National park in Namibia
Photo: SqueakyMarmot / Mike, Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Namib-Naukluft National Park spans a large area along the coast of Namibia. Its southern part is in the ǁKaras region, its northern part in Erongo, and the main part is in Hardap. The western part of it, the Namib Sand Sea, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Gobabeb is an environmental research center for desert conditions. The center holds an annual open day on which you will be shown around. If you miss that one you might still contact them to ask if you are welcome
This 170-m-high star sand dune is around 45 km from Sesriem on the way to Sossusvlei. That is not the reason for its name, though, as all large dunes in Namibia have numbers, starting with Dune 1 at the coast.
A clay pan produced by deposits of the Tsauchab River. After good rainy seasons there is water in the pan. The Dead Vlei is in walking distance, that is a pan that is no longer reached by the river. It features centuries old dead tree trunks which are a spectacular sight. Both pans are surrounded by some of the biggest sand dunes in the world. For photographers sunrise or sunset are the best times to visit.
A canyon that was used during the times of the Dorsland Trek
Countryside hotel, craft shop, and restaurant. Try a dish with farm bread. The menu contains both a vegetarian and a vegan entry, quite a rarity in rural Namibia. There's also apple pie, advertised as "the original", but don't be fooled: The original apple pie is served in McGregor's Bakery at Solitaire, and that one is on another level.
Countryside hotel, craft shop, and restaurant. The place is a bit stiff, lots of written instructions where not to walk and what not to do. WiFi only for hotel guests.
Beautiful campsite under old trees in a natural setting on a creek that often carries a little water. Water and light available but no power sockets. There are rock pools uphill (30 min walk) that have water throughout the dry season. The site is frequently raided by baboons; lock all food in the car. There is also an office of Namibia Wildlife Resorts where you can buy a park permit.
Two camp sites, one for exclusive use around the ruins of the Old Police Station, and one on top of a mountain. Many hiking trails, meticulously signposted, maintained, and documented on paper handouts. Chains, staircases, and handrails on the more difficult sections. Several rock pools are an hour's walk away, 20 minutes if you have a 4x4 that can drive some of the way.
Installations and buildings blend into the surrounding rocks. During dusk and dawn small antelope and rock dassies are all over the place. There are chalets, rooms, and a campsite. There is also a pool, unfortunately only for the guests of the lodge.
Camp site with pool, 8 camping spots. Camping on gravel, artificial shade, private ablution facilities. Solar power, max 2 Amp (450 W). The farmer bakes bread in the afternoon. Try it for N$ 70, the crunchiest, juiciest farmbread you will get anywhere in Namibia!
Chalets and camp site, restaurant, bar, pool and wifi. There are 4 short hiking trails. The camping spots are large and on sand. There is little natural shade but each spot has a shaded rondavel with a table and chairs. Water and electricity on site.
Reception with swimming pool and bar and an astonishing collection of metal sculptures which is worth a visit even if you don't stay over. One camp site is near the farm house. Another, Oerwald 4x4 camp [Primeval Forest] requires a 4x4. Each camp site has their own general worker and is well-maintained. The worker alights candles after dark so that you can still find your way to the ablution facilities. The establishment managed to brand itself as 'best campsite in Namibia', and while this is certainly arguable it keeps the place comparatively busy. If you want a spot of your choice, come at lunch rather than at sunset, or book in advance.
Accommodation with publicly accessible petrol station, small shop and restaurant. Farm museum (N$ 50 entrance)
Private settlement with petrol station, post office, general dealer and open-air museum
This settlement has a general dealer.
This spot has a petrol station and a campsite which runs a small shop and a bar. There is also an office of Namibia Wildlife Resorts where you can buy a park permit.
This settlement has a petrol station and a general dealer, as well as a restaurant, a bakery, a car repair shop, and a motel.
The major attractions can be reached by gravel roads in various states of maintenance. A 4x4 is not necessary for crossing the park on C-roads but is more comfortable and safer to drive in.
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Walvis Bay(Rooikop) · International · WVB
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