Nature & Environment

Water for Wild Horses of the Namib secured for the time being

The new drinking trough at the Garub 1 borehole has been completed and the Garub 2 borehole has been cleaned. This means that the water supply for the Wild Horses of the Namib close to the historic railway station Garub near Aus in southwestern Namibia is

Cheetah mother from Namibia loses three of her four babies in India

The cheetah reintroduction programme in India has suffered another major setback. Three of the four babies born in March died last week. The fourth is apparently well. The mother had arrived in Kuno National Park in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh last

New book warns of shrinking forests in Namibia

Namibia's forests do not correspond to the usual ideas or definitions. However, if one uses the classification of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), an estimated 66,000 square kilometres fall into the category of forest are

Butterflies in Namibia - small, but beautiful

Namibia offers a huge variety of attractions and tailor made tours are available for geology fans, stargazers, hobby botanists, bird lovers and snake and lizard enthusiasts.

Grief and joy regarding cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa in India

The cheetah reintroduction programme in India is facing setbacks. A female died from fatal injuries sustained during mating. This means that three of the 20 cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia that had been brought to India's Kuno National Park have no

Indigenous knowledge preserved for future generations

Tourists coming to Namibia enjoy the cultural exchange with different population groups to discover more about their traditions, lifestyle and their centuries’ old knowledge about wildlife and the use of plants.

Website dedicated to the plants of Namibia

Welwitschia, Quiver tree, Hoodia. Lithops, Baobab. Not to forget the camel thorn tree. Despite its rather dry climate, Namibia has an amazingly diverse and fascinating flora. A good overview and introduction is provided by the new website of the Botanical

Fairy circles: How termites farm sustainably in the Namib Desert

The newly published book "Fairy Circles of the Namib Desert" does not provide a sensational new discovery about the bare circles on the eastern edge of the Namib Desert. The riddle of the fairy circles has long been solved, their mystery "disenchanted" ye

Explore Namibia and share sightings on a digital atlas

In Namibia locals and visitors alike enjoy sharing their photos of animals, birds and interesting plants, which they encounter on their trips, on social media.

Namibia's racing dunes measured and dust found in the South Pole

The country has the highest wandering sand dunes in the world, like at the tourism hotspot Sossusvlei, but did you know that they are now also regarded among the fastest moving dunes and this since a million years.

Road along Gariep (Orange) River closed

Those who want to drive from the Noordoewer border crossing to Rosh Pinah in southern Namibia will have to take a long detour. The DR 212 road along the Gariep (Orange) River is now closed until further notice, Namibia's Roads Authority (RA) announced.

Fairy circles of the Namib - Ecosystem modeller contradicts himself

In October 2022, he had still spread it on thick in his media release: The mystery of the fairy circles in the Namib had finally been solved. It was not termites that produced the bald circles, he claimed, but the grasses themselves. This was confirmed by

The pangolin needs protection - "every scale counts"

Two local families and their friends from Austria had a rare and fascinating encounter on a camping tour in Namibia recently. The shy creature full of scales almost looks like a small dinosaur. "Our tour guide told us it is a scaly ant eater, also call

Good rains in North flood iishanas and cause ‘efundja’

Among several local words tourists quickly pick up when they visit Namibia is ‘oshana’. It is the Oshiwambo word for low-lying areas or depressions in the white sands among omulunga palm trees so characteristic for the north-central regions. During a

The Moringa is a tree full of wonders

It looks like a phantom and there is a whole forest of them in the Etosha National Park; when their seeds ripen and the pods burst open, it makes quite a loud pop: but the Moringa tree can do even more, for its medicinal benefits are immense. It is not fo

Latest solution to the fairy circle riddle does not hold water

A new study by researcher Getzin claims to have solved the mystery of the fairy circles in the Namib. But the "solution" is well-known and questionable.

H.E.S.S. Observatory celebrates 20 year anniversary

Namibia, with its clear skies, is a popular spot for stargazers, amateur astronomers and scientists. The country hosts the largest array of telescopes, to explore cosmic gamma rays, worldwide since 2002. The scientific fraternity celebrated the array’s

Pregnant rhino falls victim to poachers

The fight against poaching also suffers repeated setbacks in Namibia. Only a week ago, Environment Minister Pohamba Shifeta announced the current number of discovered poached rhinos: 55. That is already eleven more than in the entire year 2021. Four days

The desert adapted lions of Namibia

The remote Skeleton Coast in northwestern Namibia, where mountains and sand dunes meet, and the rough seas. of the Atlantic Ocean swirls around the rusty frames of many shipwrecks. However, the Skeleton Coast offers other unusual experiences as well – l

Cheetahs from Namibia have arrived in India

Cheetahs are back in India. Seven decades after this cat species was declared extinct there. Two days ago, eight cheetahs from Namibia arrived in Kuno National Park in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. According to reports, the three males and five fema

Namibia successfully tackles climate change

Climate change is real and is not only noticeable in Africa. Europe has also experienced it in recent months, with very low rainfalls, rivers drying up and an increase in forest fires.

Cold front brings sub-zero temperatures and freezing rain to southern Namibia

A fierce cold front has hit the south and centre of Namibia and temperatures have dropped below freezing point in some areas. A low pressure area has caused freezing rain or hail in some areas. On the farm Orion on the D 804 about 90 km southeast of Malt

Conference on the Protection of Forests in Namibia

Namibia's forests are under threat. This was one of the key messages at a conference in Windhoek. Under the motto "The Future of Namibia's Forests", representatives of the Namibian government and experts from home and abroad discussed the problems and sol

Cheetahs relocated from Namibia to India

70 years after it was declared extinct there, the cheetah returns to India. Namibia will provide the first cheetahs for the reintroduction. This is provided for in an agreement between India and Namibia, which was signed yesterday in India by government r

Game numbers on the rise in the Kalahari

The Gondwana Kalahari Park is recovering well from the last drought. According to the latest game census, the total number of game animals in the private nature reserve has increased by almost 50% within one year.

Rhino protection intensified after recent poaching in Etosha National Park

Wildlife crime is a global problem, with criminal networks reaching across international borders and continents. Namibia has made remarkable progress in combating wildlife crime. The number of animals poached has decreased, and the number of successful ar

Cape Cross Seal Reserve: A journey through time

The Namibian coast, where the hostile Namib Desert meets the roaring Atlantic Ocean, is fascinating in its own way. Shipwrecks and lonely dilapidated buildings bear witness to failed dreams; at the same time, the coast is a paradise for nature lovers, pas

Vaccination for Kudu antelopes in Namibia

One of the best known and most beautiful antelope species in Namibia is the kudu with the characteristic screwed antlers worn by the majestic bulls. The dainty female animals do not have antlers and this is why the large ears are particularly noticeable.

Namibia is engaged in protecting the oceans

Namibian President Hage Geingob attended the first ever "One Ocean" summit, in Brest, France in early February. Climate change, pollution, overfishing as well as plastic waste endanger the oceans.

Termites - tiny architects of gigantic structures

In Namibia, the large, cone-shaped sand towers in the landscape are among the most popular objects for tourists to take souvenir photos with. Tiny creatures - small, beige-white termites that are only two centimetres long – with the exception of the que

Tracking devices for giraffes win international award

The tallest land animal in the world is the giraffe and the home range of this majestic species is the African continent. One cannot imagine that the long-necked giraffes moving gracefully across the plains of northwestern Namibia, browsing leaves from tr

Quiver trees from Namibia put up for adoption

As guests explore the Canyon Village, a lodge situated in Gondwana Canyon Park in southern Namibia, they will come across clusters of curiously beautiful quiver trees along the way, thanks to a project launched by the Gondwana Collection that aims to pres

Earth walk – Slackpacking in the second largest canyon in the world

There are some bucket-list experiences in life - and if you are a hiker yet enjoy some creature comforts along the way - Gondwana’s Fish River Canyon trails may just top your list.

The return of the whales to Namibia’s coast

A splash of water suddenly rises, followed by loud snorting. As if out of nowhere, a large grey body rises out of the waves, turns in the air and hits the water surface.

Namibia Nature Parks are like no other

The Desert Grace impresses with its sustainability concept

The Desert Grace has reached the final round of the 2021 Sustainable Development Awards in the category ‘Private Sector Champions for Sustainable Development '. The award recognises sustainable approaches to management of energy, water and waste, and pa

Green-tripping Namibia in the time of Covid-19: A travelogue from the heart - Life is nawa!

At every moment in this incredible adventure of life we have a choice. We are never stuck. In the upheaval of Covid-19 we have the choice to tune in to the fear and negativity that abounds on the planet at this time or to tune in to the immense natural be

Green-tripping Namibia in the time of Covid-19: A travelogue from the heart

Canyon Roadhouse must be one of the very best reminders of the importance of humour and being light-hearted.

It’s omajowa time!

Sold along the roadside during the first few months of the year, the gigantic mushrooms provide an income for many in areas where there is little opportunity for work.

