Northern Sperrgebiet concession The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has given tour operators such as Uri Adventures/ Topnaar 4x4 (a joint venture) and Coastway Tours concessions to conduct a limited number of trips annually along the stretch of coastline between Sylvia Hill northwards to Sandwich Harbour in the wilderness section of the Namib-Naukluft Park. Participants drive in their own vehicles and are accompanied throughout the trip by a tour guide in the leading vehicle and an assistant driving at the rear of the convoy with the kitchen equipment and food for the
tour on board. A MET representative assists the tour when deemed necessary. Points of interest include Saddle Hill, Koichab Pan, Sylvia Hill, Conception Bay, Langewand, the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, Fischersbrunn and Sandwich Harbour.
Ancient shipwreck discovered In April 2008, a shipwreck was discovered along the southern Sperrgebiet coast with priceless treasure in the form of glittering gold coins and hundreds of almost mint-condition silver pieces. Other artefacts retrieved were fifty ivory tusks, thousands of Portuguese
RON SWILLING
kayaking down the Orange River to observe the birds and animals that frequent this internationally renowned Ramsar Wetland Site and viewing the wealth of succulents, some growing as tall as trees and many putting on a spectacular floral display after winter rains. Because the Sperrgebiet, due to its diamond wealth, has been off limits to the public for close to a century, the habitat is largely untouched and pristine, making a visit to the park a truly unique wilderness experience. A permit issued by the Namibian Police is required to enter this area. These permits are arranged by tour operators who take visitors into the Sperrgebiet.
Four- to six-day kayak trails are a popular activity on the Orange River.
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RON SWILLING
The Keetmanshoop Tourism Centre is housed in an old German post office.
The south is mostly navigated via gravel roads.