Adventure Tourism in Namibia

Although Namibia is easily accessible some regions do lend themselves to some serious “off-roading” drivers need to know their stuff. These 4×4 experiences are offered as either guided or self-drive tours, with some off the best found in the sand of the Namib Desert. Operators like Coast Way Tours offer guided self-drive tours all the way from Luderitz to Walvis Bay, exploring the barren sandy coast.

Slow driving over rocky tracks, sandy stretches and plenty of sunshine are conditions that should be expected. The same goes for ending the day with a beautiful campfire and lively discussions.

For the enthusiastic birder to Namibia, the vast variety of both resident and migratory birds can only be exciting. Most bird species favor specific habitats above others and thus Namibia is blessed with a variety of birding destinations where the keen twitcher can satisfy their interests by sighting and recording new species. Some species are sighted more regularly when water and food sources are not in abundance, however some locations like Etosha are much more viable for birding during the rainy season than that of game viewing. Stable water sources during the early months of summer are always a good choice for a serious day of birding.

Birding is popular all over Namibia even among locals, thus be comforted that it is an activity available across the country. Some major birding locations include Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau, the Caprivi and northern river systems, as well as the coast, with spots like Sandwich Harbor and Walvis Bay lagoon. The Namib Desert offer great opportunities for sighting rare endemics like the Herero Chat and Dune Lark. In general, birding is very adequate in the country providing from the smallest, Scaly Feathered Finch to the heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard.

Over 120 caves have been registered in Namibia, the various environments providing plenty of adrenaline-inducing and educative experiences. The longest and only tourist (because of on-site facilities) cave in Namibia is Arnhem Cave, with slightly over 4,800 meters total passage length and intersect groundwater. The cave is very dusty and dry, with almost no secondary cave formations. Visitors are allowed only torches or cave lamps to negotiate Arnhem’s large chambers and winding passages. The lack of development causes minimal disturbance of the extensive and diverse bat population, which also ensures the conservation of several unique invertebrate species. Six species of bats have been recorded at Arnhem, including the giant leaf-nosed bat. Overnight accommodation is available at the site.

A national monument and the third largest cave in Namibia, the Gaub Cave in the Otavi Mountains can be visited on the Ghaub Guest Farm, from where tours are organized with a designated guide, minor’s lamp and safety helmet. The Gaub cave is 38 meters in depth with 2.5 km of chambers and passageways. Petrified waterfalls, organ pipes, rock curtains and interesting crystal growths are some of the features to be seen.

Dragon’s Breath, near Tsumeb, is another well-known cave, hosting the world’s largest underground lake. Cave diving can be done here, but it’s only accessible for professional and well-equipped cavers.

Another well-visited cave of a totally different nature is Phillip’s Cave in the Erongo Mountains north of Karibib. Containing a famous rock painting of a white elephant and many others, it is surrounded by an evocative rock formation, called Bull’s Party, due to its semblance to a group of conferring bovines.

Permission from the landowners is required to visit other caves in Namibia, with visits to certain caves requiring official permits. Visitors are recommended to wear industrial dust masks when visiting caves with thick deposits of dry bat guano. Since bats are of great ecological importance, visitors are asked not to disturb them, particularly during the wet season (January – April) when bats are breeding.

Cave disease (histoplasmosis) has not been recorded from any Namibian caves. Prospective visitors, particularly if they come from countries with histoplasmosis, or visit Namibia after caving in such countries, are therefore requested to ensure that all their equipment is cleaned and sanitized before entering Namibia. Such simple precautions may keep Namibian caves uninfected and safe for casual visitors.

Namibia’s varied geology encompasses rocks of Archaen to Phanerozoic age, thus covering more than 2600 million years of earth history. Nearly half of the country’s surface area is bedrock exposure, while young surficial deposits of the Kalahari and Namib Deserts cover the remainder.

Geology is a topic travelers will find in discussion on any tour in Namibia, however meant for the laymen enthusiast. For the novice or fanatic, most tour operators provide custom tours focusing on the detailed side of Namibian geology, while enjoying all the rest the country has to offer.

