Namib-Naukluft National Park
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Namibia

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Namibia

Experience Namib-Naukluft National Park

Covering nearly 50,000 Kilometer square, Namib-Naukluft National Park is a place of grand scale and extreme contrasts. It protects the Namib Desert, characterized by the "sand sea" where dunes reach heights of over 300 meters, alongside the stark dolomite mountains of the Naukluft. The park is home to the famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei—icons of Namibian tourism. Beyond the dunes, the park extends to the Atlantic coast at Sandwich Harbour, where giant dunes plunge directly into the ocean. It is a vital sanctuary for desert-adapted flora and fauna, including the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis plant, which can live for over 1,000 years.  

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Popular Safaris in Namib-Naukluft National Park

13-Day Namibia Desert, Coast & Wildlife Explorer
13 Days

13-Day Namibia Desert, Coast & Wildlife Explorer

From

$10,691.00

Where to Stay

Kwessi Dunes Lodge
5

Lodge

Kwessi Dunes Lodge

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Iconic Highlights

1

Sossusvlei & Deadvlei: A dramatic clay pan surrounded by massive red dunes, featuring the skeletal remains of 900-year-old camel thorn trees in Deadvlei.

2

Big Daddy & Dune 45: "Big Daddy" is the park's tallest dune at roughly 325 meters, while Dune 45 is the most photographed, offering an accessible climb for sunrise views.

3

Sandwich Harbour: A coastal lagoon where the desert meets the sea, accessible only by 4x4, hosting hundreds of thousands of migratory birds.

4

Naukluft Mountains: A hiker’s paradise with deep ravines, crystal-clear rock pools, and challenging trails ranging from 2-hour walks to 8-day treks.

Wildlife & Nature

Leopard

Zebra

Climate & When to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Monthly Averages

MonthTemp HighTemp LowRainfall
Apr31°C--°C-- mm
Aug28°C--°C-- mm
Dec35°C--°C-- mm
Feb34°C--°C-- mm
Jan35°C--°C-- mm
Jul25°C--°C-- mm
Jun25°C--°C-- mm
Mar33°C--°C-- mm
May27°C--°C-- mm
Nov34°C--°C-- mm
Oct33°C--°C-- mm
Sep31°C--°C-- mm

Travel Requirements

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date.

  • Visa: Many Western nationalities are visa-exempt for up to 90 days.

  • Health: The park is considered Malaria-free due to its extreme aridity.

  • Permits: Entry permits are required and can be purchased at the Sesriem gate or NWR offices in Windhoek/Swakopmund.

  • Transport: While the road to Sossusvlei is paved, most other park roads are gravel. A 4x4 is strictly required for the final 5km to Sossusvlei and for Sandwich Harbour.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the "Tablecloth" equivalent in the Namib?
    In the Namib, it is the coastal fog. This sea mist rolls in from the Atlantic and provides the primary source of moisture for the desert’s plants and insects, often lingering in the morning and creating a surreal, hazy atmosphere over the dunes.
    When do the park gates open?
    There are two gates at Sesriem. The outer gate (for those staying outside) opens at sunrise. The inner gate (for those staying at NWR sites inside) opens one hour before sunrise, giving residents a significant head start to reach the dunes for the first light.
    Can you sandboard in the park?
    Sandboarding is generally not permitted on the protected dunes within the National Park (like Sossusvlei). This activity is centered in the "Dune Belt" between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, outside the park boundaries.

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    Dest Type

    National Parks

    Status

    Entry Permits Required

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