Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DOROB NATIONAL PARK
The recently (December 2010) declared Dorob National Park consumes the old 'National
West Coast Tourist Recreation Area', and broadens out, especially to the south, beyond
the borders of the old recreation area. Dorob extends beyond the Swakop River and down
to Sandwich Harbour in the south, while its northern border is the Ugab River.
The area focused on in this section is a 200km-long and 25km-wide strip that extends
from Swakopmund to the Ugab River. The area is extremely popular with South African
fishermen, who flock here to tackle such saltwater species as galjoen, steenbra, kabeljou
and blacktail. In fact, between Swakopmund and the Ugab River are hundreds of concrete
buildings, spaced at intervals of about 200m. Although these appear to be coastal bunkers
guarding against an offshore attack, they are actually toilet blocks for fishermen and
campers.
Entry fees and a whole stack of regulations are supposed to apply to Dorob National
Park, but information on this is confusing. At the time of research no fees were payable
for ducking in and out of the park. Don't assume that this is still the case though; check
with the nearest tourist office or NWR before you head into the park.
HENTIES BAY
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At Henties Bay, 80km north of Swakopmund, the relatively reliable Omaruru River issues
into the Atlantic (don't miss the novel golf course in the riverbed!). It was named for Hen-
tie van der Merwe, who visited its spring in 1929. Today it consists mainly of holiday
homes and refuelling and provisioning businesses for anglers headed up the coast.
The
tourist information office
( 501143;
www.hentiesbaytourism.com
; Nickey
Iyambo Rd; 8am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Fri)
is an excellent resource. This recently estab-
lished office is very helpful for info on the area and also sells artwork and crafts. The cof-
feehouse here is recommended as well.
Buck's Camping Lodge
( 501039; Nickey Iyambo Rd; campsites N$230)
, near the
police station in town, is expensive but for the extra dollars you get a campsite with your
own private bathroom. Look for the caravan sign just off the road
The
De Duine Country Hotel
( 081 124 1181;
www.deduinehotel.com
;
s/d N$400/
600; )
, the most established hotel in Henties Bay, sits on the coast, though not a
single room has a sea view - go figure! The German colonial-style property does feature
rooms with swimming-pool and garden views, though.
The C34 salt road, which begins in Swakopmund and ends 70km north of Terrace Bay,
provides access to Dorob National Park and the southern half of the Skeleton Coast Park.
The park is also accessible via the C39 gravel road that links Khorixas with Torra Bay.
