Total Travel TAG Issue 1

Things to do in...
Namibia
DEAD VLEI/ HIDDEN VLEI/ SOSSUSVLEI:
These spectacular attractions are situated in the Namib-
Naukluft Nationalpark, which is Africa’s largest conservation
area. The whole national park is a dream for photographers
and pictures one of a fascinating landscape on earth. The red
sand dunes are some of the highest in the world by reaching
almost 400 meters. Together with their black shadows,
rocky mountains, rolling plains, animals, and plants, they
create a stunning atmosphere and one of the most incredible
ecosystems in the world.
Sossusvlei is said to be the most popular vlei, whereas Dead
Vlei might be the most beautiful one. It is characterised by
pitch-black Dead Camel Thorn Trees, a white clay pan and
rusty-red sand dunes, such as Big Daddy, which is supposed
to be the highest one in the world.
Its entry is for free, even though you can book guided tours
if you want to. If you want to find untouristic Hidden Vlei (as
the name tells), you should go with a navi in your car where
this vlei is marked. Note: Dead Vlei is only reachable by foot
(15-20 minutes walk), so make sure to take enough water
with you!
Tip: Another nice way
of experiencing this
oldest desert of the
planet is in a hot air
balloon.
ETOSHA NATIONALPARK:
This 22.000 m² area gets its name from a large 5.000 m²
endorheic Etosha salt pan and is the right place for any
safari. The national park is home to hundreds of species of
mammals, birds, and reptiles, including several threatened
species such as the black rhinoceros. We got to see the ‘Big
5’ within three days doing our non-guided safari tour. In
every camp, you should check the safari books, where which
kind of animal was seen the other day. The fee is 5€/day per
Person and 70ct for a car. This is a lot cheaper than booking
a safari tour! Because it is a huge national park, it is easy to
find!
SWAKOPMUND:
written by
LENA GROSS
from the Day Travels
www.thedaytravels.com
The city was founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German
South-West Africa and is an excellent example of German
colonial architecture. Today, a small part of its population is
still German-speaking. While driving along Skeleton Coast,
you can hardly miss it!
Tip: Get excellent dinner in a simple restaurant named
Ocean Basket.
CAPE CROSS SEAL RESERVE:
On your way, you should totally stop at Cape Cross, which
is a small headland in the South Atlantic Skeleton Coast.
This protected area is home to one of the largest colonies of
Brown Fur Seals in the world. Even though it costs you 3,40€
to get in, it is worth seeing it.
FISHRIVER-CANYON:
This canyon is the largest in Africa, as well as the
second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. Even
though you might finally meet other backpackers, it is
entirely worth hiking there. There are some footpaths,
the longest follows 88 km of the Fish River and usually
takes five days. Important to know is that there are no
amenities on the trail and hikers have to carry all their
needs with them. Excellent public viewpoints are near
the camping side Hobas (of course, they are for free)!
Also, visit the hot springs resort of Ais-Ais at the lower
end of the Fishriver-Canyon. We spent a night there
and just loved its comfortable atmosphere.
QUIVERTREE FOREST:
I am addicted to this place! It is all and only about quiver
trees, but they depict a prime photo motive. This place
is hard to find; it is 13km north of Keetmanshoop on
the road M29. You need to watch out for a small sign
telling you when to leave the main road. Its entrance
is for free, and the campgrounds around are cheap (3-
8€/Person).
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