Swakopmund, Namibia Reviews and Ratings

Namibia is all in all a gorgeous country, but none of its landscapes compare to the beauty of the Skeleton Coast. The immense beauty of the arid desert meeting the tempestuous ocean is a sight to behold. Swakopmund is a pleasant town, with plenty of eateries to satisfy most. For breakfast try the Village Cafe, with a delicious array of fresh juices, "toastie" sandwiches, and fabulous bacon and eggs. The Mad Cow, adjacent to Woolworth's, has an incredibly creative menu, with an assortment of salads, quiche, and sandwiches--and milkshakes to die for. Dinner has to be had at the Neopolitana restaurant, just steps away from the Swakopmund Lodge--a pleasant place to stay, as well as the most happening bar/club in town. Neopolitana offers incredible Italian delights, as well as an incredible selection of game meat. The ostrich, springbok, and oryx are delectable temptations you simply cannot deny. Also, there are several companies with which to experience adventure sports, since that is the major draw in Swakopmund. From sand boarding, to quad-biking through the Nambi deserts vast dunes; dolphin watching, or best of all--skydiving. The skydiving experience over the Skeleton Coast has to be one of the best in the world, as you descend to the earth viewing the majestic sea and sand meet to greet your landing. The great people at the Swakopmund Skydiving Club made the venture comfortable, safe, and unforgettable. DVD's and extras are available. There are also darling triangular houses one may rent near the edge of town, for a more homey experience. Namibia is stunning in its natural beauty. Visit and climb dune 45 at sunrise and see for yourself, or take a morning trek through the desert with a bushman and learn about the intricate ecosystem that thrives there with little to no rainfall. Africa's heart beats louder than any other continent on earth. You will never want to leave.

HIV / AIDS in Namibia
The AIDS epidemic is a very large problem in Namibia as the country's infection rate is one of the highest on the continent and it shares its eastern border with Botswana which has the second highest rate of over 24%. In 2001, there were an estimated 210,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, and the estimated death toll in 2003 was 16,000.[21] In north and central Namibia, malaria is also a pressing problem. The malaria problem seems to be compounded by the epidemic. Research has shown in Namibia, that the risk of contracting malaria is 14.5% greater if a person is also infected with HIV. The risk of death from malaria is also raised by approximately 50% with a concurrent HIV infection.[22] Given infection rates this large as well as a looming malaria problem, it may be very difficult for the government to deal with both the medical and economic impacts of this epidemic.