January 17, 2024

Not another GREY GO-AWAY

As our skipper slowly turns the boat toward the dock along the bank, a flutter of wings catches my attention in the canopy of the adjacent Ana tree. My brain-eye coordination is still set on “bird spotting mode”, even though our water adventure has come to an end for the day. There, in the lofty canopy, I see the characteristic mohawk-style wispy crest of a Turaco.
January 17, 2024

A Hike In The Shadow Of Brandberg

I hear the familiar crunch of my hiking boots on the sand as the sun peeks from the granite koppies behind Madisa Camp. It is the start of a four- day slackpack hike. The first two days will take us down into the Ugab River, and on the other two we will follow the bends of the river course as we make our way upstream. It is the land of desert-adapted elephants, magical landscapes and Brandberg Mountain. Exploring this area on foot is a new experience for me – and I am savouring it.
January 21, 2024

“I will be back”

“Never again!” That seems to be the solemn pledge after a five-day stint of hiking the Fish River Canyon. That’s what Eric McLaren thought to himself upon completing the extraordinarily challenging Fish River for the first time. For me, this was the prevailing thought that occupied my thinking as I attempted to focus on “just one more step and then another”.
June 12, 2024

What were you thinking?

Like being on the ocean, there are huge, ever-changing big-sky vistas to get your head around. Your ears take on a new sensitivity in the beckoning silence, though even in the desert the birdlife is astonishing. The body adapts to the Namib massage – local shorthand for the unending corrugated road surfaces which shake both vehicles and people to pieces. And then there is that most elusive of Namib sensations: the “singing” dunes, vibrating with soo-oop-wa. “The sand shrieks beneath your feet”, wrote John Marsh who first described the Skeleton Coast in his 1944 book.
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 7, 2024

The Spirit of the Dragon and this thing called life: Dragon’s Breath

While Namibia is best known for its wide-open spaces, the country is also a paradise for cavers who explore its darkest depths, especially the ones that some adventurers find irresistible. Even the well- known Otjikoto Lake near Tsumeb is nothing but a large cave with a missing roof.
November 8, 2024

In the footsteps of giants

In the heart of Namibia’s northwestern Kunene Region, the 2024 RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos event took a group of adventurers on a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of Damaraland. From 5-9 June, twenty enthusiastic mountain bikers, accompanied by an experienced crew, embarked on a four-day expedition through diverse terrains. This journey was not just an adventure, but a mission to raise funds and awareness for black rhino conservation and the communities that live and fight to protect this special species.
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

The Namibian water sports event of world renown

Discover Namibia's hidden gem: the Lüderitz Speed Challenge, an annual world-renowned water sports event where elite speed windsurfers gather to break records on the windswept Second Lagoon. Held in Lüderitz each October, this high-adrenaline competition has set over 150 national and 20 world records since 2007, drawing top athletes and adventure seekers alike. With ideal wind conditions and a precision-engineered canal, the event pushes windsurfing to its limits, blending speed, skill, and cutting-edge technology against Namibia's breathtaking coastal backdrop. Experience the ultimate adventure in a place you’ve probably never heard of—but won’t soon forget.
November 14, 2024

Sand, sea and seals: a coastal Safari

Sequins on the sea, sparkling in the sun while seals moan like disgruntled teenagers – whom, we all joke, could use a lesson in gratitude – what is there to complain about? It’s a perfect day; we're seated beside crystal- clear waters, savouring crayfish braaied over an open flame on the beach, following a morning of water-based adventures. And we’re only halfway through our day of enjoyment. Kirsty Watermeyer goes on an unexpected safari along Namibia's Atlantic Coast.
December 2, 2024

Friends gone fishin’

On a fishing expedition to Meob Bay along Namibia’s southern coastline, Theuns Laubscher and a group of friends discovered the wonders of the vast Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Led by concession guides through the ancient sands and along the skeleton-strewn coast, the group discovered the delicate balance of catch-and-release angling, the thrill of off-road convoys, and the unfiltered camaraderie forged around campfires under an endless sky. This story is not just about fishing; it is about adventure, resilience and the quiet marvels of the Namib, and that magical place where the desert meets the sea.
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 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.