NamibRand Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in the Namib Desert, Namibia

NamibRand Nature Reserve is a private reserve of about 202,200 hectares in the Namib Desert, roughly 60 km south of the Sesriem Canyon and along the eastern edge of Namib-Naukluft Park. Its terrain runs from red dunes to limestone plains and mountains, including the Losberg at 1,939 m. It borders the Nubib mountains to the east, and 15% of its area is set aside as wilderness.

Windhoek businessman Johann Albrecht Brückner began buying up the overgrazed farms Gorrasis, Die Duine, Stellarine and Wolwedans in 1984, removed the fences and restocked native game. The reserve was recognised as a non-profit in 1992 and is maintained by the NamibRand Conservation Foundation. In 2012 the farms Springbokvlakte and Saffier added 30,000 hectares, bringing it to its present size.

The reserve is financed mainly by low-impact tourism fees and run by the non-profit NamibRand Conservation Foundation. At its centre stands the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust Centre (NaDEET), a centre for earth science, astronomy and environmental education. Guided tours and astrotourism, including stargazing at the dark-sky reserve, are growing activities for visitors.

Visitors should arrange lodging and transportation in advance because the location is remote and access is limited to specific entry points. Good planning ensures a safe and comfortable visit to this isolated desert area.

The reserve received designation as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012 due to its exceptionally clear nights and virtually no light pollution. This makes it one of the best places on Earth to observe the night sky.