Because of the high summer temperatures, tough terrain and lack of water, hiking in Namibia requires careful planning. That said, a wide-variety of walks, overnight hiking trails and guided wilderness trails are available for those looking to see the sights on foot.

Public routes are often subject to various regulations, which are listed with the description of the trails in the dropdown above. A fee is due for most trails in national parks.

For accomplished riders there are several adventure options, including the Namib Desert Ride of about 400 km starting in the Khomas Hochland and leading through the Kuiseb Canyon, Tinkas, Tumas and Welwitschia Plains, Moon Valley, the seasonal Swakop River and coastal dunes to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Greater Fish River Canyon Ride traverses three private parks: Fish River Canyon Park, Gondwana Park and Aussenkehr Park, combining dramatic canyon landscapes, spacious desert plains and the mighty Orange River, covering between 2050 km per day over eight and a half days. The Fish River Canyon Ride takes three and a half days of riding through the second biggest canyon in the world where zebra paths, steep tracks, savannah grasslands and rocky tributaries form part of the path.

The Desert Horse Ride is a more relaxed ride, guided by Dr Telan Greyling, a botanist and world authority on the wild horses of Namibia. The 4-day circular ride traverses Sperrgebiet Rand Park, a private reserve adjoining the Sperrgebiet National Park, and habitat of the wild horses.

On the Damara Elephant Ride, which takes six and a half days through vast open spaces on horseback, riders can expect to see elephant, giraffe and rhino in a desert habitat, ancient craters and remnants from prehistoric times, not to mention the forbidding Skeleton Coast. These trails are all offered by the Namibia Horse Safari Company.

The Desert Homestead 35 kilometres from Sossusvlei, offers accommodation in rock chalets with views across the Nubib Mountains. Under the trade name Desert Homestead & Horse Trails, the enterprise offers horse trails into the surrounding plains and watercourses, including breakfast rides, sunset rides, a 4×4 Sossusvlei excursion, an introductory ride, sleeping in the desert, and an optional sun downer ride. Packages that include the Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund and Grootberg are also available.

Grootberg Lodge also offers additional morning and afternoon rides. The horses at Grootberg hail from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, are tough as nails and totally unfazed by the sudden appearance of elephants. Most of them are Arab barbs bred in the area and bought from the donkey carts. River Crossing, 3 km outside of Windhoek en route to the international airport offers morning and afternoon rides, as well as full day rides, which include lunch at the foot of a cliff. The pace is varied and suited to the weakest rider in the group.

Horse trails at BaellsPort are geared to experienced riders as well as beginners, and include tailor-made overnight trails into the Naukluft with participants sleeping under the stars.

From just outside of Swakopmund, Okakambe Trails offers tailor-made overnight trails into desert terrains varying from sand dunes and rocky plains to mountains and dry riverbeds. The daily distance covered is approximately 30 to 40 km, depending on the experience of the riders and the weather conditions.

Okapuka Horse Safaris offers rides in close proximity to Windhoek. Riders can expect to be on horseback for between 4 to 5 hours per day on willing, forward going, responsive Arabian horses. Depending on time of arrival, it usually comprises of seven days of riding.

Namibia is a mix of largely untouched scenery, majestic plateau mountains and extinct volcanoes, gentle dunes and coarse gravel plains, deep canyons and rugged mountain ranges. If you explore these landscapes on foot, you have the leisure and the opportunity to take a closer look at the many miracles filling this arid country with life.

Those who aim for the top are drawn to Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s version of the Matterhorn, or Brandberg with Kanigstein, the highest peak in the country.

Namibia, the thirstland wilderness, offers a selection of the finest photographic opportunities. This land of contrast and beauty is ideally suited to the professional and amateur alike. Whether the passion is for images of people, nature or landscapes, Namibia has it all and more. This destination features a wide range of photo subjects and the superb weather provides excellent light variations. This ensures the visitor can exercise creative styles or simply record the unique beauty of the land, its inhabitants and its abundant nature. To capture prized images our visitors can travel by land or air.

