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The Topnaar 4x4 trail has been developed as a joint venture between the Topnaar community and URI Adventures. A concession has been granted to the Topnaar community to conduct 4x4 trails in the previously restricted area formerly known as Diamond Area no.2.
The trail starts at the Homeb campsite on the bank of the Kuiseb River in the Namib Naukluft Park and leads through the Homeb Plains – a colourful landscape of red dunes separated by grassy plains. In order to preserve the sparse vegetation driving takes place on the edge of the dune streets, and from time to time the whole procession "jumps" across the dunes into the next street – moving gradually east in the process. The experience gained in this first day comes in handy during the rest of the trip. The first night is spent at Lauberville in a former police training facility which is currently being renovated by the Topnaar community. From here one can appreciate the unique scenery of the Kuiseb Canyon with the massive red sand dunes on the south bank and the pitch black rock formations of the north bank.
On the second day the course heads due south into the "sand sea". Driving skills are constantly tested and improved as the dunes offer more and more challenges. The second night is spent under the desert sky camping close to Sandwich Harbour.
The third day takes the drivers to a viewpoint on the dunes overlooking Sandwich Harbour before ascending to the beach for some beach driving to Walvis Bay where the trail concludes.
An extra day can be included to visit Conception Bay with its rich bird life, seal colonies and shipwrecks. During the 1890s diamond mining was conducted in this area and the remains of the customs office, police station, telegraph line and railway station can still be seen.
The driving on this trail is very difficult, and the trail is only undertaken with the experience of the local guides. Camping facilities are basic on the trail.
Directions:
Kalahari Bush Breaks can be found 26km from the Mamuno border post on the tarred main road to Windhoek.