The Desert of Namibia
Courtesy of antoine janssens:
Namibia has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Its landmass is six times the size of Britain and is twice as big as California and with a population fewer than two million. The sand dunes at Sossusvlei are the highest in the world and much-photographed as they are orange-coloured and vast, soaring up over 300 metres, whipped by the wind into elegant curves and razor-sharp edges. The dunes surround the salt pan are almost always dry but very occasionally, after a storm, they fill with water.
Despite the lack of vegetation, the open dunes support a variety of insects and reptiles. One of the insects, the Namib Desert Beetle has evolved in a surreal way to take advantage of the desert fog. The beetle will lean into the wind and presents its raised back, which has a bumpy surface. Droplets of water gather on the raised ridges and then trickle down the intervening grooves towards the beetle’s mouth, where it can enjoy a drink.
The sand dunes in this area have two rivers, the Tsauchab and the Tsondab; unfortunately, their futile attempts to get to the ocean from their headwaters ended up by being swallowed up by the vast tracks of sand, ending their days in white pans, supporting clusters of trees set in the middle of the dunes like a memorial of what might have been.
Courtesy of Amazing Places on Our Planet:
Namibia as a coastal desert is a remarkable place of endless sand dunes, deep canyons, vast gravel planes, and volcanic outcrops. The temperatures are high throughout most of the year, with very low rainfall. The extreme aridity of the Namibian coast is alleviated by the regular fogs that affect the area and which provide a lifeline for desert wildlife. This is a desert that is hugely varied, from the stark shores of the Skeleton Coast to the dramatic lunar landscape of Damaraland, and the soaring sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Contrary to the overhunting, disturbance and agricultural encroachment that is happening in other desert regions in the world, Namibia retains a rich and iconic selection of wildlife, especially larger mammals which include African Elephants, Black Rhinos and African Lions.
Namibian elephants have a remarkable ability to survive in such arid conditions. They do so because of encyclopedic knowledge of the location of waterholes, hidden river beds, and the best locations for grazing. This knowledge is passed from one generation of elephants to the next and it takes them on journeys of hundreds of kilometres each year. Elephants have to drink and eat every day and so any error on their travels – a dry waterhole or not enough vegetation – can have disastrous consequences, the death of the younger or weaker members of the group. However, there is an increasing problem with the expansion of farming by the local people who often chase or shoot approaching elephants.
Poaching decimated the rhino population in the late twentieth century. The Black Rhino became extinct in several countries and was reduced to isolated small groups and individuals elsewhere, only secure if guarded round-the-clock by armed wildlife rangers. Only in Namibia does a sustainable free-ranging population survive. In the wild, a small number of Black Rhinos stays mainly in the largely inaccessible landscape of Damaraland. The rhinos are surprisingly adept at scaling rocky slopes in search of food, and equally important, shade. They can survive without water for up to four days and are flexible on diet, living on different vegetation at various times of the year. They favour in particular a plant, which is very toxic to other animals and humans, called Euphorbia which they devour with relish. They have been known to browse on these plants for days until there is nothing left to eat.
Large bushes of Euphorbia are also very useful for rhinos as a shade provider, and they will tuck themselves underneath and fall asleep. Settled comfortably like this, although so large, they can be difficult to spot under the bush. Like many desert animals, the rhinos are forced to move far and wide to find enough vegetation to feed. They normally cover 500-600 square kilometres, but individuals can roam over an area of 2,500 square kilometres in search of sustenance.
Rhinos are predominantly solitary creatures, usually coming together only for mating which is often a cantankerous affair. Not surprisingly, the female gives birth to a single calf, which will remain with its mother for up to two and a half years. Like all young animals, a baby rhino looks sweet and cute too.
The Namib Desert is also home to giraffes and zebras. The zebras live in small groups of ten or so animals, with one stallion and a harem of mares and their dependent foals, with non-breeding or immature males forming their own bachelor herds. The zebras are skillful climbers, easily scaling rocky slopes and their hide provides effective camouflage in the lunar landscape of Namibia. Their main predators are lions.
Black-backed Jackals and hyenas follow closely lions as they are opportunistic attendants to any carcasses left by the lions. They are always ready to snatch a morsel or two in front of much larger predators such as lions and they get away with it, most of the time.
After a bout of rainfall, the Namib Desert can burst into flower, with blooms appearing almost overnight. Many plants have an accelerated life cycle to take advantage of a short time of moisture. Herds of antelopes arrive to feed on the lush vegetation.
Courtesy of This is Namibia:
Courtesy of Inspiration Africa:
Few large mammals relish life on open dunes but the Gemsbok is in its element here. They are largely nomadic and live in groups of fourteen, although herds of 200 have been recorded. Like other species of oryx, Gemsbok hardly ever need to drink, deriving the necessary amount of moisture from their food. Despite the defensive potential of their rapier-like horns, Gemsbok rarely turn to face predators such as lions, preferring instead to rely on their impressive speed as a means of escape.
