Discover Nama- !Garib Geopark
Community-led desert adventures that protect nature and heritage.
About Nama-!Garib Geopark
The Nama–!Garib landscape represents one of Southern Africa’s most scientifically important geological regions, recording continental-scale tectonic, igneous, and metamorphic processes. The area exposes exceptional examples of Paleoproterozoic mobile belts, including prominent thrust zones and continental-scale shear zones.
Key geological features include the Richtersveld Magmatic Arc, represented by the Pella Domain gneiss complex, the Lower Fish River–Onseepkans Thrust Zone, marking a major tectonic boundary, and sections of the Marshall Rocks–Pofadder Shear Zone.
The landscape includes the flat, grass-covered plains of the Warmbad Plateau in the northeast and the incised Orange River valley and surrounding mountain systems such as the Kum Kum and Tantalite valleys to the southeast. These features provide outstanding opportunities to understand Earth’s geological history and the processes that shaped the southern African continent.
Wildlife, Biodiversity & Conservation
The Nama-!Garib Geopark lies at the meeting point of the Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo, and desert biomes, forming a rare ecotone of high ecological value. This region supports rich biodiversity, including endangered and endemic succulent plant species that depend on specific geological conditions.
The Nama-!Garib includes the only protected area hosting this unique combination of biomes. Through large-scale conservation and rewilding efforts, ORKCA is restoring ecological connectivity and allowing natural systems to recover.
Free-roaming wildlife such as oryx, springbok, eland, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, leopard, brown hyena, and other arid-adapted species occur at low densities. Conservation activities focus on habitat restoration, protection of rare plant species, and rebuilding resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding climate change.
Nama Community
Approximately 1,300 people live within the Nama-!Garib Geopark area (Warmbad), the majority of whom are Nama, the indigenous people of the region. The Nama people have a rich cultural history and deep knowledge of the land, developed through generations of living along the Orange River (!Garib) in a harsh, arid environment.
The culture, language (Khoekhoegowab), traditional practices, and historical sites are closely connected to the geological and natural landscape. The area includes significant cultural and historical sites, including old settlements, rock engravings, and places linked to Nama resistance leaders such as Captain Hendrik Witbooi, whose papers are inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
ORKCA, together with the Nama Traditional Authority, supports the revival of Nama language, cultural festivals, heritage education, and the protection of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage within the Geopark.
What is a Geopark?
UNESCO defines a Geopark as a special area that protects nature, culture, history, and heritage while creating opportunities for tourism, education, and local development.
Why Nama-!Garib?
The Nama-!Garib Geopark celebrates one of Southern Africa’s most unique landscapes, where the Orange River, ancient geology, Nama culture, biodiversity, and living heritage come together in a place of global significance.
Geological Significance
Home to some of the oldest rocks in Southern Africa, spectacular mountain landscapes, and geological features that tell the story of Earth’s history.
Facts About Geoparks
- Geoparks can comprise both protected and non-protected areas.
- Geoparks' global branding boosts the appeal of geoscience for visitors and promotes regional development, aiding rural economic diversification.
- Geoparks act as development concepts and branding tools, promoting community involvement, education, and sustainable economic activities.
- Geoparks promote the protection of geological heritage while integrating education, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and local community development.
Why It Matters to Our Community
Respect and preserve cultural, historical and geological sites for future generations.
Supports tourism, local businesses, guides, and artisans.
Promotes learning, awareness, and pride in our land.
Protects landscapes, biodiversity, and our history.
Empowers communities and builds a sustainable future for all.
What We Do
Guided Geotrail Tours
Small-group guided walks through iconic desert geology, viewpoints, and culturally significant sites.
Environmental Education Programs
Educational experiences for schools and visitors focused on desert ecology, conservation, and heritage awareness.
Community-Based Camping & Visitor Support
Local hosting, camping coordination, and practical visitor assistance for a respectful, comfortable stay.
Experience the Nama-!Garib Geopark
Discover one of Southern Africa’s most remarkable landscapes through authentic community-led experiences.
