Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BORDER CROSSING: SOUTH AFRICA
Formalities crossing from or to South Africa via the
Vioolsdrif-Noordoewer border crossing
(open 24 hours)
are straightforward. If coming from South Africa, first go to office 1: Immigration, then make sure you also pop
into office 3: Police. If you have nothing to declare then you are not required to go through the Customs office.
On the Namibia side of the border you'll need to complete the Entry/Departure card in the Immigration office
(and fill in every category possible or they'll pull you up). Then, if you are driving, look for the 'Road Fund Ad-
ministration' sign, go into that small office and pay a Cross Border Charge for bringing your vehicle into Namibia
(N$220 for campers, 4WDs and cars). You will be issued with a CBC permit - keep this handy as you may need
to present it at police roadblocks around the country. And through into Namibia! As soon as you're through the
border crossing there are a couple of cheap lodges if you get stuck and two 24-hour petrol stations.
Cañon Village $$$
( 061-230066;
www.gondwana-collection.com
; s/d from N$1075/1750; )
Draw-
ing inspiration from the Cape-Dutch villages of yesteryear, this wonderfully bucolic spot
hugs a rock face on the outskirts of Fish River Canyon. Cottages are spacious and com-
fortable, and afford great views of the area. The centrepiece is a thatched restaurant
serving traditional Afrikaner specialities.
COTTAGES
Getting There & Away
Gondwana Cañon Park can be accessed via private vehicle along the C37.
NOORDOEWER
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Noordoewer sits astride the Orange River, which has its headwaters in the Drakensberg
Mountains of Natal (South Africa) and forms much of the boundary between Namibia and
South Africa. Although the town primarily serves as a border post and a centre for viticul-
ture, it serves as a good base for organising a canoeing or rafting adventure on the Orange
River.
Activities
Canoe and rafting trips are normally done in stages and last three to six days. The popular
trips from Noordoewer north to Aussenkehr aren't treacherous by any stretch - the white-
water never exceeds Class II - but they do provide access to some wonderfully wild
canyon country. Other possible stages include: Aussenkehr to the Fish River mouth; Fish
