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Namib-Naukluft, Namibia

The Namib-Naukluft Park is the fourth largest conservation area in the world and is home to some of the rarest and strangest plant and animal species on the planet. Expect an immense and surreal, otherworldly landscape, combined with unique luxury safari lodge and wildlife experiences.

Namib-Naukluft : Traveller's Overview Category : Desert Destinations, Parks & Reserves

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.


Tours & Safaris visiting Namib-Naukluft

  • Luxury African Safari to Namibia, Namib-Naukluft, Damaraland, Etosha Best of Namibia Circuit

    7 Nights | 6 Days

    Discover the wonders of Namibia on this exclusive fly in safari. Marvel at the spectacular beauty of the towering Sossusvlei dunes before spending time in Namibia’s Damaraland tracking desert-adapted elephant and exploring the ancient rock engravings. Viewing wildlife in the world-renowned Etosha National Park completes your journey.

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  • Adventure Tour to Namibia, Namib-Naukluft, Etosha Namibia Flying Safari

    6 Nights | 7 Days

    A flying safari that explores the highlights of the unique destination, Namibia.  Experience beautiful, dramatic scenery and interesting wildlife whilst visiting Fish River Canyon, Sossesvlei, Swakopmund, Twyfelfontein and Etosha National Park.

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  • Family Safari to Namibia, Kalahari Region, Namib-Naukluft Simply Namibia

    5 Nights | 6 Days

    Discover the  highlights of Southern Namibia, from the famous red sands of the Kalahari Desert, Sossusvlei Namibia's famous clay pan enclosed by giant sand dunes, the Sesriem Canyon and the coastal jewel Swakopmund, Simply Namibia has something for everyone.

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Accommodation in Namib-Naukluft

  • Luxury Lodges Kulala Desert Lodge

    From $161 USD Per Person Sharing

    Enjoy the spectacular views of the Namib Desert from the luxury Kulala Desert Lodge in the Namib-Naukluft region of Namibia. Comfortable accommodation, great game-viewing opportunities and more…

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  • Luxury Lodges, Safari Lodges Kulala Wilderness Camp

    From $141 USD Per Person Sharing

    Kulala Wilderness Camp in the Namib-Naukluft region of Namibia offers you authentic African hospitality in tented accommodation. Set at the foot of a mountain in the heart of the Namib Desert, this comfortable establishment promises you a holiday you will never forget.

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  • Luxury Lodges, Safari Lodges Little Kulala

    From $425 USD Per Person Sharing

    Little Kulala, the flagship of Namibia’s extraordinary Sossusvlei area, attracts travellers who favour first-rate facilities, charming hospitality and towering sand dunes

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  • Value Lodges Sossusvlei Lodge

    From $672 USD Per Person Sharing

    This luxury establishment is a great base from which to explore Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Sossusvlei Lodge is set in the unparalleled beauty of the Namib Desert and offers upmarket accommodation and activities to discerning guests.

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  • Luxury Lodges, Safari Lodges Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge

    Price On Request

    The Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge welcomes you to stay at this luxurious private accommodation establishment at the foot of a mountain and looking out onto the beautiful Namib Desert. A luxury retreat for discerning guests, the facilities and service are excellent.

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  • Luxury Lodges Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

    Price On Request

    Immerse yourself in a luxury African desert experience at the Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, situated on the NamibRand Private Nature Reserve in Namibia. This upmarket establishment is the perfect setting from which to explore the Namib Desert.

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Namib-Naukluft Area Map & Accommodation