Coastways Tours and URI Adventures joined forces offering this adventure into the Namib Desert between Luderitz and Walvis Bay formerly known as “Diamond Area no 2”

Places visited on the way include Silvia Hill, Meob Bay, Conception Bay & Sandwich Bay. Desert wildlife, spectacular scenery, untouched beaches, abandoned mining settlements, miles of sand driving and shipwrecks are some of the attractions along the way.

Background:

The discovery of diamonds in 1908 around Kolmanskuppe resulted in an uncontrollable diamond rush forcing the Government to establish the “Sperrgebiet” between 26-degree (Gibraltar) and the southern border stretching 100-kilometer inland. Prospectors were forced to turn northwards beyond the Sperrgebiet. This resulted in the discovery of diamonds at Spencer Bay in December 1908 and between Meob and the Conception Bay area (Diamond area no 2). This resulted in a total of 5000 diamond claims being registered in 1909 and hopeful prospectors tried their luck at Saddle Hill and Spencer Bay and via Swakopmund and Sandwich Harbour southwards towards Meob Bay. However, the small yields of diamonds from these claims resulted in only a few prospectors in the long term being successful.

Transporting of supplies and mine equipment was effected mainly from Swakopmund by ship and the cutter Viking via Sandwich Harbour, Conception Bay and Meob Bay. Various shipping casualties occurred, such as when the Eduard Bohlen intend to off-load mining equipment, was consequently lost at Conception Bay (1909).

In the area between Conception Bay and Meob Bay the mining settlements of Holsatia, Charlottenfelder and Grillenberger was established and no form of engine-driven transport was available during the first 15 years. One sample of an oxwagen fitted with special wide iron bands to make transportation in sandy areas is visible north off Grillenberger. This wagon and surfboats at Meob Bay are examples of pre-World War I historical relicts depicting the immense difficult pioneering days in those inhospitable desert conditions.

During 1912/1913 a light railway from Conception Bay to Conception Water and an 80-kilometer pipeline linking the settlements were constructed. It is not totally clear as how many pre-fabricated buildings were erected at the various settlements and only the foundations of some of these are today still visible.

In November 1914 all persons in this area were requested to stop operations and to proceed to Swakopmund up country. This order came as a result of an expected invasion of allied troops. During 1920 activities recommenced in this area and only four companies operated in this area until De Beers purchased one after the other concession area in 1929. From old mining records it is clear that the average diamond found in this area was much smaller to those found south of Luderitzbucht. Operators made use of hand-operated movable sieve jigs, of which some are still visible today at the old mining settlements and were largely dependent on an Ovambo labour force. Namaqua Diamonds for instance employed between 500 and 600 Ovambo’s under contract. They were distributed in gangs of 50 over the extend of the mining area.

In 1932 the price of diamonds dropped considerable and almost all known diamondiferous ground has been worked over at least once. The small diamonds left in the tailings of earlier workers made productions uneconomic.

After World War II a company Industrial Diamonds of South Africa (1945) Ltd. conducted extensive prospecting in the Meob area in which no diamonds were recovered and CDM also abandoned Meob Bay in the early 60’s.

Today only some remnants of the activities are visible and are deteriorating at an alarming rate. There are a limited quantity of hand-operated mining equipment left, two surf boats at Meob and ox-wagon north of Grillenberger giving some in-sight into the hardships endured by Indigenous Namibians and Early settlers to Namibia.

Saddle Hill became well known in Namibian diamond operations through the efforts of the remarkable Mose Kahan. The unsinkable Mose was born in Konigsberg, Prussia and after emigrating to South Africa where he became involved in prospecting and mining. His application for a concession in Diamond area no 2 were successful and he named his claims Saddle Hill Ophir and Atlantis.

To reach his claims with food and mining supplies, Kahan had to make his way through shifting dunes with transport available in those years, which was indeed a hazardous undertaking. After World War II Kahan bought some Ford “stopneus” lorries from surplus war stock, fitting them with Dakota DC3 aircraft tyres. With these low-pressure aircraft tyres he was able to bring supplies and equipment to Saddle Hill. However one of these lorries, nick named Suzie, had unfortunately to be abandoned in the dunes, today still awaiting the return of a repair crew.

Likewise a Bulldozer, pulling trailers with supplies and equipment close to the Uri Haugab Mountains.

Luderitz to Walvis Bay Adventure

THE TRAIL

The Adventure starts at Luderitz were the group assembles at 18h00 the evening before at the Luderitz Yacht Club or Hotel Zum Sperrgebied for dinner and briefing before venturing into the dessert the next day. (Participants have to organise their own accommodation at Luderitz)

Day 1:

After backtracking for about 30km on the Luderitz to Aus main road it is time to say goodbye to tar roads, starting an adventure of a lifetime. On day one we pass the ‘stompneus’ Ford and camp close to Suzy.

