Encompassing the bustling capital city of Windhoek, and the laidback seaside towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Central Namibia features an array of towns, deserts and wildlife reserves. The landscape of this region is characterised by a plateau scattered with clusters of acacia and grasslands sandwiched between the arid Namib Desert to the west and the lush Kalahari to the east. Visitors can soak in the steaming waters of the Cross Barmen Hot Springs, viewing a wide variety of wildlife at the spectacularly scenic reserves and explore the discover the untouched beauty of the beautiful Erongo Mountains with the breathtakingly beautiful Spitzkoppe, which offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in Namibia.
Spanning an area of 172,200 hectares and encompassing four distinct ecosystems, the Namib Rand Reserve is among the largest privately owned game parks in Southern Africa. Founded to conserve the unique environment and wildlife species of the south-western Namib Desert, the park’s mix of dunes, mountains, rocky outcrops, sandy flats and gravel plains provides habitats for a diversity of mammals – including hyenas, jackals, foxes, antelopes and various wild cats – as well as a plethora of bird species, reptiles, insects, frogs and flora. Visitors can discover the mysterious ‘fairy circles’, which dot the landscape and sip on sundowners while watching the sunset over this unspoilt ancient landscape. Having been named Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, it is one of the least light-polluted areas in the world, so don't miss this excellent star gazing opportunity.
Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular.
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is encircled by magnificent mountains, expansive valleys, fertile farmlands, lodges and luxury guest farms. The landscape of the Greater Windhoek area surrounding this bustling city is characterised by vast valleys, thick scrub, rocky hills, and covered in golden savannah. Visitors can explore the dry river beds and mountainous scrublands, as well as enjoy birding, leopard-spotting and view large quantities of wildlife in the north; visit the more arid eastern part with its olive, potato and date plantations; explore the rolling hills of the Khomas Hochland Mountains in the west of the Greater Windhoek area and soak up the epic views along a number of scenic passes leading off the high plateau including: Bosua Pass, Gamsberg Pass and Spreetshoogte Pass.
