Activities
Festivals
One of Namibia’s most colourful and spectacular annual events, the Maharero Day celebrations of the Red Flag Herero, takes place at Okahandja on the nearest weekend to 26 August. The day’s activities begin on the outskirts of the town with drilling by various units of uniformed men organised along military lines. Poems in praise of their heroes’ deeds and their forefathers are intermittently chanted by the men while the women ululate. Mid-morning sees the procession of men, mounted horsemen and women in their Victorian dresses begin to make its way to the graveyard of their great leaders to pay ombimbi (respect) to their ancestors.
The Mbanderu, or Green Flag Herero, pay homage to their ancestral leaders on the weekend before or on 11 June each year, again in Okahandja. On this occasion the women all wear green Victorian dresses.
Another traditional Herero cultural event takes place on the weekend before 10 October when followers of the Herero chief Zeraua, also known as the White Flag Herero, converge on Omaruru.
Although not comparable with the famous carnivals of Germany or Rio de Janeiro, the most important cultural event in the capital is undoubtedly WIKA – the Windhoek Karneval tel: 061 228255; www.windhoek-karneval.com. It usually takes place around the end of April or early May, beginning with the Prinzenball on the Friday evening. Particularly popular are the Büttenabende (performances of music and sketches), one of which is held in English. Another of the week’s highlights is the Maskenball which takes place on the Friday evening before the Kehraus, which marks the end of the carnival. There is also a ladies’ night, a Jugend-Karneval (youth carnival) and a Kinder Karneval or kiddies’ carnival.
Swakopmund has its annual carnival, kuska – Kuste Karneval or Coast Carnival – in August/ September, while Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb also have an annual carnival. An Oktoberfest is also held in Windhoek, although on a far smaller scale than the one in Munich.
Calendar of Events
Bank Windhoek Arts Festival
A varied selection of one-off plays and other performances, sponsored by the Bank of Windhoek, and running throughout the year.
Windhoek Carnival (WIKA)
Tel: 061 237656
This venerable knees-up, usually held in April, reflects the country’s strong Teutonic links with plenty of oompah bands and flowing beer.
AE//GAMS Arts and Culture Festival
Tel: 061 2902493
Usually held in September, this showcase for traditional dance and music, live bands and choral events is held in various venues in central Windhoek and Katutura.
EUNIC Film Festival
Tel: 061 225700
First held in August 2012, this festival funded by the European Union National Institutes for Culture is organised by and partially hosted at the Goethe Institute.
Oktoberfest
Tel: 061 235521
This boozy Bavarian institution is held at the Sports Klub Windhoek every October.
The Arts
Art Galleries
The National Art Gallery of Namibia (tel: 061 231160; www.nagn.org.na) on Robert Mugabe Street, Windhoek, houses the most important permanent collection of local artwork, ranging from colonial-era landscapes to contemporary work reflecting the modern political and social situation. Entrance is free on weekdays but a small entrance fee is payable over weekends and public holidays.
Namibian works of art can be bought at several private art galleries in Windhoek and Swakopmund – Namibia could hardly be described as a thriving artistic hub, but Windhoek in particular has a few venues catering to those seeking a cultural fix.
Galleries in the capital include: Artelier Kendzia, 14 Volans Street, tel: 061 225991, and the Omba Gallery in the Namibia Crafts Centre, Tal Street, tel/fax: 061 242799, www.omba.org.na. Swakopmund has a reputation as an artist’s haunt and there are a surprising number of art galleries, including: Die Muschel, Hendrik Witbooi Street, tel: 064 402874, www.muschel.iway.na; Hobby Horse, The Arcade, Hendrik Witbooi Street, tel: 064 402875 and Fine Art Gallery (34 Sam Nujoma Ave; www.art-in-namibia.com).
Theatre
A variety of plays and other theatrical entertainment, live music and dance performance are staged throughout the year by the National Theatre of Namibia (www.ntn.org.na), the central non-profit venue next to the National Art Gallery. Many of these are local productions, but international companies touring South Africa sometimes include Namibia on their itinerary. The theatre, which accommodates 470 people, is situated on the corner of Robert Mugabe Avenue and John Meinert Street. The reservations office is open Mon–Fri, 9am–noon and 2–4pm, tel: 061 374400.
