NamibRand Nature Reserve, One of the Most Beautiful Places on Earth, part 3

 

NamibRand Nature Reserve,
Namibia 2022

Leaving the former Sperrgebiet behind, we continue north along the legendary D707, a road that consistently ranks among Namibia's most scenic drives. Winding through endless desert plains beneath towering mountain ranges and colourful sand dunes, it is one of those roads where every bend reveals another breathtaking landscape.

Our destination is NamibRand Nature Reserve, which may well become the highlight of this journey.

Established in 1984, NamibRand is one of Africa's largest private nature reserves, covering more than 215,000 hectares along the eastern boundary of Namib-Naukluft National Park. Its commitment to conservation and remarkably low levels of light pollution earned it designation as one of the world's first International Dark Sky Reserves, making it one of the finest places on Earth to experience the night sky.

For the next three nights we have rented the beautifully secluded NamibRand Family Hideout, a former farmhouse standing in complete isolation amidst the vast desert landscape. There will be no neighbours, no traffic and virtually no artificial light—only silence, endless space and spectacular scenery.

During our stay we have planned a four-hour nature drive to learn more about the reserve's remarkable flora and wildlife, and we also hope to explore the property's excellent 4WD trails. If conditions allow, we may even climb one of the nearby mountains to enjoy panoramic views across this extraordinary landscape.

This will actually be our fourth visit to NamibRand, a place that continues to captivate us no matter how many times we return.

 

4 hours nature drive, NamibRand,
Namibia 2022

Over the years we have experienced the reserve in very different ways. We have camped at the wonderfully remote Venus Campsite (Camping 2024), walked the unforgettable Tok Tokkie Trails, sleeping beneath the stars in open-air desert beds (Tok Tokkie Trails 2022), and enjoyed the ultimate luxury at Wolwedans Desert Lodge, where exceptional hospitality matches the spectacular surroundings (Wolwedans 2022).

During that stay, I also climbed Mount Loosberg, the highest peak within the reserve. It was one of the most demanding hikes I have undertaken in Namibia and remains an unforgettable experience. If you are considering following in my footsteps, I would strongly recommend reading my account first—it is certainly not a hike to underestimate (Trek Loosberg).