Things to do 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 Hoba…
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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 afford…
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Fish River Hiking Trail
The five-day hike from Hobas to Ai-Ais is Namibia's most popular long-distance walk - and with good reason. The magical 85km route, which follows the sandy riverbed past a series of ephemeral pools (in March and April the river actually does flow), begins at Hikers' Viewpoint, and ends at the hot spring resort of Ai-Ais.
Due to flash flooding and heat in the summer months, the route is open only from 1 May to 30 September. Groups of three to 40 people may begin the hike every day of the season, though you will have to book in advance as the trail is extremely popular.
Reservations can be made at the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) office in Windhoek Officials sometimes req…
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Löwenfish Hiking Trail
From April to October there's also this wonderful five-day, 85km hike. This hike takes in the Löwen Canyon and several days along Fish River Canyon, interrupted by several ascents to the plateau and descents down scenic cliffs. Camp sites (with no facilities) are situated at water sources along the way and the last night you can stay at the Koelkrans Camp with cooking facilities and hot showers. On the last day, hikers climb out of the canyon for the last time and follow a scenic route back to the lodge. Stages of the trip may be done as one- to four-day hikes. Note that prebooking is essential.
To reach the guest farm, head west from Keetmanshoop and turn south on the D…
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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 hou…
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Crystal Digging
A rewarding activity is to dig for the lovely crystals of calcium sulphate and gypsum known as sand roses, which develop when moisture seeps into the sand and causes it to crystallise into flowery shapes. The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) office issues digging permits, which are valid for a two-hour dig and up to three sand roses or a total weight of 1.5kg.
Diggers must be accompanied by an MET official, and have to use their hands or other light tools to extract the sand roses (hard tools would damage other buried specimens).
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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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Canyon Adventures Guest Farm
This friendly place, near Fish River Canyon, is situated on a ranch cradled in the confluence of the Löwen and Fish River Canyons amid some of the most amazing geology imaginable - don't just take our word for it! Highlights include the 4WD trip (around US$10) into the canyon to swim in the river pools, a 'garnet crawl', and seeing the bizarre petroglyphs in the rippled black dolerite.
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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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Ritzi's Seafood Restaurant
This long-standing institution is the top spot in town for seafood. Not surprisingly, it's always fully booked, so reservations are essential. Imaginative dishes are concocted from fish, lobster, oysters, game meats and beef, but there are usually a few vegetarian options on the menu.
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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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Ghost Town Tours
This company operates day trips to Elizabeth Bay, deep in the Sperrgebiet, and a full day taking in Kolmanskop, Elizabeth Bay and the Lüderitz Peninsula. These trips require a minimum of four people and permits must be issued at least a week in advance.
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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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Coastway Tours Lüderitz
Runs day tours to the 55m Bogenfels sea arch, Maerchental Valley and the ghost town of Pomona in the Sperrgebiet. This tour requires at least four participants and must be booked at least one week in advance.
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Karaman Weavery
This shop specialises in locally woven high-quality rugs and garments in pastel desert colours, with Namibian flora and fauna the favoured designs. It accepts special orders and can post them worldwide.
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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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Legends
This understated restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and serves up a healthy mix of seafood, grilled meats, pizzas and burgers, as well as the odd vegetarian option or two.
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Atlantic Adventure Tours
Weather permitting, this company sails daily with the schooner Sedina past the Cape fur seal sanctuary at Diaz Point and the penguin colony on Halifax Island.
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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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Diaz Coffee Shop
This quaint and cosy coffee shop serves excellent toasties, light meals, coffee and cakes - its Sunday continental breakfast is popular among locals.
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Fairies' Coffee Nook
This waterfront café offers attractive sea views and is the perfect spot to linger over a steaming cup of coffee and a sweet snack.
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Badger's
Although it primarily serves as the town watering hole, Badger's also serves up cheap pub grub as well as takeaway.
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