The Warehouse Theatre (48 Tal Street; tel: 061 402253; www.facebook.com/WarehouseTheatreWindhoek) in the Old Brewery complex has long been the place to catch contemporary Namibian musicians in live action.
Several drama productions are also staged by the University of Namibia’s School of the Arts. The School sees itself as instrumental in exploring a Namibian indigenous theatre and although its emphasis is mainly on experimental theatre and workshops, classical dramas are also staged. When in Windhoek phone the Department of Visual and Performing Arts (tel: 061 206 3184) for information on programmes..
Productions by other performing arts groups are occasionally staged. Watch the press for details and also check out the below.
Film/Cinema
The cinemas in Windhoek (call 061 248980/9267 for more information) and Swakopmund (tel: 064 402743) have daily screenings, including Sundays. Windhoek also has an annual film festival, classical film festival and children’s film festival, presented each year by the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN). These are well advertised in the local press.
Ster-Kinekor Cinema
Maerua Mall
Cnr Robert Mugabe & Jan Jonker Streets
Tel. 061 215912
Windhoek’s only cinema is this five-screen complex in the city’s main shopping mall. International and South African releases are shown here, and prices are extremely reasonable in comparison with Europe and the US.
Other Entertainment
There are several choir groups in Windhoek, one of the most popular being the 30-member Cantare Audire. Founded in 1972, the choir won the mixed choir category at the International Eisteddfod in Wales in 1985. Cantare Audire has also toured Germany, Austria and the United States where it performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Performances are also given from time to time by Namibia’s National Youth Choir.
College of the Arts (COTA)
41 Fidel Castro Street
Tel: 061 374100/081 6194239
The former Windhoek Conservatory has an active programme of cultural events ranging from art exhibitions to African dance performances and chamber recitals performed by its talented pupils. Check the notice board outside the College and the press for details.
Nightlife
If you’re looking for swinging nightlife, you are likely to be disappointed. As with the arts, nightlife in Namibia is all but restricted to the capital, and even there it tends to be rather subdued by international standards. Very few hotels have nightclubs or discos, and there is generally very little entertainment for guests. Windhoek has a few nightclubs but they are not in the centre of town. Consult the newspapers and ask your hotel staff if you’re keen to find out where the action is. The following venues are worth checking out:
Berty’s Landing Pub & Grill
Parsival Street
Tel: 081 2791198
This family-friendly venue is popular at weekends, with jumping castles and jungle gym to amuse the children by day, and occasional live music at night. Open Mon–Sat 9am–2am.
Club London V2.0
4 Nasmith Street
Email: londonnamibia@live.com
This is probably the liveliest nightclub in Windhoek, open into the wee hours, and playing an unusually eclectic selection of African and contemporary international dance music.
Club Thriller
Goreseb St, Katatura
Tel: 061 216669
This long-serving club in Katatura isn’t the place to come wearing expensive jewellery or carrying other valuables, but it has a welcoming atmosphere and plays an enjoyable selection of international and African dance music. Open Thur–Sat 10pm–5am.
Desert Jewel Casino
B1 Western Bypass
Tel: 061 205 5911
www.legacyhotels.co.za/en/hotels/windhoek
The only casino in Windhoek, situated on the out-of-town Windhoek Country Club Resort, it offers the usual range of card tables and gaming machines.
El Cubano
Independence Avenue
Tel: 081 2005370
Popular with the under-30s, the Cuban-themed bar in the Hilton Hotel has a chilled atmosphere and a small dance floor. Open daily 5.30pm–late.
Joe’s Beerhouse
160 Nelson Mandela Avenue
Tel: 061 232457
A Windhoek institution since it opened in 1990, this likeable and thoroughly unpretentious German-style pub attracts a mixed crowd of revellers at all hours. Open Mon–Thur 4.30pm-late; Fri–Sun 11am–late.
Vibe Pub, Club & Lounge
8 Bell Street
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vibe-Pub-Club-Lounge/1394521134100955
Spilling across two floors, the former G-Zone Lounge Bar is a friendly and popular cocktail bar that attracts a laidback younger crowd.
The Wine Bar
3 Garten Street
Tel: 061 226514
Sample an excellent range of Cape wines at this sophisticated venue set on a hill that offers fantastic sunset views over the city centre. Open Mon–Sat 5–10.30pm.
