Treasures of the Kuiseb river
The Kuiseb river has, in the fashion of rivers all over the world, been providing life to this desolate landscape. As is quite common in Namibia, this river rarely has any visible water on the surface. No, you have to work for it, as the water mainly makes it way down to the coast through the deep sand that makes up the bed of the river.
The trees tap into this source of water, and provides a rare splash of green in this predominantly hyper-arid landscape. This is the place the #Aionin (Known locally as the Topnaar) people have called their home as long as there has been any records.
So, the first treasure is obviously water! The catchment area for this river is huge, and over time the water has carved canyons through the barren rock of the Namib. The coastal towns depend heavily on this source of water, and the pumping stations at Rooibank and further down the delta provides the the life-giving water.
The huts on the North banks of the Kuiseb river serve as a stable place for the Topnaar people to make their homesteads. This typically consists of a dwelling constructed from recycled material. Before Western times, this used to be branches and sticks.
This mother and her son has a little tourist shop close to the Gobabeb research station. Here you can buy small trinkets and learn a little about their traditions. The people of this area are most certainly the second treasure of the river. Always kind and courteous, they speak Afrikaans, English and Nama.
At Gobabeb the hyper-arid climate of the Namib is studied, along with the adaptations to the fauna and flora. The scientists here are a nice bunch of people and love to chat to visitors. There are a few camp spots and bungalows available for people that want to stay a little longer and explore the surroundings.
The information gathered here helps us understand more about the world that we live in, and is the third treasure of this gorgeous destination.
Brightly colored paint covers this modern house, in sharp contrast to the huts in the background. Peace and quiet is almost tangible here.
This little hut has all the mod-cons. Water in a tank, solar panels for power, transport leaning against the hut, and even a dog for companionship, with some of the most beautiful view of the dunes that one could hope for. Off on the right there is a small “kraal” for livestock… so what more could a person want?
Along the road the landscape changes between gravel plains, rocky outcroppings an the occasional gully. The weather is usually beautiful. Very very dry, with the clouds just providing shade and no promise of rain. This otherworldly landscape has to be seen to be believed, and the drive up to Gobabeb is a stunner.
This little church on the banks of the Kuiseb river has some of the most amazing views due to it’s singular location. This beautiful landmark is just outside Rooibank, where the road up the river begins.
Should you want to see this for yourself, please consider booking the tour from Awesome Chapters. You will do some good as you will also be donating much needed supplies to the people living on the banks of the Kuiseb.
