Areas of Interest | Best Time to Travel | Climate | Currency | Electricity | Entrance Fees | Flights | Health | Information | Languages | Roads-Transport | Topography | Visas | What to Pack | Best time to Travel As the summers can get unbearably hot and the rainfall is mainly in summer, it is best to travel in autumn, winter and spring, namely the months of April to September. As winters are mild during the day and cold at night, with almost no rainfall it is ideal time to travel. Again this is high season and prices rise quite a bit at some of the lodges. Climate Namibia has a dry climate typical of a semi-desert country where droughts are a regular occurrence. Days are mostly warm to very hot, while nights are generally cool. Average day temperatures in the summer (September to March) vary from 20 - 34 degrees C and average night temperatures in the winter from 0 - 10 degrees C. Temperatures in the interior are lower because of the altitude, while along the coast the Benguela Current has a modifying influence. The Benguela is the prime determinant of the Climate of the Namib, as it reduces rainfall and causes the omnipresent fog typical of the coast. Rainfall in Namibia usually falls in summer, with a short rainy season in November and the main rainy season from February to March. Average rainfall figures vary from less then 50 mm along the coast to 350mm in the central and 700mm in the far northeastern regions. Windhoek Month Avg.High Avg.Low Avg.Precip. January 30/32° C 17/19° C 70/75 mm February 28/30° C 16/18° C 80/85 mm March 27/29° C 15/17° C 75/80 mm April 25/27° C 12/14° C 35/40 mm May 22/24° C 8/10° C 5/10 mm June 20/22° C C 6/8° +5 mm July 20/22° C 6/8° C +5 mm August 23/25° C 8/10° C +5 mm September 26/28° C 12/14° C +5 mm October 28/30° C 14/16° C 10/15 mm November 29/31° C 15/17° C 30/35 mm December 30/32° C 16/18° C 35/40 mm Communications Telecom Namibia and NamPost have created and maintained one of the best communication infrastructures and service delivery systems in Africa. Namibia has full internet connectivity, ISDN lines, all towns and settlements are provided with card and coin operated phones in key areas. The cellular phone network covers all major towns in Namibia. There are currently over 33 countries with which MTC has roaming agreements. Currency The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar, which is fixed to and equals the South African Rand. The Rand and Namibia Dollar are the only legal tender in Namibia. Traveller's cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged during normal business hours at any of the commercial banks that are represented throughout the country. International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted, while the speedpoint facility makes for efficient service. Foreigners may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. SWIFT operates at all commercial banks in the country. Entrance Fees Park entrance are very reasonable being N$ 10 per vehicle up to 10 people and N$10 to 30 per person per day. This does change for time to time so please enquire as to the current rate. These entrance fees are to be paid in cash on entrance to the park. Electricity Electricity in Zambia is 220-240 V. Flights Air Namibia, British Airways Comair, SA Airlink and South African Airways have daily flights into Windhoek or Walvis Bay. Air Zimbabwe, Air Botswana, Lufthansa also fly into the Windhoek. Local charter companies and Air Namibia handle internal flights. Health Namibia currently has one doctor per 3650 people, one of the best doctor/patient ratios in Africa. All major centres have state-run hospitals with Windhoek having to world class standard private hospitals, each with fully-equipped and maintained intensive-care units. All specialist fields are available in Windhoek with 90% of emergency cases can be treated. The American Food and Drug Organisation standards are strictly adhered to. Medical emergency intervention and evacuation services for the Southern African region are on call 24 hours a day. The services are efficient, effective and prompt, have ICU facilities, extend to the remotest regions of the country and evacuate patients by aeroplane, helicopter or road. Aeromed, linked to Europ Assistance also provides a 24-hour medical rescue operation. MedRescue also provides the same service. Malaria is found mainly in the north of the country, but of late it has been reported in the central and occasionally in the south. It is imperative that visitors take the necessary precautions. Information Namibia has a surface area of 824 268 square kilometres. It is bordered on the South by the Orange River and South Africa, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by Angola, and Zambia and to the east by Botswana and Zimbabwe. Namibia is a