Astounding Sunsets in Namibia!

Okahandja Sunsets

Gobabais 

Langstrand Swakopmund

Sunsets From All Over Namibia

Bon Hotel Swakopmund

BON Hotel Swakopmund offers deluxe and standard accommodation for visiting sports teams, conferencing parties and leisure travellers. Offering sea and dome views the Swakopmund hotel can accommodate 76 guests – and plans for a further 50 rooms are underway. The rooms are set-up in such away so that they can easily be converted to twin rooms for sports groups.

All rooms include: 

Tea/Coffee making facilities

Electronic/laptop safes

Air conditioning

Wi-Fi

Telephone

Hairdryer

Flat screen TV & satellite channels

Mini bar fridge, stocked on request

Few facts about Swakopmund...

1. Where does the name Swakopmund come from?

This is one of the most common questions from travelers. Many spot the “mund” in the name, acknowledging that this means “mouth” in German, and correctly concluding that Swakopmund is the mouth of the Swakop River; but what does “Swakop” mean?

A recent theory believes that “Swakop” is actually based on the San language, namely from “xwaka” (rhinoceros) and “ob” (river). Many find this far-fetched as it is well known there are currently no rhino within in the vicinity of Swakopmund, but once there were. Fossilized rhino footprints have been found in Walvis bay, recently uncovered by a shifting sand dune.

The German settlers changed “xwaka ob” to “Swachaub”, and the full form “Swakopmund,” or the mouth of the Rhinoceros River, was embraced in 1896 when the district was officially declared.

2. Why are the streets so wide?

The streets are wide because when the roads were first built in the early 1900’s, everything was transported by horse and carriage (or mule and carriage), and a lot of space was needed for them to deliver goods and then back out and turn around. In those days there was a lot of space and few people, so there was plenty of room to favour convenience over real estate.

3. Why was Swakopmund founded so close to Walvis Bay?

Many people wonder why two towns were founded so close to each other in such a scantly populated country. The answer hearkens back to colonial days. Swakopmund was established in 1896 by German settlers, mainly for its fresh water source and reasonably accommodating port. If given the choice, the Germans probably would have claimed Walvis Bay, as there is also fresh water there and a far better port, but at the time, Walvis Bay was engaged by the British, and the Germans chose to rather bypass Walvis Bay and settle in Swakopmund. That is why there is so much German culture in Swakopmund. It was originally a German colony, and it still preserves much of its heritage.

4. Why is there so much mist in Swakopmund?

Swakopmund locals love the mist, saying the cool air moistened with ocean water is good for health. Whether or not you believe that, it is true that Swakopmund is often covered in mist.

In the daytime, air which is relatively moist because of the sea breeze moves inland, and then it condenses overnight with the cooling air. Westerly land winds blow the mist back toward the sea. The mist bank results mainly because easterly land winds pushing to the west bump up against the southwesterly winds from the sea causing a mist bank which normally settles anywhere from a few kilometers off shore to a few kilometers inland.

5. What is a Welwitschia?

The Welwitschia plant is one of Namibia’s most magnificent natural phenomena. Namibians like to claim the Welwitschia as its very own, which is almost true, but the Namib desert continues into Angola, where you will still find some of these hardy plants.

Taxonomically categorized as trees, they look more like ground shrubbery with a wooden mouth-like core and ample, thick leaves extending out on two sides. They appear to have quite a few leaves, but there are actually only two which split as a result of the dry desert air into many fibers.

They are unusual organisms, but perhaps the most incredible feature of the Welwitschia is that the oldest of them have been surviving in the harsh Namib desert for over 2000 years!

Ice cold in Africa: What to drink in Namibia's beer town

Namibian capital Windhoek has a population of just 322,000 but produces more than a dozen beers, Windhoek Lager and the slightly darker Tafel Lager and Hansa Pilsner are among local favorites. 

Most of the beers made in Namibia are for export, fueled by a legendary commitment to the reinheitsgebot.

