Storms, Scenery & First Passport Stamps
Thinking of a road trip from Cape Town to Namibia?
Buckle up for one of Southern Africa’s most unforgettable adventures — a journey across dramatic mountains, endless deserts, vibrant small towns, and one very special border crossing. In this post, we share the highlights of our 15-day hiking-overland adventure, starting with Day 1 from Cape Town to Grünau and continuing all the way to Windhoek, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Lüderitz, and back.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Cape Town-through-Namibia itinerary you’re in the right place.
Day 1: Cape Town to Grünau (950 km) – From Stormy Skies to Desert Stars
We set off early from Cape Town, rain streaking the windows and heavy clouds clinging to Table Mountain. There’s something beautifully cinematic about leaving a city under grey skies, bound for big horizons. Our goal for Day 1: cross the South Africa–Namibia border at Vioolsdrif and reach Grünau, a remote desert outpost in southern Namibia.
Despite the storm, the Boland winelands glowed in misty golds and greens. As we climbed the Piekenierskloof Pass toward Piketberg, the rain eased, and slivers of sunlight lit the valley below.
Breakfast In Piketberg
Nestled at the foot of the Piketberg mountains, this peaceful farming town greeted us with cool air and wildflower-dotted hillsides. We stopped at a garage for a hearty breakfast — bollas koeksusters, scones, muffins, and coffee.
The landscape here is striking: dramatic peaks on one side, open farmland stretching endlessly on the other.
If you’re passing through in late winter or spring, the fields are often ablaze with Namaqualand wildflowers.
Piketberg Trivia
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From mission church to mountain town: Established in 1836 from the farm Grootfontein, Piketberg grew around a neo‑Gothic Dutch Reformed Church still standing today.
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Khoi and Griqua heritage: Before European settlement, the Cochoqua and GuriQua (later part of the Griqua under Captain Adam Kok III) inhabited the region—links still reflected in local place names and oral histories
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Meaning of the name: “Piket” comes from a 1655 Dutch‑govt military “piket” (outpost) on the mountain—giving the ranges and town their name .
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Pine spotting view: Drive up Versveld Pass through orchards and wild rosemary. Locals joke there’s a lone pine at a summit viewpoint—and if you see two, you’ve gone too far. On a clear day, they say, you can see Table Mountain.
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Wildflower preview: Even before Namaqualand’s bloom season, the roadside brims with wild daisies and vygies in late winter—sometimes faintly scented from over 100m away.
Onward to Springbok: Shifting Scenery and Desert Warmth
Back on the N7 highway, the scenery changed steadily. Vineyards gave way to scrubby fynbos, then into rocky plains as we entered the Northern Cape. By lunchtime, we reached Springbok, the beating heart of Namaqualand.
Springbok has a frontier feel — part desert town, part oasis. It was here we paused for lunch and afternoon prayers at a small, welcoming mosque tucked into the hills. The copper-colored mountains shimmered under the sun, and though we were just shy of wildflower season, we spotted early blooms: yellow daisies, purple vygies, and bursts of green after the recent rains.
While not a “palace”, Springbok gave you cultural and scenic highlights.
Springbok Trivia
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Copper‑mining legacy: This was an early copper‑mining frontier in Namaqualand; the reddish hills shimmered with mineral streaks that miners followed for decades.
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Warm welcome: The Imam of Masjid Ar-Rahmaan welcomed us warmly and allowed us to freshen up and pray and use the mosque facilities to have our lunch. The mosque can be found in Waterkant Street Springbok 8240. Please take some cash for donation.
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Early explorers’ bird clocks: Namaqualand birds were said to sing according to the valley’s copper veins—miners claimed they learned to “tell time” by their songs. Legend has it.
Border Crossing at Vioolsdrif: Popi’s First Passport Stamp
From Springbok, the road stretches toward Vioolsdrif, the border post where South Africa meets Namibia across the mighty Orange River. The landscape becomes stark, breathtaking — a canvas of ochre rock, empty valleys, and wide skies. The border crossing was smooth, and Popi earned her very first passport stamp.
Crossing into Namibia feels like entering another world. The air is warmer, the silence deeper, the light more golden. Jagged mountains and endless gravel roads welcomed us to a land where time seems to pause, even though we Saffies had fo be decontaminated for foot and mouth disease.
Sunset in Grünau: Desert Stillness and Starlit Skies
We reached Grünau just after sunset. A tiny village off the B1 highway, it’s more a waypoint than a destination — but what a place to stop. The desert air was crisp, the sky glittering with stars unmarred by any city lights.
