Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
!NARA MELONS
Historically, human existence in the Namib Desert has been made possible by an unusual spiny plant, the !nara
melon. It was first described taxonomically by the same Friedrich Welwitsch who gave his name to the welwits-
chia plant.
Although the !nara bush lives and grows in the desert, it is not a desert plant since it lacks the ability to prevent
water loss through transpiration. So it must take in moisture from the groundwater table via a long taproot. As a
result, !nara melons are an effective way of monitoring underground water tables: when the plants are healthy, so
is the water supply! Its lack of leaves also protects it from grazing animals, although ostriches do nip off its tender
growing shoots.
As with the welwitschia, the male and female sex organs in the !nara melon exist in separate plants. Male plants
flower throughout the year, but it's the female plant that produces the 15cm melon each summer, providing a fa-
vourite meal for jackals, insects and humans. In fact, it remains a primary food of the Topnaar Khoi-Khoi people,
and has also become a local commercial enterprise. Each year at harvest time the Topnaar erect camps around the
Kuiseb Delta to collect the fruits. Although melons can be eaten raw, most people prefer to dry them for later use,
or prepare, package and ship them to urban markets.
Dune 45
The most accessible of the large red dunes along the Sossusvlei road is Dune 45, so-called
because it's 45km from Sesriem. It rises over 150m above the surrounding plains, and is
flanked by several scraggly and often photographed trees.
NATURAL SITE
Elim Dune
This often visited red dune, 5km north from the Sesriem Camp Site, can be reached with
2WD vehicles, but also makes a pleasant morning or afternoon walk.
NATURAL SITE
Hidden Vlei
The rewarding 4km return hike from the 2WD Car Park to Hidden Vlei, an unearthly dry
vlei
(low, open landscape) amid lonely dunes, makes a rewarding excursion. The route is
marked by white-painted posts. It's most intriguing in the afternoon, when you're unlikely
to see another person.
HIKING
Dead Vlei
The rugged 6km return walk from Sossusvlei to Dead Vlei is popular with those who
think the former is becoming overly touristy. Despite the name, it's a lovely spot and is
just as impressive as its more popular neighbour.
HIKING
