The Namib-Naukluft National Park is said to be the fourth largest park in the world; it includes sections of the still restricted Diamond Area. The park offers breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders like Sossusvlei, Tinkas Flats, Kuiseb Canyon, Sesriem Canyon, Moon Landscape and the Koichab Depression. The park is bordered by the Tsau//Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park in the south and the Dorob National Park to the north. Apart from a small area around Lüderitz, the coast from Oranjemund almost up to Walvis Bay is included in the park.
The Namib Desert, with its towering orange-red sand dunes, is one of the world’s oldest deserts. The burnt orange colour of the sand developed over millions of years as iron in the sand oxidised, like rusting metal. The biggest attraction within the park is Sossusvlei which boasts some of the highest dunes in the world.
Wildlife in the park includes gemsbok, Hartmann’s zebra, black rhino, giraffe, springbok, brown hyena, leopard and baboon. The 348 bird species recorded include lappet-faced vulture, Ludwig’s bustard, Rüppell’s korhaan, dune lark, Herero chat and African black oystercatcher.
Evidence of Stone Age life in the Kuiseb River dates back 200 000 years. Archaeological finds indicate that the area was used by semi-nomadic communities when rain provided enough grazing for animals. The Topnaar people still live along the Kuiseb River inside the park.

The word Namib means 'open space' and that is largely what epitomises this extraordinary conservation area. The southern and coastal sections of the park are closed to self-drive travellers and can only be accessed by tour operators. If you want to explore the desert, there are many guided coastal and desert trails starting from Lüderitz. Shipwrecks found along the coast include the Otavi at Spencer Bay, the Eduard Bohlen at Conception and the Eagle at Sandwich Harbour.
Sossusvlei, in the centre of the park, is easily accessed from Sesriem. Most of the national park campsites are located in the northern section. The Welwitschia Plains 4WD Trail is a nice loop off the C28 which affords beautiful views of the surreal Moon Landscape.

CAMPING:
Apart from the rest camp at Sesriem, all the campsites within the park are very basic so visitors need to be self-sufficient campers. Most of the national park campsites are located in the northern section.

ROAD INFO:
You need an off-road vehicle to traverse remote areas like Tinkas Flats but you can reach the
Sossusvlei parking area with a sedan vehicle, from there 4WD shuttles will take you to the dunes.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
Sesriem Camp and Sossus Dune Lodge has a kiosk, restaurant and bar.

accommodation across the road. Although their menu is limited in size, the hotel offers excellent meals and high tea. There’s a variety of camping and lodging options on offer on farms in the area.

ACTIVITIES:
The Agricultural Museum next to the Helmeringhausen Hotel has closed. (Jan 2019).

EMERGENCIES:
The nearest police station and hospital is at Aus, 110 km south-west of Helmeringhausen.

FUEL:
Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

TOW-INS:
Tow-in is provided Polka 24hr which is based in Okahandja +264(0)81 129 7490. Alternative tow-in numbers include +264(0)62 500 132 / +264(0)62 504 250.

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Namibia