The country is ideally suited to both, with a good road infrastructure and a selection of aircraft for charter. Some air charter companies operate aircraft with clear windows allowing sharp aerial photography. Vehicles utilized for guided travel feature sliding windows for use where wildlife may be shy or present a danger. A selection of suitable rental vehicles is available for independent travel. Itineraries are tailor made to include the specific subject interests of the visitor.

Options include group or private travel on a guided or independent basis.Africa, the continent of big game, has many game reserves and parks. The great Etosha National Park is probably one of the best for game numbers, variety, as well as viewing game throughout the day. The vegetation in most parts is rather sparse. Etosha is fantastic for the wildlife photographer.Namibia photographic safaris are designed for the keen or professional photographer. Even though any tour or safari to Namibia is, and can be. Photographic safaris are different to other tours where visitors spend more time in certain areas such as photographing desert and dune landscapes or wildlife in Etosha and Kaokoland.

Namibian operators know that a photographer needs more time, has to study the light, has to find the correct site, as well as having a specific interest, hence the options of guided or self-drive is available from most tour operators, world class photographic shops in all towns to assist with technical details or repairs.When travelling to Namibia please bare in mind that the country is a warm country and dusty, hence insure that camera bags seal effectively, that you bring along cleaning equipment and remember that the sun is very bright, even more in areas like Etosha where the ground is very whitish, so insure that adequate UV and polarized filters accompany you on safari.

The best time of day to shoot is early morning or late afternoon. This is when the colors become really deep, the atmosphere has a glow (early morning light can be bleak) and if you’re into sunsets, this is the time to shoot, as there’s a lot of dust hanging around for strong reds and oranges and silhouettes become spectacular. However, this does not mean that you must never take photographs in the middle of the day.

If the scene looks good to you, take the picture, because what you see is what you get. Which, incidentally, means you can take pictures of mirages although they are optical illusions. They are at their most striking in the middle of the day.

Together with Chile and Hawaii, Namibia is considered to be one of the top three destinations for stargazing in the world. With its generally cloudless night sky, especially in the dry winter months, minimal contamination by artificial light and air pollution, and excellent view of the southern constellations, Namibia has superb stargazing conditions. As such it is favoured by professional and amateur astronomers alike.

Namibia was chosen as the best site for the multi-national Max Planck High Energy Stereoscopic System experiment (H.E.S.S.), now fully operational on Farm Gaulschau near the Gamsberg. Many lodges have medium-sized telescopes (up to 16″ diameter) for use by guests, and provide novice stargazing guests with a laymen’s introduction to astrology.

The Khomas Hochland/Gamsberg area west of Windhoek has the third-clearest, least light-polluted sky in the world. An impressive ‘farm’ of telescopes and other equipment is maintained by the German-based International Amateur Observatory at the guest farm Hakos on top of the Gamsberg Pass, two hours’ drive away from Windhoek.

Namibia is a camper’s paradise. There are a medley of sights, smells, tastes and sounds to be experienced and enjoyed through camping in Namibia from the harsh, barren, stony plains around the Fish River Canyon, past the vast red dunes of Sossusvlei, along the wind-swept shores of the cold Atlantic Ocean to the seemingly endless plains and rocky mountains of Damaraland and the humid forests on the banks of the Zambezi River in Caprivi. Each corner holds a secret treasure of its own. There is a wide choice of sites all over Namibia for seasoned campers or nervous novices on their first camping holiday, from luxury campsites under shady trees and grassy lawns, to wild places under a camel-thorn tree in a sandy riverbed.

In recent years, there has been a growth in preference for conservancy or community campsites. These campsites, especially in the northwest and northeast of the country, have stylishly natural designs, and have been built with material from the area such as latte (sapling poles), reeds and thatch, with some being constructed creatively in boulder alcoves or on riverbanks. The majority have flush toilets and hot water, provided either by solar panels or the remarkably efficient wood-burning donkeys, and a shaded lapa area or kitchen counter with sink and wooden railway-sleeper counter tops. Others, in the watery north, have decks overlooking the river.

