- NAMIBIA -
Last September Rich & I visited beautiful Namibia. Somehow, a year has already passed since we explored one of the most incredible countries on the planet. So, I thought it was about time I shared a few photos!We spent 12 amazing days on the road, although technically there weren’t always roads, driving through the most beautifully diverse landscapes that seemed to go on forever. Namibia takes its name from the Namib Desert, which itself means “vast place”. That it certainly is. We fell in love so quickly with everything about Namibia. The people, the wildlife, the horizons, the sunsets, the night sky… The feelings Namibia gives you… Driving for hours without seeing another soul, never knowing what amazing sight you’ll see next. Crossing your fingers all the way that you won’t puncture a tire on the rocky tracks. The nervous excitement of stepping out of the car understanding you’re not top of the food chain out here… I could write so much about this trip; it was one of the most magical experiences of our lives. But first I thought I’d simply share these photos as the beauty of Namibia should get to speak for itself. - Kolmanskop -
Kolmanskop is an abandoned diamond mining town in Southern Namibia. Once a thriving community, by 1950 the diamonds had disappeared and the houses stood empty. The desert has slowly been reclaiming them ever since…
Our sunset drive to Lüderitz, where we stayed in the beautiful Cormorant House, right on the water…
Driving onwards to Sossusvlei…
- Desert Homestead Lodge -
For our time in Sossusvlei we stayed in the beautiful Desert Homestead Lodge. Of all the places we stayed in Namibia, this was my favourite. Aside from the obvious beauty of it’s surroundings and the tranquility of the lodge itself, I loved how mindful of the environment every details was, even down to our hot water being heated via the solar panel on our bungalow roof. That little bungalow was a little haven in the desert for us.
- Deadvlei -
A short drive from The Homestead is Namib-Naukluft Park, home to Deadvlei. Deadvlei was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. A collection of ghostly figures, eternal trees nestled amongst the sand dunes. These camel thorn trees are approximately 900 years old. Once full of life, surrounded by water, they are now mere skeletons. The climate changed and the desert sand dunes encroached. The white clay pan floor, baked by the sun, provides the perfect tomb for the eerie black trees. Never decomposing due to the intense heat.
I’m still not quite forgiven for failing to point out to Rich his “baboon bottom” while we were there…
- Dune 45 -
Probably the most famous dune in Sossusvlei , Dune 45 is easily accessible just off of the paved road. Standing at 170m in height, Dune 45 may seem easy to climb, but take our word for it, it’s a tough workout and it was pretty windy at the top!
Returning to The Homestead for a little sundown wander…
Dawn rises… Beginning our drive to Twyfelfontein
Crossing The Tropic of Capricorn
- Twyfelfontein -
Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa. The beautiful images are thought to have been carved as far back as 10,000 years ago. Created by nomads, they document the animals that could be found in the area at that time. They act as signposts, listing prey and warning of predators to other passing tribes. 
While staying at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, we went on a sundowner safari drive with one of the rangers. Desert Adapted Elephants can be found in Damaraland and after 3 hours of searching, we found the cutest little group having their dinner just before sunset. 
- Onguma Bush Camp -
Just outside of Etosha National Park, on it’s eastern border, is Onguma Nature Reserve. 34,000 hectares of wilderness and home to 5 different camps. We spent 3 nights at Onguma Bush Camp while exploring Etosha during the day times. The Bush Camp has it’s own watering hole which was always a beautiful place to have breakfast and dinner. 
- Etosha National Park -
We chose to visit Namibia in September as the dry season occurs at this time. Water is scarce which makes it much easier to observe the beautiful wildlife. Etosha has various waterholes which the animals seek out. As a visitor, you can simply sit and watch from your car as all of the most beautiful animals in the world turn up for a drink. 
Sundowner safari inside Onguma
Wild African Aloe Vera
Etosha, meaning “Great White Place” is dominated by a massive mineral pan. Once a lake, the pan is now a large dusty depression of salt and clay which fills only if the rains are heavy. It is also responsible for the seemingly eternal grey sky over Etosha, which is in fact a huge dust cloud that never leaves during the dry season.
When the elephants are bathing, nobody gets a drink…
- Onguma Tree Top Camp -
For our last night in Namibia, we stayed at the very special Onguma Tree Top Camp. Sleeping in a beautiful treehouse, under the stars in Africa was beyond magical. Waking at dawn to the sounds of lions roaring their morning chorus below was incredible and a feeling I’ll never forget!
Our last day in Etosha… The day of Elephants!
Appearing through the mist. We fooled ourselves that they were waving us goodbye…