Celebrating Namibia
I still have the low-resolution video of me sitting at the top of Dune 45 looking over a vast desertscape, a view so staggering beautiful, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it now. This was 1998, a time well before iPhones and sharp and vibrant imagery, but looking back at it now takes me back to the wonder of seeing such an incredibly breath-taking vista for the first time.
On that trip we visited the Sossusvlei area, six hours drive south of Windhoek and stayed in the Kulala Desert Lodge, where each luxury tent had the added bonus of an open roof terrace, so you could sleep under the stars. We drove all the way in a Toyota Corolla which was no mean feat, considering we were on gravel roads, as soon as we left the city. Visiting this Mars like oasis was the highlight of our honeymoon, and I knew then that one day I would be back to explore further.
Fast forward 20 years and armed with two teenagers, it was time to return for our anniversary and introduce our kids to this magical place. Namibia is the largest country in southern Africa but has a population of only 2.5 million people, and beyond the city, you can literally drive for hours and not see another person.
If you like escapism and being off the beaten track, Namibia has it in bucket loads and surprisingly, it is incredibly easy to get around. Self-drive is the norm and this time we upgraded from our 1990’s saloon to a 4X4 Ford Ranger (non-negotiable for my teenage son), which meant that when visiting the sand dunes, we could get much further into the park. Dead Vlei was a must. This highly photographed white clay pan with iconic dead trees that met their demise 600-700 years ago, have to be seen to be believed. There really is nowhere on earth quite like it.
Running down from of the top of the 325 meter dune, aptly named Big Daddy, was an adventure in itself. I do not think the kids have ever laughed so much watching their dads’ arms and legs flailing as he rolled down the near vertical drop. A true comedy moment. These are the shared moments that make a holiday.
This trip was packed to the brim with new experiences; tracking the desert elephants in Damaraland, kayaking with seals in Swakopmund and the captivating waterhole at Okaukuejo in Etosha National Park, which was like watching an episode of Planet Earth, the wildlife was so constant and prolific. I spent most of the two days in the viewing area, watching the changing scenery: the dynamics between the herds of elephants, giraffes, hippos, and zebras. The pecking order and politics of the waterhole. I had no sense of time at all. This is what travelling is all about.
The stunning lodges that we stayed in and the experience they offered, is a blog post for another day. There is so much more I could say about this absolutely wonderful country, which is often overlooked by those seeking a safari adventure.
I don’t often like to go back to places, but I am far from done with Namibia. If it had not been for Covid, we would have been back again last year, celebrating our big birthdays. This is a destination that has been part of the important celebrations in my life, and is in fact a celebration in itself… of everything I love in a travel adventure.
For expert advice and inspiration in planning your next holiday adventure, please get in touch via email, phone or social. Please see my details at the top of the page.
