Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4WD TRAILS
Traditionally, 4WD trips were limited to rugged wilderness tracks through the Kaokoveld,
Damaraland and Bushmanland, but an increasing number of 4WD trails have been estab-
lished for 4WD enthusiasts. Participants must pay a daily fee, and are obligated to travel a
certain distance each day and stay at pre-specified campsites. You'll need to book at least
a few weeks in advance through Namibian Wildlife Resorts (
Click here
)
. Contact them
to see which trails are currently available. You could also try
www.namibian.org/travel/ad-
venture/4x4_action.htm
,
which includes a booking service; and
www.drivesouthafrica.co.za/blog/best-4x4-trails-in-namibia
for more information.
CANOEING & RAFTING
Along the Orange River, in the south of the country, canoeing and rafting trips are grow-
ing in popularity. Several operators in Noordoewer offer good-value descents through the
spectacular canyons of the Orange River, along the South African border. White-water
rafting on the Kunene River is available through the inexpensive Kunene River Lodge at
Swartbooi's Drift, and also through several more upmarket operators.
FISHING
Namibia draws anglers from all over Southern Africa. The Benguela Current along the
Skeleton Coast brings kabeljou, steenbras, galjoen, blacktails and copper sharks close to
shore. Favoured spots include the various beaches north of Swakopmund, as well as more
isolated spots further north.
In the dams, especially Hardap and Von Bach, you can expect to catch tilapia, carp, yel-
lowfish, mullet and barbel. Fly-fishing is possible in the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in the
Caprivi region; here you'll find barbel, bream, pike and Africa's famed fighting tiger fish,
which can grow up to 9kg.
HIKING
Hiking is a highlight in Namibia, and a growing number of private ranches have estab-
lished wonderful hiking routes for their guests.
You'll also find superb routes in several national parks. Multiday walks are available at
Waterberg Plateau, the four- or eight-day Naukluft loops, the Ugab River, Daan Viljoen
Game Park and Fish River Canyon, but departures are limited, so book as far in advance
as possible. See the destination sections for more detail on each of these hikes.
Hiking groups on most national park routes must consist of at least three but no more
than 10 people, and each hiker needs a doctor's certificate of fitness (forms are available
from the Windhoek Namibia Wildlife Resorts office) issued no more than 40 days before
