Karas Region

城市概覽

ǁKaras (the consonant at the beginning is a lateral click, comparable to the sound used by a rider to urge on a horse) is the southernmost and least populated region of Namibia. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and borders to South Africa in the South and in the East and to the Hardap region in the North. A large 26 000km2 area known as the Sperrgebiet (Forbidden Territory) in the west of ǁKaras stretches long the coast of the Atlantic Ocean between Lüderitz and Oranjemund. Three main biomes cover the region; their tripoint is approximately at Aus: The Southern Namib desert, the Nama Karoo, and the Succulent Karoo. If the area gets winter rain then the wildflower bloom is a spectacle that warrants a visit: just like in the Karoo in South Africa, barren lands suddenly come alive for a few weeks in August and the landscape is covered with blooming wild flowers.

如何抵達

By car Due to the scarcity of other options, most travellers will arrive by car, either from South Africa or from the north of the country. The major highways in the region are the B1 that crosses Namibia from North to South and passes Keetmanshoop and Noordoewer, the B3 from Keetmanshoop to Ariamsvlei, and the B4 from Keetmanshoop to Lüderitz.

By plane The vast area is covered with small airstrips, suitable for 2 and 4 seaters. However, only Oranjemund (OMD IATA) and Lüderitz (LUD IATA) can be reached by scheduled flights, departing from Cape Town and Windhoek.

By train There is a train service from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop a few times a week. As the train is predominantly for freight with only one or two passenger cars, it will stop at every tree to load and unload goods. The 500 km journey from Windhoek takes almost a day. The rails from Keetmanshoop to Lüderitz are intact but there is no passenger service on this line.

By public transport Between towns you can catch a minibus, and Keetmanshoop is on the route of the big coaches that travel to Windhoek, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

當地交通

There is no public transport to tourist destinations, you have to get around by car or private airplane. You can book private tours (a 4x4 and a driver) in the bigger towns of Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz. The highways (B-roads) are tarred and in very good condition. Most C-roads are gravel roads and in fair condition, easily passable with an ordinary sedan. All other roads (D-roads, F-roads, and those without letters or numbers) tend to be rough, rarely graded, and will require a sturdy vehicle. Expect to be able to drive 120 km/h on tar, 60-80 km/h on good gravel, and about 30 km/h on minor roads. Many of the small access roads to farms require good ground clearance and considerable driving skill. Phone the host whether you need a 4x4 or not. Farms are private properties. Don't drive onto a farm road, even if the gate is open, unless your destination is signposted there, or you intend to visit that farm. If you open a farm gate to drive through, close it again.

必看景點

Kolmanskop – A ghost town just outside Lüderitz Wildflower bloom around Aus in the early weeks of August, only if there was some rain in June or July The 3 Brukkaros west of the B1. A collapsed caldera, rising 650 m over the surrounding environment.

體驗活動

Canoe on the Orange River: The Orange River is the only permanently flowing river in southern Namibia, and it has no large animals like crocodiles or hippos. Virtually every lodge and campsite on the river has canoes for hire, and many establishments offer guided canoe tours, from multiple hours to several days. Suitable for beginners. Explore the ghost towns of the diamond rush around Lüderitz. Kolmanskop you can visit on your own while for Pomona and Elisabeth Bay you have to book a tour; they are still in the forbidden zone. Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery at the Naute Dam and reservoir near Keetmanshoop. The distillery produces white wine and spirits like gin, rum, grappa with a Namibian twist: Devil’s Claw flavor. They offer tastings and a restaurant that serves light lunches, coffee, cake and juices.

購物

There is a petrol station and a supermarket or at least a general dealer in all settlements listed as cities above. Additionally, you can re-stock food and petrol at:

1 Grünau. Several petrol stations on the B1. (updated Jan 2021) Specific items for sale are:

Diamonds: If you have the means and the ambition, there is a large variety of local diamonds for sale at the old casino in Kolmanskop, 10 km outside Lüderitz. Namibian diamonds are among the best in the world for jewelry, and prices at Kolmanskop are reportedly very competitive. Table grapes: When you pass the settlement of Aussenkehr at the Orange River in summer, try the grapes that are grown in the Orange River valley. The biggest, sweetest, and cheapest you have had in a long time, you can buy them from mobile vendors or at the Aussenkehr Spar supermarket.

住宿

There is accommodation in all towns and villages, the smaller the place the more basic the facilities. However, not every name on the map is indeed a settlement. This particularly applies to place names along the railway, many of which are today at best an abandoned station building, and at worst only a sign next to the rails. Between the major tourist destinations there occasionally are additional options:

1 ǃGanigobis community camp site (From the B1, take the D3921 turnoff just north of Tses. The road ends at the Fish river where the camp site is). 6 camping spots on rock, a tiny bit of artificial shade. Nice view on the Brukkaros Mountain and into the Fish river. A rock jacuzzi has been built atop a hot spring; at night when it isn't busy you can take a bath here. There is also a waterfall nearby but construction works on the B1 have drained too much water, and the fall is dry (ascof 2023). This is one of those community projects that never quite got off the ground. The camp site exists for decades but tables and chairs have yet to be installed. There is no refuse bin, no running water, and the toilets are out of order. 40 N$ pppn, children full price. (updated Jan 2024) Seeheim Hotel west of Keetmanshoop is an impressive hotel at an important railway junction. 2 Koiimasis (the farm is signposted from the C27 but cannot be reached in that way: one of the gates of the neighbouring farm (that one would have to transit) is locked; instead use the District Road D707 and turn east at the signpost; although the trail is a bit sandy a 4x4 is not needed). Installations and buildings blend into the surrounding rocks. During dusk and dawn small antelope and rock dassies are all over the place. There are chalets, rooms, and a campsite. There is also a pool, unfortunately only for the guests of the lodge. Camping 200 N$ per person, children half price. (updated Feb 2018) Orange River Lodge near Noordoewer is a B&B and restaurant. Amanzi Trails near Noordoewer is a beautifu

順遊推薦

ǁKaras shares borders with the:

Northern Cape province of South Africa to the south and east. Visit the Big Hole at Kimberley, or the Augu