Khaudum National Park has justifiably been described as ‘Namibia’s last wilderness’ and ‘Namibia’s lost wilderness’. It is renowned for its large herds of elephants, packs of wild dogs and one of the largest populations of roan antelope in addition to various other species. Khaudum’s attraction is experiencing true wilderness rather than seeing which species can be ticked off next. The park has a bad reputation for the deep soft sand in the north.

Shunned even by intrepid travellers until recently because of the once-dilapidated facilities at Sikereti in the south, Khaudum has seen a steady increase in the number of visitors. Sikereti Camp has been completely revamped, and viewing platforms at most of the waterholes provide excellent game-viewing opportunities.

The publication of Khaudum + Nyae Nyae, the first comprehensive book on this fascinating area, comes at an opportune time. The 108-page hardcover book provides detailed information about the archaeology, early history and the proclamation of Khaudum National Park. The park’s landscape, flora, fauna, birdlife, reptiles and amphibians, as well as its management, are also covered. Useful information about getting around in Khaudum (which is renowned for its deep loose sand in the north), the Khaudum North Complex and the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area is included, too.

The book also features Nyae Nyae to the south of Khaudum as it is an integral part of the area – ethnologically and from a wildlife perspective. Highlighted aspects include the Ju/’hoansi, the Ju’hoansi traditional authority, the Nyae Nyae wetlands, Nyae Nyae’s monumental baobabs and the demise of the Grootboom and the Holboom, the well-known Dorslandboom, Tsumkwe and the Living Hunters’ Museum of the Ju/’hoansi north of Tsumkwe.