NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of Southern Africa’s largest private nature reserves, originated as a dream of extending the desert frontiers through the integration of a large number of former sheep farms. The aim was to develop a sanctuary free of fences, so that the wildlife could once again roam their habitat unhindered.
Today NamibRand, which is located just south of Sossusvlei, is synonymous with some of Africa’s most breathtaking locations. The special attraction of the reserve is the diversity of desert landscapes.
A quote by well-known travel writer Amy Schoemann sums it up: “Imagine the flamboyant magnificence of the Sossusvlei dunes, the mystique and subtle beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the legendary red sands of the Kalahari synthesised into one multifaceted desert reserve and you have NamibRand, a privately owned conservation area of over 180.000 hectares. Add to it vast fields of mysterious fairy circles, an intriguing history and a species-rich flora and fauna (including Namibia’s only true endemic, the Dune Lark) and you might have an inkling of what makes this reserve so unusual.”
Virtually all facets of the Namib desert are represented here, creating a living tapestry of colours and shapes that make it a visual utopia for artists and photographers.
Game species found in the reserve include gemsbok, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, spotted hyena, cape fox and African wildcat. The rocky areas are inhabited by kudu, klipspringer, baboon and leopard, while the dunes harbour a rich and diverse micro-fauna. Over a hundred species of birds have been recorded.
The main objective of NamibRand Nature Reserve is the conservation of this beautiful land on a self-sustainable basis. The lodges and camps on the NamibRand Nature Reserve e.g. Wolwedans Collection, are limited to 20 beds each. The park is governed by a strict code of ethics and the number of guests this wilderness paradise can accommodate is restricted. Despite the tremendous potential for more tourist development, it was decided that in theory every bed must be surrounded by 1000 hectares of nature - now and forever. This means that every guest at Wolwedans has one million square meters to him/herself – a sanctuary free of tour buses and overland trucks. This luxury of space makes the reserve the pristine destination it is today.
Visitor park fees are channelled directly into the conservation of NamibRand Nature Reserve.
