Ugab River

The Ugab River is an ephemeral river that only flows above the surface of its sandy bed a few days each year, but even during much of the dry season its subterranean water surfaces as pools in places, and provides an important resource for species in the Damaraland region of northern Namibia. The Ugab's mean run-off is roughly 20 million cubic metres per annum.

The Ugab River's large subterranean water content makes it a major Namibian River. Stretching for almost 500 km, the river provides water for species such as the rare desert elephant as well as giraffe, mountain zebra and the largest population of free roaming black rhinoceroses in the World. The Ugab Wilderness Area was established here to protect the future of these rare animals.

People can trek the length of the sandy river, passing local Herero farmers and the pink granite 'inselbergs' (islands of rock left behind after volcanic activity) dotted throughout the region. These bizarre stones have been shaped over the years into vaguely recognisable shapes, some look like toadstools, while others are eerie hollow structures known as the 'Petrified Ghosts'.