very dry country for the most part with the north and Caprivi area becoming lush and tropical. It has bountiful sunshine and a diverse number of habitats providing something for everyone. Activities include gilding, hiking, hot-air ballooning, dune skiing, mountain biking, white water-rafting, hunting, horse-riding and trails, coastal and fresh water angling, 4x4 trails, mokoro experiences and of course game viewing in the famous Etosha National Park and the myriad of game farms that are a feature of Namibia these days. Roads-Transport The country has a well-established road network, of which 5450 km is tarred and 37 000 km consists of gravel and earth roads, providing access to the majority of towns and tourist attractions in the country. Two main development projects, the Trans-Caprivi Highway and the Trans Kalahari Highway provide access to Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Topography Namibia can be divided into four distinct topographical regions. Of these the most definitive is the Namib, which consists of a long, narrow coastal desert varying in width from 50 - 140 km, extending along the entire coastline and interspersed with dune belts, dry riverbeds and deeply eroded canyons. The central plateau, which runs from north to south, has an average altitude of between 1000 and 2000m, which landscapes range from rugged mountain ranges and rocky outcrops to sand-filled valleys and endless plains. This plateau gradually falls away towards the east, where the sandy strip of land merges with the Kalahari Desert, characterised by long vegetated dunes of ancient red sand. Dense, bush-covered plains to the north- east of the Etosha Pan include the high rainfall areas of Kavango and Caprivi, typified by perennial rivers and woodland savannah. Namibia's highest mountain is the Brandberg (2579m), situated to the west in the Erongo region. Also at Erongo are the Spitzkoppe with their respective peaks of 1728 and 1584m. other distinctive mountains include Mount Etjo (2086m), Moltkeblick (2480m), Bismarckfelsen and Gamsberg (2349m). Namibia has five perennial rivers, all of which lie on her borders. These are the Orange River to the south, the Kunene, Okavango and Zambezi Rivers in the north and the Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe rivers which for the borders of the eastern Caprivi. Languages English is the official language in Namibia but languages such as Afrikaans, German and the local languages are spoken Visas No visas are required for South African Passport Holders traveling as bona fide tourists only. South African nationals traveling for business require a business visa. Nationals of the following countries do not require visas for stays not exceeding 90 days: Angola, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Ireland Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Scandanavian Countries, Singapore, Spain, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, UK, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Insurance Clients are urged to ensure, prior to arrival, that they have sufficient insurance against all possible risks including, death, personal injury, medical expenses, baggage loss, theft and cancellation or curtailment of tour. Speak to your travel agent or order from our Website. What to pack Cotton rather than synthetic clothing is recommended for the summer months. Winter are usually mild to warm during the day which calls for light clothing and the nights can become quite cold for which warm clothing and a windbreaker are necessary. Comfortable shoes, swim suits, binoculars, sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block and mosquito repellent are items not to forget. Areas of Interest Caprivi East Caprivi bordered by the Kwando, Linyanti, Chobe and Zambezi rivers is a region of swamps and flood plains. The landscape in the 5 715 sq. km park is generally flat, except for sporadic 30m to 60m high dunes covered in vegetation. Deciduous woodlands are dominated by trees such as wild seringa, copalwood, Zambezi teak, wild teak and several wild raisin and bushwillow species. Animals likely to be seen while driving through the park are elephant, roan and kudu. These species roam throughout the area, while buffalo occur towards the west. Because there is no surface water, most species congregate along the Okavango and Kwando rivers, and at the Malombe and Ndwasa pans in the northeast. As many as 339 bird species have been recorded in West Caprivi, which make a drive through the park rewarding to birdwatchers, if not for game enthusiasts. There are several safari lodges in the area and activities include fishing, hiking, game-viewing safaris or a river trip in a traditional mokoro. A river trip with a difference is a cruise on the opulent custom-built Zambezi