Going on a skiing vacation is probably the number one way to spend your free time, but the cold is not for everyone. How about going to a place that is nice and warm where you still get to ski? But instead of standing on two long skis, you lie down on a board and instead of ice there is a mountain of sand! If you are brave enough to stand up, you can surf down the dunes of the Namib Desert! Not many people can say that they have
surfed a dune! This might not be a ski resort, but be guaranteed to feel the wind rush
through your hair and the blood pumping through your veins!
Photo credits: Janke Murray
Yes, yes Namibia is the best place if you want to go on safari, but it is also the perfect location for those adventurers who cannot sit still for long hours. Swakopmund is the ideal place to forget about all your troubles. There are loads of things to do in this charming coastal town. Whether you are sliding down the dunes or enjoying a hot air balloon with a champagne breakfast in the desert there is something for everyone.
Then there are many different quad bike tours. If you feel like rushing up and down the dunes, there is nothing stopping you or there is a slow-paced quad bike tour where you can learn very interesting facts about the environment. You get to see the different plants and animals. For those who really enjoy going on safari there is the living desert tour. Here you might not see the Big Five, but the Little Five is just as special. On this tour you will learn that the fog, which is common along the Namibian coast, plays a crucial role in supporting the fauna and flora. Many plants and animals only receive their water through the fog.
Photo credits: Janke Murray
If you are not fond of quad bikes and prefer something slower, the camel rides are ideal. Yes, we do have camels. They do not originate from here and were first introduced to Namibia in 1891 by the German colonial forces. Camels thrive in desert environments and can more easily survive here than horses, although it was not without some challenges. They were used in the railway construction and the military, but today a small population remains, and they are only transporting some eager tourists. Swakopmund truly offers activities for everyone. If you have had enough of the dunes, there are kayaking or fat bike tours, fishing and to cap off an amazing time you can sail into the sunset (or sunrise) with champagne and oysters on a luxurious catamaran. Here the pelicans and seals will keep you entertained.
Namibia is known for its diversity, and you can do as many adventures as you want in only one place with warm, but not too hot weather! Who wants to go skiing in the cold when you can slide down dunes, eat seafood, go on safari on the sea and fly with seagulls?
Author: Janke Murray