As it were an ocean of golden sand does the Namib cover a large part of Namibia. It is the only desert on earth which reaches the ocean. The Namib seems to be inhospitable but this impression deceives. The desert is home to the side winder snake the endemic Namib desert beetle and the desert elephants. Also the Himba live here one of the last natives. They still keep their cultural history. Where there is so much a lack of water, humans and animals need to be creative to quench their thirst.
The Namib desert beetle for example uses the moisture of the clouds that drive inland from the sea. At the peak of the sand dunes he waits until the humidity condenses at his body. But this makes himself an attractive water supply for his enemies. The desert elephants are not only equipped with bigger ears than other elephants. They also walk on bigger feet to avoid sinking into the soft sand. The leading cow of the herd uses the oversized sensible feet to feel the vibrations of flowing water underneath the surface. The Himba also are adjusted to a life with hardly any access to water. Himba women never wash themselves with water but smoke their body every morning by burning herbs. This process sterilises the skin an even intimate parts of the body. Instead of water the Himba drink milk of their goats or cows. The huts of the nomads are always set out where the herd finds enough fertile pastureland.
