trip overview map of the Namibia Honeymoon Safari is actually done in the end

Time for a cool sea breeze

After our stay in Sesriem and Sossusvlei we first went back to Windhoek. "Tom Cruiser", the series 100 Land Cruiser was needed elsewhere, so we unceremoniously swapped the car for the classic of our fleet. The Land Cruiser DC70 should be our companion from now on. The next destination was Swakopmund and its surroundings. On the one hand, after the heat of the Namib, it was time for a little cooling at the sea. On the other hand, we had the opportunity to meet the founders of the Dusty family and especially Carlien, the youngest member of the team.

Swakopmund - Colonial charm and the sea in all its glory

As accommodation for the next days we have chosen the Alte Brucke Resort in Swakopmund. The lodge offers nicely decorated rooms of different categories as well as camping sites. The distances to the beach promenade and the main street are pleasantly short. In the evening you can have a delicious buffet dinner in the restaurant Old Steamer. Attention, since the restaurant is also popular with locals, a reservation is recommended.

Contrary to our usual habit, we opted for a room here instead of camping. The reason is quite simple. The climate of Swakopmund likes to wait with fresh sea winds, but especially with morning fog. This makes camping usually not very pleasant.

colonial building in Swakopmund

A short tour through Swakopmund

Many of the city's sights can be easily explored on foot. If you start from the Alte Brucke Lodge, you can first walk along the beach promenade. There you can admire the partly roaring sea and the first colonial buildings. Furthermore, the fresh breeze promises a pleasant cooling. Before the wind makes you freeze, you reach the main street Sam Nujoma (formerly Kaiser Wilhelm Street). From there you can discover more buildings from the old times. Likewise, various restaurants and bars invite you to stay and relax. If you are in the mood for fish or even good meat in an old German ambience, you should take a detour to Kückis Pub. Just take some time to stroll through the streets of Swakopmund - and you will find something nice.

From Swakopmund to Walvis Bay - beach, dunes, seals and sea

In the area of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay a variety of activities are offered. If you want to explore the world of the dunes, you can choose between camel tours, scenic flights, excursions or quad tours. Here we have made good experiences with Desert Explorers in the past.

The best way to explore the water world is from Walvis Bay. Boat tours are offered there, on which you will discover seals, pelicans, flamingos, dolphins and with a little luck even whales. The tours usually start from the Walvis Bay Waterfront, where you can also enjoy food or a cool drink with a very nice view. As a provider for boat tours we can recommend Laramon Tours.

We had thought about something completely different for our trip. No fixed activities, but simply explore the area by car. This is also possible. With the 4x4 vehicle the Walvis Bay Wetlands as well as the Pelican Point can be reached. In the small beach towns, such as Long Beach, between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, you can enjoy the rough beach feeling of the Atlantic.

Shark fishing near Swakopmund

As mentioned above, one of our goals was to meet with Carlien. And that's exactly what we did. In a cozy round with her family we met in the bar Zonder Naam in Swakopmund. We quickly learned that Carlien is not only the newest member of the Dusty family, but also fishes for the Namibian National Team. In general, fishing is a hobby that not only Carlien, but also her husband Willem and the whole family shares.

So we were then spontaneously invited to participate in the family fishing weekend. For Martin this was of course the opportunity to learn something about sea fishing directly from professionals. So on our way to Henties Bay we made a detour to Mile 14, a fishing area including a campsite. In general, the Sekeleton Coast is not only packed with old shipwrecks, but also with fishing spots. A dream for every fishing enthusiast!

After a warm welcome at the campsite, we set off shortly after to move into a fishing spot. And with that the learning program started for Martin. Target fish were sharks, most likely catch Spotted Gully Sharks. The lesson started with preparing the bait. Already here we were surprised by the meticulousness of the preparations. Pieces of mullet and mackerel are cut and tied with care. This bait would be very tasty even cooked for a human.

