Fighting for a life in freedom
The Wild Horses of the Namib hold a powerful fascination. For centuries their origin was shrouded in mystery. Their habitat, the barren plains around Garub on the eastern fringe of the Namib Desert (part of the Namib-Naukluft Park), is no paradise. Nevertheless, they have managed to adapt to the harsh conditions and the arid land which fulfills all their needs.
Their forebears, once in the service of mankind, gained their freedom a century ago to live their lives in the vastness of the Namib Desert away from human civilisation, according to the natural ways of the land. Perhaps our yearning for the wild and free is the reason for our deep attraction to the Namib horses and explains why thousands of travellers visit Garub every year.
Decades of intensive research have resulted in a detailed understanding of the horses and their environment. The research conclusively substantiated that the horses are a harmonious part of the desert ecosystem and have found their home at Garub.
Suggestions on how visitors can contribute to the horses’ protection:
– Take special care on the tar road and avoid driving at night
– Do not get too close to the horses at Garub and remain in the viewing hide. (Disturbance can lead to foals being separated from their mothers.)
– Keep your distance for your own protection, too. The horses are not aggressive, but serious injury can be sustained through their movements or kicks while interacting with each other.
– Please refrain from feeding the horses at all times!