The Ugab's mean run-off is roughly 20 million cubic metres per annum,[2] while its catchment area (including its tributaries) is estimated to be between 24,800[1] and 29,355 square kilometres (11,334 sq mi).

Stretched out for 450 kilometres (280 mi), the river provides water for species such as the rare desert elephant, as well as giraffe, mountain zebra and the largest population of free-roaming black rhinoceroses in the world.

[1] It is possible to drive or trek the length of the sandy river, passing local Herero farmers and the pink granite inselbergs (isolated rocky hills left behind after volcanic activity) dotted throughout the region.

Quite a few plants species can be found in the area - including wild tobacco (Nicotiana glauca),[4] acacia trees, mopani trees and ǃnara bushes (Acanthosicyos horridus) with their almost-leafless spiky green stems, and spiky melon-like fruit.

The type specimen of the three meter long stem tetrapod, Gaiasia, was discovered in the Ugab River Valley in 2015[5] and described in 2024.