Cattail

So DH and I are going on a 12-night wildlife conservation project next October. We will be starting and ending in Windhoek. We want to round out our trip with a short excursion of 2-4 days, and here is where I need ideas.

What is your favorite authentic spot within a 2-4 hour drive of Windhoek? By authentic, I mean not over-crowded or tourist-centered. I should mention that we've been on safari before, so the desire to see the big 5 isn't pressing.

We appreciate low-key, where we're not distracted by fancy amenities. We prefer to enjoy the natural beauty of the country. We don't mind camping,but don't want to haul gear overseas for just a few days. We have a moderate budget.

Any suggestions?

Patty

Where is the conservation project? What are you interested in seeing and doing on your 2-4 day excursion?

Patty

In the mean time, I have an older trip report you might be interested in http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...uth-africa.cfm With the exception of Desert Homestead and Wolwedans, I think all of the places where we stayed are within a 2-4 hour drive of Windhoek.

atravelynn

I too want to know what your project is.

Cattail

Thank you both! The project - a working vacation for us - is through an organization called Biosphere, and tracks elephants and big cats. Obviously, we are quite interested in nature and the environment. Also, culture and history.

Patty, you should organize tours! Your trip report is very helpful (particularly the coffee tip!) Based upon reading your report, I may need to rethink things in order to avoid extremely hot temperatures. Also no longer sure I want the hassle of renting a car.

I was not able to download your photos - bummer. I want to see the meercats!

I am still reading your report, many thanks!

Patty

The photos got transferred to Shutterfly. I topped my trip report and added current photo links for you.

The coast will be much cooler and the drive to Swakopmund is very easy. I believe there are also flights to Walvis Bay airport (WVB) from Windhoek, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Bus/train service may also be available from Windhoek. Once in Swakopmund, you don't have to have a car. It's a tourist town but didn't feel crowded to us.

aby

Mentioning heat October is very hot in Namibia...
i agree with Patty in recommending the Coast which is cooler.
for 2-4 days, personally i would go for the dunes!!
it is a longer drive. you can stop at the red dunes of Kalahari on the way for 1 night, or fly as suggested.

Since you mention a moderate budget i have a very special tip for you, not known to many tourists:
Gobabeb Research Station. i've stayed there back in the 80s, and recently read that they do offer accomodation to tourists as well (!!) with options of having night walks with research staff etc'
Check this option and i'm also curious to know more about it

aby

Cattail

Great tip, aby, but I don't see where GRS's research station accepts tourists. Volunteers, but not tourists. It looks terrific though!

Hmmm, I still can't seen to download the photos... oh, well. Thanks for making the effort, Patty.

We're now considering Tok Tokkie or another desert camping experience. The heat is a concern still, and with Tok Tokkie you need to rent a car... decisions...

Patty

The new Shutterfly links at the bottom don't work for you?

Cattail

No, maybe because we're not signed up. Thanks!