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.
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It is more like a pond, or small (very small) lake. But doesn’t a legendary description make it sound so much more exciting?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
Never heard of that. Great info. Thank you.
Dear Victor, Thank you very much for your response. We are glad that this article was informative. We hope you will use it to the best advantage. Lovely regards, Koney
I was there when my father started that pit in 1981 and they stop about 6 months later because of to much water and the low tin price at the time.
Hi Basie, We are happy to hear your historical part of this magnificent place. Thanks for sharing! Kind regards, Koney
Hallo Basie,
Hoe diep is die gat.
Kan jy dalk enige inligting gee oo die grafte daar naby die gat.
Groete.
Fanie Kruger.
Sounds like a great adventure…it’s on my list for next time I’m in Namibia!
Dear Mike, We are so excited to know that you are inspired to visit the Dead Sea, Have massive fun and please feel free to share your experience with us.
Best regards, Koney
I am going to visit southgat is there any requirements around this place that one should know
Dear Bobby, If you wish to visit the Dead Sea, it is totally free , no bookings whatsoever needed, Just remember to take along enough fresh water to rinse the salt and minerals off your skin once you have taken your dip. Other then that, I am wishing you lots of fun. Take care!
Best regards, Koney
Definitely on top of my to visit list! Amazing stuff! Thanks for the info.
Dear Nolan, Thank you for your pleasant response! We hope you will have a great time discovering the Dead Sea. Best regards, Koney
Thank you Jescey for a wonderful story !! My husband and I are retired and travel extensively in Namibia but have never heard of “die Soutgat” We will definetely look out for it (and take a float) when we are in that area again !!!
Dear laetitia, We are happy to hear that you are inspired to visit the Dead Sea, All the best and plenty of fun! Kind regards, Koney
We went there also with our learners. It is really salty and you need to bring fresh water to rinse yourself. You won’t sink, you will float. It was a wonderful experience…
It sounds like you really had a remarkable time! Many thanks for the advice Daisy. Warm regards, Koney
Amazing happy to here that thank you
Hi Euginia, Thank you very much for your fantastic response! We hope we have added an interest to your bucket list. Best regards, Koney
How far is it from Swakopmund
Good day Mirinda,
It is about (120.7 km) via C34.
Best regards
Thank you for sharing
Best wishes to you Twyman, Please check our latest blog updates on Fridays. Kind regards, Koney
wow! thats great. i cant wait to see it? im planning a trip to namibia with my family coming december. is there any resort or restaurant close to it?
Dear Wailer, Thank you very much for your great response. The best place to stay when visiting the Dead Sea is The Delight Swakopmund Hotel, For more information about the hotel please click here http://www.gondwana-collection.com/the-swakopmund-experience/accommodation/the-delight-swakopmund/ , I am wishing you and your family an awesome trip to Namibia.
Best wishes, Koney
Had many a fun afternoon in that water. The drive there is a bit of a challenge though.
Dear Herman, Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. We are wishing you many more happy adventures ahead. Best wishes, Koney
Where can I get more info regarding prices and how to book at the dead sea
Dear Marcel, If you wish to visit the Dead Sea, it is totally free , no bookings whatsoever needed, Just remember to take along enough fresh water to rinse the salt and minerals off your skin once you have taken your dip. Other then that, I am wishing you lots of fun. Take care!
Best regards, Koney
Thank you
Pleasure is ours Gilbert. We hope you had a great read! Kind regards, Koney
Interesting. It might be good to make a study of the minerals found in the water, and its effect on the human body. Would be interesting to know about organisms living in that water.
Dear Jacqueline, Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us. Great point you have there! It will really be interesting to unfold such findings. Best wishes, Koney
I know so many places in Namibia, but I ve never heard about the dead sea. Thank you!
You are welcome Regine! Should you plan to visit the Dead Sea, I am wishing you plenty of fun. Kind regards, Koney
Cannot wait to visit. Sounds fabulous.
Hi Patricia, Thank you for your great response. We are glad that you are inspired to visit this place of interest. Do enjoy yourself! Best regards, Koney
Dear Brigitte, Many thanks for your stunning response. Best wishes with your trip to the Dead Sea. Kind regards, Koney
Nice! Never heard of it. We are going to Cape Cross in August. Is it also worthwile visiting the Dead See in August or is it dry?
Dear Sanne, Thank you very much for your comment. The dead sea does not dry! We are wishing you a fantastic time on your visit to this wonderful place. Best wishes, Koney!
It is so interesting…And i would love to conduct a research on wether there are microorganisms lives in the dead sea…
Would you guys mind helping me with samples??
Dear Lina, Thank you for your comment, We really appreciate your interest in our work and it is unfortunate that we do not have samples. We advice you to do further research in your personal capacity.
Kind regards,
Koney
Great event! I like your dead sea pictures ?
Thank you Dermoko, All photo credits are given and we are happy that you have enjoyed the blog.
Kind regards, Koney
Hi, looks great and fun.
Is there also water in de deadsea in the month July ?
Hi.. I’m planning a family reunion and this place is at the top of my list as venue. Just a few questions for any one who could provide an answer. Are we allowed to braai at this place??
Hi I would love to have 1.5 liters of water from the Namib Red Sea any one to some one please help out..for right now I am not in the position to travel till there.Or you can just let me know if there is a place in Windhoek where I can buy some i will real appreciate your kindness.And remember your kind did..
Can one drive to the Soutgat dead sea with a sedan motor?
We went there today. The directions you gave, however is not right. Just after the 20 km sign to Cape Cross Lodge, there is a big sign with information about the dead sea. There you turn right and follow the road for 17 km (not 7). Then there is a sign showing dead sea to the right. There are two more road signs with an arrow and a W on it ( we supposed it stands for water) After about 3.6 km you reach the place by car right up to the water. The road is terrible but worth every km of bad road. This was a wonderful experience floating on the water!
Can you travel by 2×4 vechiles?