World's largest underground lake lies under Namibia's desert

Namibia is famous for its wildlife and deserts; less well-known, however, is that it is home to the largest underground lake in the world not formed by a glacier.

Dragon’s Breath Cave lies beneath Namibia’s Kalahari Desert, about 46km north of Grootfontein. It was discovered in1986 by the South African Speleological Association, along with an incredible underground lake in the cave. Although very beautiful, accessing the lake is not for the faint of heart; it requires climbing ropes and involves going through various narrow tunnels.

Dragon’s Breath Cave was named so due to the humid air that rises from its shaft opening and looks like a dragon’s warm breath. The cave is estimated to be over 100m deep.

The most unique water creatures can be found in the isolated lake, including the golden catfish. No light penetrates the lake’s surface, but this suits these fish. The golden catfish has small eyes and poor eye-sight, making it easier for it to adapt to the extreme darkness.