Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Outside of the rainy season, a 2WD with reasonable clearance will survive most of the
coastal roads around the Lüderitz peninsula, but you'd be wise to avoid the off-road sand
tracks. For any excursion into the Sperrgebiet, a sturdy 4WD with full support equipment
is absolutely essential.
The Central Plateau
The central plateau is bisected by the B1, which is the country's main north-south route,
stretching from the South African border to Otjiwarongo. For most drivers, this excellent
road is little more than a mesmerising broken white line stretching towards a receding ho-
rizon - a paradise for lead-foot drivers and cruise-control potatoes. Most of the central
plateau's towns are situated off the main B1 route, and serve either as good bases for ex-
ploring the region's natural attractions, or, at the very least, obligatory fuel stops en route
to destinations further south.
DORDABIS
062
The lonely ranching area around Dordabis is the heart of Namibia's karakul country, and
supports several sheep farms and weaveries. At the
Farm Ibenstein Weavery
(
573524; by appointment)
, located 4km down the C15 from Dordabis, you can learn
about spinning, dyeing and weaving, as well as purchase handwoven rugs and carpets.
Yes, the name
Eningu Clayhouse Lodge
( 581880;
www.eningulodge.com
;
Peperkorrel Farm; s/d with half board N$1050/1840)
sounds a lot like the title of a chil-
dren's book but, appropriately enough, this place is a bit of a fantasy. It was painstakingly
designed and constructed by Volker and Stephanie Hümmer, whose efforts with sun-dried
adobe have resulted in an appealing African-Amerindian architectural cross. It really is
visually arresting, and activities here include wonderful hiking trails (with a mountain hut
en route), wildlife viewing, archery, and star-gazing through their telescope. To get there,
follow the D1458 for 63km southeast of Chief Hosea Kutako International Airport and
then turn west on the D1471; travel for 1km to the Eningu gate.
To reach Dordabis, head east from Windhoek on the B6 and turn right onto the C23,
20km east of town; the town centre is 66km down this road.
