Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of wine bottles. The rooms are tasteful and refined and cheaper at the walk-in rate if the
hotel isn't busy.
A TERN FOR THE WORSE
Around 90% of the world population of the tiny Damara tern, of which less than 2000 breeding pairs remain, are
endemic to the open shores and sandy bays of the Namib coast from South Africa to Angola. Adult Damara terns,
which have a grey back and wings, a black head and white breast, measure just 22cm long, and are more similar
in appearance to swallows than to other terns.
Damara terns nest on the Namib gravel flats well away from jackals, hyenas and other predators, though their
small size renders them incapable of carrying food for long distances. As a result, they must always remain near a
food source, which usually consists of prawns and larval fishes.
When alarmed, Damara terns try to divert the threat by flying off screaming. Since the nest is usually suffi-
ciently well camouflaged to escape detection, this is effective behaviour. However, if the breeding place is in any
way disturbed, the parent tern abandons the nest and sacrifices the egg or chick to the elements. The following
year, it seeks out a new nesting site, but more often than not, it discovers that potential alternatives are already
overpopulated by other species, which it instinctively spurns.
Over the past few seasons, this has been a serious problem along the Namib coast, mainly due to the prolifera-
tion of unregulated off-road driving along the shoreline between Swakopmund and Terrace Bay. This problem is
further compounded by the fact that Damara terns usually hatch only a single chick each year. In recent years the
terns have failed to breed successfully and, if the current situation continues, they may well be extinct within just
a few years.
Although the biggest risk to the Damara tern continues to be off-road drivers, the increase in tourist activities
on the dunes is also taking its toll. One way of reducing the environmental impact of activities is for a company to
operate in a confined area. When you're booking through a company, inquire about its conservation policies.
Alternative Space $$
Offline map
( 402713; 46 Dr Alfons Weber St; s/d from N$450/750; )
Located on the desert
fringe, 800m east of town, this delightfully alternative place is run by Frenus and Sybille
Rorich. The main attractions are the castlelike architecture, saturation artwork and an in-
dustrial scrap-recycling theme. Dune carts (free to guests) are guaranteed to provide a
thrilling experience, especially with the dunes lying just off in the distance. Be advised
that this is most definitely not a party place.
GUESTHOUSE
