Namibia's coastline is jam-packed with some of the most incredible places to experience while on a Namibian tour.
One of the must-see places is Henties Bay, which has become a popular destination for holidays and property investments thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and remote setting.
Situated in Dorob National Park, Henties Bay offers the nature lover an attractive albeit sensitive natural environment with diversified fauna and flora and many sites of interest.
When in Henties some of the activities to enjoy include the Jakkalsputz walking trail and the Omaruru River Walking Trail.
Wanting to have a laid-back day golfing, the nine-hole Henties Bay Golf Course extends over 2.7km, while horse riding on the beach at a leisurely pace affords a glimpse into the often elaborate, sea-facing holiday homes.
Several 4×4 routes can also be explored to destinations such as the Messum Crater, Brandberg West, the Ugab Menhir, Spitzkoppe, Omaruru River and various mineral mines.
All roads are signposted and graded. The Messum Crater is located northeast of Henties Bay within the Dorob National Park in Namibia. It consists of both intrusive and extrusive rocks. Between 132 and 135 million years old, Messum has a diameter of 18 km.
An A2 satellite map with all the routes can be bought from the Henties Bay Tourist Centre. Take note that permits are required for trails in and traversing Dorob National Park.
Lichen fields can be viewed at Mile 30 south of Henties Bay, just north of the turnoff to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and on the way to the Messum Crater.
The Omaruru River offers opportunities for walking, quad-biking and 4×4 driving, and has excellent picnic sites. The Old Fig Tree is a well-known and popular picnic site not far from Henties Bay.
Cape Cross Seal Reserve
Bordering Dorob National Park, this reserve is a sanctuary for one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals, with up to 210 000 seals present during the breeding season in November and December.
The Portuguese navigator, Diego Cão, landed here in 1486 on his second expedition south of the equator and planted a stone cross (padrão) to mark his journey. A replica is visible here today. In the late 1800s, thousands of tons of guano (dried excrement of fish-eating birds used as fertiliser) were collected and exported to Europe. Cape fur seals were also harvested. About 100 workers lived at Cape Cross and a police station, customs and post office were established at the settlement, while a railway – the first in the country – was built to cross the saltpan and transport workers. Many men lost their lives due to the harsh conditions on the Skeleton Coast.
The Moon Landscape
The Moon landscape is an otherworldly terrain located about 20 kilometres east of Swakopmund. This geological formation resembles the surface of the moon, characterised by rocky outcrops, deep crevices, and a barren landscape. The unique appearance is the result of erosion caused by the Swakop River over millions of years, creating an intriguing and surreal landscape.
One of the must-see places is Henties Bay, which has become a popular destination for holidays and property investments thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and remote setting.
Situated in Dorob National Park, Henties Bay offers the nature lover an attractive albeit sensitive natural environment with diversified fauna and flora and many sites of interest.
When in Henties some of the activities to enjoy include the Jakkalsputz walking trail and the Omaruru River Walking Trail.
Wanting to have a laid-back day golfing, the nine-hole Henties Bay Golf Course extends over 2.7km, while horse riding on the beach at a leisurely pace affords a glimpse into the often elaborate, sea-facing holiday homes.
Several 4×4 routes can also be explored to destinations such as the Messum Crater, Brandberg West, the Ugab Menhir, Spitzkoppe, Omaruru River and various mineral mines.
All roads are signposted and graded. The Messum Crater is located northeast of Henties Bay within the Dorob National Park in Namibia. It consists of both intrusive and extrusive rocks. Between 132 and 135 million years old, Messum has a diameter of 18 km.
An A2 satellite map with all the routes can be bought from the Henties Bay Tourist Centre. Take note that permits are required for trails in and traversing Dorob National Park.
Lichen fields can be viewed at Mile 30 south of Henties Bay, just north of the turnoff to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and on the way to the Messum Crater.
The Omaruru River offers opportunities for walking, quad-biking and 4×4 driving, and has excellent picnic sites. The Old Fig Tree is a well-known and popular picnic site not far from Henties Bay.
Cape Cross Seal Reserve
Bordering Dorob National Park, this reserve is a sanctuary for one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals, with up to 210 000 seals present during the breeding season in November and December.
The Portuguese navigator, Diego Cão, landed here in 1486 on his second expedition south of the equator and planted a stone cross (padrão) to mark his journey. A replica is visible here today. In the late 1800s, thousands of tons of guano (dried excrement of fish-eating birds used as fertiliser) were collected and exported to Europe. Cape fur seals were also harvested. About 100 workers lived at Cape Cross and a police station, customs and post office were established at the settlement, while a railway – the first in the country – was built to cross the saltpan and transport workers. Many men lost their lives due to the harsh conditions on the Skeleton Coast.
The Moon Landscape
The Moon landscape is an otherworldly terrain located about 20 kilometres east of Swakopmund. This geological formation resembles the surface of the moon, characterised by rocky outcrops, deep crevices, and a barren landscape. The unique appearance is the result of erosion caused by the Swakop River over millions of years, creating an intriguing and surreal landscape.
