Northwest Namibia: Hoanib River System

​The Hoanib River Catchment embodied much of what I imagined Northwest Namibia to be: rugged, remote, and harsh. I was unprepared, however, for how stunningly beautiful it was. The early morning and evening light hit the canyon walls and mountain sides at oblique angles, painting the texture of the rocks with new shadows and colors, constantly changing the scenery. This evolving landscape supported an amazing diversity of wildlife and a relative abundance of giraffe.

We have been studying the movement ecology of giraffe in this area, and in the lower Hoanib, we encountered a few of the individuals sporting GPS units. These are the same giraffe that I have been monitoring from afar for the past 2 years and it was a privilege to finally share space with them and experience the rivers that support these desert wanders. Beyond analyzing remotely sensed data, an understanding of these beings requires more intimate perspective, and offered a valuable glimpse into how these giraffe navigate these arid environments