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South Africa’s number one travel and outdoor lifestyle magazine. We pay our own way and tell it like it is. We drive back roads and speak to real people, giving you practical information about affordable destinations in southern Africa. Each issue is crammed with excellent photography, honest gear reviews and delicious recipes to make at home or in the bundu. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or a month, your journey starts here.

The tonic of wildness…

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Fifty not out! • He’s lost count of how many times he’s been to Namibia since his first visit in 1966. HP Steyn shares half a century’s worth of adventures.

Namibia’s greatest unsolved mystery • For as long as anyone can remember, strange circular blemishes have pockmarked the Namib Desert. On campuses and in campsites, from Hamburg to Henties, scientists and road trippers have argued about what causes Namibia’s fairy circles. Now the debate has been whittled down to two theories, and both sides insist that they’re right…

Explorers of the Kuiseb • When you’re invited to be one of the first people to explore a wild canyon for seven days on foot, you say yes! And only later do you wonder why nobody else has ever done this…

The lone riders • Pedalling through Namibia comes with a fair share of solitude and sand, but Johan and Jana Wahl would not want it any other way.

Namibia’s hidden gems • We asked our contributors to share their favourite spots in Namibia – not the major tourist attractions but the places where you feel like giving yourself a pat on the back for deciding to come here. Make sure to include these 14 hidden gems on your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!

SOUTH • Many South Africans have family albums with sepia-tinged photos of the Fish River Canyon, the deserted houses of Kolmanskop and the quiver trees around Keetmanshoop. Do you? Then it’s about time you visit – or revisit – southern Namibia!

5 things to do

SOUTH

SOUTH PLACES TO STAY

AUS • Believe it or not, Aus was once the epicentre of southern Namibia…

HELMERINGHAUSEN • Helmeringhausen can almost be mistaken for a town – it has a shop, filling station, hotel, farmers’ association hall and even a tennis court. Even though it’s tiny, it’s one of the most popular pit stops in the deep south of Namibia.

BETHANIE • Bethanie doesn’t look like much when you drive through, but it’s one of the oldest villages in Namibia. It has a rich history and is the home of the !Aman people of the Nama nation.

CENTRAL • In Central Namibia, you get to experience higher-lying parts of the country like the Khomas Hochland with its sinuous mountain passes, and also the ginormous plains of the Namib Desert. And when you reach the coast, the icy blue Atlantic awaits…

7 things to do

CENTRAL

The bay of whales • A landmark for seafarers for nearly 500 years, these days Walvis Bay attracts tourists from far and wide. Sail back in time to the days of whaling boats and explorers.

5 things to do • Namibia’s busiest harbour offers loads of fun outings. Paddle with seals or take a tour of the bay while sipping sparkling wine. Here are five ways to get to know Walvis Bay better.

CENTRAL PLACES TO STAY

NORTH • Namibia has no shortage of wild, faraway places, but when you travel to the north of the country – the white plains of Etosha, the Kaokoveld, the mighty Kunene, Kavango, Kwando and Zambezi rivers – you feel as if you’ve reached the ends of the earth!

10 things to do

NORTH

Views to drive for • Situated between Outjo and Khorixas, the Ugab Terrace makes a great starting point for a journey into Damaraland, or a good overnight stop before heading back to the...