Namibian Highlights

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An August 1999 trip to Namibia by Heather F

Lion kills can be seen in Namibia Photo - Namibia, Africa

Quote: Not nearly as well-known as its African neighbours, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, the desert dominated Namibia has fascinating natural spectacles which make it a fascinating place to visit.

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Namibian Highlights

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Overview

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Visit the Sossusvlei Dunes at sunrise. Go tandem skydiving. Descend Fish River Canyon. Canoe the Orange River. See the animals at Etosha.

Quick Tips:

Bloedkoppie just outside Swakopmund is a great place to camp Try and see the bizarre Welwitschia plants

Best Way To Get Around:

There is next to no public transport in Namibia. Either hire a car or go on an organised tour (Guerba are good).

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Sossusvlei Dunes

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Attraction

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A massive collection of sand dunes up to 300 metres high. At sunrise (a must see time) they appear as abstract art with the curving ridges and black shadows. Look out for the beautiful black and white oryx. Dune 45 is a popular dune to climb at sunrise as it is the most accessible of the large dunes. It is so named because it is 45 km from Sesriem. It is over 150m high so be prepared for a climb. A fascinating 6 km walk is to Dead Vlei, an unearthly dry vlei dotted with dead trees contrasting with the surrounding red dunes. Be prepared for the sun & heat, take water, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses and take your time.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 23, 2000

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Etosha National Park

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Attraction

Zebras watching . .. Photo - Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa

Quote:

Heads up and ears twitching, the the impala, gemsbok and wildebeest are watching, listening. Scared? Definitely. Around this waterhole there is no eating and no drinking. Looking closely at the waterhole the reason is immediately clear. Lions. A pride of six lions are gorging themselves on a hapless wildebeest caught just minutes before we arrive. With blood splattered faces they tear chunks of meat from the carcass. Sated for the moment one moves away and lies lazily, eyes closing , relaxing in the sunshine. So ends my spectacular wildlife experience of Etosha National Park, one of Namibias best. A great game park with lots of animals in a desert-like landscape. Flood lit waterholes mean you c...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 23, 2000

Etosha National Park
Kunene Region
Northwestern Namibia
(0)6 12857200

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Fish River Canyon

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Attraction

Depths of Fish River Canyon Photo - Namibia, Africa

Quote:

Africa’s answer to the Grand Canyon and at 161 kilometres long and up to 500 metres deep, it is huge. It is possible to walk the length of the canyon or alternatively a tough half day walk goes from the rim to the bottom of the canyon and back (but don’t do it in summer). The northern end has a number of lookouts and is also where the steep descent down to the bottom can be completed. About 10 km from this area is the Hobas Campground. At the southern end is Ais-Ais Hot Spring resort where you can combine exploring the canyon (here it is much wider) with soaking in the hot springs.Due to the risk of flooding it is closed from the beginning of Novemebr to early March.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 23, 2000

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Swakopmund Skydiving

Story/Tip

Falling, Falling, Falling . . . . Photo - Namibia, Africa

Quote:

“Now just put one foot out on the footplate hanging onto the strut. then put the other one out too. I will move out with you. Let your hands go and I’ll take over,” says the instructor. Sounds easy doesn’t it! Not so when you are 10,000 feet (they still prefer this to metric) above the ground. Welcome to tandem skydiving, Namibian style.