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.
The Erongo Region is one of the largest of the 13 regions found in Namibia and received its name for the majestic Erongo Massif that dominates the area around Karibib, Omaruru and Usakos. The region reaches up to the Atlantic Ocean and includes the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, its northern boundary ending at the Ugab River where the Skeleton Coast National Park begins its stretch to Angola.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007), the hillside of red sandstone boulders (petrified sand dunes) of Twyfelfontein hold around 2,500 rock engravings, depicting various animals, footprints and patterns, and is one of the largest collection of its kind in Africa. Artefacts found at the site, dating back around 6,000 years, suggest the long-term occupation of Stone Age San hunter-gatherers, followed by Khoikhoi herders.
Twyfelfontein, meaning ‘uncertain spring’ in Afrikaans, was named by a farmer in 1946 because he wasn’t sure whether the spring would provide enough water to sustain his livestock and family. Evidence of the farm still remains today and the (undoubtedly rather feeble) spring provides a great attraction to bird life.
The main engravings of interest lie along two circular routes, taking around two hours, and a visitor centre provides information on the history, people and geology of the area.
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.
Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.
A hidden gem found in Namibia's Otjozondjupa region, Otavi is a small farming town and peaceful gateway to the beautiful Otavi Mountainlands. As it offers a selection of cosy accommodation options, including bed and breakfasts, self-catering units, hotels, guest houses and camping facilities, the town serves as a convenient stopping point to nearby tourist attractions. Approximately 35 kilometres east of Otavi is the Ghaub Cave, a fascinating underground network of rock formations, calcified waterfalls, crystal clusters and 2.5 kilometres of channels, passageways, rocky halls and a glittering underground lake. Several kilometres past the cave is the famous Hoba Meteorite – the world's largest known meteorite found to date. For further exploration, Otavi's strategic position along the three-way intersection of the B1, B8 and the C39 ensures seamless access to the Etosha National Park, the Caprivi Strip, and the "Bushmenland".
