The NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia has been proclaimed as the continent’s first international dark-sky reserve (IDSR), meaning that it’s one of the best places on earth to star-gaze.
NamibRand is a private nature reserve established to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert. It is probably the largest private nature reserve in Southern Africa, extending over an area of 172,200 ha.
The Reserve shares a 100km border with the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the west and is bordered in the east by the imposing Nubib Mountains. Virtually all facets of the Namib Desert are represented on the Reserve – sand and gravel plains and stretches of savanna alternate with mountain ranges and vegetated dune belts.
The Reserve is financially self-sustaining mainly through high quality, low impact tourism.
Accommodation within the reserve is offered at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and Wolwedans.