Namibia ENG pt 1

Journey notes

Namibia is a country full of contrasts, never ordinary and it is a perfect destination for people in search of adventure.
It is located at the furthermost south west of the continent and is characterized by large desert zones and boundless plateaus. Finding sweet water is almost as difficult as meeting a human being: it is the less populated country in the world, after Mongolia. English is the official language, but there are lots of tribal dialects, as well as Afrikaans, German and Oshiwambo, all recognizes regional languages.

When you land at the international airport Hosea Kutako, you have the first impact with the capital city, Windhoek, the most populated in the country. It is a swarm of little, dusty and very poor suburbs, leaning against a shining office and political district.

There is not a lot to visit. Thus, after tasting kudu, zebra, oryx and springbok meat in a delicious local kebab, the Bushman Sosatie, and the most drunk Namibian biers, Windhoek and Tafel, – two Lager – we move towards the cost. But we must face the desert….beforehand!

After hiring cars, tents and other equipping, we go towards Solitaire, an outpost in the nothing, where you find lots of last century car wrecks and….apple pies and cinnamon sweets!
Apparently, being a German colony in the past is felt even in the most isolated zones.

A quick stop to stretch our legs and we find ourselves in the Sesriem Canyon, among the Moon Mountains, bored by the millenary action of a river which does not flow any longer.

After staying in the car for hours and hours, the good news is arriving at Soussusvlei and climbing Duna Elim. It will not be the only one we climb: Big Mama, Big Daddy and Duna 45 will be added in the following days.
Enjoying sunsets and dawns from the top of these natural views means to have the privilege of appreciating a very intense light and observing thousand shadind colours, never seen before.

These atmospheres repay waking up before dawn and hard work: each step towards the top is swalled up by the sand for three quarters at least. Thus the way seems endless and sand goes in everywhere: shoes are full of it!

The following days another terrific experience has been walking among the fossil trees in Deadvlei: it is a desert tract remained unchanged since hundred years, where distances seem to fluster and the perspective games allow imaginative releases…

Wanna see other sensational photos and wanna read about the other part of this great trip?

See you at the next story!

Italian Namibia notes