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Namibia

Namib Desert

PLAN MY TRIP

One of the oldest and largest deserts in the world, the Namib stretches inland from the Atlantic Ocean, covering large bands of Namibia as well as parts of Angola and South Africa.

Stretching from southern Kaokoveld in the north to the South Africa Karoo in the south, the Namib is more than 1,000 miles long and up to 100 miles wide. The desert is perhaps most famous for its sand dunes. Especially in the Sossusvlei area, these reddish-orange dunes are some of the largest in the world, with some exceeding 1,000 feet. Where the Namib Desert touches the Atlantic coast, regular morning fogs blanket the land as ocean breezes are forced down by hot eastern winds. Unique plant and insect species have adapted to this climate. The combination of dense fogs and strong ocean currents have made the Atlantic waters of the desert coast legendary for their perils. The Skeleton Coast in northern Namibia is littered with the decaying evidence of thousands of unsuccessful ocean voyages. Moving north from the sand dunes, the terrain transforms to rocky desert, gravel plains, and dry riverbeds.

Surprisingly in this harsh environment, there are still plenty of wildlife who have adapted to life in the desert. Small populations of lizard, gecko, gerbil, mole, hyaena, and jackal have learned to subsist here. There is even a unique population of elephants who have adapted to the arid climate. These pachyderms found mostly in the region of Damaraland can go for days without drinking water and rely on the vegetation they consume for moisture.

The plains and the dunes also support large numbers of several varieties of antelope, especially gemsbok and springbok, as well as ostriches and some zebras. In the north along the rivers flowing into the Atlantic, there are rhinos, lions, hyenas, and jackals. While the dunes of the outer Namib are bereft of mammals but rich in insects and reptiles including beetles, geckos, and snakes. Where the desert meets the Atlantic live dense populations of water fowl especially flamingoes, pelicans, and even penguins in the south. There are even colonies of seals.

The Namib is an adventurer’s paradise. Naturally, the local safari camps and lodges offer game drives especially in the areas around Sossevlei and Damaraland. Guided nature walks take a closer look at the flora and fauna, especially the unique Welwitschia mirabilis with its ribbon like leaves spreading from the crown or a night time search for scorpions by the fluorescent light of a UV flashlight. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy quad bike trips and sand boarding on the high dunes. While a hot air balloon ride or light aircraft trip provides the perfect aerial view of the vast dunes.

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys
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Namibia

Namib Desert

PLAN MY TRIP

One of the oldest and largest deserts in the world, the Namib stretches inland from the Atlantic Ocean, covering large bands of Namibia as well as parts of Angola and South Africa.

Stretching from southern Kaokoveld in the north to the South Africa Karoo in the south, the Namib is more than 1,000 miles long and up to 100 miles wide. The desert is perhaps most famous for its sand dunes. Especially in the Sossusvlei area, these reddish-orange dunes are some of the largest in the world, with some exceeding 1,000 feet. Where the Namib Desert touches the Atlantic coast, regular morning fogs blanket the land as ocean breezes are forced down by hot eastern winds. Unique plant and insect species have adapted to this climate. The combination of dense fogs and strong ocean currents have made the Atlantic waters of the desert coast legendary for their perils. The Skeleton Coast in northern Namibia is littered with the decaying evidence of thousands of unsuccessful ocean voyages. Moving north from the sand dunes, the terrain transforms to rocky desert, gravel plains, and dry riverbeds.

Surprisingly in this harsh environment, there are still plenty of wildlife who have adapted to life in the desert. Small populations of lizard, gecko, gerbil, mole, hyaena, and jackal have learned to subsist here. There is even a unique population of elephants who have adapted to the arid climate. These pachyderms found mostly in the region of Damaraland can go for days without drinking water and rely on the vegetation they consume for moisture.

The plains and the dunes also support large numbers of several varieties of antelope, especially gemsbok and springbok, as well as ostriches and some zebras. In the north along the rivers flowing into the Atlantic, there are rhinos, lions, hyenas, and jackals. While the dunes of the outer Namib are bereft of mammals but rich in insects and reptiles including beetles, geckos, and snakes. Where the desert meets the Atlantic live dense populations of water fowl especially flamingoes, pelicans, and even penguins in the south. There are even colonies of seals.

The Namib is an adventurer’s paradise. Naturally, the local safari camps and lodges offer game drives especially in the areas around Sossevlei and Damaraland. Guided nature walks take a closer look at the flora and fauna, especially the unique Welwitschia mirabilis with its ribbon like leaves spreading from the crown or a night time search for scorpions by the fluorescent light of a UV flashlight. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy quad bike trips and sand boarding on the high dunes. While a hot air balloon ride or light aircraft trip provides the perfect aerial view of the vast dunes.

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys