Namibia
We started the second leg of our journey at the South African and Namibian boarder. Compared to the rumors that we had heard about the other boarders and how long it takes to get through them, it seemed very quick for us.
We were taken off the Lando and had to line up with our passports to exit the country, once this was done we then had to line up again to fill out a visa to enter Namibia.
Just when we thought we were about to get through, we were told to line our bags up in a straight line so that the search dogs and boarder control could conduct their search.
We were taken off the Lando and had to line up with our passports to exit the country, once this was done we then had to line up again to fill out a visa to enter Namibia.
Just when we thought we were about to get through, we were told to line our bags up in a straight line so that the search dogs and boarder control could conduct their search.
Once through, we were greeted with a wasteland of endless horizons on one side and mountains on the other. It was like someone had drawn a line between the two countries, one side being more green with trees and other plant life and the other being a desert; you had to have seen it for yourself to believe it.
Once we had driven a few miles, we reached a large settlement which housed people working on nearby vineyards. The buildings were makeshift huts which didn't look very stable but at the edge of this was a huge supermarket with full air conditioning. We stopped off their to use the facilities and to buy more supplies for the journey ahead.
Towards lunch time, we came across mountains which roads heading straight through. Within these mountains was a luxury resort which ran along side a river with hot springs. We stopped off here to have lunch and a little explore. We also found that their swimming pool was heated by the hot springs; just remember that this was a country where almost every day was over 30 degrees Celsius.
Later that afternoon, we finally reached our campsite for the night. It must have been mid to high 30s and it was incredibly dry. Everyone apart from myself put up their tents. I was unable to due to some tent pegs being left on the other side of the South African and Namibian boarder. This was also the night i was allowed to sleep on top of the Lando and under the stars.
Once we had set up camp, we left our belongings at the camp whilst we drove to the Fish River Canyon.
Once we had set up camp, we left our belongings at the camp whilst we drove to the Fish River Canyon.
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, just after the Grand Canyon in America. Some scientists claim that the Grand Canyon is actually a gorge, if this is true then the Fish River Canyon would be the largest in the world.
Once we reached the canyon, we were driven down to a point over looking the canyon and on the tip of the cliff edge. The view was incredible. A lot of pictures and selfies were taken at this point.
Once we had finished at the cliff edge, we headed but up to the viewpoint which was a 2 kilometer hike on a really hot afternoon. At the view point we settled down with some drinks and food whilst a few of us set up a time-lapse of the sun setting.
Once the sun had set, we were welcomed with a completely clear sky with the milky way visible. The first time i had properly seen the stars without light pollution, and i must say that this was one of the greatest moments of my life. The best was yet to come.
The following day we headed out early once again to head towards the sand dunes. That evening we would be staying at a campsite right on the edge of the sand dunes.
We left camp and drove for 10 hours across Namibia. We came across green patches of land with trees and animals before reaching the rocky mountains and sand dunes. When we got to camp, we set up and headed to the petrol station for wifi. The station also sold amazing vanilla and chocolate ice cream which me and Dexter had. For the rest of the afternoon we went for a swim in the pool and relaxed before dinner before sleeping under the stars again.
We left camp and drove for 10 hours across Namibia. We came across green patches of land with trees and animals before reaching the rocky mountains and sand dunes. When we got to camp, we set up and headed to the petrol station for wifi. The station also sold amazing vanilla and chocolate ice cream which me and Dexter had. For the rest of the afternoon we went for a swim in the pool and relaxed before dinner before sleeping under the stars again.
Dune 45
The next day we packed up and headed into the dunes. Our destination was Dune 45 which was the oldest sand dune in the world.
Once we had reached Dune 45, we got off the Lando and started to climb it. I must say that this was the hardest 26 minutes of my life.
Once we had reached the top, the views were incredible! You could see for miles! One side you could see flat desert land and on the other side was a sea of dunes. It was one of those moments where you had to stop and think, and even then you couldn't take in what you had just seen.
Then the fun began
The Dead Flare
After a long and tiring morning of dune climbing... and rolling. We set off in a couple of 4X4s to what is known as the dead flare. A dried up lake centered in the middle of sand dunes; some being the biggest in the world. Within this dried lake was what looked like burnt out trees but what made it special was the dramatic contrast of colours. The ground was white, the dunes orange and the sky blue.
Later that day we left the dunes and headed back in land. We had caught the rains which were heading over from other parts of Africa.
Once we had gotten to the campsite, we were meant to go on this drive with the owner of the camp to see the local area and wildlife. Unfortunately we were hit by a huge storm and the drive was called off.
Swakopmund
On this day we were heading to the large town of Swakopmund which was located next to the ocean. On the way we drove across the Tropic of Capricorn sign which marked the half way point between the South Pole and the Equator.
Once we reached the town we parked up at the hostel and chilled for a while before exploring. We had found this hotel on the beachfront which is where we had lunch. Not to mention the fast free wifi.
That evening we went to a local restaurant with everyone in the group for a meal. This was the first time i had tried Oryx pizza! Then we went into a bar which was attached to the restaurant and really stated to let loose.
The following day we went for a quad bike ride into the dunes. It must have been mid 40s because it was incredibly hot!
After this we headed to the museum before heading back to the hostel and chilled for the afternoon before heading back to the same restaurant from the previous night.
Spitzkoppe
When we left Swakopmund, we felt a little heart broken because we had left our comfortable beds, amazing food and wifi! But this was nothing compared to what we were about to see at Spitzkoppe national park.
We arrived late afternoon just before the sun was about to set. We were able to climb the huge rocks to the top to witness the sun setting over this beautiful horizon.
We arrived late afternoon just before the sun was about to set. We were able to climb the huge rocks to the top to witness the sun setting over this beautiful horizon.
That night you really could see the stars...
Spending time with the locals
The next day we headed out bright and early, but not before watching the sun rise over the beautiful African landscape. We headed to our next campsite which was located 11km from a living museum. This museum shows people how life is like for the locals. This included how to make tools, how to make fire and to finish off, how to play games and have fun with dancing and singing.
Etosha National Park |
We set out early and spent a long drive to arrive at Etosha National Park
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Etosha is a national park which spans for thousands of miles. It is home to a lot of African wildlife including the big five! Here we spent two nights and went out of some game drives to see if we could spot any animals. We managed to see a lot of Springbok, Oryx and a couple of Lions. However it wasn't until Richard managed to capture a Leopard when the true rare animals started to show.
Windhoek
Our final destination was the capital of Namibia, Windhoek. This was my final stop before heading back to London. We stayed over night there with a group meal to welcome the new arrives and for the people who were leaving to say goodbye.