Only Light Matters

After a long Paris-Munich-Johannesburg-Windhoek flight, Namibia finally opened its doors.

The first stop was in Windhoek city, mainly for convenience, as it was already late in the afternoon after picking up the car. Following repeated advice, a pack of water was bought and left in the trunk, in case of an issue with the car far from a city, ensuring survival if help took many hours to arrive.

The next morning, we left the capital and headed toward the Kalahari Anib Lodge, where our first photo safari awaited. The sense of the vastness of the landscape, with its long, straight roads, became apparent almost immediately.

After enduring a cold night in the Kalahari during the peak of winter, this day was dedicated to visiting the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giant’s Playground just nearby, then moving closer to the Fish River Canyon, which was on the agenda for the following day.

The day’s itinerary involved an exploration of both the Fish River Canyon and the Ai-Ais Hot Springs, two of Namibia’s natural wonders. The adventure commenced at the Fish River Canyon, Africa’s largest canyon, with expansive views showcasing deep ravines and rugged rock formations shaped over millions of years. Later in the day, the journey continued to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs, located at the southern end of the canyon. Here, the mineral-rich thermal waters, known for their soothing properties, provided a perfect counterbalance to the morning’s activities. Notably, the tracks were remarkably flat, comparable to an airfield, allowing for driving speeds of up to 110 km/h without difficulty.

The day served mainly as a transfer stage to Aus, but once arrived, the sights were truly breathtaking.

This stage was the longest of the day in terms of time, with stretches of track that were extremely rocky. Its main purpose was to get closer to Namib Desert planned for the day after. 150km were driven without encountering anyone.

On our way to Desert Homestead a short detour was made to see this strange building in the desert build in 1909 when Namibia was a German colony. It makes an interesting stop for those heading to the Namib-Naukluft National Park or further south in Namibia.

Finally this wonderful sunset was a good surprise when arrived at destination.

Sossusvlei, is renowned for its breathtaking red sand dunes and surreal landscapes. The Namib, often considered the world’s oldest desert, is towered by dunes, some of which reach over 300 meters in height, making them among the tallest on Earth. Vivid orange dunes contrast against the deep blue sky, especially at sunrise and sunset. You can avoid going to the Sesriem Canyon if you have only one day to spend in this place to focus on what matters most.

Journey to reach the city of Swakopmund. It’s a charming coastal town, known for its distinct mix of German colonial architecture and modern African culture. It features a unique blend of historical buildings, colorful facades, and wide palm-lined streets, reflecting its German heritage. The cool, coastal climate provides a refreshing break from the arid inland, making it a favored holiday spot for both locals and tourists. Rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, Swakopmund is often described as a gateway to explore Namibia’s diverse landscapes.

Day’s itinerary: first, explore the Philips Cave, known for its ancient rock art and unique geological formations, and then continue further along the D1937 to visit the Giant Boulders, an impressive natural site featuring enormous rock formations scattered across the landscape.

With Etosha being the next major stop, a lodge had to be found between Swakopmund and the nature reserve to break up the journey. Thus, by first following the Skeleton Coast before heading inland, the wreck of the Zeila offered a rather surprising break. The ship was sold in 2008 sold for scrap; it broke free from its towing line and ended up stranded on the coast. The Skeleton Coast is infamous for its treacherous waters and dense fog, which have caused many ships to wreck over the centuries. The Zeila has also become a popular spot for birdlife, with cormorants and other seabirds often seen perching on the rusted remains.

The first place visited was Twyfelfountain. Located in the arid Kunene region of Namibia, it is one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites. Known for its impressive collection of ancient rock engravings, it is estimated that these petroglyphs were created by the San people over 2,000 years ago. The site features over 2,500 engravings depicting animals like giraffes, lions, and rhinos, as well as geometric patterns.The area is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric cultures of Southern Africa amidst its striking red sandstone landscapes.

Etosha National Park, is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. It is centered around the vast Etosha Pan, a salt flat that fills with water during the rainy season, attracting large herds of animals. The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and hundreds of bird species. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from grasslands to savannahs, provide unique opportunities for game viewing, especially at the numerous waterholes where animals gather.

Farewell day to Etosha with a few more animals captured with my camera, and a journey to a town near Windhoek to catch the flight the next day.

Last day in Namibia: a journey to the airport to return the rental car, marking the end of this incredible adventure. After returning the car, it was time to board the flight and head back to France, with memories of vast landscapes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable experiences.