Namibia in 60+ Shots

The light in Namibia is different from any place I have visited before. It is dazzlingly luminous and it has the ability to transform everything into visual magic. In a way it reminds me somewhat of Ladakh, India – the first place that charmed us with its blue skies, vivid colors and crisp air. Both Ladakh and Namibia are arid and desert like with sparse vegetation. Both have mountains composed of layered rocks sandwiched in diagonal layers and open vistas that fill me with never ending awe.

Both make me feel like Alice in Wonderland.

In Namibia I catch myself staring in wonder at everything – the bugs, the sunsets, the elegantly shaped vegetation, the clumps of yellow grasses marching in neat rows to the horizon, the giant termite mounts that dot the landscapes, the citronella plants that give out the strongest fragrance which is familiar yet completely new, the bright red sands of the dessert, the birds that I have never seen before, the night sky decorated with different constellations… The list is endless.

This big country has a tiny population. What it has though besides pristine nature, diamonds and other mineral riches is wildlife. Real wild animals! Below are some shots we took in Etosha National Park~

                            

I realize that the wildlife we witnessed is a shadow of the past animal wealth of the country but for me the European girl it is nothing short of impressive. As a matter of fact to be able to see wild animals on the side of the road feels like a miracle.

This is the first place on our trip where nature appears to hold the reigns. It is merciless, extreme and unforgiving. How does one tame an arid landscape that has no water and offers no respite from the scorching sun?

                        

I am not sure how Namibia compares to other African countries but I know that it has delivered beyond my expectations. Even though we picked the country somewhat haphazardly it turned out that our choice couldn’t be better.

I finally have the answer to “why Namibia?”

Namibia is the perfect road trip destination! It is wonderfully empty and its solitude is arresting. The whole country feels like a giant national park, a pristine back country. Gravel roads that change in color arrow through jaw dropping scenery and the fact that they are not paved adds to the charm. There are No rest areas providing comfort on the way, No commercial development whatsoever, No billboards, No gas stations, No light pollution, No Nothing! If you blow a tire you have to change it yourself. If you get stuck in the sandy roads you might wait for days for another car to come by! In this regard Namibia is a destination for the brave ones and those looking for adventure through daunting lonely expanses with sunsets and sunrises to die for.

Even the top tourist attractions like Etosha, Sesriem and Fish River Canyon feel deserted in November. We can travel without reservations choosing our next destination as we go with no problems of finding a beautiful campsite to crash for the night.

The air is clean and the water is safe to drink. The people are friendly and sweet.

Namibia’s landscapes are beyond stunning and their variety unbelievable.

Namibia offers visitors a glimpse in the life of indigenous tribes who have preserved their traditional ways against all the challenges thrown their way. The country intriguing with its diverse population speaking many languages and combining different cultural and ethnic traditions.

The only negative is that travel in Namibia is expensive and we are busting our budget every day, but I think this will hold true for most of Africa. It feels sad to rush and get only superficial idea of the culture and the local people. How I wished we could afford to linger for longer.

Namibia also doesn’t have taste for us compared to the unbelievable flavor of Asia. Eating grilled meat and pap (a traditional porridge made of ground maize) is big here but we are not meat eaters and also eating out is too expensive. Dinner for four costs as much as eating out in a nice restaurant back home, so we stick to staple meals we cook on a little gas stove. What we can afford though lis the delicious German cakes, cold sparkling water and beer.

As a matter of fact cold beer has never tasted better!

Cheers,
~M.