Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kaokoveld require a high-clearance vehicle, and some may require a 4WD, especially if
driving during the rainy season.
Routes through the western Kaokoveld are all rugged 4WD tracks that were laid down
by the South African Defence Force (SADF) during the Namibian War of Independence,
and they've been maintained only by the wheels of passing vehicles. Off the main tourist
route from Sesfontein to Opuwo, Okongwati and Epupa Falls, there's little traffic, and the
scattered villages lack hotels, shops, showers, hospitals and vehicle spares or repairs. If
that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to consider visiting the region with an es-
tablished tour operator or as part of a larger convoy.
Damaraland
Moving inland from the dunes and plains of the bleak Skeleton Coast, the terrain gradu-
ally rises through wild desert mountains towards the scrubby plateaus of central Namibia.
Damaraland, which occupies much of this transition zone, is laced with springs and eph-
emeral rivers that provide streaks of greenery and moisture for wildlife, people and live-
stock. Its broad spaces are one of Southern Africa's last 'unofficial' wildlife areas, and
you can still see zebras, giraffes, antelopes, elephants and even black rhinos ranging out-
side national parks or protected reserves.
SAVE THE RHINO TRUST
The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) is dedicated to stopping illegal poaching. Since the trust was formed, it has col-
laborated with both the Namibian government and local communities in order to provide security and monitor
population size of the only free-ranging black-rhino population in the world. To date SRT has successfully protec-
ted these rhinos and allowed the rhino group to expand in number. Census results have revealed that the popula-
tion of 1130 rhinos has been preserved, with an annual growth rate of 5%. In fact, the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified the population as the fastest growing in Africa.
SRT operates in Damaraland, a sparsely populated region that is lacking in resources and deficient in employ-
ment opportunities. As a result, it has worked to include locals in conservation efforts in the hope that they will
benefit from the preservation of the species. This is especially important as Damaraland does not have a formal
conservation status and thus does not receive government funding.
Although the organisation has been successful in stabilising rhino populations, SRT still faces challenges, such
as the increasing demand in Namibia for arable farmland. According to SRT, the future of the rhino is dependent
on the effective resolution of this issue, and it argues that government policy must include the establishment of
stable rhino populations in parks, reserves and private lands throughout the country.
