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Namib Desert

Africa features three of the world's 18 deserts, the Namib Desert in Namibia being the oldest desert in the world, estimated to be 55 million years old!

 

The word Namib is a Nama word meaning vast, aptly describing this desert area of sandy peaks and valleys, incorporating the Namib Naukluft Park and the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. This vast African desert spans 2000 km, from the Orange River in South Africa's Northern Cape to St. Nicolau in Southern Angola.
 

The Sossusvlei dunes are the highest in the world, and support unique African wildlife and ecosystems. African animals that have adapted to life in the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast include the Gemsbok (also known as an oryx), aardwolf, mongoose, Cape fur seals, African desert elephant, Namib lion, mountain zebra, white rhino, rock dassie, okapi, Damara dik dik, pangolin and an interesting array of desert reptiles.
 

The Moon Landscape, located between Sossusvlei and Swakopmund is a bizarre sight worth visiting. Day trips from Swakopmund can be arranged by Journeys2Africa.

The most treasured living fossil in Namibia is the peculiar looking welwitschia mirabilis. This ancient plant, endemic to the Namib Desert attracts botanists, photographers and researchers from all over the world. Other hidden gems found in the Namib Desert are sand sculpted Desert Roses, diamonds, uranium, tourmalines, amethyst, topaz crystals and pink rose quartz (these are a handful amongst numerous gemstones found in Namibia).
 

The international gateways into the Namib Desert are Windhoek International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport.
 

Journeys2Africa recommends three of the best ways in which to explore Africa's Namib Desert:

  1. Fly-In Desert Safaris
  2. Rail Safari aboard the Desert Express or Shongololo Express
  3. Escorted or Self-Drive Safaris through a reputable tour operator such as Journeys2Africa.com