Take the Fish River Hike
The Fish River Hike takes seven days to complete – a week of physical activity that is well worth all the scenic views and breathtaking sights that you will be experiencing.
The Fish River Hike is one of the most popular hiking trails in Namibia, with a demand so high that reservations should be made well in advance to ensure a spot on the hiking group that leaves on your preferred day.
The hike begins in Windhoek, where the hiking group is fetched to go to the Fish River Canyon. The trip takes a day to and from the canyon and leaves tourists with five days of continuous time in the canyon.
The guided trail starts from Hobas, the main viewpoint of the canyon, and ends at the hot springs in Ai-Ais – a journey that is truly unique in every way.
The walk is roughly 85 kilometers long, with seven to eight walking hours per day. A medical certificate for fitness is required from all guests before participating in the hike.
Climb Brandberg Mountain
Climbing up the Brandberg Mountain, which is located in Damaraland, usually comes in the form of a five-day guided camping hike. Booking the hike with an adventure company usually means that you will be picked up from Windhoek to be taken to the foot of the mountain, where hiking guides will lead you the rest of the way up.
The Brandberg Mountain’s highest peak is Königstein (King’s Stone), which stands at 2,573 meters above sea level. The elevation of the plains is roughly at 600 meters, so the height of just the mountain itself is two kilometers.
The name Brandberg is German for “Fire Mountain,” an appropriate name for its blazing color that is usually highlighted by the light of the setting sun.
There are several routes up the mountain; the easiest but also the steepest trail goes up the Ga’aseb River Valley. All the trails are actually not difficult, but they are challenging at the very least.
Climbing the hiking trails will require around seven to eight hours of walking per day. It is recommended to participate in the hike in the colder months, but the hikes are available throughout the year.
Go on a guided walk
Guided walks in Africa are common, with tour guides allowing tourists to walk right beside the animals and immersing them in the raw natural beauty of the continent. In Namibia, however, guided walks have a certain twist to them.
Instead of tour guides from the city, guided walks in Namibia can be conducted by members of the San Bushmen tribe – a people that have lived with the animals in their natural habitats for more than a hundred thousand years.
The Bushmen are considered one of the oldest cultures still present in the world, and their expertise on the lands of Namibia is unrivaled. Your Bushman guide can take you on an early-morning walk on the Kalahari, lead you in game-spotting trips, and let you participate in Bushmen rituals and dances, among other things.
A guided walk with a Bushman not only shows you the beauty of Namibia, but also the depth of Namibian history and culture.
Relax in hot springs
Located at the southern end of the Fish River, Ai-Ais is a relaxing haven for weary travelers and excited tourists alike. It is the usual stop of hikers who have traversed the Fish River. Nothing relaxes tired muscles like the calming waters of the Ai-Ais hot springs.
The waters of the hot springs are rich in minerals, specifically, sulphate and fluoride. The mineral-rich waters are known to be therapeutic, especially for those who are suffering from rheumatism.
The temperature of the waters can reach up to 60 °C (140 °F), so visitors who are not used to soaking in hot springs need to be wary of this and should not just jump into the waters right away.
Aside from the waters of the hot springs, another reason for the healing experience associated with Ai-Ais is the breathtaking scenery that completely surrounds the place. While dipping in the hot springs, guests are given a fantastic view of the beauty of Namibia, making the experience much more pleasant and soothing.
Go sandboarding
One of the most interesting and unique activities that Namibia can offer to adrenaline junkies is sandboarding. Most popular in the desert right outside Swakopmund, sandboarding is just what it sounds like – surfing on the sand.
Amateurs can choose to fly down the sand dunes while lying chest down on the board. Those who are looking for a real thrill can also stand up on the board, similar to how surfers do so in the water.
Don’t be disheartened if you fall, though – you wouldn’t be the only one to experience such a thing. Just dust yourself off and go back on your board!
Sandboarding experts are also great fun to watch as they zoom down the slopes and fly over makeshift ramps to catch air with their boards. And even while doing tricks on their way down, they provide a good visual.
Sandboarding isn’t for everyone. But for those that are willing to try it, sandboarding in Namibia is an unforgettable experience that they will surely share with everyone back home.
Hello fellow travelers! My name is Mary and I am the main author of Traveling East. Just like any other travel enthusiasts, traveling has also been our passion! For inquiries, suggestions or anything travel related, please feel free to send us an E-mail at support@travelingeast.com.
