June 5, 2024

Rocking Damaraland: A Journey through Namibia’s Geological Wonders

I love rock formations. Perhaps inherited from or spurred on by my mother, who would pick up pebbles and stones wherever we went on family trips through Namibia. From an early age, I was encouraged to peer tentatively at the ground or marvel at mountains. High school geography wasn't all it cracked up to be, I didn’t become a geologist. Every road would have led me to this eventuality, writing a love letter to Damaraland and her rocks.
June 8, 2024

Things to do when travelling across Damaraland

Explore the best things to do in Damaraland with our travel guide, featuring must-see attractions like Twyfelfontein, the Organ Pipes, and the Petrified Forest. Learn about the unique craft shops run by local artisans, where you can find authentic souvenirs and support rural communities. Enjoy a stop at the charming Petrified Forest Coffee Shop and stock up on essentials in Khorixas. This article provides practical tips for travelers and insights into Damaraland's local culture, highlighting unforgettable experiences and the region’s hospitality.
November 6, 2024

Why Ruacana Waterfall

Ruacana Waterfall is not a destination that tops the “why you should visit Namibia” click-bait lists. In fact, it rarely even makes the list, if I think about it. Why is this natural wonder, situated on the stretch of the Kunene River downstream toward Swartbooisdrift, so often left off itineraries proposed by travel agents? Le Roux van Schalkwyk explores...
November 6, 2024

Pofadder Cave

If tourists contemplate a visit to Pofadder Cave close to Grootfontein, they should be warned in advance: anyone who is afraid of the dark or has an crippling fear of confined spaces should think twice before they venture into the second largest cave in Namibia. Some prior experience of abseiling is also recommended. Luckily, although it is a very shallow cave, I realised from the outset that it would be wise to film the cave with the guidance of experts: entomologist and spelaeologist John Irish and geologist Nico Scholtz were great choices both in terms of expertise and guidance.
November 11, 2024

Running Wild

In the canvas of Namibia's rugged landscapes, where nature paints with bold strokes, running transcends mere physical activity to become an odyssey of exploration, solitude, and exhilaration. As adventure travel burgeons, demanding immersive experiences, Namibia stands as an unparalleled playground for those seeking to connect with nature on a profound level. It goes beyond conventional sightseeing and allows individuals to connect with nature on a deeper level, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for the environment. One of the purest forms of adventure travel is found in the trails that dot the varying terrain of Namibia. Here you will find that the allure lies in the opportunity to explore unknown territories.
November 13, 2024

Forging a natural masterpiece

There is a symphony that was written between water and rock millions of years ago. Carved into the depths of this land, canyons provide a look into the geological epic that unfolded, a view of the history of Earth and a mesmerising tapestry that showcases the enduring journey this landscape embarked on through the ages. Easily one of Africa’s most impressive geological formations is the Fish River Canyon. It is my first time visiting the canyon, and I am doing so in style, staying at the striking Fish River Lodge that boasts rooms on the western brim of the canyon, far away from the crowds that flock to Namibia’s second-largest tourist attraction.
December 2, 2024

Ongava for the Photographer

Ongava is one of Namibia’s premier retreats, seamlessly blending luxury and comfort with spectacular wildlife sightings set against the natural beauty of the reserve. Situated adjacent to Etosha National Park, the extensive wildlife found here also makes it the ideal getaway for photographers. With animals ranging from rhinos, elephants and lions to smaller game and a colourful assortment of birdlife, it offers both seasoned camera enthusiasts and casual smartphone users the opportunity to capture stunning shots of Africa’s wildlife against rugged landscapes.
December 2, 2024

Taking the scenic route

What touches your soul? What intrigues you? What allows you to unleash the spirit of adventure? Taking a moment to savour the things you love is one of the greatest pleasures of a self-drive exploration adventure. Every road you travel is filled with surprises – captivating people, fascinating stories and intriguing places just waiting to be discovered. This was Kirsty Watermeyer's experience while travelling through southern Namibia.
December 4, 2024

Reviving Kolmanskop

The creak of near-century-old wood floors gives way, one careful foot in front of the other. By impulse, voices are brought to a whisper. A relentless wind sandblasts what is left of the windows as another grain of sand finds its way to the corner of an abandoned house, joining the dune that occupies an old living room. Between silent observation and the occasional outburst of awe, the sounds of these haunted, empty halls are only a whistle formed by the wind. Or is it a ghost?
December 20, 2024

Tuxedoed treasures

There is a crisis unfolding in Namibian waters. The quintessentially cute African Penguin is facing imminent threat of extinction. This matters, not only because these adorable black and white waddling creatures are an emblem of African waters, but also because they fulfil a role in the ecosystem. Like with a Jenga tower, removing blocks risks the stability of the entire structure.
December 20, 2024

The Etosha Pan

The Etosha pan is a large endorheic basin, covering an area of approximately 4760 km2 and stretching some 120km from east to west and 55km north to south. This area is so vast that it is visible from space. Most visitors and tourists to Namibia’s flagship park are greeted with stunning sights of the vast, shimmering expanse of the pan as they navigate their way along scenic routes. Every now and again, specks of wildlife can be seen in the distance, traversing parts of the pan, leaving one pondering the fact as to what could possibly draw them to such a seemingly barren, desolate wasteland.
December 21, 2024

Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours

If you’re visiting Swakopmund, Namibia’s coastal gem, and looking for a unique way to explore the region, Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours offers an unforgettable experience. Having recently gone on their "Up-close Living Desert Tour", I can say with confidence that their tours perfectly blend adventure, eco- consciousness, and exploration. This 3.5-hour journey, taken on a fat bike, allows you to discover the hidden beauty and biodiversity of the oldest desert in the world— an adventure I found both enlightening and exciting.
December 21, 2024

Oceans of Insight – museum

Anchors, propellers, masts, winches and an artistic sundial are arranged to create an outdoor walkway that marks the beginning of your journey through time and all things maritime. As we step into the newly opened Maritime Museum in Lüderitz, we are about to explore a rich and fascinating past. This world-class tourist attraction celebrates the town’s seafaring heritage and its deep connection to the ocean. Having visited maritime museums around the globe, I can confidently say that this one is as captivating as its international counterparts. Housed within the restored historic Lüderitz Old Power Station on Dias Street, the museum spans five floors, taking visitors back in time while also highlighting contemporary interactions with the ocean.