Dorob National Park
Dorob is Namibia’s youngest state park. It is a trial in adaptive conservation. It’s a park for people, for recreation and rejuvenation. It’s the traditional holiday destination for many Namibians, the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area, re
The coast is Namibia’s economic engine. The most extensive and economically-important mining is done here. Marine fisheries generates significant local employment and export earnings. Tourism is a fast growing and vital sector, and the coast is one of its key focal points. And the central seaboard has always been Namibia’s coastal playground, where people come to fish, and to play on the beach and in the dunes and on the plains with all manner of crafts, basically without rules. Now it is a regulated national park. Namibia’s most unusual park; a visionary park.
It stretches along the 200 most used kilometres of coastline. It embraces several holiday settlements and three towns, two of which are large for Namibian standards (although the municipal areas are technically excluded from the park). It also seeks to balance all manner of potentially destructive activities from mining to quad biking with the conservation of a very fragile environment.
Dorob’s riches are stunningly diverse. They include some of the most important coastal bird areas on Earth. The dune belt is a showcase of ‘the living desert’. The landscapes of the Messum Crater and Rössing Mountain are breathtaking. The park protects extremely sensitive biodiversity, such as lichen fields, nesting sites for ground-breeding birds, and fragile desert flora. With enough awareness and responsible behaviour, such varied facets can be united.
WHEN TO BE THERE:
- May to October (Dry Season): Cooler, more comfortable travel conditions; better for walking, coastal drives, and moderate weather.
- November to April (Summer / Wet Season): Warmer conditions; coastal and inland rains may influence access. Migratory and coastal birds may be more prominent during wetter periods.
- Year-round Access: The park is open all year. The coastal zones tend to have milder climate, while inland and more arid zones are hotter.
WHAT TO DO:
- Explore landscapes: The park includes shipwrecks, lichen fields, and Messum Crater (with San rock paintings) in its northern reaches.
- Hiking / Trails: There are hiking or walking routes associated with campsites (e.g. Mile 14, Mile 72, etc.) and along coastal/dune areas.
- Wildlife viewing: Look for coastal birdlife (wetland, seabirds), Cape fur seals, and desert-adapted mammals such as springbok, oryx, jackals, and small predators.
- Adventure activities: Use a 4×4 on designated roads, sandboarding, or line fishing (where permitted). Off-road driving in sensitive zones is regulated or prohibited.
- Visit nearby attractions: Trips to Walvis Bay (lagoon, flamingos, salt works) and ghost towns like Kolmanskop, as well as the shipwreck sites, are common extensions.
WHAT TO REMEMBER:
- Permits & regulations: Many activities (driving, fishing, entering certain zones) require permits from the Ministry of Environment & Tourism.
- Driving rules: Vehicles must stay on proclaimed roads; off-road driving is generally forbidden.
- Vehicle requirements: A 4×4 is often required for interior and dune access. Drivers must hold a valid license and obey legal restrictions (e.g. no driving under influence).
- Environmental care: Do not litter, collect natural or archaeological objects, or camp outside designated sites.
- Safety & preparation: Always carry enough water, especially on hikes, and plan for sun, heat, and potential isolation.
- Accommodation base: Many travellers stay in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay, using the park as day or multi-day excursions.
History
Activities
Conservations
Park Location
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