NAMIB-NAUKLUFT PARK
After a number of parks were amalgamated the Namib-Naukluft Park was proclaimed in 1979 as one integrated reserve.
Desert plants
• Desert plants – two drought resistant shrubs can be seen – The Dollar bush – so-called because of its coin-like round leaves and the Ink Bush with its fine leaves and spindly appearance.
Welwitshia Mirabilis
• Welwitshia Mirabilis – a two leaved plant which can live up to 2500 years. It was first studied and documented by botanist Friedrich Welwitshia. Mirabilis meaning “marvellous”. He discovered this desert plant in 1859.The plants are unisexual, separate male and female plants. Referred to as living fossils. The one on the trail is estimated to be 1500 years old.
Tracks of ox wagon trail
• Tracks of ox wagon trail – Here the tracks of an ox wagon trial used decades ago on the so-called Bay road. Supplies were transported along here from the coast
Swakop Valley moon lands cape
• Swakop Valley moon lands cape– it came into existence as the Swakop river cut through the softer surface deposits. Furrows caused by erosion.
World War I camp near Husab
• World War I camp near Husab – remnants of human sojourn. On this spot South African troops made camp for a few days in 1915 during the First World War. Broken bottles and rusted cans were strewn here.
Dolerite
• Dolerite – A black ridge of dolerite snakes across the hills, dolerite is a hard rock which weathers more slowly than the surrounding rock.
Goanikontes Oasis
• Goanikontes Oasis – Derived from Nama meaning “the place where overcoats were taken off”, referring to the time when ox wagons making way upcountry. The temperature rose and they were to shed their heavy coats. The original historic farmhouse dating back to the mid-1850’s, the farm had a thriving vegetable garden which supplied fresh produce to Swakopmund. The current farm buildings dated 1907, which housed a small museum. The first permanent family to settle here was the Dixon family in 1849. The Hrabovsky family farmed from 1911-1979.Bought by the Baard family in 2018.
Studebaker Coupe 1940
• Studebaker Coupe 1940 – Belonged to a prospector, Pieter Visser. He worked a claim in the 1950’s close to the Rossing Mountain. The last trip was to his claim when the car came nose down through a riverbank and the front axle broke. The car was moved to the claim and stayed there. The remains of the car were found by Charl Baard, owner of Guanikontes and is now displayed at the entrance.
Kuiseb Canyon and mountain pass
• Kuiseb Canyon and mountain pass – C14 to Solitaire – On the Kuiseb River – Most part of the year this river is dry.
