10 things to do
1 Check out the Ugab Terrace
The Ugab Terrace rises from the plains like three small Table Mountains between the C39 and the D2743. For the best view, sit on the deck at Ugab Terrace Lodge (#64, p 127) or walk to the Vingerklip rock formation from Vingerklip Lodge (#63, p 127).
2 Go game viewing in Etosha
Book at least five nights in this popular park (#35, p 124): Two nights at Okaukuejo, so you can go to the Ombika, Olifantsbad and Nebrownii waterholes; two nights at Halali so you can drive to the pan and see vultures at Sueda waterhole; and one night at Namutoni, which is quieter. You can also explore the remote western part, with a stay at Olifantsrus rest camp – it has only 10 camping stands.
Day visitors pay R100 per adult, plus R50 per vehicle.
3 Marvel at the Twyfelfontein engravings
Twyfelfontein is a World Heritage Site, home to hundreds of big and clearly visible rock engravings: lions, giraffes – even a penguin! Entrance costs R80 per adult and R60 per child.
In the area, you can also go see a dolerite rock formation called the Organ Pipes, and Burnt Mountain, where lava flowed 80 million years ago – both are free to visit.
4 Do a sunset cruise
Make sure to book at least one sunset cruise on the Kavango, Kwando or Zambezi rivers. You’ll see waterbirds by the dozen, and maybe even big game like elephants, hippos and crocodiles. Rates vary from R200 to R500 per person.
5 Stand high above Epupa Falls
In the far north of Namibia, on the border with Angola, the Kunene River spreads out and flows over rocks and between baobab trees to form one of the prettiest waterfalls in Africa. Entrance is free, or R30 per person to visit the Sundowner Hill viewpoint. (Only vehicles with high ground clearance allowed.)
6 Touch the biggest meteorite on earth
That’s right – the biggest intact meteorite on earth can be seen on the farm Hoba, between Tsumeb and Grootfontein. It’s 3 m wide, 2,8 m long, about a metre tall and it weighs an estimated 60 tonnes. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Day visitors pay R40 per adult and R30 per child.
7 Climb to the top of the Waterberg
The campsite at NWR Waterberg Resort in the Waterberg Plateau National Park is one of the most scenic in Namibia. From the campsite, it’s about a 1,5 km walk to the start of the hiking trail to the top of the 200 m-high plateau. The climb itself is another kilometre; not too strenuous. At the top you have a spectacular view of… nothing! The seemingly endless Omaheke Plain is below, with roads fanning out across the landscape from the base of the mountain. Day visitors pay R100 per person, plus R50 per vehicle.
8 Swim in Ngepi’s croc-proof pool
Ngepi Camp (#85, p 130) has a croc-proof pool in the Kavango River – a floating cage in the water. Genius! Day visitors are welcome.
9 Explore the Brandberg area
Brandberg is a giant granite massif full of rock art. Go see the famous White Lady painting with a guide – it’s only a few kilometres’ walk. R80 per adult; R60 per child.
The area around Brandberg – especially along the course of the Ugab River – is known for desert elephants. Stay at Brandberg White Lady Lodge (#74, p 128) for the best chance of seeing these masters of survival.
10 Go game viewing in Mahango
This small reserve is part of Bwabwata National Park – the Mahango sector borders the western bank of the Kavango River. The C48 between Botswana’s Mohembo border post and Divundu runs through the sector. It’s a dirt road, tarred closer to Divundu, and traversable in a sedan. There’s also a river road that’s fine for a twowheel-drive vehicle, except after heavy rain. Turn onto this road from the C48 and cruise along next to the Kavango for about 14 km. (The other route west of the C48 is 4x4 only.) Day visitors pay R70 per person – pay at the gate in the northern section of the reserve.