Shopping
Where to Buy
Much of the informal sector is aimed at the tourist market. In Windhoek, souvenir hunters will find rich pickings at the Post Street Mall open-air market, and at the street market on the corner of Peter Müller Street and Independence Avenue. Most curio, book and jewellery shops have the following business hours: Mon–Fri 8.30am–5pm, Sat 8am–1pm.
Supermarkets usually remain open until 6pm in the evening, while the larger ones also open for a few hours on Saturday afternoon and Sundays. Bear in mind that many shops close for lunch between 1pm and 2.30pm or 3pm, especially in the smaller towns.
What to Buy
Arts & Crafts
You’ll find a wide variety of curios ranging from genuine crafts made by the indigenous people of Namibia and other neighbouring countries to the usual mass-produced articles in curio shops.
Windhoek
Namibia Crafts Centre
Tal Street in the Old Breweries Building, tel: 061 242799, www.omba.org.na.
African Curiotique
Gustav Voigts Centre, Independence Avenue, tel: 061 236191, www.african-curiotique.com.
Bushman Art & African Museum
187 Independence Avenue, tel: 061 228828/229131
Penduka Project Centre
Goreangabdam, 8 km outside Windhoek, tel: 061 257210, www.penduka.com
Swakopmund
African Kirikara Arts and Crafts
Am Ankerplatz, Sam Nujoma Avenue, tel: 064 463146, www.kirikara.com
Clothing
Compared to European prices leather goods are very reasonable. Namibia is world-renowned for its Karakul lamb pelts also known as Swakara (south-west African Karakul). The newborn lambs are skinned rather than shorn; the more expensive ‘broadtail’ Karakul is taken from foetal lambs. Swakara coats, jackets and other garments, as well as furs, are produced in Windhoek. Leather goods manufactured from buffalo hide and ostrich skins are also available, but since Namibia’s ostrich industry is still in its infancy, ostrich skin products are usually imported from South Africa.
Jewellery
Hand-crafted Namibian jewellery is in demand. Jewellery from Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho with its unmistakably African character is also a good buy and easy to find.
Windhoek
Canto Goldsmith and Jewellers
Levinson Arcade, tel: 061 222894.
Horst Knop Jeweller
Kaiserkrone Centre, Post Street Mall, tel: 061 228657.
Adrian & Meyer Jewellers
Carl List Mall, Independence Avenue, tel: 061 236100; www.adrian-meyer.com
Swakopmund
African Art Jewellers
Hendrik Withooi Street, tel: 064 405566.
Gemstones
A browse around the gem shops in Namibia is worthwhile. Be warned, though: some of the gemstones which are sold locally are actually imported from South America.
Windhoek
Queen of Namibia
Wernhil Park, Upper Level, tel: 061 227735; www.facebook.com/QueenOfNamibia/.
The House of Gems
131 Werner List Street, tel: 061 225202; www.namrocks.com.
Swakopmund
Stonetique
27 Dr Libertine Amuthila Street, tel: 064 405403.
If you’re travelling between Swakopmund and Okahandja, the Henckert Tourist Centre in the main street of Karibib (tel: 064 550700) is also worth a visit. Henckert now has a branch in Swakopmund too (tel: 064 400140; www.swakopmund.henckert.com).
Carpets and Rugs
Namibia is renowned for its outstanding handwoven Karakul carpets.
Windhoek Environs
Ibenstein Weavers
Near Dordabis, tel: 062 573524, www.ibenstein-weavers.com.na
Dorkambo Weavers Cooperative
East of Windhoek, tel: 065 248155; www.dorkambo.com
Swakopmund
Karakulia Wavers
2 Rakotoka Street, tel: 064 461415; www.karakulia.com.na
Books
Windhoek
New Book Cellar
Fidel Castro Street, tel: 081 251 8164.
Windhoek Book Den
Cnr Hosea Kutako & Puccini St, tel: 061 239976.
Central News Agency (CNA)
Gustav Voigts Centre, tel: 061 225625, Maerua Mall, tel: 061 242 159, and Wernhil Park, tel: 061 224090.
Swakopmund
Swakopmunder Buchhandlung
Sam Nujoma Drive, tel: 064 402613
CAN
Hendrik Witbooi Street, tel: 064 404488.
Windhoek
Cymot
342 Independence Ave, tel: 061 237759
Holtz Safariland
Gustav Voigts Centre, tel: 061 235941, www.safarilandholtz.com
Trappers Trading Co.
