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SAND DUNES

The “sand sea” of the Namib Desert stretches from Luderitz in the south, past the Kunene River in the North. The biggest and most dunes are found between Luderitz and the Kuiseb river. Life in these dune fields are complex and utterly fascinating to observe.Driving south from Swakopmund you need to cross the Kuiseb delta in order to enter the sand dunes proper. Here your fascinating journey begins.The first fascinating plant you will see is the !Nara bush. This thorny green bush produces melon like fruits that is harvested annually by the Topnaar people, living in the Kuiseb River. Although the desert looks devoid of life, there is plenty to see.

The dune grass or Stipagrostis sabulicola, is the main specie found in the dune fields. This very tough grass mostly grows in hollows and the lower part of dune slopes. It has an extensive root system, which can sometimes be seen above ground. It utilises the fog that crawls in over the land from the Atlantic ocean every night, to sustain itself. Sand borne by the wind gets blown around, and will accumulate at the base of the dune grasses, thus causing hummocks. These hummocks in turn can sustain a wide variety of life.
The Golden Mole, the only known mammal to dwell entirely in sand, will use the hummock to burrow in before day break. Extremely shy and elusive the Golden Mole is very difficult to find, but its “tunnels” can be seen easily enough. The Golden Mole “swims” through the sand in order to move and catch its prey. Another inhabitant of these hummocks is gerbils. These jumping mice also burrow in during the day, to escape the heat of the day. Side winding adders are attracted to these hummocks for the sole reason that it provides food like gerbils, beetles and even golden moles if they can catch them. Other inhabitants include geckos of different species, beetles and even the odd chameleon. Dune ants are what can be seen mostly. They are about the only living thing that moves around during the day, and they also use the hummock of dune grass as their home.

Sand dunes at deadvlei

The dunes of the Namib are very special indeed. Not only do they look very pretty, but they support a large number of species.

At times it might be difficult to see them, but once you know what to look for, these fascinating denizens of the Namib will show themselves.



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