A true gem within Namibia and often overshadowed by other attractions such as Dune 7 and Deadvlei, the NamibRand Nature Reserve extends itself over a glorious 215’000 hectares in the southern parts of Namibia. This nature reserve – financially self-sustaining through a high-quality, low-impact tourism model – was established to protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-western parts of Namibia. With the protection of the precious biodiversity as one of the goals of the reserve, the NamibRand strives to be a sanctuary for both flora and fauna. Below are a few things that make the NamibRand Nature Reserve worthy of a visit.

Images: NamibRand Nature Reserve

low-impact tourism

The NamibRand runs on high-quality, low-impact tourism. This means that only a limited amount of guests at a time are allowed at each of the concessions within the nature reserve. High-quality, low-impact tourism also means that guests engage in sustainable travel and activities that benefit and show respect toward wildlife, ecology and the local community. In essence, travellers minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Images: NamibRand Nature Reserve

mysterious fairy circles

This one is quite the magical mystery that many scientists have investigated, but have still found no definitive answers for. Mysterious Fairy Circles – barren circular patches in which no vegetation grows, are scattered between dune valleys and grassy plains of the NamibRand. This unique phenomenon can be viewed at the NamibRand. It is quite refreshing to know that even nature can be tight-lipped and keep a few secrets of its own. Additionally, you can even add to your NamibRand experience and adopt a fairy circle! Rest assured funds from the purchase of fairy circles contribute to the NamibRand Conservation Foundation.

Images: NamibRand Nature Reserve

Accommodation

There are six concessions on the NamibRand Nature Reserve that offer either exciting excursions and/or accommodation, ranging from luxury lodges to self-catering accommodation. These include:

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge for luxury accommodation
the Wolwedans Collection for a variety of lodges and camps
the Family Hideout which provides self-catering accommodation
Tok-Tokkie trails offering guided walks in the dunes and mountains
Hot-air ballooning offered by Namib Sky Adventures
The NaDeet (Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust) Centre for Namibians to learn all about sustainability

Images: NamibRand Nature Reserve

Dark sky reserve

The NamibRand Nature Reserve is Africa’s first Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution and artificial light has little to no impact on the environment. This means that the NamibRand offers phenomenal stargazing. The International Dark Sky Reserve is the educational core of NaDEET (Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust) as they place a lot of emphasis on preserving this majestic dark sky. Stargazing can also be done at andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge from its observatory. The Wolwedans Collection and Tok-Tokkie Trails both also offer guides trained in astronomy for any who are interested in hearing the stories of the constellations.

Image: NamibRand Nature Reserve

Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust

The NaDEET Centre is located on the NamibRand Nature Reserve and serves to educate about the environment and encourage all Namibians to think toward a sustainable future. It is open to all school, youth and educator groups where these groups are taught through hands-on practical experiences.

Images: NaDEET

A visit to the NamibRand and any of the properties and excursions conducted on this nature reserve is recommended for an unparalleled and unforgettable experience with nature. To find out more about the NamibRand Nature Reserve, send us an email.