NAMIBIA, AFRICA
12 days “On the Road” among the most beautiful landscapes of Namibia
Never heard of Mal d'Africa, well I can tell you that I have recently returned and yes, I feel that nostalgia for those landscapes so pure, silent, fascinating, those landscapes that transmit peace and tranquility. From the deserts of a thousand colors, to the safaris of every animal species, to kilometers and kilometers of uncontaminated landscapes , we discovered this magnificent land: NAMIBIA you will remain forever in our hearts . An adventure where nature is the true protagonist of the trip and you are just a shy spectator, speechless, in front of so much beauty!
NAMIBIA 2023
Day 1 – Windhoek – Kalahari Desert – 240km (asphalt) / 3 h
Accommodation: Kalahari Farmhouse Camping
Our adventure began in Windhoek, where we picked up our legendary vehicle: a Toyota 4x4 with two roof tents, ready to become our home on wheels. After a stop to stock up on food in the city, we set off towards the our first camping in the Kalahari Desert.
Our base for the night is Kalahari Farmhouse Camping, a really nice and welcoming place. Here we tasted Springbok meat (an antelope) for the first time: delicious, soft and super tasty. A simple but exciting first day, perfect for getting into the mood for this incredible journey!
Day 2/3 – Sossusvlei – Dead Vlei – Namib Desert - 340km (170 asphalt/170 dirt) / 6 h
Accommodation: Sesriem Campsite (inside the park)
DAY 2
We woke up very early for our first safari in the Kalahari Desert. This place is pure enchantment: a red desert, rich in vegetation, perfect for those who love peace, solitude and silence. During the safari we spotted our first animals: springbok , giraffes, zebras, wildebeests… a unique experience!
After a super breakfast at dawn in the middle of the desert, surrounded by this magical landscape, we returned to the campsite and set off again towards Sesriem.
Once we arrived, we wasted no time: we headed to the Elim Dune , the closest to the park entrance, to enjoy the sunset. In front of us there was only immensity and pure beauty of nature: a panorama that leaves you It takes your breath away and makes you feel small in front of the grandeur of these places.
DAY 3
Wake up early today too, heading to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei for sunrise on the most famous dunes in Namibia. From the entrance of the park there are about 60 km to travel, so it is important to leave early.
Tip: Go straight to the Sossusvlei parking lot and climb the first dune you find on the left. It's the perfect spot to see the first rays of the sun paint the desert around you fiery red ... truly spectacular!
After sunrise, we ventured on foot through the dunes, heading to the top of one of the highest in the world: Big Daddy . The walk takes about 1:30, but it's worth it. Once at the top, comes the most fun part: the run down the entire dune, which took us straight to the famous white esplanade of Dead Vlei. This place is surreal, with the blackened trunks of acacias that have been dead for centuries, the white of the dried mud and the crazy contrast with the orange sand and the deep blue sky.
On the way back, enjoy the view: you will be surrounded by an amphitheater of apricot-colored dunes . Among these, Dune 45 stands out, the most famous and photographed, located at the 45th km of the park.
Before sunset, we went to visit the Sesriem Canyon, a small but fascinating canyon carved by water over the centuries.
The day ended at the campsite with a nice barbecue and a cold beer, while the sun was setting over the dunes on the horizon. I was exhausted, but excited for everything we had experienced!
What to do:
Leave early to enjoy the sunrise (60 km drive and a hike to the top of the dune).
Bring plenty of water: you will be walking a lot in the hot sun and you will need it, especially if you decide to climb Big Daddy!
Day 4 – 5 – Swakopmund – Walvis Bay – 350km (320 km dirt road and 30 km asphalt) – 6 hours
Accommodation: Amampuri Travellers Lodge
DAY 4
Up early for a long day of travel… or so we thought! It was supposed to be a smooth ride through the myriad landscapes of Namibia, but Franci surprised us with an incredible experience: a scenic flight on a small plane over the Namib Desert .
Flying over the Sossusvlei park was without a doubt the most beautiful thing of the trip. From above, the red dunes seemed endless , then transformed into white dunes that plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean. A spectacle of nature that left us without awe. breath!
After this unique emotion, we set off again towards Swakopmund. The car journey was long, but never boring: every kilometre offered different and spectacular landscapes. Along the way we stopped at the Valley of the Moon, a surreal area of gorges and canyons sculpted by millennia of rain and ephemeral streams.
After about 350 km we arrived in Swakopmund, a tourist town on the ocean that welcomed us with a decidedly different atmosphere: cold, humid and low clouds that seemed almost to belong to another world. The evening ended with a special dinner lobster-based, before collapsing into bed, still full of emotions for this crazy day!
DAY 5
The day began with a boat trip to Walvis Bay , in search of sea lions, dolphins and flamingos. The experience was really fun, with the sea lions approaching curiously and showing off to earn a few fish. Lunch on board was a little luxury: very fresh oysters and champagne, surrounded by the sea and the animals that kept us company.
In the afternoon, one of the most incredible experiences awaited us: the 4x4 excursion to Sandwich Harbour , where the immense white dunes of the Namib Desert plunge into the ocean. Going up and down with the off-road vehicle on these dunes was a mix of adrenaline and amazement.
Once we reached the top of one of the highest dunes, we stopped to admire the view: in front of us the immensity of the desert that meets the blue of the ocean. There are no words to describe how spectacular it was ... just IMMENSE!
What to do:
Don't miss the 4x4 excursion into the Sandwich Harbour desert.
Ask the driver to take you to the highest dunes: from there you can enjoy the most breathtaking view, where the desert embraces the ocean!
