Who has not felt the secret urge to go somewhere, where no one else has been before ?
A trip through the previous Diamond Sperrgebiet, which was closed off hermetically for the public for over a hundred years, is such a possibility: travelling for a few days through the wide open, yet varied planes and valleys of the Eastern Tsau//Khaeb National Park.
As this piece of desert is pristine and has barely been touched by human interventions, the maintaining/upkeep of this status is of utmost importance, which unfortunately necessitates strict rules and regulations for selfdrive visitors.
Therefore staying on the tracks is one of the most important preconditions to be allowed into this area and it is our endeavour to leave NO footprints behind.
This trip begins at Rosh Pinah
All participants gather around 9h00 at the Rosh Pinah Shopping Centre Complex in the centre of town, cars packed and fuelled – ready to go.
A visit to the Geo Centre is highly recommended, where Gisela, a retired geologist from the mining fraternity in and around the area shows and explains the many hidden gems, sheltering in the depths of the Namibian soil.
Duration approx: 1 hour
The first stop will be at the Obib Fountain, a relic from the early 60`s when the Government allowed selected drought-stricken farmers to apply for grazing rights in the forbidden Diamond Sperrgebiet at various emergency water points.
In an northerly direction we pass the impressive mine dumps of the now closed down Scorpion Zinc Mine, relics of 18 years of mining activities.
The pump installation at Borehole 5 gives an insight into the mechanics the farmers of yesteryear utilized to supply their animals with water.
The Roter Kamm Impact Crater ist the best preserved crater of ist sort, because it is covered with red dune sand. This impact caused by a foreign object from outer space, happened some 2.5 million years ago – with other words pretty recently in geological terms … !
Here the first encounters with a bit of dune sand could be experienced.
Depending on the weather (wind) we proceed to a camping spot in the dunes next to a huge Nara bos. If the wind is dictating otherwise, a different spot will be utilized.
From either camping site the route proceeds eastwards to the Aurus Viewpoint, a circular 2 km walkway through rare flora, culminating in the strangely shaped Africa Rock. The surrounding area forms one of the 34 Bio-diversity hotspots of the world, meaning that plants which occur here, are found nowhere else around the globe.
Borehole 4 is presently a waterpoint for game and folklore will have it that in the sixties there were occasionally up to 11 000 sheep herded around this waterpoint.
The officially allocated camping spot in the Uguchab River with its clusters of tick-infested Camelthorn trees, is best viewed from a moving vehicle than experiencing the hospitality of the Desert Tampans.
The camping spot for the day is in the vicinity of a MEFT rondavel, offering some protection from the wind.
This day will take us past the huge Anib claypan into the Tsaus Mountains and in an easterly direction out of the Tsau//Khaeb Park into a private game park “in the making“ – the Namib Huib Plateau Park. This ambitious project comprises 10 farms, where up to the 1980`s Karakul sheep farming used to be the main activity, but ever since has faded into oblivion.
The underlying motive for the establishment of this park was to re-establish the ancient migration routes of the game, which had been severed by thoughtless human intervention.
A varying array of breath taking landcapes will be crossed, which can at times be a bit challenging for the less experienced driver.
The overnight spot is located in a sandy river bed under old camelthorn trees, which constitute the most beautiful backdrop for sundowner photos and sunrise pictures alike.
The day kicks off with a 4×4 challenge for those who have taken in enough energy and courage during breakfast to tackle an slightly more than normal obstacle. The reward is a stunning view over the desert and the adjacent farmland.
Abandoned, desert-like farmland with interesting geological features will be traversed, passing many sorry sights of abandoned homesteads where memories of previous lifestyles can be pondered about.
The overnight spot for this day has to be conquered, as it lies about 400 meters above the land we travel on, yet 100 meters lower than its immediate environment, at the foot of a massive natural waterfall phenomenon.
Getting out of the mountain awards stunning views over the endless desert landscapes, while descending to the below in low range gear. The route along the foot of the plateau offers also some magnificient views on the wide open spaces, this southern section of Namibia is known for.
The trip ends in Aus. You are welcome to book in for a good nights rest or just a exquisite meal on the inviting stoep of the Bahnhof Hotel.
No tour will commence under at least 10 participants.
Prices on request, depending on number of persons.
A 50% deposit will be applicable upon booking confirmation.
Final settlement to be effected one month prior to departure date.
Should a cancellation result in non-commencement of the tour, the cancelling party will be refunded according to the cancellation policy.
The remaining participants will be refunded in full, less the applicable park fees.
Any cancellations within one month prior to departure, will be non-refundable.
If cancelled with a valid reason, credit can be used for any future tour.
Please check with your insurance company that your vehicle is covered for an off-road trip through Namibia or the country you are intending to visit.
Breakdown assistance will be rendered onsite if practicable, at own costs.
Clients need to take out their own travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover in case of an emergency.
Option A Aus: Bahnhof Hotel (Owner B Roemer & D Curschmann); Aus Selfcatering Units (Owner B Roemer); Namib Garage, Klein Aus Vista;
Option B Rosh Pinah: Four Seasons Lodge (Owner Wiehan Köhler); There are no camping facilities in town.