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We drive through the Namib-Naukluft National Park which stretches along

the Swakop River Valley, boasting special landscapes which were formed over

460 million years ago.   The Swakop and Khan River are ephemeral rivers

crossing the Erongo region. They only occasionally carry surface water

during the rainy season in Namibia from November to February/March.

 

The Namib Desert is considered the world’s oldest desert.  A surprising

collection of animals and reptiles are regularly seen here as well. 

Snakes like the Sidewinder, gheckos, Springbok, Ostrich, Zebra

and Oryx are met daily.  

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Marvel at plants such as 1500-year-old welwitschias, quivertrees,

 and mist-gathering lichen.

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At Goanikontes the remnants of a 19th century farm is found

and the area is surrounded by towering palms and blue gum trees.   

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The Khan has its origin near a town called Okahandja in central Namibia.

From there the river course passes to the town of Usakos, and further

through the Namib desert. It has its junction with the Swakop River

40 km east of Swakopmund.   ​

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​​​​Well known along both rivers are the interesting reparian forests which thrive

because of the special local conditions on both the river banks.  

Here the riverbeds are filled with a thick layer of sand, through

which groundwater flows even when there is no rain.

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There are also seven uranium mines in the area, such as the

Langer Heinrich Mine, the Rössing Mine and the Husab Mine.  

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The old railway bridge in Swakopmund is a man-made site where the

Swakop River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. 

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