Trips along the Coast

By Le Roux van Schalkwyk

Cape Cross and its seals -

Visit the place where the first European, Portuguese explorer and navigator Diogo Cão, landed in 1486 and erected a cross claiming the land for Portugal. Today two replica crosses are in place where the original use to be. The original cross was taken to Germany in 1893 where it has remained to date. Cape Cross is also the home to the largest breeding colony of Cape Fur Seals found on the planet. The sight of thousands of seals going about their business is a sight to behold. Cape Cross is located about 60 kilometres north of Henties Bay.

The Namib “Dead Sea” -

The so-called “Dead Sea” is situated about 50 km north of Henties Bay and located in the old derelict Strathmore-South Tin Mine, where underground water has filled the excavated mining pit. The high concentration of minerals found in the water causes a person to float freely. Such a trip should preferably be conducted with a 4x4 vehicle, as the gravel road leading up to the mine, is extremely corrugated.

See the Zeila shipwreck -

Another casualty of the Skeleton Coast is the Zeila fishing trawler. Stranded very close to the beach just 14km south of Henties Bay, the shipwreck has becoming a popular nesting place for seabirds. Sold as scrap metal by the local fishing company Hangana Seafood to an Indian salvage company, it got stranded on 25 August 2008 after its towing line tore on its way to Bombay, India.

Visit the beautiful Messum Crater -

First discovered by Henno Martin in the year 1939, the Messum Crater is the site of a dormant volcano that was active some 130 million years ago. The large circular, igneous ring complex measures around 23 km in diameter and comprises of diverse rock formations and -outcrops which thrill geology enthusiasts. The crater provides some truly breath-taking views which you enjoy with as sense of total isolation. Don’t miss the interesting archaeological sites and rock paintings. The route to the crater from the C34 also offers some fascinating plant life like large lichen fields and some excellent specimen of our unique desert plant, the Welwitschia Mirabilis.

Spitzkoppe - the twin peaks -

With its round granite peaks towering over the flat landscape surrounding it, the Spitzkoppe is a favourite place to visit for both locals and tourists. It consists of two separate kopjes with the large Spitzkoppe reaching 1 728 metres into the sky, while the small Spitzkoppe measures 1584 metres at its highest peak. Very popular amongst climbers, geologists, and star gazers, the Spitzkoppe is also an incredible place to camp at, visiting these 120 million year old rock formations. Every sunset and sunrise is a spectacular event with the constant change of light creating a canvas that continuously transforms the boulders’ colours.

Moon Landscape and the Welwitschia Plains -

When obtaining your permit at the offices of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism you will receive a map and information sheet if you wish to visit this area. The round trip of about 160 km is an excellent opportunity to explore the desert just east of Swakopmund with its remarkable animal- and plant life as well as interesting geological features. The most prominent feature on this route is certainly the splendid view of the Swakop Valley which is straddled by the so-called Moon Landscape. Created over a period of 2 million years by the erosive actions of the Swakop River, the inhospitable and desolate looking Moon Landscape very much lives up to its name.

Goanikontes: Am oasis in the desert -

Drive through the outer-worldly Moon Landscape and visit Goanikontes Oasis for a delicious lunch. Situated in the Swakop River it truly is an oasis in the desert with its restaurant tables set up on a green lawn with numerous shady trees welcoming the visitor. If you want to escape misty weather at the coast, this is an ideal outing.

Groot Tinkas -

The slightly tricky drive to Groot Tinkas through rocky area is definitely worth the effort and a great place for a picnic or to camp for the night. Tinkas is hidden away in a valley with loads of small hills to explore on foot. The camp sites are set among rock outcrops spending much appreciated shade.

Blutkopje at Sundown -

See where Blutkopje derives its name from by enjoying a sundowner or spending the night at this serene location. Blutkopje meaning blood hill, becomes self-explaining once the sun starts setting and paints the granite outcrop in a deep red colour. Leisurely watching the sun slowly change the colours of the kopje and its surrounds is the perfect way in which you can round of a great day. Leaving Swakopmund in an easterly direction along the C28 and driving for almost an hour will take you to the Blutkopje turnoff. Here you will find an assortment of grass types with quiver trees dotting the landscape. This place does not offer much shade during the heat of the day, thus rendering this a campsite, which is better for overnighting and not ideal for long stays.

Climb Dune 7

Situated 10km outside of Walvis Bay along the D1984 and standing about 130 metres high, Dune 7 is the highest ridge in the coastal dune belt. Making it to the top you will be awarded with a great view towards the sea and into the Namib Desert.

Sandwich Harbour -

Experience the breath-taking scenery of a unique Namib Desert landscape where the giant dunes compete for space with the Atlantic Ocean. Drive past the Walvis Bay lagoon, traverse the Kuiseb Delta and enjoy unspoilt desert scenery. It is important to remember that this scenic route requires you to make use of an off-road vehicle and be in possession of a permit.

Having a braai at Vogelfederberg -

Located 50 kilometres east of Walvis Bay on the C14 you will find Vogelfederberg on the right (south). An easy climb takes you to the top of the hill that has many nooks and crannies to explore. Its exceptionally big cave facing north allows you to enjoy a braai and savour an exquisite Namib landscape.

Mirabib -

Mirabib is one of a number of inselbergs in the Namib Naukluft Park. Situated between 26 km and 30 km north or east Kuiseb River and its canyon, it is the one furthest away from the coast and thus least visited. Choosing the right camp site is key, as the best offer exceptional views of the surrounding area right from your camp chair. Sunsets over the vast plain surrounding Mirabib are spectacular.