Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the start of the hike. If you're young and you look fit, this requirement might be waived
on most trails, with the exception of the demanding 85km hike in Fish River Canyon. The
NWR can recommend doctors, but again, in most cases this requirement is waived.
While this might seem restrictive to some folk who are accustomed to strapping on a
pack and taking off, it does protect the environment from unrestrained tourism, and it en-
sures that you'll have the trail to yourself - you'll certainly never see another group.
If you prefer guided tramping, get in touch with
Trail Hopper
( 061-264521;
www.trailhopper.com
)
, which offers hikes all over the country, including Fish River
Canyon, a five-day Brandberg Ascent and a Naukluft Mountain Trek. Prices depend on
the size of the group.
ROCK CLIMBING
Rock climbing is popular on the red rocks of Damaraland, particularly the Spitzkoppe and
the Brandberg, but participants need their own gear and transport. For less- experienced
climbers it's a dangerous endeavour in the desert heat, so seek local advice beforehand,
and never attempt a climb on your own.
SANDBOARDING
A popular activity is sandboarding, which is commercially available in Swakopmund and
Walvis Bay. You can choose between sled-style sandboarding, in which you lay on a ma-
sonite board and slide down the dunes at very high speeds, or the stand-up version, in
which you schuss down on a snowboard. See those destinations for more information.
Business Hours
Banks
8am or 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 12.30pm Saturday
Information
8am or 9am to 5pm or 6pm Monday to Friday
Post offices
8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.30 to 11am Saturday
Shopping
8am or 9am to 5pm or 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm or 5pm Saturday;
late-night shopping to 9pm Thursday or Friday
Eating
Breakfast 8 to 10am, lunch 11am to 3pm, dinner 6 to 10pm; some places open
8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday
Drinking & entertainment
5pm to close (midnight to 3am) Monday to Saturday
Petrol Stations
Only a few open 24 hours; in outlying areas fuel hard to find after hours
or Sunday.
In this topic reviews don't list hours unless they vary from the standard.