Stay
Sandfontein Lodge
- Luxury accommodation
- Conservation-based tourism
- Birding and wildlife
- Orange River landscape
Community Campsites
- Community-owned tourism
- Stargazing
- Riverside camping
- Local experiences
Explore
GeoTrail Walks
- Guided geological walks
- Ancient mountain landscapes
- Geological interpretation
- Three-biome experience
Multi-day Hiking Trails
- Desert wilderness
- River canyons
- Geological formations
- Cultural heritage
Discover
Community Guides (Warmbad)
- Nama storytelling
- Geological interpretation
- Indigenous knowledge
- Cultural heritage experiences
Learn
- Nama Climate & Research Centre
- Research visits
- Student programmes
- Universities
- Citizen science
Experience Nature
- Rewilding landscapes
- Endemic succulent flora
- Birdwatching
- Camera trap experiences
- Restoration projects
- Environmental education programs
Experience Culture
- Nama language
- Storytelling
- Traditional food
- Bondelswarts cultural festivals
- Living heritage
Geopark Experiences
| Experience | Status |
|---|---|
| Sandfontein Lodge | Operational |
| Kum Kum Cottage | Operational |
| Kum Kum Wild Camp | Operational |
| Community Campsites | Under development |
| Guided GeoTrail Walks | Pilot phase |
| Warmbad Community Guide Programme | Pilot phase |
| Multi-day Hiking Trail | Pilot phase |
| Nama Climate & Research Centre | Planning phase |
| Geopark Visitor Centre | Future development |
Governance
The Nama-!Garib Geopark is governed through a collaborative, inclusive and transparent framework that brings together communities, landowners, traditional leadership, technical experts and strategic partners. This ensures that the Geopark is managed to conserve and celebrate its outstanding geological heritage, biodiversity, cultural heritage and living traditions, while promoting sustainable development, education, research and community wellbeing for present and future generations.
Strategic decision-making
Detailed oversight, Review & Recommendations
Coordinates Implementation & Partnerships
Advisory Structures
Technical Expertise & Stakeholder Perspectives
Landowners
Implementation
Community Advisory Council
Implementation
Implementation
Implementation
Support
How We Work Together
All key voices are represented to ensure fair and transparent decision-making.
Each structure plays a clear role in the sustainable management of the Geopark.
Communities, cultural heritage and traditional leadership are at the heart of the Geopark.
Technical and strategic expertise informs strong, evidence-based decisions.
Partnerships with government and organisations helps us achieve more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Geopark create new restrictions?
No. The Geopark works within existing Namibian laws and regulations without changing anything.
Will people lose their grazing or farming rights?
No. Existing rights remain unchanged.
Will UNESCO or ORKCA own our land?
No. Land ownership remains exactly as it is today and not affected by Geopark status.
Can people still live and work in the area?
Yes. Communities, farmers, businesses and local authorities remain central to the Geopark.
Who benefits?
Local communities, businesses, tourism operators, schools, researchers, farmers, cultural groups and future generations.
The Geopark Belongs to All of Us
- Attend MeetingBe informed. Be involved.
- Keep Our Land CleanA clean environment benefits everyone.
- Protect Our Heritage SitesRespect our history and sacred places.
- Support TourismWelcome visitors and support local business, guides, accommodation providers and artisans.
Investment Opportunities
Help us establish Southern Africa’s first Global Geopark by investing in:
- GeoTrails
- Community Campsites
- Visitor Interpretation Centre
- Community Guide Academy
- Nama Climate & Research Centre
- Digital Heritage & Nama Language Programme
- Restoration & Rewilding Units
- Community Conservation & Learning Hubs
Walk the Geotrails, Leave a Positive Footprint
Explore ancient landscapes-support local conservation with every step.
Testimonials
Contact Us
- Website:nama-garib-geopark.orkca.org/
- Email:hello@orkca.org
- WhatsApp:+264 81 883 2441 (WhatsApp call only)
- Instagram:@orkca
- YouTube:@orkca7767
- LinkedIn:ORKCA (Orange River-Karoo Conservation Area)