We spent the night at Namgate Guesthouse, a clean, friendly haven perfect for weary travellers. Cannot recommend this place highly enough.
Contact Wilmari on +264 81 432 6706 for more information.
Tip: Pack snacks and water. Distances are vast and shops sparse once you pass Springbok.
Grünau Trivia
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Founded in 1902 by German settlers at a railway junction linking Windhoek to South Africa. It emerged as a transport hub shortly after the southern rail line reached the area
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Rail station remains central to the settlement, still used by trains and buses crossing between Namibia and South Africa
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In 2020, a small reverse-osmosis desalination plant was officially built in Grünau to improve its severely brackish groundwater, which previously was rationed to just 1.5 hours per day
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Named Grünau (“green meadow”) because during rare rainy seasons, the otherwise arid surroundings burst into surprisingly lush green vegetation—an ironic choice given the predominantly dry Karas landscape
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Grünau lies within the region where Nama leader Hendrik Witbooi shifted from alliance with German colonists to resistance in the early 1900s; his uprising is said to have started in these Karas plains.
Day 2: Grünau to Düsternbrook Safari Guest Farm – Through Namibia’s Heartland
Day 2 began with Wasielah’s birthday breakfast.
We were bound for Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, with a stopover at the historic Düsternbrook Safari Guest Farm just outside the city.
Keetmanshoop: Quiver Trees and Colonial Echoes
Our first stop: Keetmanshoop, about two hours from Grünau. Famous for the nearby Quiver Tree Forest, the town is a blend of desert charm and old-world architecture.
The streets were quiet on this Sunday morning — a few locals, old stone churches, and those iconic aloe trees dotting the horizon.
We didn’t have time to explore the forest itself this time.
Keetmanshoop Trivia
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German missionary roots: Founded in 1866 by German missionaries, funded by Johann Keetman who never visited Namibia—the town grew into a key trading post along colonial routes
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Eagle Monument legacy: A German war memorial commemorating Schutztruppe casualties in the Herero-Nama conflicts stands near the old post office—a bronze imperial eagle atop an obelisk declared a national monument in 1967
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Giant’s Playground geology: Just outside town, massive dolerite boulders appear stacked artificially—relics of ancient magma cooling and erosion after continental drift from Pangea times.
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Quiver Tree oddity: The Quiver Tree Forest appears upside down—Aloe dichotoma trunks broaden at the top, making the trees look like upside-down roots. Some specimens are centuries old.
The Long Road to Windhoek: Changing Landscapes
Beyond Keetmanshoop, the terrain began to shift — from rocky desert to golden savanna, then into rolling hills.
Namibia’s beauty lies in its contrasts: empty plains followed by bursts of green, all under an ever-changing sky.
By late afternoon we entered Windhoek, a city that surprises first-time visitors. Tidy, calm, and nestled in the Khomas Hochland mountains, Windhoek blends colonial relics with African rhythm. Though we didn’t linger, the city’s energy was a welcome change from the road.
Ps: Yes we were pulled over. Yes we were fined for speeding. Don’t speed. And they were so nice about it. Namibians are a friendly bunch. Even their spietkops are nice.
Windhoek Trivia
- Windhoek is home to three European-style castles—Schwerinsburg, Sanderburg, and Heinitzburg—built during German colonial rule.
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Schwerinsburg is now the official residence of the Italian ambassador.
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Each was built by a different German officer—one even traded the structure for a bottle of brandy!
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Windhoek Sits on an Ancient Volcanic Field
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Windhoek’s Streets Were Once Patrolled by Carrier Pigeons
Just 30 km outside Windhoek, Düsternbrook Safari Guest Farm awaited us. The final stretch to the lodge involves three river crossings and some gravel driving, so be warned: a high-clearance vehicle helps.
As we entered the farm, the sunset turned the Khomas mountains gold. Giraffes grazed in the distance, watching us with curious eyes. And springboks darted across the road.
It was the kind of welcome you can’t script.
Our accommodation was a rustic hiker’s hut — basic, but clean and comfortable, with hot showers and mountain views. After dinner we collapsed into bed, hearts full.
To read a full account of our hike, click here. There is also a link with details if you’d like to do this hike. Which I highly recommend.
Day 9–10: Swakopmund, Walvis Bay & Dune 7
Namibia’s west coast is a world of contrasts. In Swakopmund, German colonial architecture meets Atlantic breezes. Our first night in Swakopmund we watched the sunset over the ocean.
The next day we visited the estuary before tackling Dune 7 near Walvis Bay later in the morning — the tallest dune in the area. The climb was tough, but the view from the top? Worth every step.
