THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA FOR YOUR ADVENTURE

Namibia is an adventure destination and travelling here is not always that predictable. Whilst each tour has a rough itinerary, you must be prepared to expect the unexpected and deal with any difficulties or delays which Africa might throw your way! These are not wildlife safaris, but budget travel to wild and exotic places. It is very important that travelers have a positive attitude and are prepared to be flexible. An awareness of basic health and safety is also useful.

Sightseeing

East Caprivi

Bordered by the Kwando, Linyanti, Chobe and Zambezi rivers, this region of riverine forest, swamps and flood plains has several safari lodges offering whitewater rafting, canoeing trips, fishing, hiking and game viewing, particularly in the Mudumu and Mamili National Parks.

AfriCat Foundation, Okonjima

This non-profit rehabilitation centre (www.africat.org ) cares for cheetahs, leopards, lions and endangered wild dogs on a rescue-and-release basis. There's a luxury lodge for overnight visitors, and activities include tracking rehabilitated cheetahs, spotting hyenas on foot, and leopard safaris in a game-viewing vehicle.

Namib Naukluft National Park

The Namib Naukluft is part of the Namib Desert, believed to be the world's oldest desert. Here, oryx, hyena and gemsbok stroll over the burnt orange dunes tufted with grasses that stretch into the horizon. The eastern region is mountainous and surprisingly lush with waterfalls, small streams and grazing herds.

Shopping

Windhoek-*Has the best selection of fashion stores in Namibia. Jewellery is a particular highlight of the shopping scene, with traditional and contemporary pieces featuring Namibian diamonds and semi-precious stones. Local crafts such as wood carvings, karosse rugs and Herero dolls can be bought in curio shops and at the Windhoek Street Market, held every second Saturday.

Nightlife

Most travelers to Namibia find that their nightlife is based around the campfire or lodge restaurant. In the central area of Windhoek, an increasingly multi-ethnic city, there’s a growing range of cigar bar, jazz bars, arty cafes, cinemas, theatres and clubs. Visit during Windhoek Karnival in March or Oktoberfest to get the best of the action. At La Dee Da’s nightclub, you can dance to African beats beneath Namibia’s largest national flag. Elsewhere, nightlife is limited to the main towns, each offering a sprinkling of bars and clubs which open at weekends only. Swakopmund has several lively late-night pubs, often filled with overlanding groups. The old train station has been renovated into a casino if you fancy a flutter.