National Marine Aquarium of Namibia

Swakopmund Aquarium is the only aquarium in Namibia. Located at the Atlantic coast of the country.

The National Aquarium in Swakopmund opens a window to the wonders of marine life found in the cold Benguela Current off the coast of Southern Africa.

Seawater, drawn from the old jetty, is pumped through a series of filter systems before reaching the exhibition tanks. The main tanks has a holding capacity of 320 000 litres, is 12 m long and 8 m wide. An underwater walk-way allows the visitor to view sharks, rays and fishes from close range. The smaller exhibition tanks house organisms from the inshore waters, mainly found along sandy and rocky beaches.

Numerous information posters line the walls of the Aquarium. Scientific information, regarding the rich resources of Namibia, is simply, yet comprehensively displayed.

 

The functions of the National Marine Aquarium are to disseminate information about Namibian marine life, to enhance visitors about the sensitivity and complexity of the Benguela System and to serve as a place of recreation for those who merely want to put their feet up and relax.

Feeding takes place each day at 15h00. Fishes in the main tank are fed 8-10 kg of filled hake. Special feeds are prepared for the filter-feeders (such as mussels and barnacles) and smaller creatures such as crabs, anemones, starfishes and sea snails.

Roman Catholic Cathedral - St Maries Cathedral - Windhoek Namibia

One of the most easily recognisable landmarks in Namibia's capital city Windhoek, is the Roman Catholic Cathedral. Its appearance brought about its proclamation as a national monument 

The official proclamation text reads:
'The twin tower cathedral, with its neo-Renaissance features, is of particular architectural importance. The façade of this right-angled building is particularly impressing with its high peak towers on both sides of the central part with its three arched entrances. The rustic work of brown stone is also striking'.

At the turn of the 20th century, Roman Catholic church services in Windhoek were held in a wooden chapel with a canvas roof. A cornerstone for a church for 1 tower was laid in March 1903 and in 1931 due to a growing congregation it was extended. The nave was lengthened eastwards and the twin towers added. St Mary's Cathedral was consecrated on 24th April 1932.

In 1971 a further extension took place. The nave was lengthened towards the west. New choir stalls were built, a new chancel was installed with locally made stained-glass windows in Windhoek. Other windows of lead and stained-glass were manufactured in Munich. The floor of the new chancel was made of stone quarried in Namibia. The altar and some of the chairs in the chancel were made from Karibib granite. Many other improvements were made, including further renovations in 1993/4.

The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Windhoek was proclaimed a national monument on 15th June 1983.

Op My Stoep Lodge - Oranjemund Namibia

Oranjemund and OP MY STOEP is surrounded by the magnificent Namib desert and therefore is home to many wild animals, such as Gemsbok (Oryx Gazelle), Jackals, Springbuck, Ostrich and even Strand wolf (brown Hyena).  The Gemsbok and Jackals actually walk around in town, as there are ample sources of food and water.  The newly born babies are kept safe and protected in the parks and gardens of this green oasis town.

Adventurous and enthusiastic Fanie, offers Dune rides, walks and even breakfasts or sundowners in the dunes (pre-booking required).  Activities in and around Oranjemund include golf, fishing, snooker, darts, shooting at the Gun Club, a Museum and even more, so be it that you are staying at OP MY STOEP because of work or vacation, you will be able to fill every moment with something exciting, adventurous or even relaxing.

Accommodation

This homely, yet luxurious lodge offers 16 rooms, of which there are 9 single rooms, 3 double rooms, 4 NEW double VIP rooms with luxury en-suite's which feature a spacious shower and corner bath.  There are 4 self-catering units of which 2 accommodate 3 persons and 2 accommodate 4 persons.  A caravan park, with 6 stands, each with its own ablution and braai facilities, is also available for those adventurer types. 

Each room is furnished with hand-made beds, bedside tables, lamps, light fixtures, tables and chairs, even the coat-hangers are custom made, by Fanie.  All rooms are equipped with all necessities, such as 14 channel DSTV, air conditioning, under-roof secure parking, kettle, fridge, coffee/tea/sugar and home-made rusks, freshly made by Fanie's wife, Ria – the Lady of the Lodge and great dessert, cake and pudding maker.

Self Catering Units

This homely, yet luxurious lodge offers 4 self-catering units with their own fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining area, as well as braai facility, where you and your family can relax and enjoy.  2x3 persons and 2x4 persons, please specify on booking request.

