- Desert climate
- Flora and fauna
- sights
- Video
Even during the life of the dinosaurs, the Namib Desert was formed, its age is about 80 million years. It is considered the oldest desert in the world. This coastal area, washed by the Atlantic Ocean, covers an area of 100 thousand square meters. The desert is located in southwestern Africa and extends across almost the entire territory of Namibia.
Desert climate
The name of the desert is translated as "there is nothing alive." Harsh climatic conditions force both people and flora and fauna to adapt to them. In the ocean near the desert, the Bengal Current flows, which washes the sands hot in the sun. This phenomenon contributes to the harsh desert climate. Strong winds create huge sand dunes, the highest of which rises 383 meters.
In coastal areas, the air temperature does not rise above 19 degrees. Whereas in the depths of the desert, the air heats up to 38 degrees, and the sand heats up in the sun up to 60 degrees. At the same time at night the temperature drops to 0. Morning fogs envelop Namib inland from the coast for 40 km.
Flora and fauna
Endemic species of plants and animals grow here, which were able to adapt to such a climate and cannot be found in other places in the world: darkling beetles; tumboa - a plant with two huge leaves, which are periodically abraded by the wind, it lives for more than 1000 years; nara - the fruits of this plant are the main food and source of moisture for the animals of the desert. The tumboa plant is considered a symbol of Namibia, and it is present on the country's coat of arms. An interesting succulent that can be found in Namib is a cocker. This tree reaches a height of 7 meters.
Several species of antelopes, ostriches and even zebras live in the dunes. The river valleys are home to rhinos, elephants, hyenas and lions. The desert is home to a huge number of snakes and spiders. A very wide variety of scorpion species have also adapted to the desert climate.
On the coast of the ocean, despite the harsh climate, seals, birds and even penguins live. After rare rains, some areas of the desert are covered with a green carpet of vegetation. This phenomenon does not last very long.
sights
- Swakopmund is a city surrounded by desert, it is located on the coast of the ocean. It has a unique climate that is associated with the salty sea air and the dry desert climate of the desert. The air temperature here does not rise above 25 degrees. Frequent and heavy fogs bring welcome moisture to the city. There is little rainfall in this area - no more than 20 mm. The combination of a green oasis in the city and sand dunes outside of it attracts tourists. Local cuisine is very popular in Swakopmund. It is based on dishes from exotic animals and plant fruits. Modern buildings with beautiful architecture coexist with slum areas. Clean paved streets in the city and deep sand embankments just outside the city delight all holidaymakers.
- Kolmanskop ghost town is a mysterious place in Namib. This city appeared thanks to the find of a worker in 1908 - it was a small diamond. After this incident, whole families reached out to this area in the hope of finding diamond deposits. This is how the whole city of Kolmanskop appeared. Solid beautiful houses were built here in the hope that the diamond deposits here are endless and life in this city will last more than one century. The buildings were executed in German style with inherent neatness and style. Even the window shutters are painted here, following the trends of the time. More than 1000 people lived in the city. A school, a hospital, and even a lemonade workshop was built here. Over time, the deposits were depleted, and the inhabitants of the city gradually left this city. All buildings are covered with sand and are waiting for their owners.
- The Skeleton Coast in the National Park, located in the desert, is one of the most mystical places in the world. A large number of shipwreck fragments from different periods of life have been collected here. Skulls of ancient animals are scattered around the park and fragments of sunken ships are immersed in sand embankments. The park is also home to the Roaring Dunes, which have the ability to emit a hum like an airplane engine running. The unusual "living sand" in this park resists any human action. Even the powerful wheels of the most modern SUV cannot handle its power.
- The Didley Valley is considered a dead zone in the desert. At the bottom of the valley, there are petrified trees in salt layers. Photos of this area resemble a dead zone from films about the end of the world. Being in this place, it becomes creepy, and tourists feel like characters from science fiction films that are often filmed in this area.
