Namibia covers a large area with three distinct sections: the Coast, the southern
Interior, and the North. Namibia’s charm stems from its remoteness and vast stark desert landscapes. The country has a decidedly German character. English is the main language of commerce (and air traffic control) but German is widely spoken. Namibia is not regarded as a major game viewing area although a variety of antelope and other animals can be found throughout the country. Animals in appreciable numbers will only be found in the far northern Etosha National Park and Caprivi Strip areas. Throughout the country distances between destinations are large and a small aircraft provides one of the most convenient methods of getting around. Fuel stops must be carefully planned.

Namibia’s coastline is a combination of massive shifting sand dunes and treacherous rocky shoreline. From the Orange River north to the harbor town of Luderitz are large-scale diamond mining operations. Pilots can overfly the area but all landings are prohibited. Violators are subject to arrest and having their aircraft confiscated. By prior arrangement only, small groups can visit current diamond mining operations. Outside Luderitz are three ghost towns. The best known is Kolmanskop, which is visible on short final to Runway 04 at Luderitz.

Farther north is the Namib-Nauklift Park -- one of the largest conservation areas in Africa. The park features the dramatic dunes at Sossusvlei that are said to be the highest in the world. Swakopmund is a small town with fascinating old buildings, public gardens, and wonderful German coffee shops that offer excellent pastries. Further to the north you reach an extremely remote region with few roads, isolated hills and deep ravines. This forbidding stretch of land is called the Skeleton Coast named for the victims of shipwrecks over the centuries along this dangerous coast. Search and rescue operations here are difficult to this day so vast and inaccessible is this region. The Skeleton Coast Park is home a variety of animals including elephants, rhinos, zebra, and cheetah. Landing in the Skeleton Coast Park without prior permission is prohibited.

CLICK ON ANY LODGE THAT IS UNDERLINED AND BLUE TO VISIT THE LODGE'S WEB SITE

KAROS LODGE - Sossusvlei
Sesriem airstrip, 6200 feet, ground elevation: 2500 ft.
S24* 30.8’, E015* 44.9’
This is your opportunity to experience one of nature’s amazing wonders. Here you’ll marvel at the ever-shifting ridges of sand, reaching over 950 ft. into the desert skies and perhaps glimpse some of the countless varieties of wildlife living in this pristine wilderness. The Lodge was built to blend into the desert landscape with its adobe brick construction and Bedouin-style tents. Its 45 tent rooms have en suite showers, desert view, and solar-powered lighting. The pool affords you a unique (and welcome) swim in the desert.

LUDERITZ  
Luderitz Airport
A harbor-town on the Atlantic coast where diamonds could once be found on the beaches. A chance to see the ghost town of Kolmanskop which has been covered by shifting sands,  visit a rock lobster factory, or collect the famous desert rose. The NEST HOTEL

SKELETON COAST CAMP - Skelton Coast National Park
Private airstrip
The name draws from the history of shipwrecks along the coast, sailors who died of thirst, and the carcasses of whales.  Yet, a tribe lives here to this day.  Daylong excursions from this camp allow you to visit with the Himba people, walk along the beach to see seal colonies or ship wrecks, travel through the rugged landscape to see how flora and fauna survive. A unique stop.

SWAKOPMUND. An old German town.
Swakopmund Airport 
Surprise! The map says Africa but you find yourself in a neat, Bavarian town sandwiched between the icy Atlantic and the Namib desert.  A great change up. A walk through the romantic old quarters, gardens, and inviting cafes is a journey into the past. Sky diving available. HANSA HOTEL, STRAND HOTEL, or SWAKOPMUND HOTEL & CASINO.