The semi-arid southern region consists of sunbaked savanna with its yellowish-brown tints and characteristic euphorbia and aloe plant species. It has a stark beauty which creates its own mystery.
In dramatic contrast to the arid surroundings is the Hardap Dam and Recreation Resort with its expanse of 25 square km of water, surrounded by shady camelthorn trees. This comfortable resort is an ideal stopover en route to the Fish River Canyon, and is situated 254 km south of Windhoek. Ideal for freshwater anglers and water sports enthusiasts, the surrounding area is a game reserve which caters for nature lovers.
One of the natural wonders of Africa is the Fish River Canyon. The 161 km long, 27 km wide ravine with a maximum depth of 550 m is surrounded by high, forbidding cliffs, and is gashed into the plateau with startling abruptness. The awesome grandeur of the canyon is surpassed only by the Grand Canyon. A road running for 25 km along the eastern edge of the canyon leads to a series of viewing sites with splendid views of this grand, sombre and immensely powerful natural phenomenon.Hiking through the canyon is a popular endurance test for the hardy, and regarded by hikers as the ultimate challenge. The hike starts from the main look-out point and ends at the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais, a distance of some 90 km. Open only between the beginning of May and the end of September, this trail through the great ravine takes up to five days to complete. A medical certificate of fitness is required, due to the strenuous nature of the trail. The Ai-Ais hot springs resort at the far end of the canyon, with accommodation ranging from luxury flats to caravan camp sites, offers a welcome respite for hikers and other visitors.
Interesting destinations in this region of contrasts are: An impressive concentration of the elegantly-shaped Aloe dichotoma on the farm Gariganus, 14 km north of Keetmanshoop. Known as the Kokerboom (Quiver Tree) Forest, it is situated on private property but open to the public. An unusual geological formation is Brukkaros, an extinct volcano on the main route from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop. Bare of vegetation, this mountain of dark-coloured lava has a crater of almost 2000 m in diameter. Steeped in history is the small town of Bethanie where Schmelenhaus, built by the missionary Heinrich Schmelen and the house of Captain Fredericks, a 19th century Oorlams chief, are both historical monuments. Pride of the south is Duwisib Castle on the edge of the Namib, some 70 km to the south-west of Maltahohe. Built in 1908 by the eccentric Baron von Wolff and his American heiress wife, Jayta, it is open to day visitors and has overnight camping facilities. |
