Namibia: Unforgettable Moments

Traveling through Namibia allowed us to see the country's stunning vistas, desolate desert expanses, and amazing adventures. Every aspect of the vacation felt planned, serene, and visually magnificent, from the minute we landed in Windhoek until the final sunset at Spitzkoppe.

 We started our journey by renting a car immediately from the Windhoek airport. Visitors may expect to pay far more for insurance than they would in other countries. Namibia's geography is rugged, the majority of its roads are gravel or dirt, and there is a considerable risk of a boulder hitting your vehicle. The additional cost includes recovery, towing, and damage from flying stones—a degree of protection you will undoubtedly require once you start driving across the desert. Understanding these circumstances helps to comprehend why the insurance is designed the way it is, and why it is required for anyone wishing to travel long distances across Namibia's remote regions.

 The four-hour trip from Windhoek to Solitaire provided a stunning introduction to Namibia's desert environment. Solitaire is a small, iconic stopover town in the Khomas Region, famous for its petrol station, bakery, and antique cars half-buried in the sand—ideal for quick shots. It's critical to arrive early enough to refuel, eat a snack, and recharge before venturing farther into the desert. Many tourists utilize Solitaire as a rest stop on their way to Sossusvlei or Deadvlei, and we encourage doing the same. After taking shots and stretching our legs, we continued driving toward our destination—and ended up navigating at night. Visibility was extremely low, the road was entirely dark, and we had no phone coverage in case something went wrong. It was a lesson we would never forget: in Namibia, it is critical to organize your route so that you get at your destination before dusk.

 One of the highlights of our trip was the morning hot air balloon ride with Namib Sky Balloon Safaris. Floating over the Namib-Naukluft National Park provided us with a serene, expansive vista of the desert. The balloon operator expertly maneuvered us above the dunes as the dawn light flooded the landscape. Seeing the orange sand from above provides a very other experience—quiet, vast, and calm. It remains one of the most magnificent moments of our stay in Namibia.

 Our stay at the Le Mirage Resort and Spa was equally memorable. The resort's desert design is stunning, virtually blending into the surroundings. We ate some of the nicest meals of our trip—fresh, tasty, and well cooked. One of the most remarkable sensations was sleeping on the resort's roof beneath the open sky, surrounded by desert quiet. During the day, we had the opportunity to ride quad bikes across the sand, which added excitement to the slower, more casual portions of the trip. The combination of comfort, food, and activities made Le Mirage one of our favorite Namibian destinations.

 We also celebrated our wedding anniversary with a photoshoot at Deadvlei, which turned out to be one of the most stunning photo sessions we've ever done. Deadvlei is recognized for its bright orange dunes, white clay pan, and deep blue skies—one of Africa's most striking natural color contrasts. To get to Deadvlei, you must walk across sand for 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace. If you want to photograph at golden hour or sunrise, you must remain inside the park the night before. The gates do not open until 7 a.m., so sunrise access is limited unless you stay in one of the park's lodges. Even so, lineups at the entry can form quickly, so advance planning is crucial.

 After visiting the southern desert, we headed to Spitzkoppe Park, which features granite peaks, vast plains, and old rock formations. This location has a rich history with the San people, who resided in the region hundreds of years ago. We discovered rock engravings and learned how the San thrived in the area long before modern towns appeared. One of the most memorable aspects of this trip was meeting the Himba people, who showed us about their daily lives, rituals, and the significance of the red clay they wear on their skin and hair. Their culture remains deeply connected to the land, and their openness made the experience meaningful for our entire family.

 Namibia is a country that will stay with you. Quiet desert mornings, expansive horizon lines, cultural encounters, and spectacular scenery all combine to offer a travel experience like no other. This blog is a means for us to share our adventure and help others understand why Namibia is such an incredible area to explore.