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The Hoanib Desert offers a remote, exclusive safari experience with dramatic landscapes and ephemeral rivers. Here, desert-adapted wildlife roams. Bordering the ocean, this is a serene environment to witness the waves lapping onto the desert – a clash of natural worlds offering a stunning backdrop for a Namibia safari.
Must-Visit Areas in the Hoanib Desert
Track the wildlife residents along a valley and head to the coast to see shipwrecks of a bygone era:
Hoanib River Valley: Home of Desert-Adapted Wildlife
This dry riverbed features vegetation that runs through the magnificent Namib, the oldest desert on earth. Hoanib is a hotspot for desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, and lions, making it a fantastic region for game viewing. The Himba, Herero, and Damara communities also have a presence here – you can visit them to learn more about their ingenious ways of life.
Skeleton Coast: Stark Desert and Ocean Beauty
The Skeleton Coast gets its name from the whale bones that are on the shore and the remains of shipwrecks just off the coast. This area supports a breeding colony of around 200,000 Cape fur seals. Anglers will enjoy the beach fishing opportunities here; travellers can also take to the ocean in a canoe or on a boat trip.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Hoanib Desert
The dry winter months from May to September offer comfortable, cool weather ideal for exploring the wilderness. This time of the year is also perfect for wildlife viewing.
Animals Found in the Hoanib Desert
Desert elephants, lions, giraffes, and oryxs roam these lands. Along the Skeleton Coast, you’ll find a large population of seals, and in the water, fishers can catch bronze whalers and kabeljou.
How to Get to the Hoanib Desert
The Hoanib Desert is an extremely remote area, so you’ll access it by charter flight to an airstrip (some camps and accommodations have their own) or via 4×4 transfer.
