Namib-Naukluft National Park

Pros & Cons

• Stunning desert scenery including red dunes and salt pans at Sossusvlei
• Encounters with desert-adapted wildlife in a pristine setting
• Good walking options in the Naukluft mountains
• Very hot and dry
• Low animal densities and little variety

Wildlife

The park is not primarily a wildlife destination, but quite a few species are easily encountered. Seeing a herd of oryx walking between the red dunes in the Sossusvlei area is an unforgettable sight. To see more wildlife, you need to go to other areas of the park which are less visited. The Naukluft massive is primarily a hiking destination and Hartmann's mountain zebra are easily spotted here.

• More about Namib-Naukluft National Park's wildlife

Scenery

Namib-Naukluft has amazing desert scenery. A famous photo opportunity in the Sossuvlei is Dune 45, known as the most photographed dune in the world. It is 80m/262ft high and can easily be climbed. Another one is nearby Deadvlei; a white pan dotted with dead acacia trees against a backdrop of massive red dunes. A less visited, but also very scenic landmark, is the much lusher Naukluft Massif; a mountain area with deep gorges and crystal clear springs.

Weather & Climate

You won’t see much rain in this enormous park, even though summer (November to April) is regarded as the region’s Wet season. The only significant precipitation – if you can call it that – comes in the first few months of the year; those trekking in the mountains should beware of flash floods. Sub-zero temperatures can occur in winter (May to October), but these are restricted to the park’s higher altitudes.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

If you want to go searching for wildlife in the Naukluft Mountains, and particularly if you’re tying this in with an Etosha jaunt, visit in the Dry season (May to October). Just be prepared for crazy crowds at Sossusvlei, and early morning chill. The wetter months can get ridiculously hot, though the blooming desert flowers can make the heat worthwhile.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Namib-Naukluft NP?

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