We also visited the Walvis Bay Lagoon, where very few flamingos waded elegantly in the shallows – it was baby-raising season apparently, and shopped for warm layers — that sea mist is no joke!
That night we went to a fancy waterfront restaurant to celebrate a 42nd wedding anniversary.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund Trivia
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“Mouth of the Rhino River” with an Archaeological Twist: The town’s German name means mouth of the Swakop River.
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The Desert “Martin Luther” Locomotive: A steam traction engine named “Martin Luther” attempted to haul goods through shifting sands between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund in 1897. It sank constantly and was abandoned ~4 km outside Swakopmund.
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Tiny Lizards with Big Attitudes: The local shovel‑snouted lizards fight by biting toes (which regenerate), dance upright across hot dunes, and sometimes latch onto earlobes—nature’s natural earrings.
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Germany in Africa: Swakopmund is often nicknamed the “southernmost North Sea resort” because of its German colonial architecture, German street names, and even local beer festivals.
Walvis Bay & Dune 7
Walvis Bay Trivia
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Whale Bay by Name, Bird Paradise by Nature: The name literally means “Whale Bay” in Dutch/Afrikaans—named for historic whale sightings. Nearby Pelican Point, flamingo lagoons, and seal colonies make this area one of southern Africa’s richest birding spots.
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Last Official Enclave of South Africa: Walvis Bay remained South African territory long after Namibian independence (1990) and only officially transferred in 1994. Until then, signs at its train station even read “Welcome to South Africa”—much to the locals’ bemusement.
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Padrão of Dias: Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias landed here in 1487 and named it Angra Pequena (“Little Bay”), later renamed Walvis Bay in tribute to marine life—remnants of his Padrão cross still mark the area.
42nd Anniversary Dinner
Day 11: Swakopmund to Sesrium
From the coast, we headed inland to Sesriem, gateway to the Sesrium Canyon and the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei. But not before we stopped for apple pie in Solitaire.
The C14 from Walvis Bay to Sesrium was horrible although climbing up Gaub Pass was breath-taking.
Solitaire Trivia
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The Name “Solitaire” refers both to the solitude of the desert landscape and to a single-set diamond, symbolizing something rare and precious standing alone.
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A Population Under 100 – But a Tourist Hot Spot. Despite having fewer than 100 residents, Solitaire is one of the most frequented stops between Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay, and Windhoek—thanks to its fuel station, bakery, and location.
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The World-Famous Apple Pie of Moose McGregor. The Solitaire Bakery became legendary under the care of Scottish-born “Moose” McGregor, who baked what’s widely regarded as Africa’s best apple pie.
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A Vintage Car Graveyard That’s Become Desert Art
Solitaire features a number of rusted-out classic cars, half-buried in the sand or nestled among desert flora. Originally abandoned, they’re now considered an open-air retro art exhibit and Instagram hot spot. -
The Town Belongs to the Ground Squirrels who roam freely across Solitaire. A sign at the entrance even warns: ‘Slow down for the squirrels’.
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Nearby Prehistoric Rock Art – A National Monument. Just 80 km north at Rostock Süd farm, you’ll find the Oase Rock Paintings—71 prehistoric artworks depicting wildlife, humans, and mythic shapes. They were declared a Namibian National Monument in 1968. (Noting for next trip.)
We couldnt wait to get into Sossusvlei, but due to time constraints, had to console ourselves with The Hidden Vlei, for today…
Day 12: Sossusvlei Revisited
We made the pilgrimage to Big Daddy dune, one of the tallest sand dunes in the world. The climb was epic, the descent thrilling, and the views unforgettable.
At the base lies Deadvlei — a white clay pan dotted with ancient, petrified trees. The contrast of red dunes, blue sky, and bone-white sand feels like another planet.
Tip: Arrive early. The gates open at sunrise, and the desert heat builds quickly.
Pro-Tip: Budget more than 1 day for Sossusvlei.
The pictures don’t capture the way this landscape captivates you, ensnares your imagination and steals a part of your soul. Next time we are going back to do it justice.
Gary's Gems
Sesriem & Sossusvlei Trivia
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“Sesriem” Means “Six Rawhide Thongs”
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Sesriem Canyon Is Only ~2 m Wide but ~30 m Deep. Carved by flash floods of the Tsauchab River over millions of years, parts of the canyon are narrow enough to touch both walls—yet plunge about 30 m down into unexpectedly lush water pools.
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“Sossusvlei” Literally Means “Dead‑End Marsh”. A mixture of Nama (“no return”) and Afrikaans (“vlei” = marsh), the name refers to the Tsauchab River ending abruptly when dunes block its course—creating a dry or occasionally flooding pan.
