Video of Namibia’s own “Dead Sea”, near Henties Bay, Atlantic Coast, southern Africa.
#DeadSea #Namibia #HentiesBay
Did you know that Namibia has its own, very tiny, but very real dead sea where you can almost walk on water, just like in faraway Israel?
The Strathmore South tin mine is an old worked-out mine. Underground water filled up the excavation, and due to the presence of various minerals, the salinity is very high, which causes one to float freely, just like in Israel – from there the name “Dead Sea”. Locals fondly call it the ‘Soutgat’ – which is Afrikaans for ‘Salt hole’.
Mining operations appear to have taken place in the area from about 1965 to 1990, when many of the mines were abandoned, presumably because of low yields.
Some claim it has healing properties, especially when the water is angelically stirred…
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 Namibian own 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.
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 turn-off 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.
Mine started in that pit in 1981 and they stop about 6 months later because of to much water and the low tin price at the time. The Strathmore South tin mine is an old worked-out mine. Underground water filled up the excavation and due to the presence of various minerals the salinity is very high.
Many sites were prospected in that time looking for viable tin deposits. Many of the sites lie in a band from Cape Cross to Uis, some of which were mined for a short while and then abandoned presumably because of low yields. This is one of those sites. As soon as mining operations stop, ground water starts filling up the open cast holes, as has happened with the Tin mine at Uis as well. Salts leach out of the mineral deposits, that is why the water becomes loaded with minerals.
The turn-off from the C34 is north of Fishermen’s Inn, 300 m after the “Cross 20km” sign and is indicated by a heap of rocks with an arrow painted in white. Follow the track for 7.4 km to black volcanic rocks on your right hand side (not marked). Please stop on the track and walk to this outcrop where you can view bright orange crustose lichens growing on the rocks and interesting rock formations.
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