Sights in Southern Namibia
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Fish River Canyon
The NWR Administers The Main Access Points To Fish River Canyon, which is entered at Hobas, near the Northern end of the park, or at Ai-Ais, near the Southern end. All accommodation must be booked in advance through the Windhoek office. Daily park permits, which cost around US$3 per person and around US$3 per vehicle, are valid for both Hobas and Ai-Ais.
Note that following the death of an ill-prepared hiker in 2001, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) decided to prohibit day hikes into Fish River Canyon, despite the fact that over the years, thousands of people have done it without incident. During the cooler weather, however, you may be able to get special permission at…
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Hot Springs
Ai-Ais is Nama for 'Scalding Hot' and these springs are beneath the towering peaks at the southern end of Fish River Canyon National Park. Although the 60°C springs have probably been known to the San for thousands of years, the legend goes that they were 'discovered' by a nomadic Nama shepherd rounding up stray sheep. They're rich in chloride, fluoride and sulphur, and are reputedly therapeutic for sufferers of rheumatism or nervous disorders.
The hot water is piped to a series of baths and jacuzzis as well as an outdoor swimming pool. A pleasant diversion is the short scramble to the peak which rises above the opposite bank (note that the trail isn't marked). It…
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Goerke Haus
Lieutenant Hans Goerke came to Swakopmund with the Schutztruppe in 1904, though he was later posted to Lüderitz, where he served as a diamond company manager. His home, designed by architect Otto Ertl and constructed in 1910 on Diamond Hill, was one of the town's most extravagant.
Goerke left for Germany in 1912 and eight years later his home was purchased by the newly formed Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM) to house the company's chief engineer. When the CDM headquarters transferred to Oranjemund in 1944, the house was sold to the government and became occupied by the resident Lüderitz magistrate. In 1981, however, the magistrate was shifted to Keetmanshoop, and the…
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Felsenkirche
This prominent Evangelical Lutheran church, dominates Lüderitz from high on Diamond Hill. The church was designed by Albert Bause, who implemented the Victorian influences he'd seen in the Cape. With assistance from private donors in Germany, construction of the church began in late 1911 and was completed the following year. The brilliant stained-glass panel situated over the altar was donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II, while the Bible was a gift from his wife.
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Fish River
This typically flows between March and April. Early in the tourist season, from April to June, it may diminish to a trickle, and by mid-winter, to just a chain of remnant pools along the canyon floor. Fish River, which joins the Orange River 110km south of the canyon, has been gouging out the tremendous canyon gorge for aeons.
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Colonial Buildings
Lüderitz is chock-a-block with colonial buildings, and every view reveals something interesting. The curiously intriguing architecture, which mixes German Imperial and Art Nouveau styles (check out the odd little Concert and Ball Hall), makes this bizarre little town appear even more other-worldly.
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Hikers' Viewpoint
Hikers' Viewpoint, the start of the hiking route, has picnic tables, braai pits and toilets. Just around the corner is a good overview of the northern part of the canyon. If you are partaking in the five-day Fish River Trail hike, this is your starting point.
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Old Train Station
Lüderitz's first train station was completed in 1907 along with the railway line itself. However, following the discovery of diamonds the facilities became swamped, and a new station was commissioned in 1912 to handle the increased traffic.
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Lüderitz Museum
This museum contains information on the town's history and includes displays on natural history, local indigenous groups and the diamond-mining industry. Phone to arrange a visit outside standard opening hours.
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Main Viewpoint
A few kilometres south of Hiker's Viewpoint, this spot has probably the best - and most photographed - overall canyon view. This vista takes in the sharp river bend known as Hell's Corner.
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Agate Bay
Agate Bay is made of tailings from the diamond workings. There aren't many agates these days, but you'll find fine sand partially consisting of tiny grey mica chips.
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Old Post Office
The old post office was originally designed by railway commissioner Oswald Reinhardt in 1908, though it now serves as the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) office.
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