National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area Travel Guide

Explore the natural and cultural attractions of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area in Namibia, Southern Africa. Find out where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around. Plan your trip now.


Introduction to National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, and wildlife lovers. Located in the Erongo region of Namibia in Southern Africa, this sprawling park covers an area of 22,000 square kilometers and offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

The park is home to a stunning coastline, rugged mountains, rocky canyons, and vast desert landscapes, making it a popular destination for hiking, camping, photography, and wildlife viewing. From exploring ancient rock art sites and cultural museums to spotting rare desert elephants and black rhinos, there’s something for everyone in National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Twyfelfontein: This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 2,500 ancient rock engravings and paintings dating back thousands of years. It’s a must-visit for those interested in cultural history.
  • Damara Living Museum: This open-air museum is dedicated to preserving the traditional culture of the Damara people. Visitors can learn about their customs, beliefs, and way of life through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
  • Cape Cross Seal Reserve: This colony of over 100,000 seals is the largest in Southern Africa and has been protected since 1968 due to its historical significance as a landmark for Portuguese navigators.

Natural Attractions of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Skeleton Coast: A hauntingly beautiful strip of coastline known for its abundance of whale and seal bones and shipwrecks. Visitors can take scenic flights over the area or explore it on 4x4 tours.
  • Spitzkoppe: This granite peak is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. It’s also home to some of the oldest rock formations on earth, dating back 700 million years.
  • Etosha National Park: Not technically part of the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area, Etosha is a short drive away and is home to a wide variety of animal species, including lions, elephants, and giraffes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area has over 50 hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Popular routes include:

  • The Messum Crater Trail: This 17km loop takes hikers through a beautiful desert landscape, past ancient volcanic craters, and offers stunning panoramic views.
  • The Brandberg Mountain Trail: This 5-day trek takes hikers to the summit of Namibia’s highest peak, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • The Damaraland Landscape Trail: This 4-day trek takes hikers through rugged canyons, rocky peaks, and ancient rock art sites.

Best Things to Do in National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area: Activities and Tours

  • Wildlife viewing: National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rare desert elephants and black rhinos. Visitors can spot these and many other species on guided game drives and nature walks.
  • Cultural experiences: From visiting the traditional Himba settlements to learning about the Damara people at the living museum, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the local culture and way of life.
  • Adventure sports: National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area is a popular destination for adrenaline junkies, with activities ranging from sandboarding and skydiving to rock climbing and quad biking.

Week-Long Itinerary for National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

Day 1-2: Explore the rock art sites and cultural museums of Twyfelfontein and Damara Living Museum. Day 3-4: Take a 4x4 tour of the Skeleton Coast and visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. Day 5-6: Hike the Messum Crater Trail and spot rare desert wildlife. Day 7: Relax and unwind on the beaches of Swakopmund.

Food and Drink Scene of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

Must-Try Dishes

  • Biltong: A popular snack made from dried, cured meat.
  • Potjiekos: A traditional stew cooked over an open fire in a three-legged pot.
  • Braaivleis: Barbecued meat, often served with a range of side dishes like ‘pap’ (a type of porridge) and ‘chakalaka’ (a spicy vegetable relish).

Local Beverages

  • Mampoer: A potent fruit brandy made from peaches, apricots, or plums.
  • Windhoek Lager: A popular beer in Namibia.

Where to Stay in National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Doro Nawas Camp: A luxury camp located in the heart of Damaraland with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Spitzkoppe Tented Camp: A rustic campsite located at the base of Spitzkoppe Mountain.
  • Cape Cross Lodge: A beachfront lodge located near the Cape Cross Seal Reserve.

What to Buy in National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Himba jewelry: Traditional jewelry made from leather, beads, and shells.
  • Karosse rugs: Handmade rugs made from ethically-sourced skins by the Himba people.

Local Culture and Customs of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

The local culture of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area is diverse, with numerous ethnic groups coexisting in the region. Although the region is steeped in history, it’s also a place that is changing rapidly due to modernization and globalization. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and beliefs, which include greeting people before starting a conversation, dressing conservatively, and being aware of local taboos such as photographing people without permission.

Best Time to Visit National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

The best time to visit National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area is during the cooler, drier months between May and October. The temperatures are milder and more pleasant, and the wildlife is more active during this time. It’s also the best time for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Do’s and Don’ts of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

Do:

  • Respect local culture and customs.
  • Stay on designated hiking and biking trails.
  • Take plenty of water and sunscreen on outdoor excursions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the park’s natural resources.
  • Approach or disturb local wildlife.
  • Leave valuables unattended.

Safety and Health

Safety in National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. However, visitors should be aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities like hiking and camping, such as dehydration and sunburn, and take appropriate precautions.

Health in National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

Namibia is a low-risk country for most travelers, with no major health concerns. However, visitors should still take precautions to avoid diseases like malaria, which is present in some parts of the country. It’s important to check with your doctor about any necessary vaccinations or medications before traveling.

Getting to National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

  • Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH): The main international airport in Namibia, located around 325 km from National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area.
  • Swakopmund Airport (SWP): A smaller regional airport located around 50 km from National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area.

Bus Stations Near National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

There are no major bus stations near National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area, but buses and taxis can be found in nearby towns like Swakopmund and Uis.

Other Options

Driving or renting a car is the most popular way to get around National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area, and it’s also an excellent way to explore the surrounding towns and attractions.

How to Get Around in National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area

The best way to get around National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area is by 4x4, especially for off-road exploration. Visitors can also rent bicycles, or take guided tours on foot or by vehicle.

Where to Go Next from National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Etosha National Park: One of Namibia’s premier wildlife reserves, located around 400 km east of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area.
  • Swakopmund: A lively coastal town located around 300 km south of National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area, popular for its beaches, watersports, and colonial-era buildings.
  • Skeleton Coast National Park: A rugged and remote wilderness area located along the northern coast of Namibia, popular for its stark beauty and abundant wildlife.

Conclusion

National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area is a unique and exciting destination that offers something for every kind of traveler. From rugged outdoor adventures to cultural immersion experiences and luxurious accommodations, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this breathtaking part of Southern Africa. Plan your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Namibia.