To cast the fishing rod, we had to wade out into the water a bit because of the low tide. For safety's sake, the professionals took care of that. Even if the sharks were not too much in the right mood, the balance for Martin could still be seen. Within only 3 hours 2 Spotted Sharks could be booked as success. By the way, the animals are not harmed in any way. Fishing is done with round hooks that do not hurt the animal and after a short proof photo it is gently released back into the sea. The tasty bait is free of charge for the shark.

left to right: Martin, Sunna, Elna, Herman snr

Visiting the Dusty Trails Safaris founders in Henties Bay

Of course, a visit to Herman and Elna Oosthuizen was not to be missed. Accordingly, Henties Bay was also on our itinerary. Today in well-deserved retirement, the two enjoy their twilight years in the mild climate of the coastal village and occasionally still help out with Dusty Trails Safaris tours.

Now the question may arise, how it came to the foundation of the company. So here is the story in short form. Herman Senior worked as a missionary for the Protestant Church of Namibia. In this context, together with his wife Elna, he led a project for the federation of Bushmen in the Mangetti area. Building schools, promoting perspectives, and creating an understanding of the land and the state apparatus of Namibia were the goals of this program. This was no easy task, as the San people still live most strongly according to their old traditions as hunter-gatherers. Despite all adversities, however, they were to succeed, but only with the support of sponsors.

These sponsors would also provide the impetus for Dusty Trails Safaris. To show the donors the progress of the work, Herman and Elna began to show them around the country and share their knowledge. However, this was all done as a token of their gratitude for the funds contributed to the Bushman Project. Enthusiastic about these tours, some of the sponsors then began to get friends and acquaintances interested in the project, but especially in traveling to Namibia. And so it came about that at the end of the Bushman Project Herman and Elna started to show their country specifically to the now quite numerous guests. Dusty Trails Safaris was born. Since 2005 the Oosthuizens lead individual tours through Namibia.

However, during our visit to Henties Bay a little north of Swakopmund, we not only reminisced about old memories, but also optimized our route again. A new stopover was to be added - Madisa. More about that in the next article. And for the conclusion of the evening there was of course again a delicious Braai.

More posts related to the safari honeymoon

April 5, 2021
header image: lions in Botswana - Dusty Trails Safaris Namibia & Dusty Car Hire Namibia

The great safari honeymoon to Namibia

After the wedding traditionally follows a honeymoon. The destination was clear - Namibia! But how to plan a honeymoon as a self-drive camping safari in the current time? How do family and friends react to such a plan? How unproblematic is a trip to Namibia in times of COVID-19? Curious?...
April 5, 2021
April 10, 2021
gate for the Windhoek flight on Frankfurt airport, a lot of space for only few people

Flying during COVID

There are always two parts to traveling. The journey to the destination and the journey itself. With Namibia as a destination, the destination country is first considered safe. However, a flight is inevitable. This brings us to the point where many currently have reservations. But what is flying really like in...
April 10, 2021
April 19, 2021
header image Christ church in Windhoek

Windhoek - the first week of the trip

Almost every Namibia trip starts in Windhoek. So did the big safari honeymoon. However, in addition to the usual things that every other traveler experiences, there were a few more items on our itinerary. In sum, enough to spend a complete week in Windhoek. What exactly - you can read...
April 19, 2021
April 28, 2021
header image - Kalahari desert - Dusty Trails Safaris Namibia & Dusty Car Hire Namibia

Let's go to the Kalahari Desert!

After spending our first week completely in Windhoek, it was time to go on the actual trip. According to our plan, the route should first go south. After a drive of about 3 hours on the well paved B1 we reached the Bagatelle Kalahari Desert Ranch near Mariental. Our first...
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
header image - quiver trees and dolorite rocks - Dusty Trails Safaris Namibia & Dusty Car Hire Namibia

Quiver trees, rock formations and unknown fossils

After a very nice start in the Kalahari, our route takes us further south. Near Keetmanshoop the next special features of southern Namibia are waiting for us. quiver trees, dolorite formations, as well as mesosaurus fossils unknown to us so far. In short, fascinating landscapes with exciting details awaited us...
April 28, 2021
April 30, 2021
header image fish river canyon with water - Dusty Trails Safaris Namibia & Dusty Car Hire Namibia

Fish River Canyon - still with water

With all the beautiful experiences of the past days in our hearts, we continue south to the region of the Fish River Canyon. Here the way leads through a stony lunar landscape, in which one can see continuously new rock formations. Our hope was to find the canyon still filled...
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
header image lüderitz - Dusty Trails Safaris Namibia & Dusty Car Hire Namibia