Queen, a 142-foot riverboat which departs from the Zambezi Lodge and which offers a unique game-viewing experience. The major centre in Caprivi is Katima Mulilo. At the Caprivi Art Centre Distinctive pottery, woodcarvings and basketry from the region can be bought. Damaraland Damaraland with the rugged beauty of its landscape is a region of rolling plains and distant mountain ranges. Unusual geological features, a wealth of rock paintings and engravings, and populations of desert-adapted elephant and black rhino combine to form the unique attraction of Damaraland. Of interest in this region is the Petrified Forest, where millions of years ago a cataclysmic event deposited giant tree trunks, which subsequently turned to stone. A short drive south-west of the Petrified Forest is Twyfelfontein which is unequalled for its abundance of rock engravings set in a u-shaped valley of unusual reddish sandstone formation and terraces. Southwest of Twyfelfontein is the Doros Crater, a site of interesting fossil remains. South of Twyfelfontein is the desolate landscape of the Burnt Mountain, its shale and basalt vividly coloured as if burnt in an inferno. The Organ Pipes near the Burnt Mountain are a common feature of dolerites and are formed when sets of intersecting cooling fractures slice the rock into long, parallel columns. The Brandberg, a majestic mountain range, looms mysteriously from the flat semi-desert, and dominates the landscape of this region. Its highest principal peak, the Konigstein (2573 m) is the highest peak in the country. Many prehistoric rock paintings have been found in the caves and ravines of this mountain massif, but none more famous than the "White Lady". This enigmatic figure appears on a wall of paintings in Maack's Cave, in the Tsisab Gorge. Diamond Coast This region consists of 26000 km of pristine Namib Desert, together with the town of Oranjemund. Day tours into this region are offered and visitors are taken to see Bogenfels, the 55m high rock arch which juts into the Atlantic Ocean, the modern diamond mine an old ghost town at Elizabeth Bay and the seal colony at Atlas Bay. Visitors can explore the ghost town of Pomona and the legendary valley of Maerchental. The legendary desert horses, seen when travelling between Luderitz and Keetmanshoop, are an intriguing feature of this area. About 100km east of Luderitz a signpost indicates the turn-off to Garub, where the wild horses can be observed and photographed as they come down to drink. Luderitz, because of its isolation and colonial-style buildings has an otherworldly feel. It is renowned for its olde world charm and distinctly German Colonial architecture. Set around the bay, with their gables, winding stairwells, verandahs, turrets and bay and bow windows, these buildings have a unique character. Luderitz is also home to an oyster farm, which have prime growing conditions in the cold unpolluted waters of the Benguela Current. The area is characterised by vast expanses of yellow savannah, dotted with beehive-shaped bush, Euphorbia Damarana, and solitary camel thorn trees. Distant mountain ranges take on different hues as the day moves on. The Luderitz area is also home to a wide variety of aquatic birds. Large numbers of flamingos, cormorants and seagulls inhabit the shallow lagoon. When sailing the bay, seals and dolphins can be seen playing in the waters. It is also ideal for anglers. Etosha Etosha National Park is the main tourist attraction in Namibia. The 5000 km square Etosha Pan is the main feature of this landscape. On the southern edge of the pan there are a number of waterholes, which attracts game and often provides spectacular game viewing. In good rain years the pan fills with water and dry out in the winter months becoming a forbidding expanse of white cracked mud. There are 3 rest camps on the Park, namely Okaukeujo, with a floodlit waterhole frequented by black rhino, elephant, giraffe and lion, Namutoni, centred around a historic fort and Halali. The Etosha National Park is one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa. There are 144 mammal species in the park, which covers an area of 22 270 sq. km. This includes elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino. Among the predators are lion, cheetah, leopard and several species of wild cat. Hyena and jackal are the scavengers. There are various species of antelope ranging from the majestic eland to the smallest antelope, the shy little Damara dik-dik. The most striking of the antelope species is the gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings. Birdlife is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia's national bird, the vividly coloured crimson-breasted shrike. Etosha has three rest camps - Okaukuejo, favoured for its floodlit waterhole frequented by "specials" such as elephant, giraffe, black rhino and lion; Namutoni, characterised by the historic fort around which it is centred; and Halali, conveniently situated halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni. All three have comfortable bungalows, well-equipped camping sites and modern amenities such as a shop, bar, restaurant, swimming pool and filling station. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan, meaning "great white place of dry water" A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often-spectacular game viewing. In good rain years the pan fills with water draining southwards from Angola via a delta-like system of shallow rivers and oshanas, drying out in the winter to become an austere expanse of white cracked mud, shimmering with mirages and upward spiralling dust devils. Etosha's vegetation varies from dwarf shrub savannah and grasslands, which occur around the pan, to thorn-bush and woodland savannah throughout the park with mopane trees. Fish River Canyon Eroded over many millennia, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa. Set in a harsh, stony plain dotted with drought-resistant succulents and the distinctive quiver tree, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon, which took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape. The 161 km long, 27 km wide ravine with a maximum depth of 550 m is surrounded by high, forbidding cliffs, and is gashed into the plateau with startling abruptness. Because the river flows intermittently, there is always water in certain of the pools, except in very dry years. The pools contain small- and largemouth yellowfish, sharptooth catfish, Mozambique tilapia and common carp, and are also frequented by the water monitor or leguan. Baboon, rock dassie, ground squirrel and klipspringer are often seen in the canyon, while the presence of leopard and mountain zebra is indicated by tracks left at waterholes. Kudu inhabit the densely vegetated lower reaches north of Ai-Ais. An interesting variety of birds, such as the Olive thrush, Cape robin and African black duck are found in the canyon. Seasoned hikers regard the 80km Fish River Canyon trail as one of Southern Africa's major challenges. The trail leads from the northernmost viewpoint to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort at the southern end and takes from four to five days to complete. Kalahari Desert Although tourism development in Namibia's south-eastern region has been slowed down by the closure in 1990 of the Mata-Mata gate into South Africa's Kalahari Gemsbok Park, it is nevertheless an area well worth visiting to experience the magnificent red dunes of the Kalahari and meet up with its traditional inhabitants, the San or Bushmen. Northeast of Mariental is the 23 000 ha Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, situated among the red dunes of the Kalahari. With its large variety of game, bird, tree and grass species typical of the Kalahari red-dune ecosystem, it represents a traditional Bushman hunting area. Tour operators take groups of tourists to Bushman settlements in the Kalahari, introducing them to the traditional lifestyle of these interesting people of ancient heritage. Visitors are given a brief glimpse into the way they lived and survived in the desert. Bushman trackers take visitors on foot trails into the veld to show them their means and ways of survival. Kavango Region The town Rundu is situated on the banks of the Okavango River, in Kavango, home to Namibia's well-known Kavango woodcarvers. Woodcarvings are made and offered for sale at the Mbungura Woodcraft Co-operative, which has its main workshop and office in the town. Bordered in the east by Botswana is the Khaudum Game Park, a densely wooded wilderness reserve that can be explored only in 4X4 vehicles. Entrance is restricted to a minimum of two vehicles per group, and the park has no infrastructure other than two rustic camping sites, Khaudum and Sikereti. The Khaudum is home to over 320 bird species, elephant, giraffe, roan antelope, lion, leopard, spotted hyena and black-backed and side-striped jackal, and even wild dogs. Kunene Region The Kunene region, consisting of Kaokoland and the northern section of Damaraland, lies north of the Ugab River and Eronga Region. It was named after the Kunene River - the border between northwestern Namibia and Angola. The main centres in this region are Opuwo, Khorixas, Kamanjab and Ruacana. Just outside the town of Khorixas, unofficial capital of the former Damaraland, is the Khorixas Rest Camp. In close proximity is the Petrified Forest, where millions of years ago a cataclysmic event deposited giant tree trunks, which subsequently turned to stone. Twyfelfontein (meaning doubtful fountain), to the west of Khorixas, resembles