Namibia Tourism Information: Main Attractions
Etosha National Park
Etosha, "the place of dry water," is one of the last great wilderness experiences remaining in Africa. Covering 22 270km2, the park encompasses a vast salt pan 129 kilometers long an 72 kilometers wide. Once large lake fed by the Kunene River, the pan dried up thousands of years ago when geology forced the river on a new course.
The vegetation is largely savannah grassland and Mopani woodland which surrounds the Pan. Game that can be found here are four of the big five, Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard. Various sorts of buck from the majestic Kudu to the gentle Springbok can also be found. Always a please are the Giraffe and Zebras that roam in large herds throughout the park.
Fish River Canyon
The second largest Canyon in the world winds along the Koubis massif for some 160 km and reaches a height of 550 meters. It is situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, and is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. The Fish River Canyon is also home to a world famous 5 day hiking trail which streches some 90 kilometers form Ai-Ais which is close to the canyon's mouth.
Swakopmund
A quaint little town on the edge of the desert caught between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib desert. The majority of its buildings date back to the late 19th, early 20th century and are of German origin in excellent conditions and worthy of some extensive exploration while you are in town.
It is home to one of Namibia's most famous coffee shops, and an excellent coastal atmosphere. While here you can do some parachuting over the desert which is almost a must, go out quadbiking in the dunes, The possibility to view the skeleton coast from an airplane is also possible and can be arranged for you.
The town thanks its origins back to the German colonisation of the then German Südwest Afrika when in search of a harbour the site at the mouth of the Swakop River was chosen in 1892. The first notable landing taking place in 1893 when the first of the settlers and some colonial troops were put on land to settle here.
The name Swakopmund is derived from the a Nama name being "Tsoakhaub" which was has a meaning of "bowel opening" which is an apt description of the river mouth which carries large amounts of mud, vegetation and animal corpses when it reaches the sea. All the rivers in Namibia are perennial rivers, meaning they only flow when there is sufficient rain in the catchment areas. The current form has been used since around 1896.
The local beer "Tafel" is considered by some to be the best lager in the world and should definetly be tried. The town also boasts a nightlife which is the best in the country with several nightclubs being open sometimes till the next morning when you can then witness a sunrise over the dunes.
Windhoek
Windhoek being the capital of Namibia is also the largest city in Namibia with a total population of around 200 000. It is a city that is situated in the magnificent Khomas Hochland mountain range and straddles several mountains within the city limits.
The city got its name when Jan Jonker, reached the Ai Gams springs in Windhoek and settled here. It remined him so much of his farm Winterhoek, which is situated close to Tulbagh in the western Cape that he called the settlement Winterhoek.
Places of interest within Windhoek include, the Museum, Zoo Park, Tintenpalast, Post Street Mall market, various sidewalk Cafes, various cultural centres and craft centres that are spread throughout the town. (We will ensure that you have all the information at your fingertips when you arrive.)
While in town you can do a city tour on the back of a vintage bus which will take you through to sunset and sundowners over the city of Windhoek.
Walvis Bay
Walvis bay was discovered in 1487 by Bartholomeus Diaz when he searched for refuge while trying to discover a sea route between Europe and India. Thereafter in 1784 American whalers started using the bay while on their excursions. In its existence it has been held by a number of nations amongst them Holland, France, United Kingdom, South Africa before finally being handed to Namibia on the 1st March 1994 three years after Namibia gained its independence from South Africa.
Still largely a harbour town it also represents Namibia's fishing industry. It also boasts a desert golf course within the city limits, so if golf is your game bring along your sticks.
The bay itself is a bird sanctuary which is home to a large variety of bird life in large flocks but most famously the Flamingo with its pink wings that takes refuge here.
While in Walvis Bay you can visit the Oyster Farm, which you will have to agree are amongst the best in the world. Also the home of the highest dune in the area being Dune 7 which is on the way to Rooikop Airport. On the road between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund you will find several companies offering excursions such as dune boarding and quadbiking which is an absolute must while you are in the area. Dolphin cruises into the bay can be arranged on request, as well as day trips to Sandwich Harbour a secluded bird sanctuary which can only be accessed by 4 wheel drive vehicles.
Okahandja
The administrative capital of Hereroland, situated some 70 kilometers north of Windhoek this town is famous for its woodcarvers markets where each and every tourist that visits Namibia has to learn to bargain with the local population for a souvenir to remember this visit to Namibia by.
Annually Okahandja hosts celebrations for Hero Day when the Herero people get together to celebrate their fallen tribesmen.
Other places of interest in the area are the Von Bach Dam, Windhoek gets its drinking water from this dam, an ostrich farm on the outskirts of town and the Gross Barmen hot springs about 34 kilometers out of town.
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