Herds of wild horses can be seen in a variety of places in Southern Africa. A fascinating sighting, these are the descendants of the horses brought to the continent by European colonisers and today the wild horses of Namibia have become almost indigenous.
These stunning animals can only be seen in the southern part of Namibia, and much like the other animals that have made a home for themselves in the desert, these horses have adapted to the harsh conditions to become an iconic part of the Namibian landscape.
The History of Namibia’s Wild Horses
The origin of the Namibian wild horses is shrouded in mystery and they have sparked numerous theories and stories that have only added to their allure.
One popular theory suggests these horses are the descendants of mounts used by German colonial forces during World War I.
The chaos of war may have led to escapes, with the horses finding refuge in the spacious and ungovernable stretches of the Namib. Another theory points to shipwrecks, where unfortunate souls might have lost their equine companions who then adapted to survive on their own.
There’s also the intriguing possibility that these horses hail from breeding farms established by early settlers.
Farms like Kubub, located not far from where the wild horses roam today, might have seen some of their stock escape and establish their own independent herds.
Regardless of their exact origin, these horses have proven to be remarkably resilient.
Over generations, they’ve adapted to the harsh desert environment. They can tolerate extended periods without water, surviving exclusively on the sparse desert vegetation. Their hooves have toughened to handle the unforgiving terrain, and their keen senses allow them to easily and safely make their way across huge distances in search of food and water.
Where to See Namibia’s Wild Horses
For those on a Namibia tour, particularly those who love horses, planning your route around the popular places where you might see these horses is a must. Although the horses are mostly seen in the southern part of Namibia, this is not the only area of the country where these incredible animals have made their home.
The horses live in pockets in a few parts of the country, in various parks, and as with all wildlife, there are some places where they are more commonly seen than others. But keep in mind that much like all of the other wildlife in Namibia, you are never guaranteed to see them, especially as their numbers are incredibly small.
Namib Naukluft National Park
This incredible park encompasses an interesting range of landscapes, which include towering sandstone mountains and deep, dramatic canyons.
The Namib Desert’s southern reaches fall within the park’s boundaries, making it a prime location for spotting wild horses.
The iconic Garub waterhole, a vital source of water in the arid environment, is a popular spot where these horses congregate, especially during the dry season. In fact, sightings are so common here that these horses have been christened the Garub wild horses, and celebrated in several documentaries and travel magazine articles.
Skeleton Coast National Park
This park along Namibia’s north-western coast is a land of striking beauty and it is quite famous for being a little mysterious, especially when the fog rolls in. Here, the towering sand dunes meet the crashing waves of the cold Atlantic Ocean, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape.
The Skeleton Coast is also home to a population of wild horses, though smaller than the one in the Namib Naukluft Park. These horses have adapted to the unique challenges of the coastal desert, where they get their sustenance from the sparse vegetation and occasional fog.
Private Reserves and Conservancies
Namibia has a network of private reserves and conservancies, each dedicated to wildlife and vegetation conservation efforts.
Some of these reserves focus specifically on protecting wild horses. These reserves often have guided tours and activities designed to increase your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures while ensuring responsible wildlife viewing practices.
Tips for Spotting Wild Horses
Because of their small numbers, the wild horses of Namibia are a rare sight and one that might require some careful planning and packing. To maximise the experience, you should:
- Always be responsible with your viewing practices, meaning, keep a safe distance and bring a pair of binoculars to get the best views.
- Plan your day so that you visit the areas where the horses are known to be spotted at the best times, i.e. at dawn or dusk. You should also visit water sources, where the horses will most likely congregate, especially during the dry season.
- If you plan to photograph the horses, make sure that you bring along a telephoto lens.
Do’s and Don’ts When Encountering Wild Horses
These horses are considered an endangered species and their numbers continue to be threatened by humans, hyenas, and the very harsh living conditions of the Namib Desert. When you encounter the horses, you can play a small but important role in making sure that they are protected.
- To start with, when you come across the horses, don’t feed them and don’t scare them with loud noises. You should always have the utmost respect for them and for the fact that they are wild.
- Stay in the designated areas and if you are on a tour, make sure that you follow the instructions of your guide.
- If the horses come to you, something that they might do out of curiosity don’t touch them and try to stay calm and quiet. It will be an experience you will never forget.
One of the best ways to see the wild horses of Namibia is with a Namibia tour.
Pre-planned guided tours will take you to the best places to see the horses and in the company of an experienced guide, you will learn all sorts of fascinating things about these wonderful creatures.