a large, open-air art gallery of rock engravings. South of Twyfelfontein is the Burnt Mountain, a panorama of desolation with coloured rocks contrasting vividly against the grey-black surroundings. The Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in the area. Southwest of Twyfelfontein is the Doros Crater, where fossil remains have been found among the rocks. The northern Kunene is one of Namibia's last remaining wilderness areas, with off-the-beaten track destinations such as the Marienfluss and Hartmann valleys, Epupa Falls, Khowarib Schlucht and Witbooisdrift. Four-wheel drive vehicles are necessary for exploring this northwestern part of the country. Near the hot-water spring at Warmquelle is Sesfontein Fort, which derives its name from the six fountains, which have their source in the vicinity. Namib Region The Namib region consists of the coastal desert between the Kunene River and Sandwich Harbour, the adjoining Kunene and Erongo regions and the northern section of the Namib Naukluft Park. The definitive feature of this region, the Namib Desert is known for the beauty of its landscape, which changes from expansive gravel plains to undulating dune seas, rugged canyons with towering walls of volcanic rock and distant mountain ranges. The Namib Naukluft Park is a vast conservation wilderness with a surface area of almost 55 000 square km. Highlights in the northern section of the park, which falls in the Namib region, are the Sandwich Lagoon, Welwitchia Plains and Moonlandscape. Also managed as a wilderness reserve is the Skeleton Coast Park of the northern Namib. The imposing Brandberg Massif is a challenge to rock climbers, especially its peak, Königstein that at 2574 m is the highest peak in Namibia. The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is well known because it is the sight of the largest breeding colony of Cape Fur Seal on the southern African coast. The Epupa Falls and its scenically beautiful surroundings are one of Namibia's prime tourist destinations. Swakopmund is much loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the heat of the interior. The environmentally friendly Swakopmund salt-works to the north of the town has been registered as a private nature reserve. The Swakopmund River Mouth is also a good place for birdwatching. While Walvis Bay, is Namibia's major harbour town, it is vast developing into a sought-after haven for spending a holiday at the sea. Attractions are the lagoon with its prolific birdlife and variety of recreational possibilities. The small thriving town of Henties Bay 67 km north of Swakopmund and some 440 km from Windhoek is regarded as one of the best fishing spots on the west coast. En route to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is Karibib a small town known for the marble produced at a nearby guarry. In the valley of the Khan River is a small sunbaked town named Usakos, developed around a station on the old narrow gauge railway built in 1900. From Karibib a tarred road leads to the small town of Omaruru, a Herero word, which means "bitter curd" and refers to the taste of milk after cows have eaten a particular bush, found in the area. South of the town Karibib is a small dusty almost forgotten village called Otjimbingwi, a name thought to mean "place of refreshment" referring to the spring in the Omusema River. The Kunene Region consisting of Kaokoland and the northern section of Damaraland, lies north of the Ugab River and Erongo Region. It was named after the Kunene River - the border between north-western Namibia and Angola. The main centres in this region Opuwo, Khorixas, Kamanjab, and Ruacana. The Namib Desert is known for the beauty of its landscape, which changes from expansive gravel plains to undulating dune seas, rugged canyons with towering walls of volcanic rock and distant mountain ranges. The Namib, a narrow strip of coastal desert up to 100 km wide and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, originates in Mossamedes in Angola and peters out in the Richtersveld in South Africa's northern Cape. Its major portions lies in Namibia, extending from the Kunene River in the north for some 1 600 km southwards to the Orange River. The cold Benguela Current, sweeping northwards along the south-western coast of Africa, transports cold Antarctic waters into the warmer subtropical regions. This nutrient-rich current sustains a wealth of marine life and generates a life-giving fog, ensuring the survival of an intriguing variety of desert-adapted animals and plants. Skeleton Coast The Skeleton Coast Park extends from the Kunene River in the north for 500km to the Ugab River in the south, covering an area of 16 000sq km. Its aura of mystery and impenetrability is due to the dense coastal fogs and cold sea breezes caused by