Reiterdenkmal - Namibia

The Reiterdenkmal was financed privately and designed by Berlin sculptor Adolf Kürle. The equestrian statue is 4.5 metres (15 ft) tall and made from bronze. It was created in Berlin and shipped to German South-West Africa in 1911. After its arrival in Swakopmund it was transported by train to Windhoek.The plinth is 5 metres (16 ft) tall and consists of approximately 180 granite rocks from Okahandja.It has a plaque mounted on it that remembers the German soldiers and civilians that died in the Herero and Namaqua War of 1904–1907, as well as in the Kalahari Expedition in 1908. The translation of the inscription is:
    Remembering and honouring the brave German warriors that died for emperor and empire to save and protect this land during the Herero and Hottentot uprisings between 1903 and 1907, and during the Kalahari Expedition in 1908. Also remembering and honouring German citizens that died from the hands of the indigenous. Fallen, missing, died from accident, succumbed to their injuries or sickness: Of the Protection Force: 100 officers, 254 non-commissioned officers, 1180 soldiers, of the marine: 7 officers, 13 non-commissioned officers, 27 seamen. Killed during the uprising: 119 men, 4 women, 1 child.

German South-West African Governor Theodor Seitz inaugurated the monument on the 53rd birthday of German emperor Wilhelm II on 27 January 1912.

Although the monument is unusual in that it displays a corporal on horseback, Namibian historian Andreas Vogt incorrectly claims that nowhere else in the world is an ordinary soldier sculpted in that manner and that the honour of being displayed on a horse is only extended to "highest nobility like emperors, kings and princes". German historian Joachim Zeller points out that traditionally equestrian statues symbolise imperial rule and power, and that this is how the function of the Reiterdenkmal has to be interpreted.

Explore the Vastness of Namibia's Unspoiled Natural Environment

Sossusvlei

 

The Sossusvlei, Namibia's famous scenic highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan, enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular dunes reach a height of 300 metres, which makes them the highest dunes in the world. In this gigantic sea of sand the dune ridges slope from a cust in a star pattern in different directions why they are referred to as star dunes.

The dunes of the Namib desert have developed over a period of many millions of years. Vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Alantic Ocean by the Orange river. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf. The coastal sand was then continuously shifted further inland by the wind.

Wind permanently reshapes the patterns of the Namib dunes. It timelessly forces the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down in the wind shade. The leeward slope is therefore always considerably steeper than the windward side.

The clay ground of the Sossusvlei is almost always dry. Only after a heavy rainfall, which is a rare event in this area, every ten years in average, does the vlei fill with water. As the clay layers hardly allow any water infiltration, a turquoise lake will remain for quite some time.

The restcamp at Sesriem is the starting point for the 65 kilometre long access drive to the Sossusvlei. The Namibian government runs a campground and the Sossus Dune Lodge at Sesriem. And there are private lodges in the area as well. Another attraction in Sesriem is the Sesriem Canyon. The Tsauchab River has formed a gorge millions of years ago. Steeply, almost vertically the rockwalls stand up, in parts 30 metres high. The insection measures only a few metres.

Travel information and Accommodation:  http://www.namibiareservations.com/sossusvleie.html

Namibia's Greatest Wildlife Sanctuary

Etosha National Park

 Etosha National Park is unique in Africa. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. At the same time Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Namibia and Southern Africa.

The park is malaria free, accessible in a regular sedan car and the rest camps provide a range of accommodation as well as restaurants, viewing decks, shops and petrol stations. Luxurious camps in Etosha’s remote areas have now added top end accommodation to the park’s offerings.

 

About the Park:

Wildlife

The abundance of game in Etosha National Park is somewhat unexpected, showcasing some of the most common and rarest wildlife species. The areas with thicker vegetation are home to elephant (some of the largest in Africa due to the vitamins and nutrients found in the ground), the endangered black rhino and even leopard. Lions are camouflaged in the pale- golden colour of the grasslands, while giraffes rise- high above most of the dry vegetation.
Birders will love the rainy season in Etosha. After good rains the salt pan fills with water attracting a cloud of flamingos. More than 340 bird species have been counted in Etosha National Park. Among the migratory species, the European bee-eater is possibly the most popular sighting. The game reserve is also home to the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, and the heaviest flying bird, the kori bustard.
Please note that Etosha National Park is immensely popular, hence advanced bookings are recommended.

 Seasons:

During winter the Etosha Pan is bone dry. This endless white expanse is an unlikely venue for a wildlife sanctuary. The park is a wasteland of white dust which comes from the clay in the pan. Bushes along the road turn white as vehicles throw up dust and visitors who leave the park usually have a dusty aura around them! This is also the time when most of the visitors come to the park as the climate is mild and the wildlife concentrates itself at the waterholes.  Yet the surrounding areas overflow with springbok and zebra.
The summer in the park is vastly different with heavy rains turning a dry dusty Etosha National Park into a lush green oasis. This time of year means life in the park for new born animals as well as birdlife. Many European migratory birds come south to enjoy the new life that has been washed into the vegetation. Driving during the rainy season can get a lot trickier as roads can be flooded and having an equipped vehicle will make the journey a lot more enjoyable. It is also advised to do a lot more driving to view the wildlife as animals tend to keep clear of the once active waterholes that posed such dangers during the dry season.

