Farm Rüppell

Start explores hereabouts with a jaunt into the small city of Omaruru, 45 minutes’ drive from base, where there are craft shops, restaurants and markets, and a handful of wineries serving up the real tastes of Namibia. Not enough city time? Trek onwards to Otjiwarongo (an hour and 20 minutes away) to visit the Crocodile Ranch, see the 1912 German mining train and get a feel for local life on a township tour. This part of Namibia is also home to the Ju/’hoansi San people, and visits to the Omandumba living museum come highly recommended for learning more about their culture and heritage. The scenic spot also has plenty of rock art to view, as well as a farm where kudu, springbok, jackals, cheetahs and leopards can be hunted. Zoologists may prefer to eschew the hunt, travelling instead to the Tsibeb Conservancy wildlife area; this should also be a major draw for hikers, as it’s home to Namibia’s highest mountain, Mount Brandberg. There’s loads more within about two hours to entice animal fans too: the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo and Okonjima Nature Reserve’s AfriCat each give visitors the chance to get up close with the fastest land animal in the world. Need an urban day? Namibia’s capital city Windhoek is a must-visit for its museums, vineyards, markets and gardens.