Advice for destinations in Namibia
 

Hi everyone,
I have to be in Cape Town in early June (timing not my choice!) and I want to take a side trip before - preferably Namibia. I had a great safari in the Okavango Delta so am able to pass on Etosha. Some people are put off by the thought of dunes and desert but I quite like that.

I'll have just under two weeks and am travelling by myself (young male). Having spent my life in cities I never bothered to get my license, so I can't rent a car (or if the rules are loose, wouldn't want to ;)). I've seen a week-long tour from Nomads in South Africa (recommended?) that takes in Swakopmund, Sossusvlei (Dune 45), Fish River Canyon, Gariep, Cederberg and then ends, quite conveniently, in Cape Town. The tail end of the trip is not terribly exciting to me but I suppose it's the tradeoff for having a convenient way back to Cape Town (although I would be willing to fly). I am concerned that the time spent in Namibia is only five days.

I'd like thoughts on if it would be possible in my circumstance to do my own tour, perhaps spending a few days in/around Swakopmund (Walvis Bay, Spitzkoppe Mountain - others?) and then Sossusvlei (it seems there are public transport/tour groups from Swkopmund to Sossusvlei). Spending an extra day or two in the desert (compared to the tour group) walking around the dunes in the morning and evening is appealing (I did this in Oman). How close is accommodation around Sossusvlei to dunes - could I walk, would any of the accommodation places offer a tour to the dunes?

The Skeleton Coast is of interest. I'm more interested in the shipwrecks than seals. Some good shipwrecks seem to be around Toscanini and Torra Bay but some camp sites (eg Torra Bay) only seem to be open around Namibian school holidays in Dec/Jan. I'd ideally like to spend more time than what could be afforded on a scenic flight, but how much time would I need and how practical would this be?

I might have to sacrifice Fish River Canyon as well as the South African bits (Gariep and Cederberg), which I'm fine with, but let me know if that would be a huge mistake (FWIW, I've been to the Grand Canyon).

Thoughts are very much welcome. :)

Namibia is my favorite country on earth, and I'm really pleased for you that you'll be going there.

Personally, I don't find Walvis Bay or Swakopmund particularly interesting, however others may differ. There's some great quad biking to be had in Swakupmund, though, and I'd go back just for that. Another popular attraction there is dune surfing.

Sossusvlei should definitely be on anyone's "don't miss" list of places to visit, and no matter how hot it is when you get to Big Mama, DO make sure you go into Dead Vlei. Most safaris leave early in the morning when it's cool, so that you're back at your camp by the hot afternoon hours.

All my Namibian safaris have been through Wilderness Safaris (the link is to their Namibian properties), but they can be very expensive, and knowing nothing about your circumstances, they might be out of your price range.

When my parter and I were in Sossusvlei in 2010, we stayed at Little Kulala, though there is another Wilderness camp nearby called the Ongava Tented Camp. Little Ongava is wonderful - the beds in the bedrooms face giant picture windows that show the dunes' changing colors as the days progress. There are also other options in the area, (including Sossusvlei Lodge, a stone's throw from Sesriem Canyon) that can fit tighter budgets than the Wilderness Safari camps. None of the accommodations will allow you to walk to the major dunes in Sossusvlei - the dunes are actually inside of a national park, which is gated at night. Almost all of the camps offer trips to the dunes, and depending on where you stay, the time to get to Big Mama can be anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, mostly on a paved road once inside the park.

One other place to consider visiting in Namibia is the Serra Cafema camp (see above link), located on the Kunene river, which borders Angola to the north. This is my favorite camp anywhere, and it brings new meaning to the word "remote." This is probably my favorite place on earth, come to think of it.

Anyway, back to your question, your itinerary sounds like it would work well for you, and I'd be keen to see what others think/suggest.

Do you mean little Kulula? (Ongava seems to be in Etosha.) Looks nice an I'd be willing to pay for that, but not nearly as much a they want!

The region around Serra Cafema sounds interesting but probably too far north for this trip.

Next-door neighbors.

The Cederberg may not be in Namibia, but it is a pretty cool mountain range anyway.

Johan

Yes, Little Kulala - I was at Little Ongava last year! :) Sorry about that, and good catch - I fixed it in the original post as well. And yes, very pricey, but you really do get what you pay for, and a lot of that are extras and luxuries vs. necessities, obviously.

Let us know what you end up doing!

This is a great idea, Nomad is a excellent company and for the limited time a great option. Their vehicles are based in my hometown of Somerset West, with their head office in Cape Town CBD, just off from Greenmarket Square. The weather is excellent that time of the year to visit Nam, chilly nights, but the days are comfortable with clear blue skies. You will have an excellent experience there, it is safe, clean and space comes in buckets. Enjoy