Kaukausib Fountain | Luderitz

Information

Landmark: Kaukausib Fountain
City: Luderitz
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Kaukausib Fountain, Luderitz, Namibia, Africa

Kaukausib Fountain is a permanent natural spring located in the northeastern sector of the Sperrgebiet National Park. It is situated 62 kilometers southeast of Lüderitz and approximately 40 kilometers inland from the Atlantic coast, at an elevation of 375 meters above sea level.

Visual Characteristics

The fountain manifests as a localized wetland within a dry, rocky riverbed, characterized by a persistent pool of surface water. The immediate area features calcified sand, grit, and significant deposits of onyx travertine, which form distinctive dome-like structures and inclined lobes. Riparian vegetation, including hardy desert grasses and shrubs, contrasts with the surrounding barren gravel plains and red sand barchan dunes.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is strictly restricted and requires a specialized permit from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. The site is located off the old ox-wagon route between Lüderitz and Aus. There are no formal roads to the spring; reaching it necessitates a guided 4x4 expedition over ungraded desert tracks and sandy riverbeds. No public transport or private unescorted vehicles are permitted due to the site's location within a high-security diamond mining zone.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Historically, Kaukausib served as a critical watering station for oxen and travelers on the trek between Lüderitzbucht and the interior. Geologically, the spring is associated with Plio-Pleistocene travertine accumulation and fossiliferous grit layers. It is the primary year-round water source for wildlife in this sector of the Namib, supporting populations of gemsbok (oryx), ostrich, and brown hyena.

Key Highlights & Activities

Wildlife observation is the primary activity, as animals congregate at the spring to drink, particularly during the dry season. The site is of significant interest for geological study due to the exposed travertine cliffs and fossiliferous deposits. Photography focuses on the rare desert water source and the wildlife adapted to the hyper-arid environment.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no infrastructure at the fountain. The site lacks restrooms, shaded structures, or potable water for human consumption (the water is utilized exclusively by wildlife). There are no food vendors or permanent facilities; all supplies must be transported by the authorized tour operator. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is non-existent.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for wildlife viewing is during the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active at the water’s edge. The winter months (May–August) provide the most temperate conditions for travel. During periods of extreme drought, the fountain becomes a focal point for desert ecology as wildlife concentrations increase.

Facts & Legends

Early colonial records describe the "noise and dust" of hundreds of oxen bellowing at the well during the diamond rush era. A specific geological tip: the "Kaukausib Cliffs" nearby contain eighteen or more distinct layers of travertine separated by calcified grit, providing a natural horizontal section through the region's complex geological history.