Namibia

[NamTinker]

Diving in Namibia can be summed up in a few words - high altitude, dams, natural sinkhole lakes, rough, cold sea.
All inland diving qualifies as high altitude - elevations where there is dams or sinkholes generally runs from 1500m above sea level and up.  Visibility in the dams can vary from zero to 15m, depending on the season.  Water temperatures in the central areas vary from 5-8 (winter) to 22-25 (summer).  There are a few fresh water sinkhole lakes in the north (Lake Otjikoto, Guinas).  Otjikoto is a popular spot for the local underwater club (yes, only ONE club!) since it offers interesting underwater relics from the 1st World War - The Germans soldiers over there, before surrendering, dumped their armaments into the lake.  Depth at Otjikoto goes from 40 to an estimated 90m.  There is apparently some tunnels to explore - but the depth would make it extremely hazardous.  Visibility can vary from 3-15m.  Definitely for the deep diving specialists!
Probably because we have been spoilt by the generally warm weather, dedicated sea diving has not progressed like in the UK.  People will think you crazy if you go diving in the sea for pleasure - with temperatures that vary from 4-16C, with every so often spells of 20+.  Exactly two people are using drysuits, the rest all use wet or semi dry.  There is only one training agency in the country - CMAS.  But a few instructors from NAUI or PADI sometimes pop up if there is enough interest.  Most divers go and do speciality courses in South Africa.
All equipment are imported from overseas or South Africa.  I imported 90% of my stuff from the UK - about 40% cheaper that way!
If ever some of you guys decide to travel through Namibia, drop me a mail and I'll put you in contact with the local dive club.

[Mr T.]

Hey Tinker,

Welcome aboard the good ship YD mate!

I think I can say, without fear on contradiction, that not too many (if any) members off here have dived in Namibia. So 10 out of 10 for novelty factor.

Lake Otjikoto sounds enticing with all that WW1 kit still in situ - every snagged any of it yourself?? If so, care for a dive report??

Any way, glad to have you aboard and please feel free to get in amongst it.

Cheers,