Namibia is generally known as an arid country, with soft desert sand and harsh waterless landscapes stretching from Atlantic Ocean to every border. However, the country holds so much more. One of the treasures Namibia holds that is often forgotten is the Dragon’s Breath Cave.
Dragons breath – Image: africanglobe.net
For those few who may not know about it, Dragon’s Breath was discovered in 1986, about 46km north of Grootfontein, by the South African Speleological Association. Along the Kalahari Desert there is a cavern, which slants slightly down for almost 5 metres, ending at a small choke.
Dragons breath – Image: namibiatourism.com.na
From here there is a vertical drop of almost 7 metres, which comes to a sudden halt onto a ledge, leading to another drop of 12 metres and a further descend of 36.5 metres, ending with a massive underground lake. In fact it is so massively large, that is has been named the largest underground non sub-glacial lake in the world.On top of that the lake is so deep that divers have yet to reach its floor, only managing to go down as far as 131 metres.
Image – africanglobe.net
So the first thing that comes to mind is, ‘Why call it Dragon’s Breath?’ It’s easy enough to explain. Apparently when the cave was discovered, the humid air that rose from the cave’s opening, reminded the explorers of the warm breath of a dragon. And the magical mystery inspired by the name can be pulled through to the creatures that can be found within.
Thanks to a unique combination of zero-sunlight conditions, little wave-action to kick up sediment and the stable temperatures of the cavern, it has allowed for the world’s rarest and most isolated species to find a home… the Golden Cave Catfish, or Clariascavernicola. This unique species is endangered and may have a population of as little as 200 catfish.
Dragons Breath – Image: africanglobe.net
Access to the interior of the cave is limited, and requires climbing ropes, narrow tunnels and ledges, and of course the sudden drop to the water surface. The surface area of the lake spans 2 hectares. Because of the difficulty associated with accessing the cave, much of its secrets are still hidden from the modern world.
Image: Verticaltrip-Namgrows-2010
If you have visited Dragon’s Breath or have any other information about the cave, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us 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.
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Hi Brigitte
Thank you very much for your fantastic response.
Kind regards, Koney
Wow!! Its the first time to hear about this place i really wanna see it, thanks to Facebook im now aware of its existence…
This reminds me of my home village…warmquelle there’s a dry hole..right on top this big mountain…we see to go there as children..
That I believe to be a dormant volcano…because there’s hotsprings…right at the bottom of the mountain…
Is this the same as the ons they call the Hariseb caves please
Hi Dries,
It is not the same. You can have a look at the list of caves in Namibia here https://namibiatourism.com.na/blog/Exploring-Namibia-s-Caves
Happy reading!
Koney
Contact Chris Steenkamp en Stephanus Viljoen, they dive that lake.
Hi Arthur
Thank you very much for your referral. Kind regards, Koney
I know this place, it is amazing
Hi Maggi
Thank you very much for your contribution. It is indeed a precious hidden treasure.
Kind regards, Koney
Eine Einbauspüle dient zum Ableiten von Sodawasser wie anderen Flüssigkeiten. In diesem Zusammenhang werden selbige in das Becken gekippt plus fließen über den Ausfluss in das Abflussrohr, worauf selbige danach in die Abwasserleitung abgeleitet werden. Damit es nicht zu Verstopfungen kommt, ist in den Ausfluss ein Seiher eingelassen, welches die gröberen Bestandteile des Schmutzwassers nach hintenhält. Weiters mag in einer Einbauspüle ebenfalls benutztes Geschirr wie Besteck von Hand geputzt werden. Dabei lässt man Mineralwasser ein wie verhindert das Ablaufen anhand einen Stöpsel. Bei Einbauspülen mit zwei Becken dient dann das eine zur Reinigung mit Putzmitteln sowie das sonstige zum Abspülen oder der Aufbewahrung der nassen Gegenstände. Hierfür bietet der Geschäftsverkehr dedizierte Körbe an, die einhängt werden können und in denen das Geschirr abtropfen kann. Nach einem lauschigen Grillfest am Abend können in der Spüle die Roste des Grills einfach wieder rein gemacht werden. Dank der Armaturen können Esswaren vor der Erzeugung unter fließendem Sodawasser in einer Einbauspüle geputzt werden. Einbauspülen sind demzufolge fester Baustein in jeglicher Kochstube, an der in aller Regel so weit wie 60 der Küchenarbeiten erledigt werden können.
Dear Glynda, Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us. We hope to make reference of your thoughts in our future projects. Kind regards, Koney
Nice Article 🙂 But the first picture is Grotagja Cave in Iceland!
Dear Thilo, Thank you very much for your great words.The first picture must have been an error on our side. Many thanks for the heads up!
Kind regards, Koney
It’s going to be ending of mine day, except
before finish I am reading this great paragraph to increase my
knowledge.
Dear Mebeljava, We are glad that this article was informative for you. Should you plan to visit the Dragon’s Breath Cave we can only wish you much fun. Kind regards, Koney
I’m sure it’s a stupid question but is it possible to put a unmanned submarine into the cave to find the bottom
cool little lake, i used to swim in that lake all the time. but the last time i was disturbed by the reptilian overlord and it told me to get out because they were about to have a pool party and i didn’t bring my own beer. some flat earther folk were there too, i noticed with some dismay, and they were allowed to stay. i think they were all ultimately molested by the reptilians, who of course had a clear view of a round spherical earth when they first approached the planet, for talking smack about science and stuff.
anyway, nice lake.
Thanks for sharing such great information. I also write about Health and Lifestyle on my personal blog. Please do check my blog might we can collaborate in future. Thanks in advance?
We will create the stream
peace on earth
by this story
Please watch and share
2019.5.29.
https://youtu.be/Qe-L2CxVz7I
Hi, I was part of the team that went up to Namibia to map out Dragons Breath, I cannot remember which year it was but my word, the experience was unbelievable and having been able to swim in Dragons Breath was a highlight. While up there we also searched and found other caves in the area but nothing as beautiful as Dragons.
Thank you for this enlightening article . I’m totally in awe of such beauty.
Thank you Caren for the wonderful feedback! Kind regards, Dani
Woow …!
First time I am hearing about this . Sort of embarrassed actually that I know little about my country and it’s treasures
I have been to Hoba last year
for the first time and saw both Canyons this year for the first time , courtesy of Gondwana Collections .
I am getting there …but how many Namibians have heard about this cave , let alone seeing it ?
A million thanks to the author
Hi It’s quite interesting to know that Gondwana Collection has these caves on their list of tourist attractions and I believe you have dived Dragon’s numerous times. Very nice photographs. I would like to dive the cave so I would like to get more information from you ie availability, prices, etc . Please send me an email and contact number please.
Hi Sarel Lacante,
Unfortunately, this is not on our list of attractions. We can refer you to a page to get more information about where to stay when you want to visit this magnificent wonder https://namibiatourism.com.na/blog/Exploring-Namibia-s-Caves
All the best to you!
Koney
Very interesting, thanks for sharing such discoveries:
Thank you for your shared knowledge. Best wishes, Koney