Luderitz and Sperrgebiet - Gin, Diamonds and Ghosts

In the next part of our honeymoon, we traveled further west towards Lüderitz and its surroundings. In this area, the traces of the German colonial period can still be seen in many places. Here our starting point should be the Klein Aus Vista Lodge, which is located a good 100km...
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
header running oryx in namibRand private game reserve - Dusty Trails Safaris Namibia & Dusty Car Hire Namibia

Unplanned stopover - Namibian gem

As the saying goes, if someone goes on a trip, then he can tell a story. Such a tale we will also have in the future from our honeymoon. On the last morning in Klein Aus Vista, Martin lost his crown from his tooth during breakfast. The weekend is coming...
April 30, 2021
May 18, 2021
header image - Hiddenvlei at Sossusvlei filled with water

Water in the Namib - Sesriem and Sossusvlei

After a long period of drought, Namibia was blessed with a very good rainy season in 2021. Until now, we were lucky to find water even 3 months after the heaviest rains. Therefore, we cherished the hope to also experience water in the Namib. We should not be disappointed -...
May 18, 2021
May 19, 2021
header image - rough sea at the jetty of Swakopmund

Swakopmund and surroundings

The next destination was Swakopmund and its surroundings. On the one hand, after the heat of the Namib, it was time for a little cooling down at the sea. On the other hand, it was an opportunity to meet the founders of the Dusty family and especially Carlien, the youngest...
May 19, 2021
June 3, 2021
header image - Ongongo Waterfall Campsite near Warmquelle

Warmquelle - refreshment at the Ongongo waterfall

Following our time with the Dusty Family, our next destination was refreshment at Ongongo Waterfall. We discovered this wonderful place very close to Warmquelle a few years ago for ourselves. And so it was clear that the honeymoon had to include a few days of leisure including refreshment at Warmquelle...
June 3, 2021
June 11, 2021
header image - zebras and heatebees at a waterhole

A week in Etosha National Park

The Etosha National Park is certainly a highlight for every Namibia trip. Since we have taken 2 months for our honeymoon, there should also be an extensive stop in Etosha National Park this time. We reserved a whole week for the wild adventures in Etosha! So much time in the...
June 11, 2021
June 21, 2021
header image - swimming hippo spotted at a boat cruise at Bush Camp by Camp Kwando

Kwando River - maximum relaxation in the Caprivi

After the exciting animal adventures in Etosha National Park, we were looking forward to some relaxation and especially hippos up close at the Kwando River! Arriving in Kongola, a super friendly and well prepared campsite manager Roxy was waiting for us. The Bush Camp by Camp Kwando is a brand...
June 21, 2021
July 26, 2021
header image Mahangu Safari Lodge

Okavango River - Lizards and gray giants in the water

The watercourses around the Caprivi offer a lot of leisure to relax. So we made our way from the Kwando River to the Okavango River, where many lizards and gray giants awaited us in the water. The Mahangu Safari Lodge is already very familiar to us from various other safaris...
July 26, 2021
July 26, 2021
header image campsite at little hunters living museum

San People - Experience traditions and pure nature

After relaxation and water, it was now about experiencing traditions and pure nature. To do this, we first had to drive back the entire Caprivi. Due to the extreme rainfalls, crossing the Khaudum National Park with only one car would have been too risky. Our destination was the Elephant Song...
July 26, 2021
August 25, 2021
header image: drinking cheetah at Harnas Wildlife Foundation Namibia - Dusty Trails Safaris Namibia & Dusty Car Hire Namibia

Harnas - Orphanage for wild animals

As we near the end of our honeymoon, it's time to take a closer look at African wildlife and restore some hope to abused or injured wild animals. We are talking about the Harnas Wildlife Foundation, also known from television as the orphanage for wild animals. This organization, which has...
August 25, 2021
August 25, 2021
header image - Khomas mountain landscape at Duesternbrook Guest Farm

Duesternbrook - First guest farm in Namibia

For the last stop of our honeymoon we chose Duesternbrook, the first guest farm in Namibia. It is located just outside of Windhoek and thus offers total peace and pure nature. Just the right place to slowly get used to civilization again after a few days or even weeks in...
August 25, 2021

icon newsletter subscription

Interested latest news and offerings?

Sign up to receive awesome content in your inbox, every month.

By subscribing you agree to receive our promotional marketing materials and agree with our privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *