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Desert elephants are not only incredibly unique but also very rare: they exist worldwide in only two locations. One of these places is the Namib Desert in Namibia. Find out more about how elephants survive in the desert and, most importantly, where can you see desert elephants in Namibia?
Desert elephants belong to the same species, Loxodonta africana, as their African savannah and forest counterparts. What makes these animals so special is their distinctive physical appearance, social behaviour, and habitat. Unlike other elephants, they have made the desert their home. But why? Before learning where you can see desert elephants in Namibia, let’s explore their origin, the challenges they face, and the remarkable coping mechanisms they have developed.
How elephants came to the Namib Desert
Once, elephants roamed the Earth in abundance. Even as recently as 1950, their population was estimated at over 3 million, despite significant declines. Today, the global population is estimated to have shrunk to 450,000. If these numbers are even remotely accurate, you can imagine how many elephants there might have been before the ivory trade and the destruction of their habitats by human settlements. Around 1850, there were probably several million more elephants.
Namibia was richly populated by elephants and other wildlife. Seeking new territories to prevent overcrowding, the Namib became one of the newly discovered habitats of elephants, stretching from the Kunene River in the north to the Kuiseb River in central Namibia. The Kuiseb marks the northern edge of the vast dunes that characterise the southern Namib Desert.
In the 18th century, there were likely 2,500 to 3,500 desert elephants in the Namib region. However, factors such as the increase in human population, hunting practices, wartime poaching, and ongoing conflicts between humans and elephants have drastically reduced their population. Today, there are at most 150 desert elephants remaining in the region, and their numbers continue to decline. The survival of Namibia’s desert elephants is considered highly endangered.
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What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger – challenges for desert elephants
A life in the desert comes with unique challenges. The gentle giants constantly face:
…the desert’s prolonged drought and little to no rainfall. Rain rarely falls in quantities that fill rivers or create large puddles. Precipitation in the Namib, close to the coast, is generally less than 20 mm, while inland may receive up to 150 mm.
…the unpredictability of the main rainy season between January and March. If riverbeds fill, they are often quick to dry up. Then, elephants need to either dig for water or find other water sources.
…the arid conditions, which not only result in a scarcity of water but also limited food compared to wetter regions.
…heat with extreme temperatures over 40°C, little shade from few trees, and the challenge of walking on sand.
Challenges and Adaptations – What makes desert elephants different?
In response to these challenges, Namib desert elephants have developed distinctive traits that set them apart from their fellow pachyderms in the region. Here are a few notable examples:
- Physically, desert elephants are leaner and have longer legs than their brothers and sisters in the grass savannahs. Due to the limited availability of food, desert elephants keep their herds smaller, have fewer offspring, and travel extensively to different feeding and watering spots.
- Navigating through the desert’s deep sands, desert elephants have essentially developed flat feet. This adaptation provides more surface area for walking on yielding terrain.
- Instead of the typical 8 to 24 km, desert elephants often cover distances ranging from 20 to 40 km from their nearest water source – either to find food or a better water supply. In exceptional cases, they may travel up to 70 km, with historical records documenting journeys of up to 100 km.
- Due to water scarcity, the Namib icons cannot drink daily or even twice daily, unlike their relatives in Etosha. Desert elephants may need to skip drinking for several days and endure thirst. In desperate situations, they can go without water for up to 4 days, whereas regular African elephants can survive at most 3 days without water.
- Due to their specific circumstances, desert elephants are more cautious with their resources. They cause less destruction and prioritise the sustainability of their food sources. For instance, desert elephants may choose to eat only the shoots instead of uprooting the entire plant. Or they may stand on their hind legs to reach branches at higher levels instead of toppling over the whole tree.
The unusual inhabitants of the Namib play a crucial ecological role in the desert ecosystem. Their ability to smell and dig for water helps various other fascinating wild animals survive in the desert, including zebras, giraffes, springboks, oryx antelopes, kudus, hyenas, lions, jackals, and more. With this context, a desert safari becomes a very special experience.
Two of our favorite safaris with a chance to see desert elephants:
Namibia’s Untouched North
Places Windhoek, Grootfontein, Etosha, Epupa Falls, Sesfontein, Hoanib Valley, Damaraland, Okahandja
from 65,500 NAD (based on 6 persons)
Fascinating Namibia
Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau
from 67,500 NAD person sharing a double room
Where can you see desert elephants in Namibia?
In the west of the country, the Namib Desert borders directly on the Atlantic Ocean. In the north, the vast territory of the desert elephants begins roughly in the Brandberg area. From there it stretches across the dry riverbeds of Ugab, Huab, Uniab, Hoanib, and Hoarusib, all the way to the small desert village of Puros and beyond. There are no real boundaries, the animals can move freely without fences. Here are some spots where you can encounter these rare desert creatures and see desert elephants in Namibia:
Brandberg and Ugab River
As you drive on the C35, passing Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, keep your eyes peeled for a “Yield” sign featuring an elephant. This officially marks the beginning of the desert elephants’ territory. North of the Brandberg, the dry riverbed Ugab is a popular spot for the elephants due to its vegetation. Navigating through the sandy terrain is easiest with a four-wheel-drive. For self-drivers, we generally recommend travelling with two vehicles and having a GPS, as there are not many roads in the area. Alternatively, you can join our guided tour, Camping Adventure Kaokoveld, with one of our experienced guides. We set up camp directly in the riverbed, allowing for an immersive experience of the area.
Twyfelfontein and Aba-Huab River
The UNESCO World Heritage site Twyfelfontein not only features rock engravings by the San but also offers exciting wildlife along the Aba-Huab River in the hinterland. If you have time after exploring the open-air museum and don’t have a long drive to your accommodation, it is worth trying your luck here. A good tip: Ask your museum guide if the desert elephants are currently nearby.
Palmwag Concession Area and Uniab River
After prior registration and payment of a conservation fee, you can enter this rugged wildlife area along the Uniab River. In return, you will receive a roughly drawn map. Make sure all your spare tires are in the car and in good condition. Many travellers stop at the Palmwag Lodge or the Grootberg Lodge, both of which typically offer valuable information. These accommodations also organise guided tours to see the desert elephants. You can be sure that the lodge staff will only very reluctantly give up until you have actually spotted some gentle giants.
Sesfontein and Hoanib River
The campsites and lodges in the charming, dusty town of Sesfontein are the ideal starting point for a visit to the Hoanib River. Among these accommodations is Fort Sesfontein, a relic from the German colonial era. This area has become a true highlight for desert wildlife enthusiasts due to its easy accessibility, interesting location, great atmosphere, and abundant wildlife. For self-drivers, we recommend hiring a guide here for safety reasons. The Sesfontein Guesthouse and Fort Sesfontein also organise tours to the Hoanib, complete with overnight stays and romantic dinners under the stars.
Puros and Hoarusib River
This extremely remote area along the Hoarusib River is interesting not only for its wildlife and potential encounters with desert elephants but also for the special desert flair exuded by Puros. Many Himbas call this place home, and you can experience their culture at the “Living Museum”. Here, the Himbas will share insights into their daily lives, how they build their huts, their daily routines, how they make their clothing, or how they mix their iconic red ochre paste. Even if you do not spot desert elephants, the experience of life in Puros will leave a lasting impression.
Now that you have a better understanding of where to see desert elephants in Namibia, remember that these remarkable creatures are very rare and spread over a large area. If you have additional questions or need help planning your Namibia trip, feel free to contact us. Whether you prefer a guided tour or a self-drive adventure, together we will turn your dream of a Namibia adventure into an unforgettable reality.
Author: Juan Proll