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The Dunes are coated in iron oxide, giving them their intense red hue. The famous Big Daddy dune reaches about 325 m.
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Deadvlei’s trees are 600–900 Years Old—and Still Don’t Rot. The dead camelthorn skeletons in Deadvlei died centuries ago when the river shifted but haven’t decomposed because the desert is so dry.
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Despite appearing barren, Sossusvlei supports adapted wildlife: oryx, springbok, bat‑eared foxes, and the endemic dune lark, found nowhere else in the world.
Day 13: Lüderitz & Kolmanskop
From desert to coast again — this time, Lüderitz, a quirky town with a fascinating German heritage.
The highlight? A haunting visit to Kolmanskop, a ghost town once rich with diamond dreams. Sand-filled rooms, crumbling mansions, and old ballrooms offer an eerie, photogenic window into the past.
Lüderitz & Kolmanskop Trivia
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Lüderitz once had a private hospital on Shark Island (now part of the town), active until the early 1990s.
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It was named Lüderitz after German merchant Adolf Lüderitz—who never lived to witness the diamond rush that followed nearby.
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Nearby Halifax Island hosts one of Namibia’s largest African penguin colonies, just offshore from Lüderitz.
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Lüderitz is famous worldwide for the Lüderitz Speed Challenge, a professional speed sailing event.
Kolmanskop (Ghost Town)
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In 1908, a railway worker found the first diamond on the sand. Kolmanskop quickly became one of the world’s richest towns, producing about 11–12% of global diamond output by the early 1910s.
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At its peak, residents could request caviar, champagne, and imported sausages—often paying in diamonds.
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The X-ray station (1st in the Southern Hemisphere) at the entrance scanned laborers to detect swallowed or hidden diamonds.
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Kolmanskop has featured in films like Dust Devil (1993) and The King Is Alive (2000), and its eerie interiors inspired the cover art for Tame Impala’s album “The Slow Rush”. The recent Fallout TV series also filmed here on location, no CGI needed.
Later, we drove to Dias Point and Shark Island, where we stumbled upon a moving memorial to the Namibian genocide — a sobering reminder of this land’s complex history.
I find it deeply insulting to the memory of those who were murdered by Germany, that this place be a holiday camp site.
Of all things.
Would anyone be OK if Auschwitz were turned into a campsite?
Shark Island is testament to the Evil that was and is Colonialism. Free Palestine.
Dias Point
Shark Island Memorial
Day 14 - 15: The Long Road Home
On our penultimate day, we made our way back to Grünau, stopping for Jumuah prayers in Keetmanshoop and a quick lunch of Halal fried chicken (when in Namibia…). Shout out to Hungry Lion!
That last night at Namgate felt full circle — a final sunset, a shared silence, and deep gratitude for a journey that had given us so much.
Final Reflections: What Namibia Taught Us
From stormy Cape mornings to blazing desert afternoons, from urban buzz to remote silence, this road trip gave us everything: challenge, joy, introspection, and awe.
Namibia is a country of extreme beauty and gentle rhythms. It’s not always easy — long drives, limited fuel stops, and wild weather can test your limits. But it rewards you with silence, stars, wildlife, and wonder.
Planning Your Own Cape Town–Namibia Hike & Road Trip? Here’s What You Need to Know:
Border Crossings
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Vioolsdrif–Noordoewer is the easiest and most used crossing.
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Bring passports, vehicle papers, and cash for road fees.
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Expect thorough but friendly customs inspections.
Road Conditions
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Tar roads are generally good; gravel roads vary.
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A high-clearance vehicle is ideal, especially for places like Sossusvlei.
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Always carry extra water, fuel, and snacks.
Best Time To Visit
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May–October: Cool, dry weather perfect for road trips.
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August–September: Wildflower season in Namaqualand.
Suggested Stops
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Piketberg: Breakfast and views.
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Springbok: Cultural oasis in Namaqualand.
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Keetmanshoop: Quiver trees and colonial charm.
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Swakopmund: German flair meets Atlantic surf.
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Sossusvlei: Namibia’s desert crown jewel.
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Lüderitz & Kolmanskop: Ghost towns and genocide memorials.
Ready to Hit the Road?
If you’re dreaming of vast skies, flaming dunes, soulful towns, and the thrill of crossing borders by car, a Cape Town to Namibia road trip might just be your perfect adventure.
For us, it was more than a holiday — it was a pilgrimage, a celebration, and a reminder of the magic that still exists in wide open spaces.
Namibia — you humbled us, healed us, and changed us. Until next time.
