Ask the Adventurers: The Cardboard Box Backpackers & Travel Bug Safaris

Compiled Marita van Rooyen

Namibia is an adventure destination to be explored and conquered all year round. This year the wide range of adventures on offer will be highlighted at the annual Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) scheduled to be held in the coastal resort of Swakopmund from 26 to 31 October, hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

We cornered a few adventure activity operators and picked their brains to find out what they regarded as the best options to leave adventure-hungry travellers with a smile of contentment. And this is what Chad Wratten, owner of The Cardboard Box Backpackers and Travel Bug Safaris told us:

Why do you think Namibia is the ultimate adventure destination?

We share many tourist attractions with other Southern African countries (oceans, wildlife, mountains…), but what makes us unique is the Namib. As we specialise in safaris to Sossusvlei, our camping adventures are very well received.

What is the best place in Namibia to live the adventure?

For me the dunes of Sossusvlei, as this is a truly a fascinating environment. Our guides know the area extremely well and will interpret all the different signs and tracks, such as the burrowing tunnels of the endemic golden mole, the different types of dunes, the tracks of the insects, and, of course, the history of the Namib.

From which countries do your most enthusiastic visitors hail?

Even though we have many enthusiastic guests, I think it is more Personality than Nationality. I find that guests who embrace the remoteness, and open their eyes to the harsh beauty of the desert, leave our safari well rewarded.

What is your advice for people who have never been here, as in where should they go and how should they plan their first Namibian adventure? 

Well, naturally, there are the usual tourist highlights that can be found in guidebooks and they are all a must-see, but I think a good online travel shop with experienced consultants will set up a memorable adventure.

On a scale of one to ten – one being a walk on the beach, and 10 climbing Kilimanjaro – where would you rate what you can do in Namibia?

For the adventurous outdoor lover, Namibia has got to be one of the best. Our campsites and lodges are usually beautifully located and of the highest quality, the 4×4 eco-trails will test even the best driver, our cultures are diverse, and the natural beauty is beyond comparison. So I think an 8 is well deserved. There are not many other places where you’ll have a better ‘out there’ experience