Cape Cross - Activities

MESSUM CRATER EXPERIENCE

On our way to the Messum Crater, we stop at one of the richest Lichen stretches of the Namib Desert where we have found all six species that have to date been discovered in Namibia. The nutrient rich, cold Benguela Current not only generates a wealth of marine life, but it also produces fog which ensures the survival of an intriguing variety of desert adapted animals and plants.

We then depart to branches of the Messum River where a dense population of Welwitschias are growing, including the largest recorded Welwitschia in Namibia. Thereafter, the excursion continues across the stark lunar landscape to view the Messum Crater. The silence and solitude of the Crater is totally contrasting with the turbulence of other destinations.

About
In 1486, Diogo Cáo, an early Portuguese explorer, erected a cross on a small rocky outcrop along the desolate and forbidding wastes of the Namibian skeleton Coast. Battered by sudden squalls and fierce windstorms, blasted by shifting desert sands, baked by a relentless sun, shrouded with dense fogs, the cross stood undisturbed by Europeans for four centuries. more >>>

Activities
We provide a once in a lifetime desert experience in one of the most arid zones in Namibia. Cape Cross eco daytrip offers an exclusive sightseeing of this isolated mountainous area of Namibia. The trip caters for those with particular interest in photography, geology, history, geography, desert fauna and the curious desert succulent flora.

Guided tours to the colony can also be organised for guests wishing insight that is more detailed.

Our Messum Crater excursion reveals the captivating saltpans, fascinating lichen fields (all 6 six species), unique desert flora, the "Little5" (or more!) in terms of reptiles, insects, scavengers and carnivores, the elegant two thousand year old Welwitschia plants, ancient bushman paintings and much more.

The common black-backed jackal is seen constantly, prowling the edges of the colonies looking for a chance to grab and run, whilst the brown hyena, though seldom seen during the day, is a bolder predator amongst the nurseries and younger seals during darkness.

Here, ancient rock paintings in the desolate rocky region and unique geological phenomena such as quartzite, dolomite and shale will be introduced to you. We head back to the lodge and for the last 20 km offer you a sensational beach drive. In conclusion, we stop to enjoy a sun downer in the brisk sea breeze of the mysterious Skeleton Coast absorbing the purity of the waves.

Duration of trip – Minimum 5 hours. Lunch stop and refreshments are done at the guide's discretion and time schedule.

Activities beside the seals entail day trips to the Saltpans, Messum Crater, Brandberg West and Ugabriver to find the free roaming dessert elephants.

Pre- booking is essential for our day trips. Longer trips with camping in the Ugabriver can be arranged.

P.O. Box 259
Henties Bay, Namibia
Tel: +264-64-694012/17/64
Fax: +264-64-694013
E-mail: info@capecross.org
bookings@capecross.org

The lodge is a perfect rest spot for those travelling the Skeleton Coast or Damaraland region and has restaurant facilities for day visitors.

Special request can be met; including your honeymoon packages, small weddings, private beach dinners and picnic excursions into the surrounding desert or along the bay.

Surf fishing, just strolling the endless beaches or playing a game of chess in front of the fire, the guest's choice comes first at all times. A range of board games and cards is available in the lounge.

SEAL VISIT
The visit to the Cape Cross Seal colony is offered between 10:00 and 16:00 and is subject to the availability of guide &
vehicle. Pre-bookings are essential to avoid disappointment. The Seal Visit activity is for approximately 45 minutes and the cost includes the entrance fee.

SEAL & SALTCRYSTALS
Experience the largest breeding Cape Fur Seal Colony and the petrified lagoon with unique salt crystal formations, which are over 400 years old. Pre-bookings are essential to avoid disappointment and confirmation is subject to the availability of a guide & vehicle. The combined experience lasts about an hour and a half.

COASTAL ANGLING
A must for the ardent fishermen as well as those who have never tried !. Our rate includes all bait, tackle, meals and refreshments for the day. Please be advised that due to FISHING LICENCES WHICH ARE REQUIRED BY LAW, PRE BOOKINGS & PAYMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL

VISIT TO THE "DEAD SEA"
Experience the buoyancy of the Dead Sea at a waterhole roughly 30km from the Lodge in the Namib Desert.

SURFING
The surfing conditions at Cape Cross Lodge is of a world class standard. Bring your own surfboard.

KAYAKING
The sometimes quietness of the sea in the bay allows for fantastic kayaking. 2-man Kayak available at the Lodge.

2010 PRICE LIST

Activities - PRE-BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL!

Messum Crater Excursion

Seal Excursion

There, where is nothing……………is more! (See Activity description).

Biggest Cape Fur Seal Breeding Colony in the World.See the replica of the Cross erected by Diogo Cao in 1485

Messum Crater Exp.

N$ 750.00 - 1600.00 p.p.

Including Lunch
Excluding Lunch

N$ 230.00 p.p.
N$ 110.00 p.p.

Petrified Salt lagoon

Dead Sea Excursions

Natural salt lakes with crystals up to 400 years old

Experience the boyency of the Dead Sea.

Petrified Salt Lagoon

N$ 180.00 p.p.

Dead Sea Excursions

N$ 430.00 - 800.00 p.p.

Seal ansd Salt Excursions

Welwitschia Drive

See the seal colony and Experience the natural salt lakes

The biggest concentration with the biggest and oldest Welwitchias in the world.

Seal and Salt Excursions

N$ 380.00 p.p.

Welwitschia Drive

N$ 430.00 - 700.00 p.p.

Fishing Trips

Incl. Tackle, Bait, Permits, Beer, Minerals and Lunchpacks

Fishing Trips

N$ 1020.00-3050.00 p.p.

Please note:

Cancellation Policy:

Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Prices are valid as from
1July 2009 – 30 June 2010.
15% VAT included.

30 - 15 Days prior to arrival: 50%
16 - 11 Days proir to arrival: 75%
10 Days or less proir to arrival: 75%
Non arrivalsl: 100%

NO SHOWS WILL BE CHARGED IN FULL

DUE TO FISHING LICENCES WHICH HAVE TO BE OBTAINED, THIS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED AND PRE-PAID.

Eco – friendly Vehicle day tour

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