Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
springboks and klipspringers. In addition to wildlife watching, the Naukluft is home to a
couple of challenging hikes that open up this largely inaccessible terrain.
History
In the early 1890s the Naukluft was the site of heated battle between the German colonial
forces and the Nama. In January 1893 a contingent of Schutztruppe soldiers estimated that
they could force the Nama to flee their settlement at Hoornkrans in three days. However,
due to their unfamiliarity with the terrain and their lack of experience in guerrilla warfare,
the battle waged for months, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Eventually, the Nama
offered to accept German sovereignty if they could retain their lands and weapons. The
Germans accepted, thus ending the Battle of the Naukluft.
Sights & Activities
Waterkloof Trail
This lovely 17km anticlockwise loop takes about seven hours to complete, and begins at
the Naukluft (Koedoesrus) campsite, located 2km west of the park headquarters. It climbs
the Naukluft River and past a frog-infested weir (don't miss the amazing reed tunnel!) and
a series of pools, which offer cool and refreshing drinking and swimming. About 1km
beyond the last pool, the trail then turns west, away from the Naukluft River and up a
kloof
(ravine). From there to the halfway point, the route traverses an increasingly open
plateau.
Shortly after the halfway mark, the trail climbs steeply to a broad 1910m ridge, which
is the highest point on the route. Here you'll have fabulous desert views before you begin
a long, steep descent into the Gororosib Valley. Along the way, you'll pass several inviting
pools full of reeds and tadpoles, and climb down an especially impressive waterfall before
meeting up with the Naukluft River. Here, the route turns left and follows the 4WD track
back to the park headquarters.
HIKING
