 |
Home>Namibia>What to see | 
|
|||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||
| Namibia: What to see | |||
| Namib Naukluft Game Reserve | |||
>see photographs Best known for Spectacular unusual scenery, an area of contrasts and the fascinating wildlife make visiting this captivating reserve an absolute must. Time and light have stunning effects on the desert landscape creating different moods. Location This vast reserve is situated on the west coast of Namibia stretching both inland and southwards from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Size The Namib Naukluft Game Reserve covers an area of 49,768 square km. Comparatively that is larger than Switzerland, or about the same size as Maryland and New Jersey combined. That makes it the largest reserve in Namibia and the fourth largest reserve in the world. The Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world. Wildlife Incredible adaptations have been made by animals to live in this dry and harsh environment including: gemsbok, herds of springbok, mountain zebra, hyena, jackal, cape foxes and the rare Grant's Golden mole. The reptile residents are fascinating and include lizards, geckos, crickets, spiders and snakes such as Peringuey's Adder. By night the nocturnal creatures include mongoose, squirrel and Cape hares. The birdlife includes a number of raptors, ostrich, korhaan, sandgrouse, bustards and larks. Environment The four main types of environment found in this vast reserve are: sand dunes; river valleys and pans with underground water; vast gravel plains interspersed with granite columns; and rugged granite and limestone inselbergs and mountain crops. The most effective way to describe the area, however, is to divide it into the following four parts: Sessriem and Sossusvlei is thought to be the most beautiful part of this reserve. The renowned Sossusvlei sand dunes are a massive 300 metres high - the highest in the world. The red and orange sand dunes as far as the eye can see, camel thorn trees and vlei areas (shallow water ponds that only fill up after rare heavy rainfall) make this area worth seeing. The rainwater does not seep away through the hard clay easily and so a lake will remain for some time. The best time to see the dunes at Sossusvlei is in the early morning. The Oryx, springbok, and ostriches exist off the sparse vegetation during the dry winter months. Sessriem Canyon is located 4 kilometres from Sessriem and is estimated at being between 2 and 4 million years old. The Sessriem Canyon is 40 metres deep and about 3 kilometres long. The Naukluft Mountains are a popular trekking destination. The topography includes massive rock formations and heavily vegetated riverbeds with rock pools. The vegetation in this area is described as semi-desert savanna and species found here include: Acacia, Aloe, cluster fig, Commiphora, and Euphorbia. One can see the following animals in this area: baboon, dassie, klipspringer, kudu, mountain zebra, Oryx, springbok and steenbok. 200 bird species have been sighted in this area. The two short day hikes are the Olive Trail (10 kilometres) and the Waterkloof Trail (17 kilometres). There is also 4 day and a 10 day trail. The Namib Deserts' endless dunes are shaped by the sand-shifting wind. These dunes have been formed over millions of years from sand originally that is thought to have been carried from the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. Although grasses do grow on the more stable dunes, most of the vegetable matter collecting here is carried by the wind. And it is this that the insects feed on, which in turn provide sustenance for the geckos, lizards, chameleons and spiders. The well-adapted sidewinder snake will feed on the aforementioned species. Welwitschia Drive in the northern part of the reserve is a self-guided route through the desert with beacons at the points of interest, such as the moon landscape, and the famous Welwitschia plants which can live over 2000 years. One needs a permit to do this drive and it is recommended as an excursion from the nearby town of Swakopmund. Sandwich Harbour is an estuarine lagoon and is the wettest of the landscapes of the Namib Naukluft Game Reserve and one of Africa's most important coastal wetlands. It is located 42 km south of the coastal town of Walvis Bay and is a large reed-lined marine lagoon. There are many coastal and freshwater birds to be seen, and it is also a major breeding ground for numerous species of fish. This area is only open from sunrise to sunset and only accessible in a 4x4 vehicle. Climate and when to go The months of September to March are considered the best months to visit this area - there is a chance of rainfall occurring and hence the Sossusvlei filling with water. Activities The most effective way to view this large area and get a true feel for its vastness and the landscapes is by light aircraft from Walvis Bay or Swakopmund. A spectacular balloon flight over the dunes and desert is another enthralling option. Driving and walking in the reserve are also permitted. The hiking trails in the Naukluft area are described above - it should be noted that bookings need to be made in advance for the four and ten day trails. Just walking atop the dunes at Sossusvlei is an incredible experience. A 4x4 drive trail that is 73 km long and is a self-guided trail that should take two days to complete. Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge (below) also offers the chance to explore on 4 wheel motorbikes (ATV's). At Sandwich Harbour, birding is another fine option. Accommodation Besides the various campsites within the reserve there are the following private lodges offering excellent facilities and activities: • Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp near Sessriem and at the entrance to Sossusvlei • Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge - set in the foothills of the Namibrand Nature Reserve in unashamed luxury. • Also in the Namibrand is Wolwedans Dune Lodge and its more close to nature sister, Wolwedans Dune Camp. Wolwedans even has a private suite for only 2 guests in its own idyllic valley - ideal for honeymooners or those needing uncompromised privacy. • Kulala Desert Lodge and Kulala Tented Camp, in the heart of the Namib with magnificent views of Sossusvlei and the mountain scenery and open plains. How to get there By road The Park has various accesses and is well signposted - comprehensive maps of the area are available on line and to buy locally, and is the best way to plan an expedition through this national Park. Most of the main Park roads are accessible to 2WD vehicles - the side roads often get into poor conditions so should be taken cautiously. The diamond area recently included into the reserve is not accessible. |
|||
| TOP | |||
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
||||||