Galton gate was exclusively used for Dolomite visitors. It is now open to all visitors to use.

For More info contact us at : info@namibiareservations.com

 Visit our website at: www.namibiareservations.com 

Check Out the Etosha Accommodation:  http://www.namibiareservations.com/etosha.html

Discover Namibia

Tours and Safaris

Namibia is a wonderfully diverse country, with landscapes running from the stunning Namib Desert in the South through to the world famous Etosha National Park in the North, passing through an array of cultures and scenery inbetween.
As a country Namibia has so much to offer the traveller. Whether you are looking for a game viewing holiday, an adventure holiday or just a great place to relax and unwind. Namibia has it all! 

Self Driving in Southern Africa
Self drive safaris have become increasingly more and more popular in Southern Africa.
Namibian roads see very little traffic and are by and large well maintained. More remote areas will require a 4x4 vehicle, but a large part of the country is accessible by 2x4 or in some areas sedan vehicles. Large parts of Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia are very accessible to self drivers too!
For the budget traveller, or just those who love being close to nature, camping equipped vehicles are also available.

Namibia is a land of contrasts and so each days drive brings something new and interesting within the ever changing landscape.

 

 

Self driving gives you the opportunity to take everything in at your own pace, to stop for photo opportunities wherever you like.

 Guided Safaris

Guided tours and safaris are an excellent way to see Namibia and Botswana without the added hassles of maps, directions and other similar worries.

Fly Inn Safaris

If you only have a limited time to visit Namibia, or are looking for a luxurious stay then a fly in safari is highly recommended.
Namibia is a vast country, so with average drive times of 4 hours between destinations it is extremely time saving to simply take a light aircraft between your lodges, shaving your travel time down considerably, whilst also enjoying the sights of Namibia from the air!

Meet The New Tour Consultants - Namibia Reservations

The cock among the hens. Filemon loves going out and having fun. He likes to meet different kinds of people and enjoys playing football and singing. Some great traits about Filemon is that he’s a good listener and loves solving problems and getting involved. The thing Filemon enjoys most about his job is to make someone else’s holiday more fun and the best! Team work is very important to this guy!

 Our one and only German speaking consultant, Katharina was born in Germany and has been living in Namibia for years. This bundle of energy loves baking and photography. Animals, nature and camping are also some of her many, many interests. Katharina describes herself as a whole lot of “crazyness”. Her life motto is “I am who I am.” Traveling is her passion.

This friendly face loves poetry, quotes and nature. Uaaruka likes taking walks through her neighborhood. She describes herself as hard working, caring, loving and a role model to her siblings and son. What she loves most about her job is the fact that she’s responsible for someone’s holiday. It makes her proud knowing that she gets up every day to do what she loves to do.

 Hailing from the North of Namibia, this extraordinary woman loves interacting with different kinds of people. Always friendly and happy, Magret enjoys reading, reading and more reading. Above all things on earth Magret loves her family most. Her best quality is that she’s dependable. You can be sure to always have a smile on your face when being in the same room as Magret.

The Shark Island - Ludreritz Namibia

On a peninsula in Lüderitz, Namibia Shark Island offers visitors campsites at budget rates, beautiful scenery and a rich history.
Shark Island Resort was the site of a concentration camp during 1905 to 1907 and harbored Nama and Herero prisoners. Several monuments on the resort close to the main ablution building attest to this troubling time in the resort's history.
Luderitz Bay is a windy town on Namibia's southern coast with a rich history which signalled the beginning of the diamond trade as well as the early seeds of colonialism.
Situated on Shark Peninsula is Shark Island, a site with an excellent view over the bay, town and harbour. Seals and Pelicans are some wildlife species that can be seen frequenting the rocky areas around the site.

Accommodation at Shark Island: Shark Island offers accommodation in either a lighthouse or in 3 bungalows. The lighthouse has 2 rooms with 2 beds in each room and 2 bathrooms.
It has a fully-equipped kitchen with cutlery / plates, kettle, a fridge and the sitting room has a TV.
The 3 standard bungalows have the same self-catering facilities in all the fully-equipped kitchens and each unit has it's own bathroom with toilet / shower.