Camping holidays have become very popular and offer the traveler an inexpensive alternative to seeing Namibia. Many travelers spend most nights camping and using every 3rd or 4th night to refresh and spoil themselves in a more luxurious lodge and also to keep the rising expenses under control. Camping is a good alternative to discovering unexplored parts of Namibia and at the same time being in close contact to nature. Most car rental companies are offering the traveler a selection of camping equipment to take along on their journey. The country’s weather conditions and the large selection of campsites throughout the country are ideal for the adventurous traveler.

The Namib Desert, the oldest in the world, is reputed to house some of the largest sand dunes on this planet. Come conquer these constantly shifting and powerfully towering beauties by zooming down the sheer slip faces on a traditional Swakopmund sandboard or carve up the dune with style and skill on a snowboard adapted for sand. Lie down boarding: Catch your breath and gasp at the slope as you lie face down, dangling over the edge of the slip face, before being pushed off the edge and sent on your way down the curving rolling, sandy slopes. Beginning on training rides, Little Nellie and Brigit, we master the basics. With confidence under the belt, we then wind our way around the dune to the terrible twins, Lizzie and Dizzie, where a heart stopping 80kph can be reached.

Highly recommended for snowboarders, surfers and even the inexperienced boarder. Top range equipment and excellent instruction make this activity a must do for the determined adventurer.

Dune and sandboarding are predominantly offered at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay the two major centers in the tourist recreational area, the dunes are situated around and between the two towns facing the Atlantic Ocean. Numerous operators provide boarding activities or equipment hire. For those who have no previous experience it is recommended to use a guided activity operator, as boarding like any other adventure activity has an element of danger.

Better known as four-wheeling in some parts, quadbiking has become one of the more popular activities in Namibia, especially around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. This is one of the best ways to access parts of the sand dunes that even 4×4’s can’t reach. There is a bit of controversy over the use of bikes in the sand dunes as it poses a threat to some of the rare animal species and plant life that make the sand dunes their homes. However, the legitimate companies that make quadbiking in the dunes an adventure experience also make conserving their environment a priority.

With the fresh southwesterly winds and a nice, soft place to land, the dunes around Swakopmund represent one of the great paragliding training facilities in the world.

Paragliding in Namibia is usually done with a guide that knows the conditions and flying sites in Namibia. The dunes are regulated by the local training school to insure safety and reduce overcrowding. It is best to be in a travel group because it makes the trip cheaper. Hence, available tours are scheduled start form September to the end of March, which are the main season and the best flying times in Namibia. Tours include all transfers, specialized training in strong wind reverse launch techniques, accommodation, guiding and permits.

Namibia’s premiere drop zone is located just outside the coastal town of Swakopmund. The scenery viewed while floating peacefully under an inflated parachute is simply breathtaking. Some skydiving clubs have been operating since 1980, and carry on a long tradition of high quality skydiving, training and fun that has always been associated with the coastal town.

There are two skydiving clubs in Swakopmund that offer a professional training service. If you are already a skydiver you can arrange a scheduled jump and if you are a novice there are two options available. You can complete a one-day training course that will qualify you for a static line jump on the same day. Jumping with a static line means that when you jump, you are tied to the airplane with a special cord that automatically opens your parachute. Or you can do a much shorter course and complete a tandem, freefall jump. A tandem jump means that you are physically strapped to a qualified instructor. You jump out the plane together, freefall for 30 seconds or so and the instructor does all the hard stuff, like making sure your parachute opens.

Namibia has extensive airstrips across the country providing an extensive air transport system. Fly-in safaris are popular with visitors to Namibia who wish not to travel long distances and periods by road. Pilots or novices visiting the country have various options. craft can be hired or flown in, and training or recreational flying can be done in Namibia at various locations.

The popular location for flying in Namibia is at Bitterwasser Lodge, which is situated between Uhlenhorst and Hoachanas. Bitterwasser Lodge gives visitors an ideal opportunity to experience the unspoiled beauty of Namibia on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, with the comfort of a beautifully situated lodge. The Bitterwasser saltpan with its diameter of 3 kilometers is used as a runway system. Soon, the extraordinary thermal conditions of the Kalahari Desert became world famous.

Not only incredibly fast, but also exceptionally long glider flights have been and are flown regularly in Bitterwasser. As one of the world’s leading soaring centers, Bitterwasser offers soaring, scenic flights with a glider, micro-light or motorized planes, hot air ballooning, as well as nature drives, a swimming pool and biking.

