Welwitschia Plain Travel Guide: Top Sights in Namibia, Tours & Travel

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Welwitschia Plain- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Namibia; 5 Reviews

+3 Photos

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Welwitschia Plains, located 30–50 km inland from Swakopmund, are part of the arid gravel plains of the Namib Desert, where fog from the Atlantic provides the primary source of moisture. This area is home to the highest concentration of Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant endemic to the Namib and one of the oldest living species, with some specimens estimated to be nearly 2,000 years old. As the dominant perennial vegetation, Welwitschia supports a range of desert-adapted wildlife, including Gray's lark, reptiles, scorpions, and insects. The plains also host diverse lichens and succulents adapted to extreme conditions. Protected within Namib-Naukluft Park since 1907, this landscape offers insight into the region's unique ecological and evolutionary history.

Operators offering tours in Namibia

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Sossusvlei

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Windhoek

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Luderitz

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Reviews of Welwitschia Plain

Ciara Picco

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-27

Phenomenal beauty, ancient plains and a chance to see centuries old plants. Need permit and keep to designated roads, do not off road, zoom lens to get right up close while respecting the space
Kristin G

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-30

We ended up here as part of the Welwitschia Drive. Didn't do a lot of research beforehand, we were surprised at how many there were out on the plains! A ton that can be viewed from the road.
Lavi Shiffman

4
Reviewed: 2024-04-09

This is a spot where you can see this rare plant in its natural habitat. The Welwitschia is a large flat plant that grows on the ground. There is a male plant and a female one and you can clearly see the difference between them.
Jun Amano

5
Reviewed: 2023-10-22

It can be challenging to spot this plant, even with some indications. Previous finders have used stones to mark the location around Welwitschia.
Michal Štěrba

4
Reviewed: 2023-05-21

Quick stop, if you dont are biologist, archaeologist, interest to see, few minuts and you can go drive on. I recommend read info table about Welwitschia Mirabilis :-)