General Information
1. The Brandberg
  
The Brandbeg is Namibia’s highest mountain and is located in Damaraland, in the North-western Namib Desert, near the coast and covers an area of approximately 650 km², with the highest point standing at 2573m above sea level. The name Brandberg is Afrikaans and German for Fire Mountain, which comes from its glowing colour, which is sometimes seen, in the setting sun.
Rock Paintings - The White lady
  
The White Lady is a rock painting located on a panel also depicting other artwork on a small rock overhang deep within the Brandberg Mountain. Reinhard Maack, a German explorer and scientist, working as a surveyor at this time, discovered the painting in 1918.
To reach the White Lady it is necessary to hike for about 40 minutes over rough terrain, along the watercourses contained within the mountain. A very capable guide from the Daureb Mountain Guides will take you to the White Lady while telling you tales of this very interesting rock painting.
Wildlife
  
The Brandberg is also home to some desert flora. Damaraland is well known for its weird looking aloes and euphoria’s and the region around the mountain is no exception to the rest of Damaraland. The area has many plants, which looks like they have been imported from outer space. The area is very arid and finding water can be difficult or impossible. Nonetheless it is home to a large variety of wildlife. The number of animals are small because the climate cannot support large populations, however most of the desert species that are found in Namibia are present and lucky visitors might catch sigh of a desert elephant or a rare black rhino.
The Namib Naukluft Park
 
The Namib Naukluft Park is one of the biggest national parks in Africa, covering much of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft Mountains. It is home to some of the rarest plants such as the Welwistchia Mirabilis.
The Namib Desert part of the section of the Namib-Naukluft Park includes the Swakop and Kuiseb River canyons. On the coast the Sandwich harbour is a paradise for ornithologist and nature lovers. The lagoon is fed by freshwater and is a sanctuary for large numbers of coastal birds. Sandwich Harbour is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles due to the sand dunes that meet the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Cross
  
In 1486 Portuguese Dieg Cao landed here and erected a stone cross in honour of John II of Portugal. Cape Cross is of interest to historians and biologists alike. Situated 120km north of Swakopmund and within the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area. The population of Cape Fur Seals is estimated between 80 000 and 100 000 animals. Seal bulls can weigh up to 1360kg while the cows have an average weight of only 75kg.
Black-backed jackal is often seen running between seals. Brown Hyena tracks can be observed by but the animals themselves are shy and nocturnal.
Dune Seven
 
Dune Seven
Wlotskabaken
DUNE 7
Dune 7 is situated along the central coast of Namibia. The highest dune in the coastal dune belt, it is situated 10km outside the town of Walvis Bay. The Walvis Bay Municipality has planted palm trees and erected toilets and barbeque sites, fresh water is also available, making it the only man made oasis in the dune belt.
Dune 7 is ideal for sandboarding as it is 130m high and is very steep consisting of powder like sand which is ideal for sandboarding. A quad bike is used to transport boarders to the top of the dune. All gear, drinks, fruit and quad bikes are supplied. No experience is needed, as a professional instructor will instruct you.
WLOTZKASBAKEN
Wlozkasbaken is a settlement, which is administered by the Erongo Reigonal Council in terms of the Regional Council’s Act. At this stage all residents lease plots on the basis of annual renewable lease agreements. This settlement is in the process of being developed to the stage of a village to become a fully-fledged town in the future.
Wlotzkasbaken is situated 30km north of Swakopmund along the coast. This settlement offers one of the best angling in Namibia with kob, kabeljou and being the most popular light-tackle species. Wlotzkas as it is affectionately known amongst the residents of Swakopmund is not having any tourist facilities as all the houses are privately owned. However the lichen fields, which thrive off the moisture from the mist that covers the coast, are worth a look if you are in the area.
|