Day 2:

On the second day the trail leads north past Suzy, and the Bulldozer before crossing into the dune belt on way to Sylvia Hill. For the next couple of days participants will experience ‘camping under the desert sky’ in true expedition style.

Day 3:

Dunes are getting progressively higher and driver experience and skills acquired during the previous 2 days will be tested and honed to perfection. Camping on the beach.

Day 4:

The dune belt opens up at Meob bay and it is in this stretch between Meob Bay and Conception Bay that where active diamond mining was in the order of the day during the early 1900’s. The Settlements of Holsatia, Charlottenfelder and Grillenberger are visited on the way.

Day 5:

From Holsatia the trail leads to Conception Bay and along the beach northwards towards Sandwich Bay. On route the wrecks of the Eduard Bohlen & Shawnee are visited. Passing ‘Langewand’ where massive dunes end in the sea, given a very limited time span to negotiate this stretch of beach. After Langewand the trail once again leads into the dunes, circumnavigating the Salt Pans ‘extensions’ of Sandwich Harbour. The dunes are still getting progressively larger to offer an ever changing new experience of ultimate dune driving. The night is spend approximately 1.5km from the sea close to Sandwich Bay at URI Adventures’ ‘Sandwich camp’.

Day 6:

From Sandwich the trails enters the ‘Roller Coaster’, a series of massive ‘roaring’ slip faces, not only giving the participants a new thrilling experience but also offering breathtaking views of Sandwich Harbour and a panorama of Sandscapes exiting onto the beach south of Walvis Bay. The trail ends at Walvis Bay after a final 50km stretch of beach driving.

Luderitz to Walvis Bay Adventure

Distances:

Luderitz – Sylvia Hill	320
Sylvia Hill - Fishersbrun	120
Fishersbrun – E Bohlen	140
E Bohlen - Sandvis Kamp	100
Sandvis Kamp – Walvis Bay	70
Luderitz– Walvis Bay	630 km.

Luderitz	S26 38.934 E15 09.280	Perdekar	S24 32.004 E14 41.211
Koichab afdraai	S26 22.174 E15 35.516	Meob	S24 30.500 E14 37.000
Suzie	S25 25.330 E15 05.403	Grillenberger T	S24 26.877 E14 36.665
Bulldozer	S25 23.480 E15 10.550	Grillenberger	S24 15.048 E14 37.195
Sylvia Hill	S25 08.152 E14 51.300	Ossewa	S24 13.482 E14 37.207
Kamp 2	S25 06.793 E14 51.767	Charlotten	S24 11.784 E14 37.303
Viewpoint	S25 02.806 E14 51.898	Holsazia	S24 09.257 E14 37.023
Gat 1	S24 57.896 E14 51.122	Edward bohlen	S23 59.757 E14 27.464
Blackrock	S24 56.500 E14 48.400	Conception	S23 55.799 E14 29.738
Gat 2	S24 56.352 E14 49.865	Shawnee	S23 40.378 E14 30.173
Free Willy	S24 54.107 E14 48.349	Langewand	S23 34.358 E14 29.512
Kamp 3	S24 51.069 E14 47.779	Kamp sandvis	S23 21.661 E14 30.885
Fishersbrun T	S24 40.186 E14 41.966	Sandvis View	S23 21.184 E14 30.238
Fishersbrun	S24 38.833 E14 43.259	Graveyard	S23 19.593 E14 30.464
Perdekar T	S24 34.627 E14 41.381	Strand	S23 18.070 E14 29.811

Luderitz/Walvis Bay Adventure

Essentials

The following items is mandatory for each participation vehicle:

· Spade

· Space for one stacker box with food that you will receive the day of departure.

· 60 liters water ( of which 20 liters for kitchen use)

· Tyre pressure gauge

· Toilet paper & matches

· Plastic bags to carry waste (e.g. empty cool drink tins, etc)

· Brake fluid

· Gear oil

· Engine oil

· Fuses

· Spare V- Belt set

· Sufficient Petrol/Diesel to cover the distance – (see route map & distances attached). Heavy sand driving conditions (+/- 3 km/liter and +/- 5 km/liter consumption for larger petrol and diesel engines respectively) will be experienced.

· Vehicle to be fitted with points to attach tow ropes both in front and at the rear. NB!!

· Empty/Available lighter plug socket– to be used with Communication radio

· All equipment and luggage must be strapped in and securely fastened

· Vehicle must be loaded in such a way to ensure that the vehicle is not “Top Heavy” – e.g. only light items, camping gear on roof carriers

· 2 Large bags of firewood per vehicle and only 4 bags of charcoal in the group.

· The trail passes through heavy dune area, which requires high flotation tyres ("fat takkies").

