Top 5 Mariental Day Trips: Explore Namibia’s Hidden Gems
So, you find yourself in Mariental, Namibia, that small-town charm almost lulls you into a state of relaxation, which is great, but what if you feel like there is a need to see what is beyond those town limits? Well, good news! Mariental actually sits pretty central to quite a number of truly fascinating destinations just waiting to be explored. This review covers five absolutely super day trips. We’re talking wildlife encounters, views that’ll stay with you for good, and little sprinklings of Namibian culture, just a bit, along the way. I want to take the time now to guide you to some seriously worthwhile excursions, which might add even more to your Namibian experience. Let’s see what’s on offer!
1. Hardap Dam Recreation Resort: Water and Wildlife
Just a little bit outside of Mariental sits the Hardap Dam, which could be the largest dam in Namibia and it’s more or less, an oasis in this semi-arid surrounding region. This place isn’t only just a spot to check out some water; it is basically, a recreational hub loaded with activities. Is that birdlife your type of thing? You might want to grab your binoculars. That area hosts so many different species. Then there’s the game reserve, as a matter of fact, it is nearby, where you possibly can spot some springbok, maybe some oryx, and potentially some other wildlife actually just roaming freely.
Boating? You could do that, too! Fishing? Actually, why not! The Hardap Dam, I would argue, provides an awesome spot for those wishing to mix some water-based fun together with some wildlife watching, just a little bit of both, really, for an all-rounded day trip. Expect the drive, it will be quite short, very, coming from Mariental, so you probably won’t waste too much daylight travelling, as a matter of fact.
Read our full review: Hardap Dam Recreation Resort Full Review and Details
2. Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch: Red Dunes and Wildlife Encounters
For that reason alone you must experience the appeal of the Kalahari, very much a trip to the Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, because it shows you red dunes combined with chances of seeing wildlife, it will be worth that travel. Slightly further afield from Mariental than the Hardap Dam, this trip almost gets you deep into what the Kalahari has to give. So there is opportunities of going on game drives and that is where you might encounter lions, giraffes, plus heaps more species native to that area.
The landscape itself tends to be rather striking; just think about those crimson-colored dunes up against that azure African sky. It seems Bagatelle may give photo opportunities galore. You could possibly spend your time there enjoying activities which range, for example, from guided walks with bushmen, to stargazing experiences for people interested. It probably can become an escape from the regular as well as really give you a feel of what it means when being in the Kalahari.
Read our full review: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch Full Review and Details
3. Kalkrand: Quaint Town with a Story
For something at a bit of a slower tempo, you might consider making that trip out of Mariental up toward Kalkrand. What it really is; is the quite cozy small town which seems steeped a lot in some history. It probably allows you to encounter real everyday Namibian life, rather like that found inside of that small settlement area. Kalkrand is very ideal for people keen in looking beyond typical tourist attractions and want a little deeper insight in that local flavor.
Wandering across Kalkrand perhaps will give you insight toward Namibian society as a whole, too; conversations and little things might offer insights toward how many survive around there. I mean this specific excursion certainly wouldn’t take quite as long; that’s just as trips for game watching for a day however; is often matched in relation with its own cultural benefits.
Read our full review: Kalkrand Namibia Full Review and Details
4. Stampriet Historical Interest and Date Farming
Slightly different compared to your common tourist hotspot; in fact, the trip to Stampriet actually grants somewhat, insights related toward the regional economic activities too, historical relevance. You see it’s because Stampriet is somewhat famous because of its underground water alongside its own role within that growth associated with date farming throughout this vicinity. What happens next? Stop at local date farms, so you almost sample distinct variants plus understand specifically how the town promotes this unique part regarding agriculture.
History lovers possibly will come to admire that place as a result of specific past connections because of what exactly its position once would’ve already been during those times for these earlier colonial past occasions, naturally enough; some constructions around probably will reveal some associated history! Take Stampriet possibly to appreciate some specific financial sides that can assist within developing regional culture by traveling, this means learning; seeing, too; actually going for regional agriculture, also historical backgrounds around Namibia generally.
Read our full review: Stampriet Namibia Full Review and Details
5. Brukkaros Mountain: A Geological Wonder
OK, ready for a slightly different kind of trip? How about a trek up Brukkaros Mountain, really one seriously big geological structure found somewhere amid that Namibian setting? This location wasn’t necessarily what you expect on most ordinary outings however tends instead to entice someone desiring certain ventures including landscape scenery quite unlike what has already been perceived; ever previously!
That huge crater might have resulted thanks perhaps by some burst hundreds years old thus giving some pretty significant geologic location with people fascinated. Trek upward towards see gorgeous views, quite something of experience, maybe that geological structure in question might interest travelers along its environmental features far outside exactly everything typical for those Namibian landscape activities nearby too, therefore it should give anyone something truly worthwhile after.
Read our full review: Brukkaros Mountain Namibia Full Review and Details
