Tales from Our Tours: Rivers in the Desert
Have you ever witnessed the magic of a river coming to life in the heart of the desert?
The image of Namibia in most people’s minds is a classic depiction of arid land with red sand dunes stretching towards the horizon. Designated as having a hot desert climate, the country is no stranger to enduring droughts and high temperatures, especially in recent years. In fact, the Namib desert is famous for the fog that rolls in from the ocean and provides the little amount of water needed for the sands’ wildlife. But looking at the numerous saltpans scattered across the desert, you might wonder if the region receives any rain at all.
However, despite the harsh climate, Namibia does have a rainy season – something our guests witnessed first hand during a recent Cape Town to Victoria Falls trip.
From November to May, summer brings relentless heat. But with the heat comes lower pressure, which triggers thunderstorms. These thunderstorms bring an influx of rain, transforming dry shrubbery into verdant grassland. The sun can scorch the sands one moment, and the next, it may be hidden behind heavy rain showers.
Fish River Canyon, the world’s second-largest canyon, comes right after the Grand Canyon in the United States. It has become a popular hiking spot and features on several of our tours. This marvel of an ancient riverbed, which dries up to small watering holes for animals after May, becomes Namibia’s longest river during the rainy season. The water flows into the Orange River, which similarly becomes a torrent due to storms and various tributaries. Although the canyon is inaccessible from October through April, the Orange River becomes a canoeist’s and rafter’s delight when the sluices of the dams are opened in the rainy season. While these rains can be disruptive, they are relied upon by both wildlife and Namibia’s locals. Water is still a precious and limited resource in Namibia. The intense rainfall in 2025 is attributed to a weather phenomenon known as La Niña, in which sea surface temperatures drop across parts of the ocean and winds push warmer water westward. If the name sounds familiar, La Niña events are the opposite state to El Niño weather events.
The sudden appearance of rainclouds may bring a welcome coolness, but this is still a force of nature! So, if you were wondering how much water counts as ‘heavy’ rainfall in Namibia…
Remote and gorgeous landscapes like Namibia are beloved for the conservation of their natural state. Thankfully, Nomad has years of experience in navigating Africa’s wilder side. This is why we stay tuned in to our feet on the ground 24/7. Our trucks are built to handle tough situations, and we have a dedicated team to supervise & advise against any setbacks. On the rare occasion you’re on a tour, and streams and rivers begin to appear in the desert, it becomes a miracle rather than a misery.
They even had the opportunity to see the Sesriem Canyon filled with water, a canyon that exists due to the rainy seasons in Namibia. The canyon was carved out due to the Tsauchab river’s current, which is completely dry until it rains enough for off flow on Naukluft Mountains to bring back the water. This occurrence on tour is actually a run-off from this river!
So, if we were to give advice when you are travelling with us, expect the unexpected but know we have it covered! Events like these are few and far between and provide unique opportunities to see rare sights.