| COASTAL ITINERARY |
The coastal strip is where the hot Namib dunes meet the cold Atlantic Ocean, with the road between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay acting as an excellent scenic example of just how dramatic yet pristine this marvel can be. The areas in and around the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are the basis of Namibia’s adrenaline nucleus, hosting a wide range of activities that suit every taste. Swakopmund is Namibia’s premier holiday resort and can become crowded during school holidays and long weekends, so we recommend that you book well in advance. The strip falls within the Dorob National Park.
Day 1:
Departure from Windhoek. The 356km stretch of tarred road was recently widened and upgraded and is a pleasure to drive. Stop en route at the woodcarvers on the southern outskirts of Okahandja, for refreshments at the Wilhemstal or Namib Oasis (Usakos) farm stalls and finally at the small miners’ crystal stalls at the Spitzkoppe turn-off, 24 km outside Usakos. Make sure to reach Swakopmund in time for sundowners on the beach.
Day 2–5:
Spend your days in the dunes, on the beach, at the coast, fishing, quad-biking, horse-riding, admiring welwitschias, township touring, shipwreck spotting, traversing the moon landscape, taking an ocean cruise, coffee-shop hopping, or doing whatever tickles your fancy. Sandwich Harbour is definitely worth a visit, but you need a permit to enter the area, obtainable from MET offices. See page 180 for more activities in the surroundings. From Swakop, you can also take a day to explore the Henties Bay environs (see page 190), Cape Cross Seal Reserve, Wlotzkasbaken and the many smaller coastal settlements in between.
www.travelnewsnamibia.com
The remainders of the Natal and Winston shipwrecks are found here. Messum Crater and the saltpans are interesting beacons in the area, while a selection of hiking trails offers plenty for the fit and energetic.
Day 6/7:
Take a slow drive back to Windhoek. If you’re up for a soul-enriching experience of nature, or like boulder hopping and mountain climbing, then we recommend you set up camp for a day or two at the Spitzkoppe.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE Windhoek to the coast
An interesting alternative route from Windhoek to the coast leads westwards past the Daan Viljoen Game Park through the Khomas Hochland. This gravel road meanders through rugged hilly landscapes down the escarpment of the central plateau to the desert proper. An intriguing feature along this route is the once-resplendent Liebig Haus, its crumbling grandeur a reminder of a bygone era. It was built in 1912 on Farm Neu Heusis as a residence for the director of the Deutsche Farmgesellschaft (German Farmers’
45