Adventure in the heart of Namibia across a landscape of contrasts

Adventure in the heart of Namibia across a landscape of contrasts

Martin calls me: “Shall we go to Namibia?” I say: “Yes!” We buy tickets, reserve cars… We take the girls – Dana, Jarča, Lenka and Adélka. The adventure begins!

Namibia is a country where the desert meets the ocean, where you can find the oldest dunes in the world, endless plains, unique African animals and unforgettable views. We set off on an adventurous journey in a 4x4 off-road vehicle to discover its natural beauty, drive through wild and almost deserted areas and experience the feeling of freedom that only true wild Africa offers.

Our adventure began at a car rental in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. The rented Nissan cars with 4x4 drive, roof tents, compressor refrigerators and complete camping equipment had everything we needed for such a demanding trip. In Windhoek, we stocked up on water, food, and fuel—essentials for traveling in remote areas.

We headed west over the Kupferberg Pass and picturesque rocky plains toward the town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast. The journey took us through dramatically changing landscapes—from savannahs to arid desert areas where you might occasionally spot an ostrich or antelope.

Swakopmund is a revelation. Its German colonial architecture, cafes, and cool ocean breezes quickly convince you that you’re no longer in Europe. We then headed south to the port of Walvis Bay, where we could take a catamaran ride to watch seabirds and sea lions. We were lucky—sea lions were jumping around the boat, and one curious one even climbed aboard to ask for a pet and a fish reward.

The catamaran took us to a lagoon teeming with life. In addition to pelicans and cormorants, we saw flocks of flamingos in the shallows. The ocean here smells different – ​​a combination of salt, fish and adventure.

We continue north along the Skeleton Coast, one of the most remote and mystical places in Africa. The D2302 road, leading through the desert, took us to rusty shipwrecks, the remains of port facilities and coastal lighthouses that now only silently watch the ocean. This coast got its name from the countless shipwrecks that got stuck here in thick fog and strong currents. The winds and the desert gradually swallow not only them, but also any signs of human activity. In addition to ships, you can also find whale bones here – remnants of the times when whaling ships operated here.

We camped at night near Torra Bay. The utter solitude of this area and the starry sky were breathtaking. We continue to the Namib Desert, one of the best places in the world for stargazing thanks to the absence of light smog. In the evening we lie on the roof of the car, watching the stars again, the sand rustling beneath us and in the distance we hear the ocean murmuring…

Early in the morning we set off for the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We head straight for Dune 45, one of the most photographed dunes in the world. Then we continue on to Deadvlei – a white salt pan with dead acacias that stick out of the cracked earth like ghosts. They are surrounded by red dunes up to 300 meters high, including the famous “Big Daddy”. The whole place seems like it’s from another planet. We return in the afternoon, exhausted, sunburned, but filled with an incredible experience.

In the evening we enter Damaraland – an area where desert elephants live and the landscape turns into massive rock massifs. We visit Spitzkoppe, a huge granite formation towering over the surrounding plains. Camping under the rock itself is an experience in itself. The night is quiet, warm and full of the sounds of nature.

We end our journey in Etosha National Park, one of the best safari parks in Africa, which was founded in 1907. We enter the park in the early morning and head to the watering holes. In Etosha, there is no need to chase the animals - you just have to wait patiently. The animals come on their own - elephants, giraffes, zebras, jackals, wildebeests and antelopes. With a little luck, you can even catch a glimpse of lions or rhinos.

In the evening, we camp in Okaukuejo, famous for its night-lit watering hole. We sit quietly and watch the wild animals come to drink in silence. The atmosphere is truly magical.

Namibia is a country that will conquer you with its raw beauty and freedom. A 4x4 vehicle is ideal for traveling. The roads and paths are often sandy, rocky, and the distances between places are considerable. It is important to have a trip planned in advance, have enough fuel, at least two spare wheels, enough water and food. A general knowledge of basic car maintenance is essential in this country.

Traveling in Namibia is not an ordinary vacation - it is an expedition, a challenge, an adventure. Every day brings new views, encounters with wildlife and a deep sense of humility before the forces of nature. We returned home with sand in our shoes, with hundreds of photos, but most importantly with hearts filled with experiences that will remain forever.