Namib Rand Nature Reserve
There can be no more fitting use for one of the most stunning areas of Namibia, one of the most wonderful places on Earth, than as a nature reserve sustained through low impact tourism. The knowledge that this is land reclaimed, healed of the scars of uns
The particular ambience of some places, the composition of their vistas, the balance of their denizens, the range of their hues and tones – their very soul – touches us in indescribable ways and frees our own spirit, to dance. They take us in. We feel that we are finally home. For me, NamibRand is such a place: To be embraced by the spirit of the desert, to be filled with true wonder. To hold a web-footed gecko and look into its mesmerising eye; to mimic the croaking call of a Rüppell’s korhaan and have it answered; to stand in snow atop a high desert peak; to walk across endless kilometres of Namib plains; to sit on a dune ridge at sunset and look west into infinity. To give in to colour, space, and silence, to succumb to nature’s beauty. Like few other places, NamibRand offers a sense of the pristine, in a world uncrowded.
Innovative in so many ways, NamibRand is one of the finest examples of large-landscape conservation through ecotourism, not just in Namibia. The reserve has catalysed other landscape-level conservation and tourism initiatives. It was registered as the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Africa. It was the venue for the world’s first Fairy Circle Symposium. It is home to the foremost environmental education centre in Namibia.
WHEN TO BE THERE:
- NamibRand is open all year; the summer months can be very hot
- Some accommodation & activities are seasonal; enquire in advance
- A few days of morning fog occur, mainly in winter
- Rain is very rare & brings sheer joy rather than discomfort
WHAT TO DO:
- Give in to the magic of the desert
- Enjoy scenic drives, quad bike outings or horse riding
- Spoil yourself with the spectacular adventure of hot-air ballooning over the Namib
- Get an intimate feel for the desert on a two-night walking safari
WHAT TO REMEMBER:
- No off-road driving or roadside camping
- Camping only at the Family Hideout campsites (prior booking required)
- Access beyond the proclaimed roads is only possible with a booking
- Desert nights can be cold; come prepared
History
The label Namib Rand was used collectively for land along the eastern fringes of the Namib. Rand means edge in both German and Afrikaans, leading to widespread use of the term ‘Namib edge’. The nature reserve adopted this as a fitting descriptive name.
Activities
Conservations
Park Location
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