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"Heat, Dust and Dreams" is an exploration of people and environment in the Kunene region (formerly Kapkoland and Damaraland), territories in the north of Namibia.

It reveals a remarkably diverse landscape heritage, and brings to light the surprisingly varied range of flora and fauna that have evolved to survive in severe conditions. The Etendaka lava field (a vast, Martian-like plain), the Welwitschia mirabilis (a remarkable, arid-adapted tree), large mammals that roam the desert, and a host of other features are all here, in photographs and text. These vast, arid and mostly desolate tracts of land are home to peoples from a range of backgrounds and cultures - the Himba, Herero and Damara, as well as assorted trekboers from the south. The history of the various peoples, their migrations, artistic legacy and current lifestyles are detailed and pictured here.

Independence (achieved in 1990) has brought "progress" to the area, along with challenges to centuries-old traditions and threats to the continued existence of flora and fauna, and even of the landscape itself. The authors discuss "the way forward", opening the forum to local opinion, and expressing confidence in the future.

160 pages
Authors: Mary Rice and Craig Gibson