After Sossusvlei: Swakopmund and the coast or Damaraland?
 

I'm only going to be in Namibia for a short time, for just over a week, and trying to decide between a couple of options. I'm drawn to the things that are unique about the country, much of which lies in the landscape. I've done a fair number of game drives on safari in other parts of Africa, so I'm inclined to let Etosha go because of the time constraints.

Definitely have Sossusvlei as the centerpiece of my plans, right now. And will head to Swakopmund afterwards. Wondering if it might be good to base myself there for a few days and take some day trips to Sandwich Harbour, and to Cape Cross and do a flight seeing trip - up the Skeleton Coast or south to Fish River Canyon and Luderitz. or compress time in Swakopmund - doing a sidetrip there, and then head into Damaraland to Spitzkoppe, Twyfelfontein and surrounding sights.

Thanks.

I am a huge Namibia coast fan, especially if seen from the air. Given that you only have a week, I would enjoy your time in as few locations as possible and would skip Damaraland this time around.

$.02

HI Andy,
We are thinking about Namibia and Zambia in September. If only one week in Nambia, what would you do? -

Thanks
Keri

Like the OP I had done safari elsewhere so spent 2 weeks in the central region on a geology trip so I highly recommend Damaraland, Spitzkoppe & Erongo regions. At the Klein Spitzkoppe you can climb up to the top & see caves with rock art, lots of it in this region.

Any favorite lodges in Damaraland that are a must stay place?

Hi,

I'd recommend basing yourself at Swakopmund and doing some activities from there. The Namibian coastline is spectacular and I'd recommend a trip to Sandwich Harbour with Turnstone Tours, a dolphin watching cruise out of Walvis Bay, a day in the desert with either Turnstone or Tommy Collard, a scenic flight if you have time.

Swakopmund is a pleasant town offering good accommodation for a range of tastes and budgets - I like Brigadoon http://www.brigadoonswakopmund.com/ and also the Stiltz near the river mouth also looks good, http://www.thestiltz.net/
There are good restaurants and some quality craft shops if you are interested in shopping for souvenirs and gifts.

I'd pass on Damaraland if you are pushed for time. Alternatively, if you haven't been on safari you might like to skip both swakop and Damaraland and do the 4 day Etosha shuttle for a visit to this wonderful park which offers great game viewing opportunities in a unique desert environment surrounding the Etosha pan.

The Shuttle is sold by a number of companies, e.g. http://namibia.safari.co.za/Etosha_S...ttle-tour.html

Enjoy Namibia,


Pol

I've heard that the Brandberg White Lady is good, I stayed at the Brandberg Rest Camp, it was very basic.

http://www.brandbergwllodge.com/index.html

Thanks everyone for your input. Think I'm going to stay put in Swakopmund and explore the coast after Sossusvlei.