Hidden within the Namib Desert, a short stretch past the point of no return but a few kilometres short of getting lost…you will find the Namibian Dead Sea. Alright, it is not nearly as mythical as that first sentence made it sound and it isn’t a sea, exactly.
It is more like a pond, or small (very small) lake. But doesn’t a legendary description make it sound so much more exciting?
Nevertheless, this special Namibian site is definitely something to get excited about. What was once the Strathmore South Tin Mine has now transformed into Namibia’s very own little dead sea. This is because the excavation site filled with underground water.
Due to various minerals in the water, the salinity of the lake is particularly high and causes swimmers to float freely in the water – hence the reference to the Dead Sea. Locals claim that the pool has healing properties and fondly call it the ‘Soutgat’ – which is Afrikaans for Salt hole.
When visiting, take along enough fresh water. And once you’ve taken your dip, rinse the salt and minerals off your skin with the fresh water. And for the adventurous, follow the C34 track. The road will lead you past old graves and inspire fantastic fantasies about the lives that once lived in the harsh desert world.
And now for the good stuff…how to get there. The turnoff from the C34 is north of the Fishermen’s Inn. Then about 300 metres after the ‘Cape Cross 20 km’ road sign, there will be a pile of rocks with a white arrow painted on it (not very noticeable, so keep your eyes open).
Follow this path for a further seven kilometers until you see a pile of volcanic rock on your right-hand side. Stop on the track and make the short trip by foot.
A great place to use as a base for travelling to the little dead sea and further along the coast, would be The Delight Hotel in Swakopmund. As its name suggests, this hotel is an absolute Delight and a fantastic place to make your home while visiting Swakopmund and its surrounds.
If you have any stories or information of Soutgat, we invite you to share them in the comment section below.
Author – Jescey Visagie is a proud Namibian and is passionate about writing and language. Tag along for the ride as she tries to uncover new insights into Namibia and explores what the country has to offer.