the cold Benguela Current. The landscape in the Park ranges from sweeping vistas of windswept dunes to rugged canyons with walls of richly-coloured volcanic rock and extensive mountain ranges. On their slopes grow a variety of interesting xerophytic plants, like the curious elephant's foot, which anchors itself in rock crevices. Species of lichen grow on the plains and west-facing mountain slopes, which change colour and become soft and leathery to the touch when the coastal fog pushes inland. Animals, which occur on the plains, are gemsbok, springbok, jackal, ostrich and brown hyena, while desert-adapted elephant and even black rhino, lion and giraffe roam up and down the dry river courses. Of special interest are the clay castles of the Hoarusib, the salt pans near the Agate Mountain and the seal colony at Cape Frio. The Cape fur seal is the largest of the world's nine fur seal species. During the November/December breeding season as many as 200 000 of these animals gather at Cape Cross. The remains of shipwrecks scattered along the coast bear witness to the many ships, which have come to grief along these desolate shores. Two fishing resorts - Terrace Bay, a rest camp, and Torra Bay, a rudimentary campsite, are visited especially by keen coastal anglers. The northern section of the park is managed as a wilderness area and can be visited only with a private concessionaire who conducts fly-in safaris. This section of the park is known for its untouched, spectacular and diverse landscape, and the presence of desert-adapted elephant and hardy species such as springbok and gemsbok. Sossusvlei and Sesriem Sossusvlei is a dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 300 m high. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the large deflationary clay pans at their bases. One of these, referred to as Dead Pan, is a large expanse of dried white clay, punctuated by skeletons of ancient camel-thorn trees, carbon-dated as being between 500 and 600 years old. Sossusvlei's mountainous dunes lie at the end of the erosional trough formed by the Tsauchab River. They are shaped by strong multi-directional winds, primarily the south-wester, and have three to five sinuous crests, which meet at the highest point to give them their star shape, best seen from the air. When it has rained sufficiently in the interior for the Tsauchab River to come down in flood and fill the main pan, flamingos and other aquatic birds are attracted to the area. At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, where the erosion of many centuries has incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30 m to 40 m, are pools of water which become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools. Sesriem offers 20 camp sites in the shade of ancient camel thorn trees, for which reservations must be made in advance. Facilities include ablution blocks with hot and cold water, and a kiosk. Swakopmund and Walvis Bay Swakopmund, Namibia's seaside resort on the west coast is a place of singular charm, and resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea. It has a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens. When approached from the interior, antique domes, turrets and towers on the skyline appear as a hazy desert mirage. The source of Swakopmund's continental atmosphere is the graceful art nouveau buildings dating back to the turn of the century. Eleven of these charming old buildings are national monuments. One of the town's most prominent landmarks is the Swakopmund Lighthouse, completed in 1903. The Swakopmund Museum is a institution with displays ranging from natural history, mineralogy and botany to historical and ethnological dioramas. The Emil Jensen Herbarium exhibits Namib Flora, while the Bachran Collection comprises archaeological and entomological collections. The Swakopmund Aquarium's main feature is a large oval-shaped transparent tank with a glass walk-through tunnel, which contains a variety of fish, including shark, kabeljou, steenbras and galjoen, and many other organisms. The Swakopmund Tannery is where Swakopmund's renowned kudu leather shoes are manufactured. Visitors can undertake an industrial tour to visit the Hansa Brauerei, where traditional beer is brewed. The Swakopmund salt-works has been registered as a private nature reserve. The shallow expanses of water created to permit evaporation in the salt-producing process are ideal feeding grounds for thousands of wetland birds. The Swakopmund River Mouth is also a good place for birdwatching. Cars and 4x4 vehicles can be hired to embark on day trips or safaris into the desert. Beach buggy excursions to the beach, dunes or hinterland also include sundowner tours, hunting and fishing safaris, and dune and tyre surfing. While Walvis Bay is Namibia's major harbour town, it is fast developing into a sought-after haven for spending a holiday at the sea. Attractions are the lagoon with its prolific bird life and variety of recreational possibilities, a desert golf course, modern and comfortable hotels and a choice of restaurants. Add to this innovative possibilities such as sightseeing from a donkey cart and kayaking on the lagoon at sunrise, and it has all the ingredients for a top-rate seaside adventure. A national monument, and the oldest building in Walvis Bay, is the Rhenish Mission Church, a timber structure built in Hamburg in 1880, then dismantled and shipped to Walvis Bay. Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is the Langstrand Holiday Resort, which features tidal pools and open beaches. The neighbouring Dolphin Park Recreation Resort has its own chalets, swimming pool, hydroslide and barbecue facilities. Dune 7, on the outskirts of town, is the highest dune in the area. Signboards point the way to the Bird Sanctuary, where a watchtower has been erected for bird-watchers. The angling potential along the coast is particularly good. An angling area favoured by locals is Paaltjies. A tour operator offers ski boat trips for shark, bottom and game fishing. Beach fishing trips in 4x4 vehicles along the coast specialise in shark fishing. There are two nature trails to points of interest, the Lover's Hill to Sandwich Boundary Nature Trail, which is suitable for 4x4 vehicles only (21km) and the Walvis Bay to Rooibank Nature Trail (40km one way, no 4x4 required). A scuba diving club enables diving enthusiasts to explore the marine underworld. Waterberg National Park Waterberg Plateau Park with its flamboyant brick-red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation, presents an island of vibrant colour. The 40 549 ha park, situated 60km east of Otjiwarongo and 300km north-east of Windhoek, was established in the early seventies as a sanctuary for the rare and endangered species of the Caprivi. Today Waterberg is home to 25 mammal and over 200 bird species. The vegetation changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of the plateau to lush-green sub-tropical dry woodland with tall trees and grassy plains at the top. The Waterberg's Okarakuvisa cliffs accommodate the only breeding colony of Cape vultures in the country. Dinosaur tracks imbedded in sandstone can be seen on top of the plateau. Accommodation at the Waterberg is in the Bernabé de la Bat Rest Camp, which consists of luxury chalets, smaller bungalows, and a well-equipped camping area. Facilities include an information centre, shop and swimming pool. The restaurant, beer garden, bar and museum are housed in the restored Rasthaus, built in 1908 and used as a police post for several years. The superb natural beauty of Waterberg can be explored either by vehicle on a guided game-viewing tour, or on foot by means of guided wilderness trails, or on self-guided wilderness trails and easy walks, laid out between the accommodation units. Windhoek & Environs Situated in Namibia's central highlands, Windhoek, the capital, is an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains. Because of the area's plentiful hot springs, Windhoek was initially known as Ai-gams, a Nama word meaning "firewater", "steam" or "smoke". The climate is typical of a semi-desert country, with hot days and cool nights. Tree-lined Independence Avenue with its fountains and walkways provides a pleasant ambience of tranquillity and leisure to the heart of the city, with its continental-style sidewalk cafes and beer gardens. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving snacks, the city has a wide range of á la carte restaurants. Old buildings, which lend a singular charm to the city, include the historic seat of government which is known as the Tintenpalast, meaning "Palace of Ink", and the Christuskirche with its graceful spire which provides the city with a striking landmark. The white-walled Alte Feste, which was once a fort and now a museum, reflects the history of the country. Three German-style castles, designed by Willi Stander in the early 1900's, add a romantic touch to the city. Pavement displays of African drums and wood carvings from the north contrast with elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones set in individually designed pieces of jewellery. Public transport consists mainly of taxis, while a bus service takes passengers between Katutura and Khomasdal to Windhoek. The Daan Viljoen Game Park lies about 24km west of Windhoek and is set in the rolling hills of the Khomas Hochland. Various species of antelope as well as zebra, baboons and ostriches can be seen. Bird life is prolific with about 200 species. There are two hiking trails, one of 1.5km and a semi-circular route of 9km.