 

 German Tradition

In winter, NamBrew produces Urbock dark beers, made with Munich barley malt into recipes steeped in Germanic traditions.

Tafel Lager

While most Namibian beers have always been made in the capital of Windhoek, some like Tafel Lager and Hansa Pilsner, originate from the tiny seaside city of Swakopmund. 

  

Beer that tastes like tea

 
On the craftier side is Camelthorn Weizen, on tap when it's available. Also an amber, it's made with ingredients imported from South Africa, Europe and the United States for a slightly different taste. Camelthorn started out as a promising independent brewer, but has been absorbed into the NamBrew empire. It's experimented with different flavors, including rooiboos, the red bush popular for tea in southern Africa.

Really comparing the quality of all Namibia's beers to the imports requires a trip to Joe's Beer House. 

 Joe's Beer House

Serves hearty food to accompany the beers and also has one of the biggest selections of game on any menu, anywhere : kudu loin, zebra steak, oryx schnitzel are a sampling.

'Ice cold in Africa'

Strand Hotel Swakopmund

 

With its extensive and entertaining Restaurants, Bars, Lounges, Deli, sea facing Terraces and Conference & Banqueting Centre the Strand Hotel is destined to become the social epicentre of Swakopmund, Namibia.

 

 

125 rooms of which 90% have beach and/or sea views and 10% garden/park views. The six room types feature tea & coffee stations, mini-bars, hair-dryers, TV’s, free Wi-Fi Internet access, telephones and air-conditioning.   

 

 

Ballooning, Skydiving, Bird Watching Tours, Cape Cross Seal Colony, Messum Crater Tour, Fishing Excursions, Living Desert Tours, Namib Desert Day Trips, Namib Desert Night Walks, Quad Biking, Sand Boarding, Sandwich Harbor Tour

 

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com

Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht in Swakopmund

 

Situated in the lovely Namibian town of Swakopmund, the historic Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht is well positioned to offer its guests both comfort and convenience. While touring through Namibia, take the opportunity to enjoy a few days at the wonderful coastline of the country. With its friendly and tranquil atmosphere. 

Not far from the sea and from the city center, our hotel offers an ideal starting point to explore Swakopmund by foot or by car. In our newly renovated building you will find our friendly staff to answer your questions about the hotel, the city or popular excursions. Be their guest and explore Swakopmund, the city with the German flair.

Enjoy Swakomund and visit the Jetty, an old boarding bridge during colonial times, which today is again fully accessible. Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht is the ideal place from which to explore all the tourist attractions which Swakopmund has to offer such as desert tours, seal and dolphin cruises, visits to the museum and the aquarium, dune surfing, hot air ballooning over the astonishing Namib Desert and much, much more.

For more information please contact us at

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com

Amazing Destinations To See

Mahango Game Park

The Mahango Game Park (also known as the Mahango Game Reserve) is a protected area in Namibia within Bwabwata National Park. It is situated at the country’s eastern border with Botswana in the flood plains of the Okavango River basin, close to the Popa Falls on the river. The Caprivi Strip encloses the western part of the park. About two thirds of the bird species found in Namibia are located here as it includes both wetland and tropical terrestrial species of birds.

  

Coast
Swakopmund & Walvis Bay both possess a resort town atmosphere attracting both tourists and locals, offering plenty of opportunities to play in the surrounding dunes and ocean. With miles upon miles of sandy beaches to explore, excellent fishing, fantastic water sport opportunities and plenty of sand dunes to climb.

 

Erongo Region
The eastern region, of the Erongo Region of Namibia, being of a semi arid landscape, has lent itself perfectly to become the farming hub of the region. The areas around the Karibib, Omaruru and Okombahe/Uis villages are well situated to combine communal farming and commercial farming.

Lüderitz
Lüderitz is a harbour town in southwest Namibia,lying on one of the least hospitable coasts in Africa.It is a port developed around Robert Harbour and Shark Island.The town is known for its colonial architecture, including some Art Nouveau work, and for wildlife including seals, penguins, flamingos and ostriches.
 

