Namib Region
The name - originating from the Nama language
- aptly describing what it is: Desert, vast open space. 1.200 kilometres
long and 140 kilometres wide the Namib Desert is the oldest known and
the most extreme on earth.
The Namib is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and extends
from the Kunene River in the north for some 1600kms to the Orange River.
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 Skeleton Coast, which starts south of the Orange River, includes
the entire Namibian coastline and continues across the Kunene River some
200 km into Angola. 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. Both Kaokoland
and Damaraland are renowned for their diversity of desert landscape and
interesting flora and fauna.
 The region south of Swakopmund to
Lüderitz is mostly sandy desert with dunes starting directly
on the beach and extending some 70-km into the interior. The true
nature of the Skeleton Coast is borne out by the high proportion
of exciting and relatively intact shipwrecks. Rocky outcrops at places
such as Spencer Bay present a magnificent contrast against the dunes.
Seals, birds, jackal and brown hyena are the only inhabitants.
The Brandberg massif, is
a challenge to rock climbers, especially at its peak Königstein,
which is at 2574m the highest point in Namibia. Brandberg is
famous for the White Lady rock painting.
The Walvis Bay Lagoon (Whale
Bay Lagoon) is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal
birds in Southern Africa. A bird count during 1998 found it to
be 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.
The Epupa Falls are a series of cascades where the Kunene
River drops a total of 60m over a distance of about 1.5km,
dividing into a multitude of channels and forming a myriad
rock pools. Richly colored rock walls, variety of trees including
wild fig, baobab and Makalani palms, spectacular sunsets and
perennially flowing waters, the Epupa area offers much to see
and experience.
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.
Namibia | Coastal
Region | Fauna, Flora & Avifauna | Stamps |
