The Hoanib is one of the 12 ephemeral seasonal rivers in the west of Namibia, where it used to be the border between northern Damaraland and Kaokoland.

One of the last settlements of desert elephants, it is characterised by strong wind and water eroded, weathered stone deposits (up to 10 m height).

[1] The Hoanib flows only every few years from heavy rainfall in the hinterland of the catchment area, but then the flood wave can be several meters high and may last for several days.

During dry periods the Hoanib desert elephant dig deep holes to reach the near-surface groundwater.

In addition to larger populations of many species of antelope found in the lower reaches of the Hoanib, are also a large number of desert elephants (about 35 individuals), rhinos, giraffes, as well as several lion prides, and smaller predators.

The increasing tourism, but also the grazing pressure of the local population and the greed of mining pose a growing threat to this unique ecosystem.