Page 18 - Explore Magazine Summer 2018

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Namibia is not all about wild and free in their natural environment was While some of our group opted for a spectacular
a memorable experience. On the way back to
hot-air balloon ride over the Sossusvlei Desert,
wildlife, but if that is on camp we rounded the corner to find a pop-up the rest of us explored the towering dunes in the
your wish list, head for ice-cream stand in the middle of the desert – area up close. Walking in to the white expanse of
one of many “wow” moments.
the Deadvlei clay pan, we took photos amongst
Etosha National Park which After the parched desert it was a delight to the preserved camel thorn trees, a ghostly
is home to a myriad of head for Swakopmund on the rugged Skeleton reminder of when there once was water here,
species in a virtual Garden Coast, five hours’ drive southwest. Remnants of about 900 years ago.
colonial times here include palm-lined streets,
of Eden scenario. immaculate old buildings, and some fantastic We also stayed at Wolwedans Dunes Lodge,
overlooking a staggering panorama of
German bakeries and cafes! The seafood here is
Next stop, Damaraland, with its truly as fresh as fresh gets. landscapes that changed with every shift
awe-inspiring desert landscapes. We of the sun. Again, experiencing such luxury
were privileged to visit a settlement of the Back into the wilderness, we headed for the in the absolute middle of nowhere was a
indigenous Himba people and marveled at Namibrand Nature Reserve, a five and a half memorable experience.
how they have maintained their traditional hour drive south that was punctuated, like all Yes, the landscapes and wildlife of Namibia
way of life in such a harsh environment. Their the other drives on our journey, with picnic
version of sunscreen is a mixture of red ochre stops and visits to small towns. The pristine were outstanding, but I have to say some of
and fat which they rub on their skin and along Namib Desert is vast, with endless horizons, my absolute highlights were the warmth of the
with elaborate hairstyles and adornments it jagged mountains, and the most spectacular people – buying bread off a woman walking
creates a very distinctive look. night sky. Staying at the amazing andBeyond with a basket on her head miles from any town,
and stopping in at a village to engage with our
Damaraland is also home to rare desert- Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, we joined the resident guide’s “Aunty”. A particularly poignant visit
adapted species of lions, elephants and more, astronomer to gaze up at the galaxies and was made to a school, meeting kids getting a
along with rare black rhinos. An absolute through the telescope viewed the rings of Saturn very precious education that had the potential
highlight was staying at the exclusive Huab in beautiful clarity.
Under Canvas camp, seemingly in the middle to improve the lives of everyone in their remote
of nowhere. Here you really feel like you’re in On the way back to camp struggling communities.
the wilderness but enjoy a comfy bed at night, we rounded the corner to And then it was time to go, but not without
delicious home-cooked meals, and even a hot memories that are etched forever in my mind. I
“bucket shower” each evening. find a pop-up ice cream have to say that how we travelled and the places
From here we tracked elusive black rhino with stand in the middle of we stayed in were absolutely amazing, as was
the Save the Rhino Trust team who are leading the desert – one of many the guide who accompanied us all the way,
the charge at preserving this highly endangered sharing his passion for his beloved homeland.
species. To see these magnificent creatures “wow” moments. As I said, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

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