Indholdsfortegnelse for Autumn 2025 i Travel Namibia

“It was as if the land itself had been waiting for this moment, and now that it had arrived, it was celebrating in the only way it knew how - by blooming in full, glorious splendour. It's hard to put into words the kind of beauty that makes you stop, take a deep breath, and realise—right there, in that moment— you're witnessing something rare, something fleeting, something utterly magical. But I'll try. I made the drive from Windhoek, chasing whispers of the Sandhof lilies. These extraordinary flowers bloom only when nature grants them the perfect gift: rain, and lots of it. They don't follow schedules or care about convenience. One day they're there, standing proudly in shallow pools of water, delicate yet resilient, a sea of white and pink stretching…

The Pelican Point Guided Hike is a new initiative, offering adventurers a unique way to explore the beauty of Walvis Bay's lagoon and RAMSAR site. Founded by Kelly Beukes, an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, this trek takes participants along the western edge of the lagoon. What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to witness marine and birdlife up close, away from the noise and distractions of the modern world. From playful seals and elegant flamingos to the dramatic shipwreck resting on the shore, every step of the journey reveals something remarkable. It's a crisp, clear morning on the Atlantic coast as we start our hike along the western edge of the Walvis Bay Lagoon. The port town, with its towering dock cranes, can be seen to the east…

Rocks are silent keepers of ancient secrets, bearing witness to Earth's movements, the collisions that shaped landscapes and the forces that continue to sculpt the world we marvel at today. Among the most captivating of these landscapes is the northwest of Namibia, where the rocks do more than just catch the eye with their striking hues and dramatic formations. These rocks, positioned with such eloquence to form mountains and valleys, are also some of the oldest on the planet. If these rocks could speak, they would have many stories to tell. Kirsty Watermeyer discovers the ancient tales of rugged places while travelling through Damaraland. “Stretching over 78,000 square kilometres, the Etendeka Plateau lies like an open book, its pages written in volcanic rock.” As we journeyed deeper into Damaraland, the…

I will never forget my first visit to Damaraland. In a sturdy, built-up Land Rover called Kangombe, we arrived at the camp well after sunset. Dinner was a boisterous affair. The camp staff sang around a campfire, and our guide sat with all the other guests at a long family-style dinner table, sharing tales of adventures in this rugged corner of the country. That evening a spotted hyena walked across the deck of my tented suite, and I waited with anticipatory trepidation for him to knock on my door. Earlier that day, Gerhard Thirion of Wilderness had picked me up in Windhoek. The drive from the capital felt like a journey through time. The city's bustling streets gave way to open plains, dotted with hardy acacia trees and herds of…

The Skeleton Coast, known for its harsh landscapes, holds many unexpected surprises – none more delightful than the sight of thousands of terns flying in a seemingly synchronised dance above sandy beaches. As I drove down the coast, I stumbled upon a spectacle that felt like nature's own aerial ballet. A huge group of terns, consisting mostly of Common Terns, their sharp black caps contrasting against the clear blue sky, flitted and dived in synchrony over the sand and surf. With their slender bodies, long, angular wings and graceful flight patterns, watching them was an absolute display of harmony. The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), often called the “sea swallow” for its long tail and delicate flight, is a common sight along Namibia's coastline. These terns breed in temperate regions of…

I grew to love mountains. Born and raised in the Omaheke Region of Namibia, I was accustomed to flat, sandy plains and thorny vegetation. Apart from family holiday trips to the coast with its frigid Atlantic depths and wind-whipped dunes, this pretty much encapsulated what I knew and understood of landscape, and, of the world. Traveling abroad for the first time at nineteen, I was immediately introduced to scenery far more mountainous and tropical compared to the lonesome desert spaces of Namibia. Ranges, ridges; snowy summits. Sprawling cities, gardens fringed with banana and avocado trees – pedestrians spilling over into crowded streets. These impressions drew sharp contrasts compared to the measured sparseness of suburban Windhoek! After nearly a decade dotted by frequent overseas travels, I found myself unexpectedly settling in…

As the first light of dawn stretched over the Lüderitz Waterfront, we gathered at the jetty, greeted by the crisp morning air and the promise of adventure. The crew of Penguin Catamaran Tours—Skipper Christo and deckhand Eslon—welcomed us aboard with warm smiles, their enthusiasm setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable journey. Along with our warm welcome, we each received a branded buff, a thoughtful memento. A few other guests joined us, and after a quick safety briefing, we pulled on our jackets against the brisk sea breeze. The Namibian flag fluttered proudly on the catamaran, a vibrant splash of colour against the soft morning sky. With a steady hum, the engines came to life, and we drifted away from the harbour, Lüderitz slowly shrinking into the horizon.…

As someone who has travelled extensively across Namibia, I often feel like I have seen it all. But this country never ceases to amaze me. Every journey reveals something new, something magical that leaves me in awe. My recent trip to Waterberg Plateau Park was no exception – it felt like stepping into another world. The experience began as soon as I turned off the B1 highway onto the C22. The sight of the Waterberg Plateau looming in the distance was truly magnificent, its silhouette standing proudly against the horizon. I had visited Waterberg on a day trip last year, but it is one of those places that never loses its grandeur. No matter how many times you visit, the sheer majesty of the plateau feels like a fresh revelation.…

During the heat of summer, we made our way to Ondudu Safari Lodge, on the edge of the Erongo Mountains. Perched among towering granite boulders, the lodge's cool, tented rooms each boast their own unique layout, cleverly tucked into the rocky terrain. Accessible by raised wooden walkways, the rooms invite you to simply unwind and soak in the positive energy radiating from the surrounding quartz-encrusted boulders. It is easy to see why one might be tempted to simply lounge in your room, basking in the tranquillity of the environment. But to truly connect with this extraordinary place, getting involved in the activities is where the magic happens. The land here is arid, almost forgotten by time, yet undeniably spectacular. The rocks, rich with minerals, shift in colour as the light…

One of the most common questions visitors to Namibia ask is: Where should they go for birding? As one of the most knowledgeable birders in Namibia and Southern Africa (self-proclaimed), I can confidently provide expert advice on where, when, and why to go birding in this incredible region. The Zambezi Region is undoubtedly Namibia's most prolific birding area, boasting an impressive diversity of species. Of a possible 700+ bird species recorded in Namibia, over 450 can be found here, making it an essential destination for any birder. Timing is crucial in birding, though the best time is always “as soon as possible!” However, the prime birding season is during the summer months when migratory species arrive, adding excitement and new ticks to your list. The ideal period to visit is…

In Namibia's central highlands lies the Okonjima Nature Reserve, a haven of untouched beauty. Spanning 22,000 hectares of pristine bushveld, this extraordinary reserve offers an immersive escape into nature. Just a short drive from Windhoek, Okonjima is celebrated not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its pioneering work in leopard conservation, an endeavour that draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Among Okonjima's collection of lodges, we stayed at Plains Camp, an exclusive yet expansive retreat. With its spacious rooms and generous facilities, the camp comfortably accommodates a good number of guests without ever feeling crowded. The welcoming staff and exceptional cuisine added to the sense of comfort, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. What we were about to uncover was a truly one-of-a-kind experience, set within one…