Vista is a collection of different accommodations that range in price and size.
Check out their websitehere to make a booking.
The Banhof Hotel is also a good bet if you want to stay in the charming little village.
Visit their website by clickinghere.
3. Kitesurfing in Luderitz
This is Kitesurfing.
(photo courtesy of Geesche Neuberg)
What it is
Luderitz is undeniably one of the best places on earth to do Kitesurfing. This is not an
exaggeration as every year the best kitesurfers flock to this tiny coastal town to get in on
the action at the Luderitz Speed Challenge (read more about this event here).
Kitesufer at the Luderitz Speed Challenge.
(photo via KitesportsKitesurfaris)
Of course the Speed Challenge only last a few days every year but that is not when the
kitesurfing ends. Element Riders, who operate out of both Luderitz and Swakopmund,
offer a variety of options to visitors who want to get on a board.
Element Riders can provide you with all the equipment you will need to cruise atop the
Atlantic waves just off the shore of Namibia. They offer lessons and local advice for
people who have never gone kitesurfing before and for those who are more experienced
and are in search of the perfect conditions.
Element Riders have a large variety of equipment.
From small scale kites to the big ones pictured above.
The weather in Luderitz is remarkably consistent and there is almost always a good
strong wind blowing to make sure your kite stays up in the air. The swell rarely becomes
dangerous and remains consistent; it is these factors that make Luderitz a must-visit for
kitesurfers.
Where to stay
The great thing about kitesurfing with Element Riders is that they have their own
backpackers that you can stay at. Check out their website here for more info on their
accommodations.
Element Rideris is also centrally located in Luderitz, making it easy to find.
For those of you looking to stay in a hotel The Nest Hotel (mentioned above) comes
highly recommended, you can book a room here.
Here, once again, is the list of guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and backpackers in
Luderitz:
Bayview Hotel: Tel: +264-63-202-288
, bayview@namibnet.com
Kapps Hotel
: Tel: +264-63-202-345
, pmk@mweb.com.na
Kratzplatz B&B
: Tel: +264-63-202-458
Haus Sandrose
: Tel: +264-63-202-630
Hansa Haus Self Catering
: Tel: +264-63-203-581
Obelix Village B&B
: Tel: +264-63-203-456
Island Cottage Self Catering
: Tel: +264-81-292-298
Shark Island Camping & Bungalows
: Tel: +264-63-202-752
Backpackers Lodge
: Tel: +264-63-202-000
4. The Fish River Lodge Five Night Hike
A guide surveys the long trail ahead.
What it is: This adventure is an absolute must for anyone who is interested in hiking.
The multiple day scenic trek will take you through the world’s second largest canyon.
Along the way you will be treated to superb scenery and clear blue skies. You are also
more than likely going to catch glimpses of Oryx, mountain zebras, and if you are lucky,
rhinos.
Unfortunately sometimes the only trace one finds of the rhinos on the trail are their spoor
or droppings.
The Fish River Lodge offers guided tours of this amazing canyon, but take note, this hike
is not for young children and should only be attempted out of summer by individuals in
sound health. If you want more specific information on this hike then check out the Fish
River Lodge’s activity page here.
The hike on offer is astonishing and if you want to get a small taste of what it is like to
hike through the canyon then check out our post on hiking through the canyon. From
the amazing terrain and wildlife, to the brilliantly clear night sky this journey through
one of Namibia’s natural wonders comes highly recommended.
Hikers in the late morning sun.
Where to stay
On arrival you will spend your first night in the Fish River Lodge once your hike is
complete you are free to book a few more nights at the lodge or move on to the next
destination.
The lodge is luxurious- just the thing you want after five days of hiking!
These are just four adventures in the south of Namibia. There are many more to be had,
and if you must decide which adventure is best for you. Happy planning and happy
exploring
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Namibia is serious about conservation. So much so that we have enshrined the
protection of the environment in our constitution.
This video courtesy of the WWF highlights the active role all of the communities across
Namibia play in one of the world's most inspiring conservation success stories.
Watch the video here: http://ow.ly/wFeAV — withTerry Bianchi.
The Namib Naukluft National Park straddles both the Kalahari and the Namib deserts.
As a result of this it contains some of the most inspiring and beautiful landscapes in
Namibia.
The 50,000 square kilometre national park is home to Sandwich Harbour, Sossusvlei,
Sesriem Canyon, the Welwitschia Trail, the Kuiseb Canyon and the Naukluft Mountains.
Follow this link for more info on this remarkable national park: http://ow.ly/wzmal
Picture by B.C. Tørrissen via Wikimedia Commons
http://ow.ly/wzmf8
The Waterberg Plateau National Park is an excellent place for travelers (and their
families!) to go on guided safari drives and unguided walks through the reserve.
This picture is of a young father and his daughter taking in the astonishing panoramic
view from the edge of the Waterberg Plateau.
Find out more here: http://ow.ly/wu2ha
Did you know you can track rhinos in the Kunene with Save the Rhino Trust
Namibia?
Here’s a video to show just how amazing this experience is: http://ow.ly/woLU0
You can also help the Trust ensure that Namibia's rhino population continues to grow by
supporting conservation efforts in the Land of the Brave.
More info: http://ow.ly/woLXs
Twitter
Namibia Tourism @NamibiaHorizons
This video from the @WWF: http://ow.ly/wFeAV reveals the extent of #Namibia's
#conservation successes http://ow.ly/i/5vS5P
Namibia Tourism @NamibiaHorizons
A4) Suggested itineraries & activities like The Sossusvlei #Desert Lodge.
#seetheworld Namibia Tourism @NamibiaHorizons
A3) A spa/massage on the deck while viewing scenery of the Kunene River like this at
Serra Cafema Camp. #seetheworld pic.twitter.com/BBusaIJn6Z