After the discovery of diamonds in 1908, a 100km wide stretch of land between Luederitz and the Orange River mouth was declared a “Sperrgebiet”, a “forbidden territory”.
Diamonds were lying on the desert floor like apples under a tree, which resulted in one of the largest diamond rushes in human history.
Since the diamonds on the desert floor have been depleted and are now sucked from the ocean floor, the Namibian government decided to open up the territory for tourism and inaugurated the park on 1st December 2008.
With a size of 26 000 km², it is Africa’s second largest protected area that protects the ecology of the globally important Succulent Karoo. Home to 2439 endemic plants, world conservationists have classified this area as one of the world’s top 34 biodiversity hotspots.
Unlike other national parks of Namibia, the Sperrgebiet is yet to be permanently opened to tour operators; access is made possible with specific concession holders that are strictly controlled by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the complete accessibility to the public is yet unknown.
Attractions
- An unusual tortoise scientifically known as Nama Padloper commonly known as Berger’s Cape Tortoise
- A wide variety of succulent species endemic to the park that grow as tall as trees
- 55m tall Bogenfels rock arch
- The intriguing ghost towns at Kolmanskop, Elizabeth Bay, and another abandoned mining town of Pomona
- Rotor Kamm meteorite crater which is the 4th largest in the world
- African penguins, cape fur seals, dolphins often join the boat during the cruise
Activities at Sperrgebiet National Park
- Dune driving
- Hiking up the botanical trail to Aurusberg Mountain summit
- Catamaran Cruises from Luderitz harbour to Halifax Island
Where to stay
Maritz Country Lodge is a 4 star lodge located close to a game park in Keetmanshoop, Namibia. Free Wi-Fi is provided for all guests.
All rooms in Maritz Country Lodge are fully air-conditioned and spacious. The bathrooms are en-suite with shower and the rooms have fridge, Tea/coffee facilities, fridge, the rooms feature flat screen TVs, ornate lampshades, and ceramic-tile floors and varnished worktables.
Buffet and a la carte breakfast options are offered at the on-site restaurant which has an earthy colour tone. Drinks are typically ordered at the bar.
The outdoor pool is flanked by palm trees, manicured grasses and a thatch-roofed shed where guests can enjoy drinks and unwind with friends or colleagues. Guests can also engage in game drives and bird watching.
Airport shuttle, city shuttle, conferencing facilities and laundry services can be arranged at additional charges. Security personnel guard the hotel premises. Quiver Tree Forest and The Fish river Canyon are in close proximity to the lodge.
Goibib Mountain Lodge is situated in the heart of the Great Karas Mountains between Keetmanshoop and Grunau, Namibia.
The lodge is strategically positioned as a base from which to explore the scenic beauty of Southern Namibia including the Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground, Brukaros Volcanic Crater and Ai-Ais Hot Springs.
Goibib Mountain Lodge offers 8 spacious rooms which are fully air conditioned. Each room also comprises an en suite bathroom, a flat screen TV with local & satellite channels, a minibar, an in-built safe for valuables and wireless internet connection.
The lodge’s restaurant and bar provide local and continental dishes and drinks. Guests can enjoy refreshments at the pool bar and cool down by taking a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.
Guests can also enjoy deluxe nature drives or visit the Giants’ Playground, a remarkable landscape resembling huge toy bricks stacked on one another.
Duwisib Guesthouse is located on the edge of Namib Desert, close to Duwisib Castle at Southern Namibia. The guesthouse boasts beautiful camelthorn trees planted on its premises, provides spacious and elegant rooms at affordable rates and offers ample parking space.
All rooms are spacious, fitted with a kitchen and modern interior decor. Each room has an ornate lampshade, floor tiles, a mini sitting area, wall paintings and an en-suite bathroom. Guests enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding via the terrace.
The on-site restaurant serves a variety of meals. A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are ordered at the well-stocked bar. Self-catering facilities are provided at the guesthouse. Guests enjoy swimming session at the outdoor pool.
Laundry, housekeeping and car hire services are provided upon request. On-site and nearby parking is available. The premises are guarded by trained security personnel.