Namibia's Parks and Reserves

NAMIBIA'S PARKS AND RESERVES

NAMIB-NAUKLUFT PARK This is the largest conservation area in Namibia, measuring almost 50,000 sq. km and incorporating most of the 130 million year old Namib Desert after which Namibia takes its name. This is a land of ethereal landscapes and endless horizons, sun-bronzed and untamed, it is a place of silence and of solitude. A climb to the top of one of the gigantic sand dunes surrounding Sossusvlei to watch the sunset slowly cast its shadows over the ancient sea of surrounding dunes is so haunting, it will be etched in your mind forever. Near Sossusvlei, the Sesriem Canyon has been gouged out of rock over the centuries by the Tsauchab River and is now mostly small pools of water on a gravel bed, attracting many birds and animals. To the far south of the park near Luderitz, one can explore the deserted houses in the ghost town of Kolmanskop and to the west at Swakopmund, one can marvel at the fantastic rock formations of the 'Moonlandscape' and visit Sandwich Harbour where the sand dunes meet the sea.

THE SKELETON COAST The southern section of the Skeleton Coast Park, which is accessible to the general public, lies between the Ugab and Hoanib Rivers and lures anglers from far and wide to its superb fishing grounds. This is, however, closely monitored by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Access to the protected northern area of this park, where the coastline is dotted with forgotten shipwrecks, is restricted to fly-in safaris.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK This is one of the greatest and most special game parks in Africa, if not the world, because of the great variety of game and unique vegetation to be found here. Etosha covers 22,270 sq. km of country ranging from dense bush to open plains and in the heart of the park is the vast Etosha Pan - the place of dry water - which is parched and shimmering silver-white for most of the year, only filling with water about a meter deep in very rainy periods -whereupon enormous numbers of water fowl flock to breed. Game in Etosha includes several rare and endangered species such as black rhino and black-faced impala.

CAPRIVI STRIP The Caprivi strip is an exciting destination for the adventurous traveler. With rivers, forests, swamps and waterways, it is a total contrast to the arid grandeur of the rest of Namibia. With its abundant birdlife, the area is gaining a reputation as a retreat for birdwatchers and it is also known for game viewing either in open 4x4 vehicles, by rivercraft or on foot. Among the better known reserves in the Caprivi are the Mahango Game Reserve, the Mudumu National Park and the Mamili National Park.

DAMARALAND The northern areas of Damaraland feature some of Namibia's least explored and rugged remote areas. Here, in one of the few remaining untouched wilderness areas of Africa, it is easy to see why the San people call Namibia 'the land that God made in anger. The emphasis is on the spectacular scenery, dominated by massive flat-topped mountains and crystal-blue skies; the uniquely adapted smaller desert creatures and plants; the peace and tranquility of being in such a remote area; and if you are extremely lucky, catching sight of the desert-dwelling elephant and black rhino that roam the area. Damaraland offers such unique curiosities as the mystery of the Petrified Forest; the incredible collection of Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein; the massive Vingerklip, Rock Finger; the Burnt Mountain of volcanic rock and the nearby formation of perpendicular basalt called the Organ Pipes. in anger'. The emphasis is on the spectacular scenery, dominated by massive flat-topped mountains and crystal blue skies; the uniquely adapted smaller desert creatures and plants; the peace and tranquility of being in such a remote area; and if you are extremely lucky, catching sight of the desert-dwelling elephant and black rhino that roam the area.

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