Valerie's Round Trip Through Namibia and Botswana

Valerie's Route:

Windhoek - Spitzkoppe Massif - Cape Cross - Swakopmund - Mowani Mountain - Ongonga Falls - Etosha National Park - Grootfontain - Riverdance Lodge - Cuma Lagoon (Botswana) - Tsumkwe, Waterberg Plateau - Windhoek

A land of contrasts that touches the soul and lingers in the mind forever. Here, in this breathtaking country, happiness is found in its purest form, where nature plays the leading role. Endless horizons stretch for thousands of kilometers—rust-colored dunes at the edge of the Namib, the cool depths of the Atlantic, and an ever-changing landscape that shifts through countless shades like a vast color palette. Rolling hills, winding rivers, cascading waterfalls, the open sea, sweeping steppes, dense bushland, arid desert, and vast emptiness. Sometimes soft, sometimes harsh, sometimes scorching, sometimes cool, sometimes humid, sometimes dry—but always magical.

Suddenly, an elephant on the road. A herd of zebras. Giraffes—one, two, three. A tiny Damara dik-dik, nimble springboks, countless seals in and out of the sea, comical rock hyraxes perched on boulders, a lioness with her cubs, rhinos so close we could almost touch them, vibrant birds, darting lizards, and fearless porcupines all around us. The binoculars are always within reach. Our senses sharpen as searching for and observing wildlife becomes an irresistible addiction.

And then, the people—faces glowing with warmth, framed by humility, kindness, and an undeniable zest for life. Despite poverty, there is a different kind of wealth here. A deep connection to the land, a spirit of togetherness, and the ability to celebrate life with so little. Visiting the San people—the world’s oldest ethnic group, speaking in their fascinating click language—was a lesson in living peacefully and in harmony with nature.

Crossing into Botswana, the adventure continued—pure wilderness, vast marshlands, and endless sandy roads that demanded a steady hand, courage, and a racing heartbeat. Campsites felt as if we were the only travelers in the world. The rooftop tents on our car were set up in no time, headlamps flickered on, and the fire crackled to life. As the sun dipped below the horizon, spectacular sunsets filled our hearts with joy before darkness swallowed the landscape completely.

At dawn, coffee brewed on the small, fold-out gas stove attached to the car’s side door. Supplies for the next four days rested in the fridge at the back. Between rugged nights in the wild, we indulged in moments of comfort at breathtaking lodges, where freshly prepared meals awaited.

This trip was more than just a vacation—it was a feeling of happiness, freedom, and humility. We will be back soon.

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