Sossusvlei City/Region: The Namib Desert One of Namibia's highlights is the clay pans of Sossusvlei, in the Namib Desert, enclosed by magnificent ochre sand dunes. The Sossusvlei dunes are among the highest in the world, reaching more than 960ft (300m), and are a wondrous sight of endless rolling shapes and sharp wind-sculpted crests. Although they have been developed over a period of millions of years, their forms are constantly changing, rising and falling at the mercy of the wind. A climb to the top of one of these 'hills' is well worth the effort, especially at sunrise
or sunset, when the view of shifting sand, stretching as far as the eye can see, is an ethereal landscape of shapes and colors. The most impressive pan is Dead Vlei, a vast hollow depression of dry cracked mud scattered with ancient camel-thorn trees. The colors and contrasts here are a photographer's delight. The pans (vleis) are only ever filled with water after heavy rainfall, which happens only every couple of years, but the solid clay layers hold the water for a long time, providing a habitat for countless water birds and a drinking hole for animals. The beautiful black and white Oryx (a large, spiral-horned antelope) is occasionally spotted in the meagre shade of the thorn trees, lizards leave their tiny trails on the pristine mounds of sand, and the black 'tok tokkie' beetle is commonly seen stumbling over the sun-baked jigsaw puzzle pieces of the red clay surface. The area is also home to ostriches and springbok. Hours: Sunrise to sunset Admission: N$ 40, vehicles N$ 20.
Twyfelfontein City/Region: Windhoek Translated as 'Doubtful Fountain', Twyfelfontein was so named by a farmer who doubted the ability of the spring to sustain his cattle for a long time. The spring is still there, but Twyfelfontein is famous for its prehistoric rock paintings and engravings rather than its water supply. It boasts the largest concentration of ancient rock art in the country (about 2,500 designs), and has been declared a national monument. The petroglyphs primarily depict game animals such as giraffe, antelope, elephant and lion, and are believed to be around 3,000 years old. Visitors are no longer allowed to enter the site without a guide, due to previous vandalism. The uniquely designed Visitor Information Center features an exhibition, kiosk and souvenir shop. Admission: N$30
Swakopmund City/Region: The Namib Desert Swakopmund is an enchanting little seaside town in the middle of the Namib Desert. Often described as 'a slice of Germany on the edge of the desert', it has many fine German colonial buildings and a distinctly German character. Along with the region's food specialties of rock lobster, fish and Swakopmund oysters, traditional German fare, including sausages and pastries, can be enjoyed, and among the residents German is widely spoken. The stretch of coast is particularly known for its angling, and the surrounding dunes of the desert provide many opportunities for sand boarding, quad biking and paragliding.
Christuskirche City/Region: Windhoek The church is a prominent landmark in Windhoek's historic center that was built in 1910 to accommodate the Lutheran congregation in the city. Today the sandstone church is a national monument topped by its 79ft (24m) spire. Address: Corner of Fidel Castro Str and Robert Mugabe Ave Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 2.30pm
The Spitzkoppe City/Region: Windhoek The natural beauty of the Spitzkoppe, or Spitzkop, is spectacular; an island of bald granite peaks situated in an endless grassy plain that is visible for miles around. Groot Spitzkop is often referred to as the 'Matterhorn of Africa' because of its similarity in shape, and it is one of Namibia's most famous mountains. Nearby are the Little Spitzkoppe and the Pontok Mountains. The area is a paradise for climbers, although only those with a lot of experience and the correct equipment should attempt the Spitzkoppe itself. The enormous granite rocks were formed hundreds of millions of years ago due to volcanic activity and subsequent erosion has resulted in fascinating rock formations and memorable outlines, which should not go unexplored. The area is also renowned for its breathtaking sunrises that turn the rocks from pale orange to flaming gold.
Brandberg City/Region: Windhoek The Brandberg massif is famous for its thousands of rock paintings and engravings, most notably the 'White Lady', which is estimated to be about 2,000 years old. Guides accompany visitors on an hour walk to the Tsisab Ravine where the famous painting is located on an overhang under a shelter, surrounded by a variety of painted animal forms. Although faded over the years, the trip to see it is well worth the effort. Contrary to early belief, the painting is not actually of a white lady, but is the image of a male, the white color of the body representing body paint, which suggests it is a medicine man. Since it was discovered in 1955, there has been a great deal of controversy over the meaning and origin of the painting. Brandberg's highest peak is Königstein, and at 8,550ft (2,606m) it is the highest mountain in Namibia, which can be reached on an organized three-day hike. Admission: N$25
Alte Feste (Old Fortress) City/Region: Windhoek Situated on a high point overlooking the CBD, the Schutztruppe Fort served as the German colonial powers' military headquarters until 1915 and today houses the state museum. It foundaiton stone was laid in 1890 making this one of the oldest buildings in Windhoek and a singificant national monument. The museum's exhibition informs visitors of Namibia's history from its san (bushmen) origins to German occupation in 1884 and the resulting struggle for independence. Address: Robert Mugabe Avenue Phone Number: (0)61 293 4362 Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 6pm Admission: Free