Each campsite has access to a 220V power point providing electricity 24 hours a day.
A built-in brick fireplace provides a place to barbeque and taps are provided at regular intervals.
One big ablution facility provides showers, toilets and baths to the campers. The facilities are old, but spotlessly clean and are serviced daily. A washing-up facility for doing dishes as well as a laundry is provided for inside the building. As the campground is large, additional small ablution facilities are spaced between the campsites.
Although crime is not rife in the town of Lüderitz, campers must take note that day visitors are allowed on the resort and campers must make provision for the security of their campsite while they explore the town and surroundings.
There is a security guard patrolling the grounds 24 hours a day to assist in keeping the campground safe.

 Activities and Attractions at Shark Island

Angling and Fishing
 Visit the National Monument
 Sundowners
 Boating
 Kolmanskop Ghost Town
 Sand rose trip into the Diamond Area at Agate beach
 Lüderitz peninsula (popular for sightings of Flamingo)
 Diaz Point - the historic landing spot of the 17th century explorer Bartholomew Diaz

!!!!This is Namibia!!!!!!

 The Popa Falls are defiantly not the biggest falls you can find in Namibia but they do provide an absolute beautiful setting for a sun-downer boat cruises or islands dinners. The sound of the Popa Falls at only a few hundred meters from the lodge is the ideal soundtrack while relaxing in the Spa or enjoying dinner.

 Although you may think that mini-bus taxis, buses and bakkies are the modern means of transport in an ever-expanding Africa, on the dusty roads of the Namibian interior, far from crowded cities and the hustle and bustle of the 21st century, it is also the donkey cart that is one of the quintessential Namibian forms of transport.

The Namib Desert consists of massive mountains of sand, dunes that ‘walk around', fossilized driftwood, skeletons, ancient granite mountains, doleritic plains, San cave art, shipwrecks, the marvelous Welwitschia, elephants, and gemsbok, These are a few of the spectacular phenomena one can find in the Namib Desert. The Namib, the world's oldest desert, lies on the south west coast of Africa, mainly in Namibia.
 

 The Himba are an ancient tribe of tall, slender and statuesque herders. Since the 16th century they have lived in scattered settlements, leading a life that has remained unchanged, surviving war and droughts. The tribal structure helps them live in one of the most extreme environments on earth.

  

An adult welwitschia consists of two leaves, a stem base and roots. That is all! Its two permanent leaves are unique in the plant kingdom. They are the original leaves from when the plant was a seedling, and they just continue to grow and are never shed. They are leathery, broad, strap-shaped and they lie on the ground becoming torn to ribbons and tattered with age.

Namibia is a very diverse country with an array of habitats and vegetation. It is also one of the few countries where animals still roam freely mostly unrestricted by human influence. The country has a great mix of desert, semi- desert and savannahs. As you travel further north in Namibia towards Etosha National Park, you will find a place that offers visitors a complete contrast of wide open grasslands, a massive pan that covers 4731km² and large camel thorn trees mixed with Mopani trees. This diverse vegetation accounts for the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the park.

The Nama Padloper Route - Namibia

The Nama Padloper Route has an abundance of natural attractions with unique landscapes and a diverse range of fauna and flora. Most of the route falls within the Succulent Karoo Biome whilst the area east of the Fish River falls in the Nama Karoo Biome.The name ‘Nama’ comes from the Nama people who inhabit southern Namibia. The Nama have much in common with the San (Bushmen), sharing the same linguistic roots, light skin and small build. The term ‘padloper’ is an Afrikaans word which means ‘path walker’, ‘road walker’ or ‘trail walker.’

 

This main route is subdivided into four sub-routes, each with its own interesting sites and attractions. The first is a 160km drive from Noordoewer to Rosh Pinah, with a variety of accommodation, restaurants, bars and a grape farm, as well as some historical mining sites along the way. Activities include river rafting, camping and relaxing on the banks of the Orange River.

 The second sub-route, Kyk-in-die-Pot which directly translated into English means ‘look inside the pot’, got its name from a house that can be found on this road. The house is built at such an angel to the road that you can look into the kitchen and see what is cooking in the pot. This is a scenic route through spectacular landscapes and an ideal day trip from Rosh Pinah.

 The third is the Witputs Route, which is a scenic drive through farmlands between Rosh Pinah and the Keetmanshoop. The route takes travellers past the north-western boundary of the Fish River Canyon National Park, before heading to Feldschuhhorn, where it eventually meets the B4 to Lüderitz and Keetmanshoop.The fourth is Rosh Pinah town, which apart from being an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding areas, also has a few of its own attractions worth noting. Boasting a golf and tennis club and a number of accommodation options for tourists the gravel road between Rosh Pinah and Aus has also recently been tarred, making travel between these two places significantly easier.