National Parks

Namib-Naukluft Park

A land of contrasts and extremes. The oldest desert on earth. Namibia’s largest conservation area. A testimony to time itself. All of these descriptions apply and together with mountains, sand seas and riverbeds cut deep into rock, there is something for every adventurous spirit. One can hike rugged gorges and along quartzite, dolomite and shale cliff faces. You may explore Sesriem Canyon or the isolated mountains that pop up liberally throughout the park. Slide down a giant dune. Go birding or encounter the plant and animal life that has adapted here in fascinating ways. At night simply gaze at the multitudes of stars and enjoy feeling amazingly small in comparison.

Sperrgebiet National Park

Not so long ago, the Sperrgebiet was strictly off limits, a forbidden territory so rich in diamonds they could be picked up in handfuls as they gleamed in the light of the moon. And although much of the park is still largely undeveloped and inaccessible, thankfully there is still a chance to explore this wild landscape. Tours originate in Luderitz and venture south to include the 55-meter-tall Bogenfels rock arch, the ghost towns of Elizabeth Bay and Pomona and an introduction to the many succulent species that make this area one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots.

Ai-Ais / Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The park was officially launched by the governments of Namibia and South Africa in August 2003. With Ai-Ais Hot Springs Game Park, including Fish River Canyon and the little known and almost inaccessible Hunsberg nature reserve, Namibia houses almost three quarters of the Transfrontier Park.

The rugged mountain deserts of the park are part of the Succulent Karoo, one of the richest and most valuable plant kingdoms on earth. Here you will find the succulent called halfmens, as well as lithops (stone plants), rare aloes and crassula, which turn this landscape into colorful fields of flowers during the rainy season. In this area you will hardly encounter any game, however the intense green banks of the Orange River provide a habitat for hundreds of bird species, including many birds of prey. 

Fish River Canyon

TheFish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in the world and the largest in Africa. Set in a harsh, stony plain dotted with drought resistant succulents, such as the distinctive quiver tree or kokerboom, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon.

Formed over 500 million years ago, Fish River Canyon was created not only by water erosion, but through the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth’s crust. It drops vertically by half a kilometer without any warning. And as with most rivers in Namibia, the Fish River is generally dry except in the raining season, from January to April.

Beyond being a great place to take amazing photographs, the Fish River Canyon has become a popular hiking destination. The most popular trail, the aptly named Fish River Hiking Trail, is a 4-day, 86 km expedition open from May to September requiring a doctor’s approval to participate. With no services except for at the beginning and end, it’s obviously not for the faint of heart.