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Namibia


Camelthorn Tree

Trees of Namibia

These trees are common all over central Namibia and can be found in areas of the Namib Desert such as Sesriem Canyon, and on a hot day provide welcome shade to tourists as they tuck into a delicious packed lunch, after climbing the magnificent sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Apart from this very useful function, camelthorns play a very important role in the lives of all the desert creatures, providing shade, shelter, food and moisture. But how many visitors bother to take a closer look at these hardy, desert survivors, some of which are several hundred years old.

The camelthorn is easily identified by large, grey, kidney-shaped, seed-carrying pods. These ready-made meals are food for many animals and insects, and gemsbok often come into Sesriem Campsite to feed on fallen pods. The pods are highly nutritious and are collected in commercial and communal areas to feed domestic stock in times of drought. The yellow flowers and leaves are eaten by many animals though and the straight, paired-thorns, protect the trees from over-browsing.

Birds, rodents and even mankind feed from the camelthorn. The seeds can be finely crushed and used as a coffee substitute and the gum exuded by the tree is edible. Tree rats, insects, scorpions, spiders and lizards, all visit the camelthorn, and they also provide nesting sites for numerous species of bird.

Visitors to Namibia should take note that the camelthorn is a protected species and may not be damaged, cut or chopped.

Trees of Namibia

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Betesda Rest Camp

Budget choice, catering for both large bus groups and individual travellers

Desert Camp

Competitively priced self catering lodge - very close to the entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park

Desert Homestead

Mid-range accommodation offering some of the best value for money in the area. Horse riding an added activity

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Mid range lodge located only 22km from the Sesriem gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park

Kulala Desert Lodge

Up-market lodge with private entrance to the dunes at Sossusvlei

Kulala Wilderness Camp

Up-market tented lodge, on the same private reserve as Kulala Desert Lodge

Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa

Moroccan inspired architecture seems strangely out of place in Namibia. The location, spa and general amenities are good.

Little Kulala

Luxury lodge with guided tour to the dunes using the lodges own private entrance, excellent choice for those looking for a little extra luxury

Little Sossus Lodge

Reasonable value for money

Moon Mountain Lodge

A new hotel with raised rooms built on wooden platforms 40km from Sesriem

Namib Desert Lodge

Budget choice, fairly far from the dunes

Namib Naukluft Lodge

Good solid choice, on a beautiful property some distance from the park entrance

Sesriem Campsite

Closest to the dunes - camping only

Sossus Dune Lodge

Brand new luxury camp inside the Namib Park borders

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Most luxurious lodge in the area, air-conditioned rooms and private butler

Sossusvlei Lodge

Large establishment right next to the Sesriem Campsite, best for keeping driving to a minimum

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp

Luxury lodge on the same property as the Kulala lodges decorated in african colonial chic style

Weltevrede Rest Camp

Good budget option, cheaper rates equate to less favourable location (in terms of distance)

Walvis Bay Accommodation