Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and kilometres of deserted beaches stretching towards the Skeleton Coast. The best
surf-
ing
is at Nordstrand (Thick Lip) near Vineta Point.
A fascinating short
hike
will take you across the Swakop River to the large dune fields
south of town. The dune formations and unique vegetation are great for solo exploring.
Swakopmund is one of the top destinations in southern Africa for extreme sports enthu-
siasts. Although filling your days with adrenaline-soaked activities is certainly not cheap,
there are few places in the world where you can climb up, race down and soar over tower-
ing sand dunes.
Most activity operators don't have offices in town, which means that you need to ar-
range all of your activities through either your accommodation or the Namib-i (
Click here
) tourist information centre.
Alter Action
( 402737;
www.alter-action.info
; lie-down/stand-up US$40/55)
Sandboarding with Al-
ter Action is certain to increase your heart rate. If you have any experience snowboarding
or surfing, it's highly recommended that you have a go at the stand-up option. You will be
given a snowboard, gloves, goggles and enough polish to ensure a smooth ride. While you
can't expect the same speeds as you would on the mountain, you can't beat the experience
of carving a dune face, and falling on sands hurts a lot less than ice!
The lie-down option (which makes use of a greased-up sheet of masonite) requires
much less finesse but is equally fun. The highlight is an 80km/h 'schuss' down a 120m
mountain of sand, which finishes with a big jump at the end. Slogging up the dunes can be
rather taxing work, so you need to be physically fit and healthy. Trips depart in the morn-
ing and last for approximately four hours. The price includes the equipment rental, pick-
up, transport to and from the dunes, instruction, lunch and either a beer or soft drink upon
completion.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Ground Rush Adventures
( 402841;
www.skydiveswakop.com.na
; tandem jump N$1950, handycam/professional
video N$450/850)
Ground Rush Adventures provides the ultimate rush, and skydiving in
Swakopmund is sweetened by the outstanding dune and ocean backdrop. The crew at
Ground Rush has an impeccable safety record to date, and they make even the most
nervous participant feel comfortable about jumping out of a plane at 3000m and freefall-
ing for 30 seconds at 220km/h. If you're having any second thoughts taking the plunge,
know that your tandem master has been pulling the cord several times a day for years and
years on end!
ADVENTURE SPORTS
