The Naukluft Mountains form the Eastern part of the Namib Naukluft National Park, in 1968 these mountains have become a protected area for the conservation of the rare Hartmann's mountain zebra, creating the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park, that subsequently merged in the current Namib Naukluft National Park.
The area presents unique aspects both from the geological point of view and the geographical position; the Naukluft Mountains form a plateau about 1,900 meters a.s.l. that remains separate from the central highlands of Namibia by steep scarps and fractures.
The name Naukluft means "narrow gorge" and well represents the landscape, in fact the plateau top layer is formed by dolomite and shale that over the centuries have been excavated and cut from atmospheric agents, giving rise to steep gorges, gullies, ravines and creating a network of rivers and reservoirs, partly underground.
Where the water remains on the surface or where it emerges in natural springs, that create crystal clear pools, the landscape is particularly pleasing and relaxing.
Thanks to the abundance of water in an otherwise arid environment, the Naukluft was a shelter for primitive man since the Stone Age.
The abundance of food, animals and water have attracted many shepherds during the last millennium, not least the European settlers here were looking for new land to live.
The more recent history of the area records the presence of the Germans who, under the leadership of Hendrik Witbooi, fought several bloody battles against the Nama people.
The mountains flora varies greatly depending on the presence or absence of water: on a rocky and arid soil there are different species of euphorbia, acacia, Commiphora and quiver trees, the latter are slow-growing plants, low and suitable to conserve water during dry periods; while in the deep grooves where the water sources are permanent vegetation changes completely, there are more lush broadleaf species such as wild figs.
As for the flora, also the presence of different species of birds is determined by the presence of water, in wetlands there are the hammer head and several ducks; while in the rest of the park there are other species such as the Monteiro hornbill and the Ruppell parrot.
Above the highlands is the ideal environment for black eagles, lanari hawks, augur buzzards and Northern goshawks.
The Naukluft is also home to numerous mammals, including the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, the oryx, the kudu and the Klipspringer antelope.
There are also many predators, many cats and especially the king of the ambushes, the leopard.
