Ranch Koiimasis, Namibrand

We left Aus a day early and found accommodation at Ranch Koiimasis on the D707. The D707 is a beautiful drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park, with the striking contrast of the desert on one side and the Tiras Mountains on the other. This detour is well worth it, and the secondary road is in much better condition than the heavily travelled C37. 

We stopped at a small padstal along the way, where an elderly lady named Mina was selling biscuits and jams. We bought a couple of items, which turned out to be delicious. Further along the D707, we met a couple cycling in the opposite direction. We gave the woman some cold water, as she seemed exhausted and less than enamoured with this part of the journey. We told them about Mina’s padstal, and I believe they stopped there for the night. 

The turn-off to Ranch Koiimasis, situated in the heart of the Tiras Mountains, marks the start of a magnificent drive to the campsite. The route offers stunning plains, mountains, plenty of plains game, and beautiful vistas. The name Koiimasis, derived from the San language, means ‘the place where people meet’. 

The campsite is nestled among rocks in the mountains and boasts incredible views. The ablution facilities are clean, with hot water and good showers. We took a 5 km hike, enjoying spectacular views on foot, before returning to camp to watch the sunset and enjoy a traditional campfire and braai. We would highly recommend Ranch Koiimasis as a stopover en route to Sossusvlei.