Wernhil Park, tel: 061 223136.
Camping kit can be hired at:
Camping Hire Namibia
78 Mose Tjitendero Street, Olympia, Windhoek, tel: 061 252995, www.orusovo.com/camphire
(For more information, click here)
Swakopmund
Safariland-Holtz
Sam Nujoma Drive, tel: 064 462387, www.safarilandholtz.com
Safaris
The following local companies can arrange safaris. Others are available through the Namibian Tourist Board.
(For Tour Operators abroad, click here).
Namib Wilderness Safaris
Tel: +27 11 807 1800
Namibia Tours & Safaris
Tel: 064 406038
Southern Cross Safaris
Tel/fax: 061 251553
Pack Safaris
Tel: 061 275800
KaokoHimba Safaris
Tel/fax: 061 695106
Small group guided travel to the Kaokoveld
Abenteuer Africa Safaris
Tel: 064 404030
Sports
Hiking
Thanks to Namibia’s aridity, the opportunities for backpacking and trail hiking are, understandably, limited. Nevertheless there are some fine self-catering routes, guided wilderness trails and day walks.
Situated in the desolate landscape of southern Namibia, the Fish River Canyon Backpacking Trail is rated as one of the five top routes in southern Africa. The 85km (53-mile) route demands a high level of fitness and since there are no facilities whatever, backpackers must be totally self-sufficient. Groups must consist of a minimum of three people. The extreme summer temperatures and the danger of floods rule out any possibility of backpacking during the summer months and the route is open only between 1 May and 30 September.
The spectacular Naukluft Hiking Trail on the edge of the Namib Desert traverses undulating plains and deep ravines, affording hikers breathtaking vistas. Hikers have an option of a four-day route covering approximately 58km (36 miles) or an eight-day circular route covering 120km (75 miles).
The steep ascents encountered on each day’s hike and the rocky terrain underfoot are physically demanding and the trail is not recommended for beginners or the unfit. On account of the excessive summer temperatures, hiking is permitted between 1 March and 31 October only. Groups must consist of a minimum of three people and are limited to a maximum of 12. Accommodation is either in renovated farmhouses or basic stone huts without any facilities. Hikers must, therefore, supply their own equipment, including a lightweight stove since it is not permitted to light fires on the trail.
In addition to the two do-it-yourself trails managed by the Directorate of Resource Management, outdoor enthusiasts also have a choice of two guided wilderness trails. The first, the three-day Ugab River Wilderness Trail in the Skeleton Coast Park, gives hikers the opportunity to explore the Namib Desert on foot. Only water and firewood are supplied and hikers must provide their own food and equipment, including backpacks and sleeping bags. Nights are spent under the clear night sky. Trails lasting four days are conducted every second and fourth Tuesday of the month throughout the year.
The other is the Waterberg Guided Wilderness Trail which concentrates on the area’s geology, wildlife and history. Game tracks are followed in pursuit of the rare game species inhabiting the park – white and black rhino, sable, roan and numerous other game species. Trails are conducted from a base camp into the wilderness area of the park and are tailored to suit the fitness and interests of the group. The trail camp comprises rustic huts equipped with beds and foam mattresses, cold water washing facilities and a central fireplace. Hikers need to supply their own sleeping bags, food and personal items only, since backpacks, water bottles, all cooking and eating utensils and a basic first aid kit are provided. Trails run over the second, third and fourth weekend of every month between April and November.
All the above-mentioned trails must be pre-booked in Windhoek at Namibia Wildlife Resorts (see below) (Note: Hikers on the Fish River Canyon Backpacking Trail, the Naukluft Hiking Trail and the Ugab River Guided Wilderness Trail must submit a medical certificate of fitness before commencing the trail.)
Those with neither the time nor the fitness for overnight hikes have a choice of several day walks. Routes include the Waterkloof and Olive trails in the Naukluft section of the Namib-Naukluft Park, and an option of two routes in the Hardap Game Reserve. There is also a short trail at Halali Rest Camp in the Etosha National Park, as well as several walks in the vicinity of the Waterberg camp at the Waterberg Plateau Park. Outside Windhoek, the Daan Viljoen Game Park is traversed by the Wag-’n-Bietjie and Rooibos trails.
