Main tourist attractions in the Namib
Region include:
Skeleton Coast Park
Swakopmund and Luderitz
The Brandberg
Cape Cross seal reserve
The towns of Walvis Bay and Henties Bay
The cold Benguela current, sweeping northwards along the south-western
coast of Africa, transports cold Antarctic waters into the warmer
subtropical regions.
This nutrient-rich current sustains a
wealth of marine life and generates a life-giving fog, ensuring the survival
of an intriguing variety of desert-adapted animals and plants.
The definitive feature of this region, the Namib Desert, is known for the
unusual beauty of its landscape, which changes from expansive gravel plains
to vast dune seas, rugged canyons with towering walls of volcanic rock and
distant mountain ranges.
See Map of the Namib Region of Namibia for accommodation options. |
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 The northern stretch of coastline became known as the Skeleton Coast,
because of the many ships that ran aground on its desolate shores.
Adjoining the northern section of the Skeleton Coast Park is Kaokoland a
rugged region inhabited by the Himba people. Damaraland, inhabited by the
Damara people, who have largely adopted western customs and lifestyles,
adjoins the southern section of the park.
The region south of Swakopmund to Lüderitz is mostly sandy desert with dunes
starting directly on the beach and extending some 70km into the interior.
The Brandberg massif is a challenge to rock climbers and at 2574m the
highest point in Namibia. Brandberg is famous for the White Lady rock
painting.
The Walvis Bay Lagoon is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal
birds in Southern Africa. It is a safe haven for between 70 000 - 120 000
birds and a feeding station for about 200 000 birds on their natural
migration route to and from the Arctic. Wading birds including the Lesser
and Greater flamingos and rare White pelicans can be seen on the lagoon.
The Cape Cross seal reserve is the largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals
on the Southern African coast. At the peak of the breeding season in
November and December as many as 200 000 seals can be seen here.
Swakopmund, Namibia's seaside resort offers a restful and relaxing
atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautiful public gardens.
Attractions range from its charming old buildings, tours featuring the
unique landscapes of the Namib, Swakopmund Museum, the tannery, which
manufactures well-known leather, as well as the local brewery, which
produces some of Namibia's finest beer.
The coast and its hinterland afford many opportunities for sport, angling
and other recreational activities. Accommodation ranges from tented camps,
desert lodges and seaside rest camps to luxury hotels.
Today visitors from all over the world visit Namibia to experience the
timelessness and beauty of the Namib, its silence contrasting with the
turbulence of the Atlantic Ocean. |
