In this hyper-arid environment, even the smallest disturbances can leave lasting scars, and even the smallest tracks left in the desert’s delicate crust can persist for centuries. As Dr Brain explains, “As soon as you go up in an aeroplane, you can actually see the visual scarring of the landscape.” One of the most damaging activities is off-road driving. Many birds, for example, nest on the ground in these gravel plains, blending in perfectly with their surroundings.

Meanwhile, conscious travel has the power to ensure these places can remain unspoilt. This is deeply tied to the responsible tourism model that Wilderness promotes. By encouraging low-impact, conscious travel, they help sustain both the environment and local communities. Hofmeyr says, “Ultimately, our goal is to help conserve as much land as possible. We use tourism as a vehicle to achieve this. If we don’t conserve these areas, there won’t be anything for future generations to enjoy. And the people who live here will lose the very thing that makes their land so unique.”

As guests visit places like Kulala Desert Lodge, they are encouraged to understand their role in preserving these fragile environments. With sustainable travel at the core of the Wilderness philosophy, the company works diligently to minimise its environmental impact, ensuring that the habitats which travellers come to experience remain intact.

Thirion adds that tourism plays a crucial role in the region’s economy. “Every dollar earned by a staff member in a camp in one of our remote areas sustains about 12 people,” he notes, adding that beyond the economic benefits, tourism can also provide an avenue for education and awareness.