The NamibRand Nature Reserve was honoured in June 2024 as Africa’s First Wilderness Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International (QPI). This prestigious accolade highlights NamibRand’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the natural silence of the reserve, conserving its unique environment, and promoting responsible tourism. Remarkably, NamibRand is only the fourth public space in the world to receive such a designation, and it is our hope that this recognition will encourage others to cherish and protect our planet’s quiet places.

“This award reinforces NamibRand’s commitment to preserving its natural soundscape and wilderness character. By promoting awareness of natural sounds, NamibRand encourages reverence for its ecosystems and fosters a deeper connection to nature.”

Matt Mikkelsen, Executive Director of Wilderness Quiet Parks

Quiet Parks International is a non-profit organization and social movement dedicated to preserving quiet for the benefit of all life. Their Wilderness Quiet Park award honors large, untouched areas that offer exceptional acoustic beauty and opportunities to experience extended periods of natural silence.

By promoting these quiet spaces, QPI supports the protection of human health—both physical and mental—as well as the environment and wildlife from the detrimental effects of noise pollution. QPI envisions “a world that offers quiet both within and without, where everyone has daily access to quiet and the chance to listen to the sounds of nature, and where the experience of quiet in nature fosters inner peace and joy.”

At NamibRand, we take great pride in our conservation achievements, including our renowned dark skies. Now, this recognition extends to the quiet spaces we preserve and the value they bring to both the natural world and human experience. We extend our sincere thanks to all those involved in our conservation efforts, especially our dedicated management team and board of directors.