Namib-Naukluft National Park, covering an expanse of 49,768 km2, which includes a large portion of the Namib Desert, is not only the largest national park in Africa but also the largest national park in the world.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park was initially known as ‘Game Reserve No. 3.’ Further explanation as to the name and origin are detailed below in the history. The original area was proclaimed in 1907 but Namib-Naukluft national park came into existence years later in 1979. The word Namib, which comes from the Khoekhoe language meaning ‘vast land.’ Whereas, Naukluft Berge believed to be German in origin, gives us Berge meaning ‘mountain’ and Naukluft comes from Afrikaans, nou kloof, which means ‘narrow ravine or gorge.
Game Reserve No. 1: Omuramba Omatako,
Game Reserve No 2: Etosha,
Game Reserve No 3: Namib-Naukluft. The park was proclaimed to prevent English settlers from occupying the Walvis Bay area.
Namib-Naukluft National Park isn’t a well-known wildlife destination, but it has plenty of Gemsbok (a large species of antelope) and Springbok (medium-sized antelopes). These are a few species of antelopes that have adapted enough to survive the driest desert areas of the park. Two more small antelope species – Klipspringer and Steenbok – call the Namib-Naukluft park their home and are found closer to the seasonal rivers.
The Naukluft mountains have always been a hotspot for Hartmann mountain zebras. Chacma baboon, Cape ground squirrel and meerkat are also seen in the park. In the absence of larger predators, the Namib-Naukluft has a small population of leopard, jackal as well as spotted and brown hyenas.
With more than 200 recorded bird species, Namib-Naukluft national park has gained the status of a great bird-watching destination. Dune lark, found only in Namibia, can be seen in the Sossusvlei area. The Sandwich Lagoon and the Naukluft mountains are prime bird-watching spots, with sightings of African black duck, black stork, cinnamon-breasted warbler, greater flamingo, gray lark, karoo scrub robin, Ludwig’s bustard, rockrunner, and Verreaux’s eagle.
The best time to visit Namib-Naukluft is the months of May to October when the temperature is cooler. The rest of the months in the Namib Desert can be pretty hot which will limit your activities. November to April is considered to be the best time to visit Namib-Naukluft National Park for bird watching, as several migrant birds visit the park in these months.
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