spring 2024 edition – Travel Namibia

November 6, 2024

Wustenquell

Peace, tranquillity, absolute silence and wide-open spaces are becoming increasingly rare commodities. If there is one place in Namibia where you can enjoy all of this, it is Wüstenquell Lodge, which is open to visitors again after it was closed for many years.

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 7, 2024

The land before time: Desert Rhino Camp

Explore the vast, rugged beauty of Damaraland at Desert Rhino Camp, where ancient landscapes meet conservation efforts to protect the last free-roaming desert-adapted black rhinos. Experience the camp's meticulous design and comfort, guided by expert trackers through an untouched wilderness. Journey into a timeless land where rare wildlife and local communities converge, celebrating a deep connection with nature that resonates across generations.

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

The future of eco-entrepreneurship is female

Those who often venture across Namibia’s varied landscapes will agree that roadside stalls selling curios are predominantly run by women. From a distance you can see the colourful dresses of Herero women as they wave at passers-by. Himba women in their striking traditional attire employ the same income-generating strategy of selling crafts, and so do the Damara and Nama ladies with their bright smiles. Namibian women are the backbone of our artisanal crafts industry, and yet when it comes to locally run accommodation ventures, only seldom do you see a woman in the lead role.

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 8, 2024

Desert Reverie

This is a magical land – the colours, the softness of the dunes and the almost ethereal backdrop that appears to be painted on the horizon for dramatic effect. It is exquisite, and it seems unreal. There is so much to marvel at that one’s worries seem to melt away in the sunlight. What once seemed insurmountable now seems petty, and you find yourself zoning out at the sight of space and beauty all around.

November 8, 2024

Stop, snap and share

Join the citizen science initiative in Etosha National Park! Help researchers protect cheetahs and leopards by snapping and sharing your sightings of these iconic predators. Led by the Greater Etosha Carnivore Programme, this survey invites visitors to contribute photographs that will be analyzed using AI for individual identification, helping establish crucial population estimates. With each submission, citizen scientists aid in wildlife conservation and stand a chance to win a luxury stay at Ongava Game Reserve. Dive into this unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Namibia’s wildlife conservation efforts!

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.

November 13, 2024

Wilderness – A luxury never to be taken for granted

Experience an unforgettable journey into the heart of Namibian wilderness at Little Ongava. Perched atop a rocky outcrop in Ongava Game Reserve, this luxurious retreat offers panoramic views, intimate wildlife encounters, and a seamless blend of comfort and adventure. From early morning game drives filled with awe-inspiring sightings of elephants, lions, and rare aardwolves to serene evenings under a starlit sky, every moment celebrates nature’s grandeur. With a dedication to conservation and a commitment to luxury without pretension, Little Ongava immerses guests in the raw beauty of Africa, making every experience here feel like a precious and unparalleled gift.

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

Reader’s story

My husband and I have just had an enjoyable holiday in Namibia and bought your magazine. We stayed at an amazing campsite in the Erongo that I thought you should know about – it is called Black Rock campsite and is on a farm, Omukutu, well-stocked in wildlife. It is the artistic differences that make this an outstanding campsite. Their use of what was available, combined with a creative eye for detail, culminates in an adventure.

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.