A variety of fluvial deposits of various ages occur in the middle Kuiseb valley in the arid Namib. The characteristics, lithology, spatial and altitudinal relationships and possible chronology of these fluvial deposits are considered. A framework of events is suggested and these events are shown to have wider than local significance. It is postulated that only one major and general arid phase has occurred attendant on the establishment of the Benguela Current in the late Tertiary period. Present conditions are less arid. This conclusion is at variance with earlier chronologies: it postulates that major fluvial activity is probably mid Tertiary period at latest. Keywords: Namibia, Namib Desert, Kuiseb River, Benguela Current, desert geomorphology, desert geology, landform evolution, arid zone research, desert environment, fluvial landforms, palaeoenvironment, sedimentation, weathering, erosion, aridity, silt terraces; fluvial terraces, aridification.