Fantabulous….stunning pics…and beautiful read….awesome Bibs
Once again ,beautiful written capturing the moments that the reader can feel & live in those beautiful moments experienced by the group.
Need to do this trip again
Absolutely stunning…. I’m inspired…. Love the pics…. Keep going…. Algamdulillaah
Forever youngj
Alhamdullilah. Shukran
I was resident in NAM, just around its independence. During my 3 year stay there (WHK), I often commuted between WHK & CPT.
I love your vivid & colorful description; it reflects my own impressions & experiences.
thank you
what a great adventure well done ..
Thank you 🙂
Beautifully written. From a South African point of view is just what we need encourage others to go. A trip for South Africans to an inspired country. I have been there many times, hiking. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome 🙂
Absolutely beautiful 👌
Thank you 🙂
Excellent!!!
Appreciate mentioning the horrific Genocide by the Germans .See documentary of the evil deeds by heartless Germans on YouTube.
Next time ,must visit townships around Windhoek!
Wslm.
Rushdie.
Salaam Rushdie. I wasnt aware until we got there. It was heart breaking. I did some research after. It was just sick what they did to the indigenous people of Namibia… to this day their descendents live in poverty becos they lost their land and their cattle. EFF Colonialism man.
Hi guys…
I am Mogamat Salie Saban… a kapenaar that live in Walvis Bay since 1972…
The proud author of 2 books…
Namely… 1. Walvis Bay, Namibia’s Jewel.
2. Sandwixh Harbour, our beautyfull coast line…
Contact me…
On whatsapp…
+264817602526
Can I reach out to you before my next trip to Namibia? Will be a year or 2? Maybe not. I have to consciously stop myself from going to Namibia every year!
Thank you amazing photos and information.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for posting your trip. I look forward to doing it myself. Your detail of the places you visited is a valuable tour guide. Thanks. Look after yourself.
Thank you Chris!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading your road trip. I always wants to do this trip myself. It gave me an insight what expect. I can see your group really enjoyed yourselves. It was well documented.
Shukran so much! I appreciate the comment!
I also wanna go to Namibia , but dont know how , i wish someone can help me , greetings John
Namibia is wonderful. It was my 4th time. I have at least 2 more trips planned in my head.
Masha Allah, great trip and excellent commentary. Definitely a memory built. Can I ask what kind of vehicles you travelled in?
Shukran. We drove a Toyota Quantum. The gravel roads in Namibia are generally very good. We only had a terrible road on the section of the C14 from Walvis Bay to Sesrium.
A beautiful, insightful and descriptive summary of events for those who are considering such a trip to Namibia. Very well written with so much heart and attention to detail. Captivating images and a history lesson all in one. Really enjoyed the read; thank you for sharing your experience 🙏
Thank you! I appreciate you
Loving the simplicity in this travel adventure, yet the mindfulness and consideration of each place visited, adding the interesting ‘trivia’. Also a poignant reminder of where our history has taken us and where we are today.
Die lekker koesisters bly ook nie agter nie😋🤣 – but by no means adding a “koesister mentality”.
A lovely, inspiring, heartwarming and enjoyable article. So glad I came across it🙏🏽.
FREE PALESTINE. 🤲🏽
Shukran!
Hi it was great to see such happiness and that people enjoy themselves. I would like to go on such a trip.
Do it!
It was special spending time reading your insights and commentary of your trip. Shukran for sharing.
Shukran! Glad you enjoyed!
I’m from Karasburg but living now in, Cape Town
Namibia is indeed a wonderful place. Hope you all enjoyed the trip.
Hope to go with next time.
Defs going back again!
Scenic, great fun and last but not least, I felt inspired…
Alhamdullilah! Life should be an adventure!
Love love love the love adveture😍 Every bit of your expidition is so Beautifully documented💯 Enjoyed the read. You took me with on your journey with the beauty you captured. Awesome
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the journey!
Beautiful & interesting…how do your packages work pleaze…
HI Mike. Its just me and some mates.
Thank you for this very insightful post. It felt like you took us along with you on your adventures. My family and I traveled to Namibia from Mossel Bay early this year. Your trip is inspiration to visit other places in Namibia that we haven’t been to yet.
I created a video combining photos, videos and time-lapses of our trip: https://youtu.be/vaVQW6N5VYo?si=9wCoXcVphnmi9Fsp
Thanks again for sharing.
Thank YOU for sharing. Watching your video… a true labour of love 🙂
This was beautiful captured full of information wooow thank you Eish I could have people to do this with. That history from the tour guide lady was amazing.
Kolmanskop haunts me…
Beautiful memories pictures
I also planing to go next year
With a camper van I must still
Do planing
Enjoy!