Naukluft Mountains, Trekking Information

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The Waterkloof and Olive Trails are both day hikes and reservations are not required..
However, if you want to camp at Naukluft trailhead, you must reserve spot in advance.

For the eight-day loop, proclaimed as one of the most difficult treks in all of Africa, you must reserve your spot and declare the number of people with you before departing on your journey.


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Also a medical note from your doctor approving your overall physical health is needed (given to the trailhead warden prior to trekking).

Simple trail maps are available at the trailhead and are of great use during the hike.
Remember to carry lots of water, a minimum of two liters a day, as temperatures will soar into the scorchin'.
Good boots are suggested as well as a medical kit.


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You will be traversing rocky areas and it's best to plan for the unexpected .

Bookings and reservations are made with Namibia Wild Life Resorts at the Windhoek office.
For further information about the treks, log on to www.naukluft-experience.com


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Naukluft Mountains (2)

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In the 1890s, the Naukluft Mountains were a battle ground between German Shutztruppe forces and the Nama peoples.
The Germans wanted the Nama to flee their settlement at Hoornkrans, but the Nama were reluctant to conform.


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Mixed with their intimate knowledge of the area and superb guerilla fighting skills, the battle which the Germans thought would last only a few days, lasted several months.
Many lives were lost on both side.
The Nama only accepted German sovereignty after the German agreed for the Nama to retain their land and weapons.
A treaty was made and the Battle of Naukluft was forgotten to history.


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Naukluft Mountains (1)

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The Naukluft Mountains rise from flat gravel plains and tower in the air with steep cliffs, deep gorges, caves, springs creeks, and rivers which slice appearances of dolomite formations.


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Essentially the Naukluft Mountains are a high plateau, and the waters of the Tsondab, Tsams and Tsauchab Rivers lure in life from the most desolate of areas .

The mountains are home to the Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, oryx, springbok, klipspringer, and the elusive leopard.


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Sossusvlei, Tours

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Lodges in the area run tours to Sossusvlei regularly, the only difficult being you first have to get yourself to the lodge.

If you don't have a vehicle of your own, this task is daunting.
Your best option is to either rent a car in Swakopmund or Windhoek and drive to Sossusvlei yourself, or take a tour.


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Sossusvlei is a very popular place of interest so if you want to do it on the cheap, your best bet is to talk around backpacker lodges and gather yourself up a group.

Sunsets....

Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon are open year round from sunrise to sunset.
A popular attraction is to watch the sunrise over Sossusvlei, however this is only possible if sleeping near Sesriem, or waking up very early and arriving at the gate before it opens.


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Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei

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The sight of popular Hollywood and Bollywood movies, this vlei is short of life.
The skeletons of trees still remain in the clay pan surrounded by some of the areas highest dunes.
The clay pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded , creating shallow pools of water which then allowed for camelthorn trees to grow.


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The trees are believed to be 900 years old.
The trees don't decay because of the arid climate and are colored black because the sun has scorched the wood.

In seasons of heavy rains, the dunes give life to weeds and grasses running up the slopes.


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It's a 6 km from the 2WD parking area to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei, following the 4WD road through deep sand.
The excursion is definitely worth it has the place is immaculate.
Remember, lifts are available from the parking area to Sossusvlei.

Climb the dunes, wonder the vlei and explore the ancient life that once lived here.


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Sossusvlei (4)

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RED SAND: a theory suggests that the red sand of Sossusvlei originated in the Kalahari Desert and was washed out to sea, where the Benguela current than deposited the red silt back onto Namibian shores, eventually creating what you see today.


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DUNE 45: exactly 45 km from Sesriem, thus appropriately named Dune 45, this is the most accessible of all of Sossusvlei's dunes.
It rises over 150 m above the desert floor, and also provides some fantastic photographic apportunities.

HIDDEN VLEI: a short 4 km hike to a vlei that is rarely visited.
Beginning at the car park, follow the white painted fence posts, sporadically marked to the vlei hidden behind all the sand.
It's a beautiful dry vlei surrounded by desolate dunes.
Be sure to take water and your camera !



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Sossusvlei (3)

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Sossusvlei dunes are often referred to as star dunes because of their crescent shape.
Best seen from the air, the multiple merging crests meeting at the highest point are the result of multidirectional winds blow at the vlei, blankets of sand form off the crest into the air.
This is commonly termed the "smoking dunes".
Pay particular attention to the ancient camelthorn trees that line the dry Tsauchab River all the way to the vlei.


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The tarred road, accessible by 2WD vehicles, finishes about 4 km away from Sossusvlei at a parking and picnic area.
From the parking area, the road disappears into deep, thick sand.
The remaining distance can only be completed by a 4WD vehicle or on foot.
There are shuttles to and from Sossusvlei and the parking area.

Walking is difficult and strenuous, and can take nearly an hour.
It is, however, well worth the effort as it gives you the chance to freely explore the area, catch sight of roaming animals, and get a good idea of the scale and sheer size of the Sossusvlei surroundings.


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