Ballooning is like a magic carpet ride. While you fly, you do not feel any turbulence as you are travelling at the current wind speed. The tranquility of your flight will give you plenty photographic opportunities and unsurpassed views.

The pilot controls perfectly his altitude, but has no steering wheel. He will control his direction choosing the wind channels he will find at different levels. The ground crew has a permanent radio contact with the pilot. At Sossusvlei, a spectacular launching and take off as the sun rises over the world’s oldest desert over windswept dunes and the splendor of the desert play-out in front of you as you soar with the winds for an hour over the ocean of sand and mountains, an endless vista of shadow and light.

Part flying attached to a kite, part traditional surfing, Kite surfing is one of the most extreme sports on the water. Sail board enthusiasts flock to Walvis Bay and Luderitz for good reason. The wind conditions at these two locations are ideal to opening up a new range of tricks, heart-stopping stunts and world record speeds.

For beginners to intermediate level, Luderitz has a kite surf school operated by a professional. Luderitz is also home to the annual Luderitz Speed Challenge, a competition to see who is the fastest over 500 meters. During the 2012 event, no less than 16 national and three world records were broken in windsurfing. The *magical* 50knot/90kph+ barrier was broken! The current outright kite surf speed record is held in Luderitz (55.65knots)!

As the name implies, windsurfing necessitates blustery wind conditions, of which the Namibian coast is happy to deliver. Both Walvis Bay and Luderitz are considered two renowned spots for the sport, which combine elements of sailing with surfing and a bit of creative freestyling. Luderitz hosts the annual Luderitz Speed Challenge and at the 2012 event, many national (16) and three world records were smashed! Luderitz is now widely recognised to be the PREMIER spot for both wind and kite surfing.

Diving in Namibia is varied and challenging, requiring special technical skills. The coast is daunting, as sea temperatures vary from 9-C to 17-C and visibility is often as little as half a meter, at best no more than three meters. Many lakes and sinkholes provide perfect conditions year around, yet still hold the imagination of divers at all skill levels.

Though Namibia is mostly an arid region, the country boasts plenty of reservoirs and rivers many kayaking options are offered at the coast in Walvis Bay where one can explore the lagoon and the popular birdlife. Canoeing is also offered on the Kunene and Okavango rivers as an additional activity from the lodges located next to these rivers. The Kunene experience combines the adrenaline of the sport with the stark contrast of river and desert and has plenty of sightseeing, cultural and wildlife surprises. Rafting on the Orange River, otherwise known as the Gariep River on the southern border of Namibia, is quite unique as the Orange River is an older slower flowing river than the Kunene and is perfect for families with young ones.

The cold Atlantic waters off the Namib coast harbor a wealth of marine life, including two dolphin species and a large colony of Cape fur seals resident at Pelican Point.

The 1.3-metre-long Heaviside’s dolphin is endemic to the west coast and sightings are 99% successful, while the larger Atlantic bottlenose and dusky dolphins are seen less often. In season, larger mammals like the southern right and humpback whales may be spotted, and with a bit of luck, the mighty killer whales (orcas). Rare sightings of sunfish (mola mola) and leatherback turtles also keep guests on the lookout.

From meeting with pelicans to feeding seals, all can be seen while comfortably relaxing on a Catamaran while enjoying a glass of champagne and snacks. This is how to experience Walvis Bay, in luxury, style and comfort. Departure is from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club continuing into the beautiful bay area, which holds more beauty than the eye can see a shipwreck, lighthouse, oyster platforms, different bird species and more marine life. Taste our own Walvis Bay cultivated oysters, then proceed to the ever-growing Pelican Point to have a closer look at the lighthouse.

Moving around the point, three different types of dolphins may be encountered the Heavy Side Dolphins, Dusky Dolphins and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.In Season, the larger mammals like the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback Whales may be spotted, and with a bit of extra special luck the mighty Killer Whales (Orcas). Rare sightings of the Sunfish and the Leatherback Turtles also keep guest on the look out.