Based on information collected in archives and literature of German colonial times, all water places known before 1914 between Luderitz and Walvis Bay were visited on various expeditions. It was proved that these places are accessible and that the Namib dune sea can be negotiated with suitably equipped vehicles. Unravelling the secrets of the Namib could thereafter not be upheld any further by the myths of its inaccessibility and danger. Some results of subsequent research expeditions are reported.