Optionally:

Hi lift Jack & Q20 Spray

Extra Spare wheel (no 6)

Small broom

Small spade

We supply:

¨ Communication radios for all participating vehicles

¨ Meals (Only Tea/Coffee and fruit juices supplied with meals)

¨ “Communal” camping equipment (e.g. braai grid, cooking facilities & equipment, tables, wash-up facilities, Showers etc.)

All you need:

· Tent, folding chair & sleepwear (bedroll, tent etc.)

· Eating utensils (Cutlery, Plate, Bowl, Glass & Mug)

· Own snacks & refreshments (alcoholic beverages, cool drinks etc.)

· Torch & batteries

· Camera (extra films & battery)

· Sunglasses & Sun Tan lotion

· Clothing (very hot and very cold), Toiletries & towels.

· Prescribed medicine

· Small bowl or collapsible wash basin

Itinerary:

Overnight:

Day 0: Participants assemble at Luderitz (18H00) Luderitz (own accomadation)

Day 1: Depart for Suzie (Old Ford truck) Dessert (Camp Suzie)

Day 2: Visit Bulldozer and St. Francis bay Dessert (Silvia hill)

Day 3: Depart Silvia hill towards Meob Bay Dessert (Meob erea)

Day 4: Visit “ghost” mining settlements on the way to Holsatia Holsatia

Day 5: From Holsatia the rout leads via the E Bohlen, Conception

and Langewand towards Sandwich Bay Sandwich camp

Day 6: Last stretch of dunes (“Roller Coaster”) towards Walvis Bay

ALL PRICES INCLUDES VAT - PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

PRICES :

Days	Adults	0 – 5 YEARS	6 - 11 YEARS	12 - 17 YEARS
6	N$ 6000.00	-	N$ 1500.00	N$ 2000.00

The above prices include VAT and the N$1000.00 levy per person payable to the Government & Local communities.

Please note price increase with effect 1 January 2008 – Price = N$ 6500.00 per person.

Should all monies be paid prior to 31 December 2007 the 2006 price will still be applied for paid bookings for 2008.

We can arrange 4x4 and camping equipment rental on your behalf.

Travel insurance and medical evacuation:

In case of a motor vehicle accident your medical evacuation is included in the price. You need your own travel insurance and medical evacuation service in case of a hart attack or any other medical emergency etc. Please supply detail of this information that we know whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Emergency Contact number:

Should anybody wishes to contact you whilst on the trip – we will be out of range of any cell phone reception or normal telephone services. We will however contact TELECOM NAMIBIA’S Radio Station at Walvis Bay on a daily basis. Anybody that needs to get hold of you urgently should contact ‘Radio Traffic’ at ++ 264 64 203581 and leave a message and contact number for “3418” (our call sign). We will then return the call soonest.

Jenny Meyer /Lewis Druker

Tel: ++ 264 63 202 002

Fax: ++ 264 63 202 003;Cell: + + 0811-229336

lewiscwt@iway.na

Website: http://www.coastways.com.na

Booking

Please fax / e-mail the form to us after it is signed and completed in full.

For Attention: Jenny Meyer

Fax: ++ 264 63-202003 or e-mail lewiscwt@iway.na

NAME OF ADVENTURE

DATE OF ADVENTURE

PERSONS IN THE VEHICLE:

SURNAME & INITIALS	FIRST NAME	TITLE	I.D. NR	CHILD’S AGE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: …………………………………………….. …………………………………………….. …………………………………………….. …………………………………………….. …………… Postal Code:…..…………	Person to be contacted in an emergency: Name: …………………………………….. Tel (H): ……………………………………. Tel (W): …………………………………… Cell: ……………………………………….. Medical Insurance: …………………………. Allergies: ………………………………………
CONTACT DETAILS: Tel (H): ……………………………………. Tel (W): ………………………………….... Cell: ……………………………………….. Fax: ………………………………………... E-mail: ……………………………………..	VEHICLE DETAILS: Make: ……………………………………… Model: …………………………………….. Reg No: …………………………………… Colour: …………………………………….

Please note that prices are subject to change due to currency regulations, unforeseen increases in fuel prices or future government taxes. Quotations are subject to availability at time of booking.

How to book:

A 50 % deposit of the full amount due is required to confirm any reservation and is done in writing.

The balance of the contract price must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure.

If the full contract price is not received 60 days before the departure date, we may cancel the reservation and retain whatever deposit or other funds already received from the agent / client.

Payments:

Bank Transfers – Bank Details First National Bank , Luderitz , Account Nr.62096267797,Branch Code 280-371, Ref Nr. (Tour dates)

· Fax deposit slip to Jenny at Coastways Tours Fax Nr. 09264-63-202003. Write the name and date of the tour on the deposit slip.

· Payment by cheque or cash can be done at Coastways Tours (Pty) Ltd in Luderitz.

DATE: ____________________ SIGNATURE: _______________________