Climbing Spiegelberg

A prominent feature in the Fish River Canyon surrounds, the Spiegelberg pinnacle dominates the landscape. Towering above the peaks and plateaus that surround the Fish River valley between the Konkiep and Fish rivers, it is no wonder that it has fascinated

Quiver trees and alternative energy at Canyon Village

Nestling at the base of a rocky mountain, Canyon Village brings to life the local Nama culture through the paintings on the walls, the donkey cart that takes guests’ luggage to their rooms and of course the staff.

New book describes rare plants in the Sperrgebiet

The Namib Desert, with its endless expanses and majestic sand dunes, is the oldest desert in the world. Although the extreme climate with intense heat during the day and cold nights as well as strong winds near the coast, suggests that very few living thi

Namibia is a paradise for cave enthusiasts

Namibia has a large variety of activities to offer tourists and a special adventure is definitely a visit to the various underground caves. It is hardly known that the largest underground lake in the world is situated in Namibia.

Bogenfels: the rock arch of the Sperrgebiet

When I was growing up on a farm east of Windhoek in the late 60s, collecting post felt like collecting treasure because of the attractive stamps that were attached to the envelopes.

Padlangs - The baobab toilet of Katima Mulilo

Who cannot be awed by the king of trees, the mighty baobab? The hollow centres of some of these majestic trees have been used for various purposes in the past.

The Zambezi floodplains: A bird’s paradise

In the water and on trees, pink-backed pelicans can be seen in company of egrets and Yellow-billed Storks. In Namibia Pink-backed Pelicans occur in the Zambezi region.

Breeding ‘hotspot’ for seabirds supports guano production

Sunsets along the Namibian coast are quite spectacular, especially on sunny days, and are a lovely way to wrap up a relaxing afternoon at the beach.

An all-round colourful spectacle along the Zambezi

Thousands of colourful Carmine Bee-eaters commenced their annual breeding season between Zambezi Mubala Lodge and the Zambezi Mubala Camp on the bank of the Zambezi

Fish patrols during lockdown

The Zambians were not only charged for illegally entering the country but also for violating the lockdown rules of the country, illegal fishing and illegal fishing with mosquito nets.

Theodor Rehbock, the father of the Neckartal dam

If one were to build a solid concrete wall one meter high and one metre wide from Cape Town past Keetmanshoop in the south of Namibia, one would need the same amount of concrete that was used to build the recently-inaugurated Neckartal dam west of Keetman

Namibia´s Father of Integrated Conservation: Garth Owen-Smith

Garth Owen-Smith passed away this morning, 11th April 2020 at the age of 76. He is seen as the Father of Integrated Conservation in Namibia.

Padlangs – Garub in the spotlight

Four young visitors to the country, now identified as French and Canadian citizens, spray-painted graffiti on the walls of the old Garub railway station, afterwards posting the photographs on their social media site.

European Roller: From Serbia to Namibia

It took Farmer Volker Dickhoff by surprise, when together with one of his employees; he was able to catch a European Roller on his farm near Otjiwarongo on February 28th of this year (2020).

When the lilies appear, so does the red-spotted lily weevil

The black weevil with the 2 mm spots in bright red or orange climbs up the stem of a Sandhof lily (Crinum paludosum) without haste and starts to feed on the pedicel.

Namibia builds resilience to climate change

Climate change adaptation and mitigation is very costly and requires mobilisation of funds and a good oversight during implementation.

The one that digs with its teeth

After rainfall, when the land is wet, they start digging. The soil is loosened with the teeth and pushed backwards with the front legs.

Von Bach Dam sluices opened for the 5th time in 50 years

For only the fifth time ever, the sluices of the Von Bach Dam near Okahandja had been opened at 21.00 hours on Sunday 1st March 2020 to release water after the water level reach the 100 percent full capacity mark.

Not a scorpion and no real spider

At the first glance they look scary. Because they represent two animal species that many people are unnecessarily afraid of and loathe: spiders and scorpions.

Leucistic springbok ewe with normal coloured fawn

It is unusual to see a white springbok in the wild. It is even more unusual to see an adult leucistic animal because they cannot blend into the environment as the normal coloured ones.

Nocturnal boat trip to see Fishing Owl, Night Heron and company

It is an exceptional experience to see Namibia's largest owl – the Fishing Owl, also known as Pel's Fishing Owl.

Marvel at celestial bodies - meteorites in Namibia

The clear night sky over Namibia is always fascinating for tourists and locals. One can also see some shooting stars.

Rain makes Etosha come alive and bloom

Like the rest of Namibia, Etosha National Park starts to blossom again when the long-awaited rains finally arrive after several years of drought.

