In the northwestern part of Namibia lies the Ugab River, an ephemeral watercourse that serves as a vital resource in an otherwise arid landscape. Though it often flows only seasonally, the river's intermittent presence provides a crucial water source for the surrounding ecosystems. The Ugab River offers a fantastic opportunity for self-exploration, inviting adventurers to discover its unique beauty at their own pace.
As you explore the Ugab River on a self-drive, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of animals that inhabit the river’s lush pockets. Most notably, the Ugab River is renowned for its desert-adapted elephants. These majestic creatures roam the area in search of water and food, and your self-drive adventure may reward you with a sighting of these elusive giants.
When most people think of elephants, they envision these magnificent creatures in forests or near abundant water sources, but not these elephants. They prefer the Namib desert as their home. Their remarkable adaptation to the extreme temperatures and arid conditions is a testament to the resilience of life in one of the world's most unforgiving environments. To preserve the scarce resources available, they avoid pushing over trees or shrubs, a behavior seen in their more forest-dwelling relatives. They also appear leaner and taller than their relatives due to their diet and size of their feet is also bigger which allows them to walk with more ease across the very soft desert sand.
Elephants have roamed in Namibia for years, but a large part of the population perished in the latter half of the 19th century. The population decline was due to hunting, illegal poaching, war and drought. In the late 1990’s an intrepid elephant bull, Voortrekker, led a group of elephants, now called Mama Afrika’s herd, to the Ugab River and have remained in the region since taking advantage of seasonal and annual resources. Not long after Voortrekker’s venture other herds followed in his footsteps.
So, if you ever have the chance to visit this enchanting part of the Namibia, take the opportunity to say hello to Voortrekker’s family. Witnessing these incredible desert elephants as they navigate their beautiful, rugged home is an experience you won’t soon forget. In Damaraland, amidst the vast desert and ancient mountains, you’ll discover a unique and unforgettable connection with the desert elephant.
Author & Photos: Janke Murray