NamibRand Nature Reserve - Hardap Region, Namibia

Just south of Sossusvlei, visitors to the Hardap Region of Namibia will find what is said to be the largest private nature reserve in Southern Africa, the NamibRand Nature Reserve, extending over an area of 202,200 hectares. The reserve was established to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert. As with a number of the Namibian nature reserves fences were taken down in order to facilitate seasonal migratory wildlife routes. The Namib-Naukluft National Park lies to the west of NamibRand Nature Reserve and the two share a 100km border. To the east the reserve is bordered by the imposing Nubib Mountains. With sand and gravel plains and stretches of savannah that alternate with mountain ranges and vegetated dune belts, NamibRand Nature Reserve covers almost all the facets of the Namib Desert. The reserve is considered by many as an ideal model for private conservation in Southern Africa as it demonstrates holistic biodiversity conservation balanced with financial sustainability.

The dream that became reality began decades ago when JA (Albi) Bruckner recognized that space (Which Namibia has a lot of) needs protection and purpose. Bruckner began buying livestock farms in the Namib Desert, adding a few at a time and convincing others to join him. Today these private farms, which have all been rehabilitated and turned back to nature, are dedicated to sustainable conservation. The owners of NamibRand recognized the importance of wilderness areas and collectively have set aside more than 15% of the reserves total area for exclusive wilderness. The landowners have also signed agreements and adopted a constitution which sets the land aside for conservation - now and in the future.

There are four distinct habitats which are found within the borders of NamibRand. There are the dunes and sandy plains, the inselbergs and mountains, the gravel plains, and the sand and gravel plains. Through a process of reintroduction and conservation there is a large variety of wildlife on the reserve, this includes the predominant large mammals which are the Oryx gazelle (gemsbok or oryx) and springbok. Recent game census indicated that there were 3,200 oryx and 12,400 springbok on the Reserve. Other large mammals include kudu, Hartman's and Burchell's zebra, giraffe, klipspringer, steenbok, hartebeest and baboon. Predators include leopard, spotted and brown hyena, black-backed jackal, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, Cape fox, African wildcat, caracal and genet. To date more than 150 bird species have been identified, including Namibias only true endemic, the dune lark.

NamibRand Nature Reserve are committed to conservation for the benefit of future generations and to the protection of sensitive and fragile environments and their rich biodiversity. They aim to create a nature reserve that has a healthy and functioning ecosystem, providing a sanctuary for flora and fauna and to facilitate seasonal migratory routes in partnership with neighbours such as the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The promotion of sustainable utilisation through ecologically sustainable and high-quality level tourism products and other projects is also of major importance while creating a commercially viable operation, ensuring continuance and financial independence. The Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET), an exceptional centre for sustainable development and education, also has its home on NamibRand.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve offers a wide variety of tourism experiences. For those seeking adventure, visitors can soar over the beautiful landscapes in a hot air balloon, or get a closer look at the wildlife and geology by taking a hike with Tok Tokkie Trails. And for those looking for a rewarding experience working to ensure the sustainability of the wildlife, the Naankuse Foundation offers volunteer experiences assisting the Reserve in re-introducing cheetah and leopard in the area.