In the northern part of Namibia grows a remarkable plant, Welwitschia. It is one of the world’s most bizarre plants. Some of these are estimated to be at least 1,500 years old. The plant has a short trunk fed by a long taproot and two or three strap-shaped leaves that grow continuously and can reach up to four metres in length. Although those leaves are never shed, they fray and shred over time, the strips often tangled and strewn on the parched ground. The strips fulfill a vital role for the plant, which is able to obtain valuable moisture from morning dew through the structures on the surface of the leaves. These ancient plants, endemic to Namibia, are pollinated by insects attracted by the nectar produced by the plant’s small brown cones.
The coastal part of Namibia has large colonies of fur seals. Approximately 200,000 seals congregate at Cape Cross on the Skeleton Coast from October onwards. Tightly packed on the beach, the seals jostle for position among much bickering.
The stench and noise of the seals, especially in mating season when the males are particularly vocal, can be smelled and heard a long way before animals can be seen. Successful males can mate with 60 females in one season. Calves remain dependent on their mothers for up to a year. Hyenas and jackals hang about the colony’s edges, picking up afterbirths and sickly pups.
Namibia remains one of the most fascinating places on earth; long it may continue.
Courtesy of Goldschakal Studio:
naturetails 
“Such a captivating glimpse into the desert wildlife of Namibia! The resilience and adaptability of these animals are truly remarkable. Thank you for sharing this fascinating exploration of nature’s wonders with wonderful pictures dear Joanna.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a beautiful journey through Namibia’s natural wonders you took me on, Joanna! Awesome compilation of facts and media. 🧡
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got to me with your mention of great sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Who wouldn’t want to go there?
I looked up the origin of the name, and a website dedicated to tourism there (https://www.sossusvlei.org) says that “The word Sossusvlei originates from two languages, Nama and Afrikaans. It literally translates to ‘dead-end’ (from the Nama word ‘Sossus’) ‘marsh’ (from the Afrikaans word ‘Vlei’).” I’ll add that the Afrikaans word came from French vallée, just as the English word valley did.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Fascinating, Joanna. This is one desert about which I knew nothing. Very informative with gorgeous photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Pat, for your lovely comments! I am happy that such a places still exist on our planet, and we don’t need to travel to the moon to find solitude for the spiritual reflection!
All the credit for the wildlife photography has to go to nature, as its is the most beautiful source of it!
Thank you again, Pat, your kind thoughts are much appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t ask me why Joanna, but I’ve often thought that if I could only visit one desert in the world it would be the Namib, and it looks like you may well have confirmed my thoughts. You’ve shown us its unbelievable landscape and told us about how there’s still a thriving wildlife population thanks to a surprising amount of vegetation and careful monitoring.
You know how much I’m enjoying this series and it never disappoints no matter how many deserts you educate us about. Thank you Joanna. It’s yet another 10 from me 😊
LikeLike
Thank you, Steve, for your erudite comments! I am so glad that you never disappoint in your quest to add as much results of an extra research as possible! A Big Thank You!
Joanna
LikeLike
Thank you, Dora, for your wonderful comments! Much, much appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Suma, for your lovely comments! You ae right, all the deserts are special places, and I love writing about them!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mist assuredly my pleasure, Joanna.
LikeLike
*Most assuredly. XxOo
LikeLike
Joanna, absolutely wonderful! It’s really been fascinating learning about all the deserts. Namibia has so much too. Appreciate the photos and videos too.
LikeLike
I wish I could visit that desert!
While waiting for my dream to come true, I enjoyed your wonderful article, its photos and videos.
Thank you for sharing with us the result of your precious work ❤️
LikeLike
A gorgeous post with your usual superb photos, videos and history you gift us with Joanna. The desert wildlife of Namibia is stunning and those animals!!!❤️
LikeLike
Thank you, Cindy, for your wonderful comments!
All are deeply appreciated!
Joanna xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Luisa, for your wonderful comments!
This is why I am writing about such a unique places as most of us will not be able to see all the wonders of nature in one lifetime!
Joanna xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your beautiful comments! Your words are greatly appreciated!
Joanna xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
… and for this reason, for the dedication with which you share your research. I am extremely grateful to you, dear Joanna❤️
LikeLike
Thank you, dear Pam! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Likewise, Dear Pat!
Joanna xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Malc, for your uplifting comments! With readers such as you, I will strive to show you more places to put on your bucket list!
