Namib: Unveiling Human Stories and Vital Significance in the Heart of Africa!

Namib, also known as Portuguese Namibe, stands as the coastal desert in the Southern part of Africa, stretching over 1200 miles (2000 km) through South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. It traverses from the Olifants River in Western Cape, South Africa, to the Cunene River in Angola

Who Inhabits Namib?

The people of Namib are believed to have originated from the San, who gathered coastal plants and hunted the tsamma melon in the interior, consuming its juice. Reports suggest that some Herero in Kaokoveld still herd cattle in the Namib, while the Nama Khoikhoi are said to graze cattle along the Kuiseb River. Sadly, most people have relocated, leaving the desert uninhabited.

Namib: Unveiling Human Stories and Vital Significance in the Heart of Africa!, Namibia Safari Tours

In the Southern half of the desert, steppes often consist of ranches run by Europeans, raising Karakul sheep with the help of locals. These pelts are used to make fur coats sent to Europe. The Sperrgebeit, a restricted area, is rich in diamonds mined from the Orange River mouth. Although the desert is inaccessible and sparsely populated, settlements like Mocamedes in Angola and Swakopmund in Namibia border the desert.

The Namib’s climate is the primary reason for its dry environment, reflecting complete dehydration of surface bodies and habitats. Coastal areas interact with water-laden air from the sea, often causing fog, posing challenges for sailors.

Regarding Namib’s species, many are endemic and adapted to the region’s climate. The Welwitschia mirabilis, a peculiar plant with long strap-shaped leaves, is well-known for its survival in the harshest Namib conditions.

Namibian-German artist Max Siedentopf created an installation in the Namib—a ring of large white blocks with solar-powered MP3 players continuously playing the song “Africa” by Toto from 1982. The exact location remains unspecified in research.

Most studies indicate that Namib is almost completely uninhabited by humans, except for indigenous groups like Obatjimba and Ovahimba Herero in the North and Topnaar Nama in the Central desert. However, Namib is the homeland of most endemic species.

Namib Naukluft National Park, one of the largest parks in the Namib region, supports diverse species like mountain zebras and African bush elephants.

An interesting reality of the Namib region is that the species and humans surviving there are among the rarest creatures globally, adapting to one of the driest lands in the world. The vast Namib Desert, a cold coastal desert in Southern Africa, derives its name from the word “Nama,” meaning “there is nothing.”

Namib: Unveiling Human Stories and Vital Significance in the Heart of Africa!, Namibia Safari Tours

It is one of the most interesting reality of the region of Namib that the species and human survived in the region are included in one of the rarest creature in the world as they survive in the one of the driest land of the world. The vast region of the Namib Desert is cold coastal desert present in the region of Southern Africa. The Namib word is actually derived from the word “Nama,” which means “there is nothing.”

Importance of region:

The Namib’s arid land is mostly uninhabited, with small groups surviving due to trade routes, mineral deposits, fisheries along the sea, and increased recreational utilization.

Namib: Unveiling Human Stories and Vital Significance in the Heart of Africa!, Namibia Safari Tours

How do people survive there?

Much like the desert’s species, such as plants and lions, the native Himba and Herero people endure difficult and challenging conditions. While they once lived as hunter-gatherers, they have upgraded their lifestyle, focusing on cattle breeding for milk and meat consumption. They also rely on horticultural practices. In short, survival in Namib remains a formidable task for its inhabitants.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Namib Desert emerges as a captivating expanse, spanning the Southern part of Africa with its vast coastal landscape that traverses South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. Delving into the human history of Namib reveals a rich tapestry woven with the stories of the San people, their coastal plant gatherings, and the hunt for the tsamma melon, illustrating a deep connection with the land.

While remnants of traditional lifestyles persist among the Herero in Kaokoveld and Nama Khoikhoi along the Kuiseb River, the Southern half of the desert bears witness to European-run ranches, specifically focusing on Karakul sheep farming. The Sperrgebeit, a diamond-rich area, remains restricted due to its valuable resources.

Namib’s climate, marked by aridity, plays a pivotal role in shaping its environment. Coastal interactions with water-laden air give rise to fog, a double-edged phenomenon that adds mystique to the landscape but poses challenges for sailors. The indigenous species, particularly the Welwitschia mirabilis, showcase remarkable adaptations to survive the harsh Namib conditions.

Namib: Unveiling Human Stories and Vital Significance in the Heart of Africa!, Namibia Safari Tours

Survival in Namib proves to be an ongoing challenge for both its species and inhabitants. The Himba and Herero people, once hunter-gatherers, have adapted to cattle breeding and horticultural practices, navigating the difficulties posed by one of the driest lands on Earth.

In essence, Namib represents a dynamic interplay of history, ecology, and human resilience. As one of the rarest landscapes globally, it beckons exploration, inviting us to appreciate its unique blend of harshness and beauty, where both nature and humanity carve out existence in the face of formidable challenges.

About Safari World Tours

Safari World Tours is a Dynamic Travel and Destination promoting Company. Mainly focusing on Southern and western African countries. Our Safari Tours are well-managed and structured for any type of traveler.

More about us

Proceed Booking

en_USEnglish