6 THINGS TO DO
1 Look for gamma rays
If pulsars get your pulse racing, visit the HESS research station. It’s free during office hours on weekdays, but you have to book beforehand. 00 264 81 280 2502 (Toni) thanke@afol.com.na
2 Explore the Milky Way
Look at the planets, stars and constellations through a telescope at Rooisand Desert Ranch. Stargazing tour R450 per person (minimum two people) for about two hours.
00 264 81 127 7629 rooisand.com
3 Learn about the desert
Do a desert tour with a guide from Bushman’s Desert Camp to learn more about the origin of the Namib, the lifestyle of the Bushmen, and how people survive and make a living here.
The tour lasts about two hours and costs R2 100 for the first seven people; plus R300 per extra person.
00 264 81 294 2755 (Boesman) sossusft@afol.com.na
4 Have a coffee
Look for the “koffie” sign next to a farmhouse at the top of Remhoogte Pass. Sit on the stoep and have a cup (R20). They also serve tea (R20), sandwiches (R35), farm breakfasts (R50 to R70), koeksisters, pancakes and cake (R20). Everything is prepared in the farm kitchen.
GPS: S23.947483 E16.297494 00 264 81 651 0216
5 Take a hike
When you stay at Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge (#79, page 98) you can hike one of their 10 trails. The trails are free but not open to day visitors. Trails vary from an easy 2,8 km loop (1 hour) to a challenging 14,4 km (7 hours), over grass plains, mountains and rivers. Get a brochure with a map and directions at the reception office.
00 264 64 69 4000 rostock-ritz-desert-lodge.com
6 Drive one more mountain pass
Besides Kupferberg, Gamsberg, Gaub and Remhoogte, there are two other passes in the area. Kuiseb Pass is 15 km north of the C26/C14 junction. You’ll drive through a mountainous landscape, descend to a riverbed and finally end up on the wide plains towards Walvis Bay.
The top of Spreetshoogte Pass, the steepest pass in Namibia, is 15 km west of the D1261/D1275 junction. The view over the Namib plains below is worth all the extra kilometres.