Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park
Overview
Namibia Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.
The Tsau //Khaeb National Park (formerly Sperrgebiet NP) is a former diamond mining site. It is the most biodiverse region in Namibia with a remarkable wealth of flora, especially succulents. Most of the park can only be visited with certain tour operators and special permits are required. The exception is Kolmanskop (ghost town and relic of the diamond era) and Agate Beach.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Tsau //Khaeb isn’t really a wildlife destination, but some desert-adapted animals are present. You might be lucky to see a black-backed jackal trotting along, or a brown hyena skulking around at dawn or dusk. Gemsbok and springbok are the most common antelope. Marine wildlife includes heaviside's dolphin and southern right whale.
Scenery
The park consists of desert, grassland with granite mountains and rocky outcrops. The arid area is very stark and some parts resemble a moon landscape. The pristine Succulent Karoo ecosystem has the highest diversity of succulent flora in the world and is listed as one of the world’s top 34 biodiversity hotspots.
Weather & Climate
The weather of Tsau //Khaeb is governed by two seasons: winter (May to October) and summer (November to April). There is very little rain but a little can fall at any time.
Best Time To Visit
The cooler season (May to October) is the best time to visit Tsau //Khaeb. The summer months (November to April) tend to be very hot, but offer the most spectacular bird watching.