For more information on any of these trails and hikes, contact:
Tel: 061 285 7200
Email: reservations@nwr.com.na
Camping
Namibia offers different types of camping opportunities, from camping in the outback (self catering!) as in Kaokoland and Bushmanland, to camping at special sites and rest camps such as those in the national parks, where ablution facilities and supplies are available.
Namibia has many superb areas for mountaineering, including the Spitzkoppe, Brandberg and Erongo mountains. The Brandberg range is the most challenging: due to the extremely rugged terrain, scarcity of water and extremes of temperatures, inexperienced or unfit climbers should under no circumstances attempt extended excursions here. Careful planning is required and an ascent of Königstein, the highest point in Namibia (2,570 metres/8,440ft), is best accomplished with a guide who knows the area. Those who do succeed in overcoming these obstacles will be rewarded with magnificent views and beautiful rock paintings.
For more information, contact the Mountain Club of Namibia in Windhoek, www.mcsa.org.
Birdwatching
The northeastern part of the country is the best area for birding. To date, some 417 species have been recorded for the eastern Kavango, along with 430 species for East Caprivi. The Popa Falls rest camp and the nearby Mahango Game Reserve (both of which are accessible by car) are especially popular birding localities, particularly during the summer months. Also worth visiting is the Kaudom Game Reserve, which is accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle only.
Another good area for birding is the Etosha National Park which has recorded some 340 species. Following good summer rains the pan attracts large numbers of waterbirds, but during dry years you are unlikely to spot more than 100 species.
The Walvis Bay wetland, which is used by up to 43,000 Palaearctic migrants, is one of Africa’s ten most important wetlands. It also supports 63, 60 and 42 percent of the southern African populations of chestnut-banded plovers and lesser and greater flamingos respectively. North of Walvis Bay, the gravel plains near the coast are the habitat of 80 percent of the world’s breeding population of Damara terns, while Gray’s lark inhabits the gravel flats between Lüderitz and southwestern Angola.
The Namibia Bird Club organises regular talks and outings. For more information, see http://namibiabirdclub.pbworks.com.
Fishing
The coast of Namibia has long been regarded as one of the most rewarding angling areas along the southern African coastline and from mid-January to the end of March rows of sunburnt anglers are a familiar sight along the coast. But the day’s bag can often be disappointing if you’re not familiar with local conditions.
The Swakopmund Rest Camp is a popular base with anglers, as are several overnight campsites north of Swakopmund. Some basic campsites are maintained by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (see above) at Mile 14 (22km north of Swakopmund), Jakkalsputz (37 miles/60km north of Swakopmund), Mile 72 (115km north of Swakopmund) and Mile 108 (175km north of Swakopmund) in the National West Coast Recreation Area.
Facilities in the Skeleton Coast Park are limited to basic campsites at Torra Bay, which are open during the December/January period only, and fully inclusive bungalow accommodation at Terrace Bay. The most commonly caught species of fish are kabeljou (cob), steenbras, and blacktail, but galjoen is the most sought after. Barbel is commonly caught and although often discarded is particularly tasty when smoked.
What you end up with on your hook will largely depend on the bait you use. Red bait is considered a good all-purpose bait, as are fresh pilchards (unless you’re after galjoen which favours white mussels and red bait). Steenbras are particularly partial to shrimps and white mussels, while kabeljou will readily take white mussels.
A permit is required to catch some species and anglers must adhere to the minimum sizes and bait collection limits. It is also important to note that it is illegal to be in possession of more than 25 galjoen at a time. For full information contact the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (tel: 064 4101000, www.mfmr.gov.na).
A number of ski-boat owners offer deep-sea angling trips from Swakopmund. Information on these trips can be obtained from the Namib I office on Sam Nujoma Drive (tel: 064 404287/403129) or see www.swakop.com.
The inland dams of Namibia are well stocked with freshwater species. Hardap, the mecca of freshwater anglers, is stocked with carp, yellowfish, barbel, Orange River mudfish and moggel. The Von Bach Dam just outside Okahandja, is stocked with carp, kurper and black bass, while barbel and kurper can be caught in the Otjivero Dam near Gobabis. Of the five species of fish occurring in the Fish River, the exceptionally large barbel found in the pools below the weir at the Ai-Ais Resort are particularly sought after.