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibia-luxury-accommodation.com

www.namibia-luxury-accomodation.com

Namibia in a Nut Shell - Self Drive Tour

10 days and 9 nights

Day 1 Windhoek Villa Violet

Upon your arrival at Hosea Kutako, pick up your rental vehicle at the airport or in Windhoek. Over night at Villa Violet with its Unique décor and personal service are the hallmarks of this city oasis that welcomes you with warm Namibian smiles. (+- 45km)

Day 2 Windhoek – Desert Homestead & Horse Trails

Arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, collect your rental vehicle and travel towards Windhoek, Namibia’s Capital. From Here you then travel towards Sesriem/ Desert Homestead. you will drive over mountain passes and see the Namib Naukluft in the distance.

Day 3 Desert Homestead & Horse Trails

Enjoy a meal with fresh produce before starting you day with the different activities that are offered. Alternatively you are also able to go hot air ballooning which can be booked separately. Or do an excursion the Sesriem and Sossusvlei. As an optional activity enjoy a horseback ride on the Homestead.

Day 4 Desert Homestead & Horse Trails – Hansa Hotel

Early morning breakfast and travel towards the coastal town of Swakopmund. Here you will pass the Namib Naukluft and the Namib Park. Experience the change in scenery from mountainous terrain to sweeping dunes. Be amazed by the clash of the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the dizzying dunes on you right.

Day 5 Hansa Hotel

Today is at leisure and you can enjoy the sights of this quaint town with its Germanic history. Visit the Aquarium, do some window-shopping, do an excursion into the Desert and learn about animal life in this harsh environment. Or try your luck at the Swakopmund Casino. The activities offered along the coast are endless.

Day 6 Hansa Hotel – Twyfelfontein Lodge

An early morning start you make your way onwards to Twyfelfontein Lodge. Here you will have the possibility to travel different routes, either along the coast, via Karibib, Omaruru and Khorixas. Depending on the arrival time, you can visit the Organ Pipes and Petrified Forest.

Day 7 Twyfelfontein Lodge – Etosha (Dolomite)

Enjoy a filling breakfast and continue onwards towards the Etosha National Park. Here you will have the opportunity to see the animals from close and make wonderful photographs. Relax at the pool in one of the Resorts, enjoy a meal at the Restaurants and see how the animals come and go at the floodlit waterholes.

Day 8 Etosha (Okaukuejo)

Today you can journey in the Etosha National Park and enjoy the wildlife there. Maybe you will be able to spot a lion or an elephant. Stop at the different waterholes and see how the animals interact with each other. Relax at one of the Resort and get an opportunity to see the nightlife at the floodlit waterholes.

Day 9 Etosha – Frans Indongo

Your journey takes you on the B1 towards Otjiwarongo, make a short stop at the Kameldorn Garten for a light meal or stop in Okahandja at the Craft Market.  Book in at Villa Verdi and relax in the garden.

Day 10 Depart

Depending on the flight schedules, stroll through Windhoek and enjoy the architecture of the capital city. Visit the shops and markets. Return the rental vehicle at the International Airport.

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibia-luxury-accommodation.com

www.namibia-luxury-accomodation.com

Pleasure Flights & Safaris

Your visit to Namibia is not complete unless you appreciate it's beauty and vastness from the air.
 

Skeleton Coast/Damaraland Excursion (Day trip)

Flight from Swakopmund airfield past Namibia's Matterhorn, the Spitzkoppe. 

Continue your flight via the Brandberg and Damaraland to Palmwag Lodge. 

Enjoy a guided game drive where you will have the chance to see elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and other wildlife. After the game drive return to the lodge where a light lunch will be served.Return afternoon low-level flight along the Uniab river bed, in search of the desert elephant, oryx and other game to the river mouth. 

Further low-level flight along the treacherous Skeleton Coast with it's remains 
of shipwrecks.

The seal colony at Cape Cross, past Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken.  

The saltworks at Swakopmund. 

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com