Play Golf in Namib Desert

Q: Our group of seven travellers is to visit Namibia for six days in December, setting off on the 15th. We need your advice to find simple and affordable accommodation in Windhoek and Swakopmund and some of the best attractions. - Gaogakwe Clifton Sechogo

A: A good bet for a reasonably-priced hotel in Windhoek is the Hotel Pension Uhland. It is a family-run hotel located in Windhoek's diplomatic district, close to the city centre. Rooms have TV and en-suite bathrooms and there is a swimming pool and on-site parking. Double rooms range from R595 to R735 per night, including breakfast and taxes. Find out more on http://www.hoteluhland.com/ or telephone +264 61 389 700. If you prefer a guest house, Rivendell is a small, old style house located in a quiet neighbourhood. Prices range from R448 for a twin room with shared bathroom to R598 for a double bed room with private bathroom. Breakfast is available or you can opt for the self-catering option. The guest house has a swimming pool, TV lounge, laundry facilities and internet access. Check it out on http://www.rivendellnamibia.com/ or telephone +264 61 250 006. Places to visit in Windhoek include the Alte Feste (Old Fortress), Joe's Beerhouse brewery, the National Botanical Garden, the NamibRand Nature Reserve and the Christuskirche. Accommodation in Swakopmund may be a little more difficult to find as this is a very popular holiday destination and you are travelling in peak season. A popular place to stay is Tina's Bed and Breakfast. Located about one kilometre from the sea, the rooms have well-equipped kitchenettes, ensuite bathrooms and televisions. Barbecue facilities are available. A double room is available on http://www.booking.com/ for 80 US dollars (R660) per night, including breakfast and taxes. You could also try Guesthouse Fischreiher, which has seven double rooms only a few minutes stroll from the sea. The guest house is about 10 minutes drive from the centre of town and a few minutes from a shopping centre. Room rates range from R350 per person in a double room, including breakfast and all taxes. Visit the http://www.fischreiher.net/ website for further details. Some of the things you could try in Swakopmund is play golf on the famous Rössmund Golf Course, ride quad biking on the dunes, go sandboarding or take a dolphin cruise. (16/10/11)