Thank you again, Malc!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nature os truly extraordinary and your wonderful desert series is a joy. The films and photographs of Namibia are really lovely. How sweet is that baby rhino! Like all baby animals, as you point out. It is encouraging that the animals there are mostly unmolested and I certainly hope it will remain so. We live on the most beautiful planet and you help us to see parts that we have no hope of visiting. I loved travelling but always worried that the travel industry has expanded too far. For the sake of preserving our home, I for one would be content to travel vicariously even if I retained the ability I once had. I would love to see those animals in their native habitat, but I can be equally happy just knowing they exist and more happy if I know they are safe. Thank you once again Joanna.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so very welcome, Joanna❣️
LikeLike
Thank you, Carolyn, for your beautiful and poignant comments!
My greatest wish is to know that the wildlife of the world is safe and protected!
Joanna xx
LikeLike
xxx!
Joanna
LikeLike
You’re welcome Joanna 💙
LikeLike
Thank you! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my sweet pleasure ❤🙏
LikeLike
Likewise, Suma,
Joanna xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazingly diverse range of vivid colours and wildlife Joanna. I wish I was young and supple enough to climb those dunes and tumble and slide down again. Thank you, once again, for this marvellous account of a part of our wonderful world that deserves to be left alone to just get on with life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Peter, for your wise and beautiful comments!
Couldn’t agree with you more!
Your thoughts are much appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW Joanna, what a fascinating narrative of Namibia that I have never seen before about this spectacular part of our world. I am always awestruck by the wildlife, insects and other creatures that inhabit the incredible deserts around the world like in Namibia. Thanks so much for your research and attention to detail that you so graciously share with us my dear. Much appreciated! 😍💖😘💐🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful video Joanna. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Thank you, Sadje, for your kind comment! Much appreciated.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s really quite amazing
LikeLike
Thank you, Sadje, you are great too!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much appreciated my friend
LikeLike
You are more than welcome, Sadje!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰🥰🥰
LikeLike
Thank you, Kym, for your beautiful comments! With readers such as you, Kym, it is the great pleasure to write, and not a chore!
Joanna xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Joanna, for taking us on another captivating desert journey.
Each time I delve into your desert-themed posts, I ponder how creatures endure in these barren landscapes. It’s intriguing to learn about nature’s ingenious strategies, providing alternatives like river beds, fogs, waterholes, and fostering adaptability to help them thrive in extreme climates.
You’ve provided a clear overview of the survival instincts in beetles and larger animals such as elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, jackals, and hyenas in the Namib Desert. The discussion on their distinct eating, mating, and herding behaviors was insightful. I also liked the fascinating facts about Welwitschia and Euphorbia plants and bushes were noteworthy.
However, poaching remains a concern in this desert also, requiring urgent attention from environmentalists to address this issue on priority.
Regarding geological aspects, it’s worth noting that diamond mining in the Southern Namib commenced in the early 1900s. The country has also abundant mineral resources, including copper, zinc, gold, and uranium deposits.
Your photos and videos have made the journey more pleasant. Thank you once more, Joanna, for putting in the effort to make it an engaging read.
LikeLike
Thank you, Kaushal, for your insightful and wonderful, as always, comments! I feel it is important to write about the places that are not in a public eye, but in danger of the wildlife loss.
I just have seen on the news an excellent story about a well known Bollywood actress, Allia Batt, if I got her name right, and her dedication to saving the wildlife! I will look up more about her, although I wouldn’t be surprised if you knew something already.
Thank you again, Kaushal, for your kind and encouraging words, all greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Joanna! As regards Alia Bhatt, she is producing a web series, ‘Poacher’ along with others. That’s why she has started talking about wildlife. I had never heard or read that she was so concerned about wildlife. Let’s see if her heart has changed
LikeLike
Thank you, Kaushal, for knowing everything, as always! Apologies for getting her name wrong. I didn’t know she was British but living mostly in India. Judging by a short interview, she is deeply concerned with the loss of the wildlife, and I have warmed up to her.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Joanna! Alia might have acquired British citizenship, as her mother was born in Britain, but she is in fact, a Hindi actress. Her father, husband and all are Indian.
LikeLike
Yes, I gather she is very popular, and has been in many films. It also means she has to live in India, or rather she is lucky to be able to live there!
The work you mentioned, Poacher, sounds at odds with saving wildlife.
I do hope that she genuinely sees the importance of the issue.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Title may be misleading, Joanna, but the story centres around tracking down the elephant ivory poachers.
LikeLike
I just looked up Alia’s wildlife interests, and I would suggest you read it too, as she seems a wonderful person, wholly committed to helping nature/animals. I did find about the series too.
She brings her daughter up with many animals, and in her position will be able to achieve something worthwhile!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read a lot about her. Let’s hope for the best.
LikeLike
About her but not her own words. She loved nature and animals from her childhood.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person