In most African deserts, large surface areas consist of delicate gravel plains. In parts of Namibia's Kaokoveld and Damaraland, tracks made by explorers in the early 20th century are still visible, and the Skeleton Coast has suffered irreparable damage as a result of off-road driving. Always stick to existing tracks. Every time you leave an established track, you create a new scar on the landscape and the chances are someone travelling in the area a few weeks, months or years later will follow your tracks, destroying another section of desert. As far as possible, try to drive in dry river beds, where tracks will be washed away in the next flash flood.
Dunes are a vital part of the beach ecology, effectively holding the beach together.
They are home to sensitive vegetation, bird and animal nesting sites. They are also home to important archaeological sites, containing shell middens and ancient burial sites. Stay off them. Backshore is the section of beach between the high tide mark and the dunes. Drift material accumulates here, containing seeds, organic material and a host of insect and animal life vital to beach ecology.