Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
it as part of an organised tour, but most visitors prefer the thrill and excitement of a self-
drive safari. Even in the rainy season, the paved approach to the park, in addition to all in-
ternal roads, is easily accessible to 2WD vehicles.
Outside of Etosha, North-Central Namibia benefits from an excellent network of sealed
roads. This is one region where a 4WD vehicle is largely unnecessary, aside from a few
minor access roads in the Erongo Mountains.
East to Botswana
The seemingly never-ending B6 runs east from Windhoek to the Botswana border, passing
through the heart of one of Namibia's most important ranching centres. Together, the 970
farms of the Omaheke region cover nearly 5 million hectares, and provide over one-third
of Namibia's beef. While passionate carnivores can certainly rejoice at these numbers, the
road east to the Botswana border is a long and monotonous slog - fortunately it is sealed,
flat and in excellent condition.
GOBABIS
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Gobabis is situated on the Wit-Nossob River, 120km from the Botswana border at Buite-
pos. The name is Khoikhoi for 'place of strife', but a slight misspelling (Goabbis) renders
it 'place of elephants', which locals seem to prefer despite its obvious shortage of ele-
phants.
Although Gobabis is the main service centre of the Namibian Kalahari, there isn't a lot
to look at. The town's only historic building is the old military hospital, the
Lazarett,
which once served as a town museum. It's not officially open, but you can pick up a key at
the library in the centre of town.
The
Harnas Wildlife Foundation & Guest Farm
( 568828;
www.harnas.org
;
campsite per person N$180, igloos/cottages per person N$750/950, igloos/cottages per
person with full board N$935/1135)
is a rural development project that likens itself to
Noah's Ark. Here you can see wildlife close up, including cheetahs, leopards and lions.
Many of the animals are caged, but since they were either orphaned or injured, they would
be unable to survive were it not for the foundation. A wide range of accommodation is
available, including options for full board, and there are plenty of activities to keep you
amused for a couple of days. To get here, turn north on the C22 past Gobabis and continue
for 45km, then drive east on the D1668 for another 45km (following the signs).
