If you have an itching to see some of the rarest and strangest plant and animal species in the world combined with a luxury vacation, head to the Namib-Naukluft region of Namibia. One of the largest national parks in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft Park is the fourth largest conservation area in the world.
Towering sand dunes, lichen fields and strange plants like the Welwitchia Mirabilis will keep you mesmerised during your stay in this arid region. Climb the Naukluft Mountains or walk the plains of the Namib Desert while looking out for the variety of fauna and flora that have adapted to these harsh conditions.
You will be standing in the oldest desert in the world and if you head to Sossusvlei you will be standing on the highest dunes in the world. Some of these red sand dunes approach 1 000 feet in height; the colour comes from the slow iron oxidisation over thousands of years. They are also home to a rich and diverse micro-fauna as well as more than 100 species of birds. Most desert-adapted animals in this region rely on the sea mists and fogs that roll inland for their water supply.
Step into a world of prehistoric plants such as the Welwitschia, some of them already several hundred years old, find the Tok Tokkie beetle that survives by basking in fog and revel in the vast peacefulness of the Namib Desert. Luxury accommodation, whether tented or in chalets, is characteristic of the Namib-Naukluft area, offering a respite from the harshness of the desert.
The Namib-Naukluft Region is best known for:
Naukluft Mountains
These mountains form part of the Namib-Naukluft Park and from their peaks to the Namib desert below is a fall of 1 000m. Made up of dolomite rock and limestone these mountains are riddled with streams and underground water that sustain the wildlife in the area. It is possible to hike these beautiful mountains if you are experienced enough; the route is extremely challenging; alternatively take a taxing 4x4 route. This region was initially demarcated as a sanctuary for the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra.
Namib-Naukluft Park
One of the largest national parks in Africa at just under 50 000 square kilometres, Namib-Naukluft is home to desert-adapted animals and plants, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Wildlife found here includes gemsbok, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest and the spotted hyena.
Sossusvlei Dunes
One of the highlights of visiting Namibia is a visit to these beautiful sand dunes. Enigmatic and powerful, the Sossusvlei Dunes are a magnificent sight to behold, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the shadows cast add another dimension to their shapes. Push yourself to climb a dune to gain perspective over the shifting seas of red sand.
Off the beaten track:
Bathe in mud pools
Near the Sossusvlei Park entrance, the Tsauchab River has dug a 2km long trench that is close on 30m deep into the sands and pebbles that date back roughly 15 million years. Known as Sesriem Canyon (‘Six Thongs’), the rains sometimes fill this enough so that you can take a mud bath in the Namib Desert.
Head to Sandwich Harbour
Only accessible by four-wheel drive due to the immense sand dunes along the way, the trip to Sandwich Harbour is well worth it for bird and nature lovers. The lagoon is a refuge for a multitude of coastal birds including the colourful flamingos as well as many rare and endangered species. There are seasonal limits on angling here and there is no camping permitted in the area.
Take the Welwitschia Trail
Follow this route through the Namib Desert stopping at several interesting destinations including the Moon Landscape, the Welwitschia Plains and the Namib Desert oasis of Goanikontes. Permits are needed as well as the map although several numbered beacons are located along the route.
