Visit Namib-Naukluft Park

What to See: Namib-Naukluft Park

1. 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
2. Dune 45. 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.
3. Sandwich Harbour  , a bay and a lagoon 45 km (28 mi) south of Walvis Bay. Home to large bird colonies, most famously flamingoes. The track starts from Walvis Bay, tours can be booked in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. To drive the track yourself without guide is challenging; A 4x4 is needed to navigate the sand, and any ordinary 4x4 will be too heavy to drive across the dunes. When driving along the beach there is a very narrow passage where the dunes reach the shoreline, just before you reach Sandwich Bay. This part of the track is impassable when the Sea is rough. Also check the timing of the tides, and never park your car close to the water when the tide is rising - yours wouldn't be the first vehicle to disappear into the Atlantic!
4. Sossusvlei. 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.
5. Sesriem Canyon. A canyon that was used during the times of the Dorsland Trek

Things to do: Namib-Naukluft Park

1. Hiking trails: There are hundreds of scenic hikes in this park, and every accommodation recommends a few of them. Three of the best-known trails start off at the Naukluft Camp listed below where you will also get a simple map. The three-hour and the one-day hike require no special preparation. There is also an 8-day hike (with a shortcut after 4 days) for which you will need a special permit, a doctor's letter, and an booking confirmation from Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
2. At Solitaire you can book and go on a ride in a hot-air balloon. On the many days without wind, though, this simply means rising up a few hundred feet, enjoying the view, having a glass of Champagne, and landing on the exact spot where you started.

Wildlife:

Oryx, Hartmann zebra, Giraffe, Springbok, Brown hyaena, Leopard, Baboon. The 348 bird species recorded include Lappet-faced Vulture, Ludwig’s Bustard, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Dune Lark, Herero Chat and African Black Oystercatcher.

Vegetation:

Namib Desert, Succulent Karoo and Nama  Karoo biomes. Vegetation types: Southern Desert, Central Desert,Desert/Dwarf Shrub Transition, Central-Western Escarpment and Inselbergs, Succulent Steppe, Dwarf Shrub  Savannah. Welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis), camel-thorn (Acacia erioloba), shepherd’s tree (Boscia albitrunca), lichens and Commiphora spp.

Where to stay: Namib-Naukluft Park

There are many camp sites in the Namib-naukluft park, some so small that only one group can stay over. You need a permit to drive to them as well as a permit to stay overnight. With the exception of the sites listed here, you will only find a long-drop toilet and a few refuse bins there, but no water or electricity.

The larger sites with more infrastructure are:

1. Naukluft Camp, 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.

Outside the National Park: On the edge of the park there are several private camp sites:

1. Buellsport (Situated on the C14 between Walvis Bay and Maltahöhe at the D1206 turnoff to Rietoog and the D864 turnoff to Sesriem). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Two camp sites, one for exclusive use around the ruins of the 2 Old Police Station, and one of 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.
2. Koiimasis (The farm is signposted from the C27 but cannot be reached in that way: One of the gates of the neighbouring farm (that one would have to transit) is locked. Instead use the District Road D707 and turn east at the signpost. Although the trail is a bit sandy a 4x4 is not needed). Installations and buildings blend into the surrounding rocks. During dusk and dawn small antelope and rock dassies are all over the place.
3. Solitaire Guest Farm (Follow the road signs to Solitaire. Where the settlement turns off to the West, the guest farm is signposted to the East). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. 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.
4. Tsauchab River Camp (Off the D850), 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. 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