3 4 5 TOP TEN CAMPING SPOTS: IN AND AROUND WINDHOEK Endless space, endless options There are almost as many campsite options as there is space. Close to the airport, Afrika Farm Ondekaremba hosts campers under lush acacia trees. An added attraction is a stargazing telescope with which to admire one of the darkest skies on the planet – from the stoep of a historical 115-year-old farm house. A bit farther down the highway, Trans Kalahari Inn provides grassy lawns for extra padding, plus proper spots for the evening fire. In the midst of civilisation, on the outskirts of the township and bordering the Goreangab Dam, Penduka is excellent place to become acquainted with aspects of Namibian life. Here women empower themselves through needlework and beadwork projects. It is the starting point for the one and only guided cycle tour through the Kasi. An alternative in-thecity option is Urban Camp, where you can lounge about in hammocks in the lapa while savouring a game-drive burger (a game and crocodile patty). And if burgers are not your thing, take the very short ”hiking trail” to Namibia’s most famous restaurant, Joe’s Beerhouse, or try some pizza across the road at Klein Windhoek Guest House. Located a bit further out of the city, San Karros Daan Viljoen boasts a good selection of animal and bird species. At Elisenheim there’s horse riding. Friedenau Dam gives the option
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(All located within 50km of the city) 1. Afrika Farm Ondekaremba 2. Düsternbrook Guest Farm 3. Elisenheim Guest Farm 4. Friedenau Dam 5. Melrose Game Farm 6. Monteiro 7. Penduka 8. San Karros @ Daan Viljoen 9. Trans Kalahari Inn 10. Urban Camp of fresh-water swimming, boating and wetting those fishing lines. Düsternbrook is another good choice, with a range of wildlife activities, including a mini Okavango experience with hippos, and a cheetah and leopard drive. As is the case all over the country, every camping spot has its charm and it really just depends on what kind of tent pitching, or rooftop popping experience you’re looking for. Point remains: it won’t take long until you start feeling comfortable with the abundance of breathing space and reconnect with your natural rhythm. And now that you’ve tasted silence and freedom, and are sure about having all your tent pegs in tow, the true Namibian adventure beckons.