do not hog the waves. A good tip to enjoy the waves at Cape Cross is to buy a permit from the reserve's office beforehand. There are plenty of good waves along the stretch of coast between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The beaches are open to the public, and all you have to look out for is a local braving the freezing waters for a swim. Well-known spots include Guns, Thicklip, Wreck, Lockjoint and Tiger Reef, all located around the Swakopmund area. Further south the strong winds of Lüderitz make for a different sort of surfing. Windsurfers and kitesurfers get the best out of a famous wind that blows throughout the year. The annual Lüderitz Speed Challenge draws local and international competitors. The six-week event sees the world's top kite and windsurfers compete for the best international sailing speed. Since the first event in 2007, participants have set 17 speed sailing world records on the lagoon. At the 2012 event no less than seven windsurfers broke the 50-knot barrier. Popular windsurfing areas are Grosse Bucht and Grosse Lagune.
Paul van Schalkwyk
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TAKE TO THE SKIES
Paul van Schalkwyk
A fly-in safari is by far the best way for travellers to experience the most of Namibia in a relatively short amount of time. In a country as vast as Namibia, reaching far-flung destinations by car can take many hours. The distances are often formidable. Fly-in safaris, on the other hand, let you explore the country in complete comfort. Not only that, but many of the destinations are off-limits otherwise. With an aeroplane as your safari vehicle it is possible to explore the country from an angle few get to have. The breathtaking views make for memorable moments. The experience of being among the clouds, with the horizon a fuzzy line between the ground and sky, is life-changing. The restricted northern section of the Skeleton Coast Park is only accessible by fly-in safari. This area has seen little external contact or influence. A fly-in safari will prove to be the experience of a lifetime. It is a region far off the beaten track. Few tourists have the opportunity to visit this mysterious outpost. Namibia’s northern coastline makes up a large section of the Skeleton Coast Park. It is a prime example of how dramatically Namibia’s landscapes contrast one another. Ancient rock formations juxtaposed against
the roaring dunes of the Namib Desert. It is an otherworldly panorama, especially when your vantage point is from above. Fly-in safaris are one of the most popular adventure options in Namibia. Take a fly-in safari to Kaokoland, the Kunene River environs and the Skeleton Coast Park. The relatively unexplored areas of the Kaokoland guarantee a real adventure. Visit semi-nomadic Himba communities. Search for desert-adapted rhinos and elephants. Discover the rugged and mysterious landscapes.
TRAVEL NEWS NAMIBIA HAN 2017
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