Namibia, Part II

“Wild camping” in Namibia is less about actually sleeping outside than it is a grueling road rally with multiple vehicles – a combination of endurance test and obstacle course in 4-wheel drive campers through dry and not-so-dry river beds and over extreme rocky terrain. The roads were so rough that my spinal column easily collapsed another centimeter or two over the course of our three-week journey. As you will see, however, the breath-taking landscapes, adventure, camaraderie and cultural encounters more than made up for the bumps along the way.

Here is our combination conveyance and occasional home over the last month….

Tertius, Ty, Henry and I were joined by Tertius’ friends Yvonne and John, and Yvonne’s parents Carla and Arthur – 4 vehicles in all – for an incredible trip through Damaraland and Kaokoland in Namibia’s northwest region.

A key element to the success of this type of trip apparently is the process of extracting oneself from the hazards presented on the way. Crawling slowly over rocky outcrops, much as we did on the Sani Pass in Lesotho, was a challenge, but more so was the sandy wet soil of the Ugab, Hoanib and Hoarusib riverbeds……..

Tertius captured some great drone footage of our caravan brought to a halt while Arthur’s camper was stuck in the sand.

Many options for freeing the beast were put forward and attempted….

Finally….. and as we were told, inevitably – a workable solution was found…..

Sometimes, only human intervention can save the day…..

Such abuse over a continuous period is hard on the vehicle in question…… Here, Tertius, Ty and a local advisor ponder a possible transmission issue.

The spare fuel tank on our trusty steed was nearly dislodged after so much jostling. Here, Ty and Tertius strap it to the chassis with some spit and baling wire.

….. while Henry does some maintenance work on a battery that keeps failing.

Once the day’s maintenance and breakdowns are taken care of, you must find the perfect spot for the night…

And then….. the indispensable and most crucial phase of wild camping – laying out the drinks table and indulging in same!

Some people enjoy a smoke with their cocktail(s)….

Sooner or sometimes much later, food is consumed. Here, Tertius has prepared potjiekos, a traditional Afrikaaner dish…..

It’s basically a stew of meat with vegetables, prepared (without stirring) in a special pot over a wood fire (this one, obviously, chicken).

Sometimes, a local visitor (we called him Gideon) will join the group around the fire….

And sometimes hilarity ensues…..

More to come as technology permits!