Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
couple of short trips before grinding to a halt just east of town. Clearly this particular technology wasn't making
life easier for anyone, and it was abandoned and dubbed the
Martin Luther,
in reference to the great reformer's
famous words to the Diet of Reichstag in 1521: 'Here I stand. May God help me, I cannot do otherwise.'
Although the
Martin Luther
was partially restored in 1975, and concurrently declared a national monument, it
continued to suffer from the ravages of nature. Fortunately, in 2005 students from the Namibian Institute of Min-
ing and Technology restored the locomotive to its former grandeur. They also built a protective encasement that
should keep the
Martin Luther
around at least for another century.
Okakambe Trails
Offline map
( 402799;
www.okakambe.iway.na
; prices variable)
Meaning 'horse' in the local
Herero and Oshivambo languages, Okakambe specialises in horse riding and trekking
through the desert. The German owner cares immensely for her horses, so you can be as-
sured that they're well fed and looked after. Prices for a one-hour solo ride along the
Swakop River to the Moon Landscape start at N$460, but discounts are available for lar-
ger groups and longer outings. More experienced riders can organise multiday treks with
full board, as well as moonlight outings and jaunts along the beach and through the dunes.
You'll find it 12km east of Swakopmund on the D1901.
HORSE RIDING
Camel Farm
Offline map
( 400363; 20min ride N$120)
If you want to live out all your
Lawrence of Arabia-
in-
spired desert fantasies, visit the Camel Farm (on the D1901,12km east of Swakopmund,
adjacent to Okakambe Trails). After donning the necessary amount of Bedouin kitsch, you
can mount your dromedary and make haste for the horizon. While camels run the gamut
from uncouth to downright mean-tempered, don't underestimate their speed and grace! A
camel galloping in full stride can cover an enormous distance, and their unique
physiology justifiably earns them the nickname 'ships of the desert'.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Tours
If you've arrived in Swakopmund by public transport, and don't have access to a private
vehicle, then consider booking a tour through a recommended operator. Central Swakop is
compact and easily walkable, but you need to escape the city confines if you really want
to explore the area.