Small- and large-mouthed yellow fish, carp and blue kurper also abound in the Fish River. Licences for freshwater angling in Namibia are obtainable at the Ai-Ais Resort, Hardap, Von Bach Recreation Resort and at Popa Falls Rest Camp or from the tourist information office. The minimum size limits for the most commonly caught species are as follows: kurper, 8 inches (20 cm); carp and bass, 10ins (25cm); yellowfish, 12ins (30cm) and barbel, 14ins (35cm). Anglers may not catch and retain more than 10 of each of these species, but there is no limit on the number of mudfish and moggel.
“Pap” (maize meal porridge), maize pips and worms are considered the best bait for carp and kurper, while artificial bait and worms are readily taken by bass. You are likely to achieve the best results with chicken liver, worms and fish heads or intestines if you’re after barbel.
The Zambezi River in northeastern Namibia offers excellent opportunities for tiger-fishing which is usually most rewarding between August and December. Other species you could catch include greenhead and three-spot bream, squeaker, barbel and nembwe. Boats and fishing tackle can be hired at Katima Mulilo or, alternatively, you can join a Kalizo fishing safari. Anglers have a choice of weekend, week-long or tailor-made fishing safaris which are conducted from Kalizo’s permanent fishing camp on the banks of the Zambezi River, 23 miles (37km) from Katima Mulilo. Reservations can be made with Kalizo, tel: 066 686802; email: info@kalizolodge.com; www.kalizolodge.com.
Golf
The Windhoek Country Club (www.legacyhotels.co.za/en/hotels/windhoek) and Rossmund Golf Club in Swakopmund have 18-hole golf courses in good condition. Walvis Bay, Henties Bay and Tsumeb also offer the opportunity to play golf.
Horse- and Camel-Riding
The Namib Desert Ride (400km/250 miles) starts in the Khomas Hochland, west of Windhoek, at Farm Hilton. It ends at Swakopmund. More information can be obtained from Namibia Horse Safari Company (tel: 081 470 3384; www.namibiahorsesafari.com). In Swakopmund, Okakambe Trails (tel: 064 402799; www.okakambe.iway.na) can be contacted for horse-riding at the coast.
Further information is also available from:
The Namibia Equestrian Foundation
Tel: 061 309517 www.namef.org.na
River Rafting
River rafting can only be done in the extreme south (Orange River) and north (parts of the Kunene River).
Kunene River Lodge (tel: 061 224712; www.kuneneriverlodge.com). Offers river rafting as part of their services.
Felix Unite (tel: +27 (0)84 354 0578: www.felixunite.com). Can arrange rafting on the Orange River.
4 x 4 Adventures
Namibia offers a wide range of 4x4 trails, including The Isabis Trail, west of Windhoek (Tel/fax: 061 248682, www.isabis4x4.com); The Windhoek-Okahandja Trail, north of Windhoek (tel: 061 257157); the Omaruru 4x4 Trail (www.hentiesbaytourism.com); the Messem Crater 4x4 Trail (www.hentiesbaytourism.com) and the Naukluft Four Wheel Drive Trail (www.namibweb.com/n4x4trail.htm).
Duneboarding and Quad-biking
The coastal dunes and environment offers duneboarding and quad-biking for the adventurous visitor. Contact:
Abenteuer Afrika, tel: 064 404030, www.abenteuerafrika.com; or
Desert Explorers Adventure Centre, Swakopmund; tel/fax: 081 124 1386; www.namibiadesertexplorers.com.
Ballooning
You can’t beat viewing the Namib from a hot-air balloon for sheer thrills. Flights are only undertaken if the weather is suitable and a minimum of two passengers is taken per flight. Contact Desert Explorers Adventure Centre (see above), or Namib Sky Adventure Safaris (tel: 063 683188; www.namibsky.com).
Only experienced divers should attempt to dive Namibia’s extraordinary subterranean lakes such as Dragon’s Breath and Otjikoto Lake.
For more information, take a look at the excellent website www.divingnamibia.org, which hosts the Underwater Federation of Namibia and the Windhoek Underwater Club.
Skydiving
Windhoek and Swakopmund have ideal conditions for skydiving and paragliding. More information can be obtained at tourist offices. You can also contact the Desert Explorers Adventure Centre (see above).
Stargazing
Namibia is one of the best locations for stargazing in the world, thanks to its non-polluted skies. There’s an observatory in the Auas Mountains, south of Windhoek (www.capella-observatory.com).