Crustose, foliose and fruticose lichens of the Namib Desert

A single head-sized rock is like a colourful miniature garden. Measuring just a few millimetres, the fragile orange-red fingers of the Namib Sun (Caloplaca elegantissima) seem to cling to the stone.

The Marbled Emperor

After the first good rains from December to February they suddenly appear – in their hundreds. They are seen especially in places where strong sources of light remain switched on all night.

Jojoba oil: liquid ‘gold’ from the Namib Desert

A new project has recently been launched in the Erongo Region. Valuable organic oil is obtained from the nuts of the evergreen jojoba plant

The Wild Horses of the Namib

‘There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.’ (Winston Churchill)

Fluffy little balls hovering above fresh green

Less than a meter from the bottom of dried-up Avis Dam on the outskirts of Windhoek, chirping little red and black balls of fluff seem to hover above the fresh greenery.

Rhino custodians named Conservationists of the Year

25 years ago Namibia’s Black Rhino Custodianship programme was launched with the intention to increase the number of black rhinos by ensuring better protection against diseases, natural disasters and poachers.

Drought affects return of the Blue Cranes

The only green seen in Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is that of the mopane trees at present (end of November 2019). Not a single blade of grass is left, not even a dry one.

Invasive Prosopis trees a threat for nature and agriculture

Prosopis was introduced to Namibia more than a century ago. According to local tree expert Luise Hoffmann Prosopis chilensis was imported to then South West Africa in 1912 by the German botanist Kurt Dinter.

Aerobatics, clownery and an amazing family tree

The Bateleur Eagle is one of the most colourful raptors in Namibia. Unfortunately, its numbers have dropped sharply.

Caution – Animals on the road

Animals are unable to judge the speed of an approaching vehicle and often take flight too late – with fatal consequences. And they do not know traffic rules.

Namibia plans future water supply

Namibia has experienced an increase in natural disasters in recent years with northern areas having to cope with floodwaters in 2008-09; and the drought since 2016 is proof of the opposite extreme.

Khaudum: In the stranglehold of drought

No water for the animals, a lack of fuel for pumps and vehicles, a lack of finances, a lack of staff and difficult terrain – these are the challenges that nature conservation officials have to cope with in Khaudum National Park.

Fish stocks at risk – nets need to be banned

Legal and illegal networks are threatening the fish stocks in Namibia’s rivers and reservoirs. There are regulatory laws, but control is lacking.

Africa’s largest and rarest crane

Wattled Cranes are not often seen and they are not easy to spot. They are found on the vast flood plains of the Okavango and Chobe, on the countless islands in the Kwando River and on the wetlands of the Linyanti.

A FASCINATING INSIGHT INTO THE SOUTHERN KALAHARI AND ITS LEOPARDS

Seeing a leopard in the wilds tops the list of most people heading into the wilderness. It is a secretive, solitary and mainly nocturnal cat – factors which make it extremely difficult to see.

A small bird as a symbol of love and forgiveness

He is nimble, clever, cheeky. A feisty little guy who nevertheless tries to keep safe as far as possible.

Water for hippos, other wild animals and cattle

At the end of August, after returning from the CITES conference in Geneva, Namibia's Minister of the Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, visited a waterhole in the dried up Chobe River

Termites – doing earthworm work in arid areas

Worker termites industriously carry dry plant material to a small hole in the ground. Others climb onto the few blades of grass and cut them into pieces of two to three centimetres long, ready to be taken into the subterranean nest of the colony.

On the road again - Into Kaokoland

Travelling via the Skeleton Coast from Swakopmund to Palmwag and Epupa Falls elicits a thrill of excitement. It ticks all the boxes for the adventurous at heart and adds a couple more . . .

A passionate rendezvous in the north – where the Chobe and the Zambezi meet

A passionate rendezvous unfolds in the north of Namibia where the Chobe River and the Zambezi River come face to face.

Cold Benguela Current provides abundant fish resources

The Namibian coast is known for its abundance of fish and this is due to a cold ocean current running from south to north near the mainland.

H.E.S.S. Telescope in Namibia explores universe

Namibia's clear night skies away from the larger cities are internationally known among hobby astronomers and certain guest farms often have a telescope ready for them.

Namibia’s surf fish species from up-close

Surf fish must be handled with the utmost care, Van Niekerk emphasizes, and not only so that they survive in captivity. Sport and recreational anglers also need to treat the fish gently.

Snakes abandoned at the front door – Snake Park has new owner

The Swakopmund snake park currently houses some 60 snakes as well as chameleons, geckos, agamas and scorpions.

New book supports the conservation of Carmine Bee-eaters

The bird lover and hobby photographer Pompie Burger launched his latest book tonight (20 June) in Windhoek.

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