a unique country to discover the wonders of the African continent.
Namibia is a truly unique country, with unexplored places waiting to be visited and incredible people. Here you can experience the magic of safaris, admire the desert dunes (among the highest in the world) and the evocative ocean landscapes. I have truly crazy memories of a trip full of discoveries and pleasant surprises.
a place that makes you sick of Africa
You know when you talk about a place and immediately every internet algorithm seems to point in the same direction as your thoughts? This journey started just like this! I was talking with some friends about the fact that I had never been to Africa yet and, a few days later, also driven by the numerous suggestions on the web, I decided to book and leave for Namibia.
Africa is something unique! I have always heard of the "Africa sickness" and returning from this trip I can only confirm these rumors. For those who love breathtaking landscapes, Namibia is a true paradise!
Between the dunes and the ocean: Sandwich Harbour
If I were asked to choose a place that has stuck with me, I would definitely say Sandwich Harbour , which is located within the Namib National Park. It was there, in fact, that I was lucky enough to see the sun set from a sand dune overlooking the ocean! A crazy experience, in the most incredible place my eyes have ever seen! To get there, you need to rely on specialized tours with
4x4 cars, equipped with satellite GPS. The street itself is already an incredible attraction; you travel several kilometers along the seashore, where on one side you can see the sand walls of the dunes and on the other side the ocean . Crazy!
The centuries-old trees of Deadvlei
Another truly evocative place in Namibia is Deadvlei. Here ancient centuries-old trees cover a vast area where a river once flowed. The arid soil creates very particular natural wrinkles and the trees create a truly particular atmosphere... at times
mystical! It's like being on another planet! All surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world! On a photographic level, I would say that a stop in Deadvlei is a must; I didn't want to leave there anymore! However, being a very touristy place, I recommend going there at dawn, also to enjoy the magic of the first lights of the day, which make Deadvlei an enchanting place!
The night show of the Milky Way: seeing the stars in Namibia
And as if the countless activities to do during the day weren't enough, there was also the night to keep my adrenaline pumping during the trip! In fact, Namibia boasts a strategic position , with zero light pollution , to see the stars! I, who have always been an eternal dreamer, obviously from day one I fell in love with everything that shone above my head! On another trip of mine I had already experienced a similar sensation, but I had never seen the stars so well with the naked eye. The Milky Way was omnipresent above me and I couldn't take my eyes off it; I let myself be carried away by the deep thoughts and emotions that lulled me in the night!
The more I was out there, the more I wanted to immortalize that feeling of helplessness I felt in the face of the infinity of the universe! I have goosebumps just thinking about it. Those were moments that I will truly always carry with me.
The incredible safari experience (or when I cried in front of a cheetah)
Namibia was truly a rollercoaster of emotions and what made it even more incredible were the animals . The true protagonists of Africa!
Seeing those animals live (which we are normally used to watching on television) has a certain effect! I will never forget when, during one of the many safaris of the trip, just before dawn, we set off in search of the big cats . In fact, you never know what can happen during a safari , because the areas are huge and the animals can move a lot to hunt. But it's just this feeling of
unpredictability that makes every moment even more unforgettable. After spending a couple of hours wandering around the park, the guide - after talking with one of his collaborators - informed us that they had identified traces of a cheetah . I couldn't stand it, one of my favorite animals! Being able to photograph it would have been a dream. After a few turns with the car, I suddenly see a bush moving. One, two, three cheetahs! I couldn't wait! The mother and two cubs were moving towards us! As soon as I spotted them, I let myself be overcome by emotions, my eyes were teary and I didn't believe it was all true! I grabbed my camera and started shooting.
I was over the moon!
Organize a trip to Namibia
Namibia is a place that needs to be discovered, there are many unexplored places waiting to be seen and an incredible people who however show the signs of poverty . As safe as it is, my advice is to always rely on some agency and/or organized group because as in any place you have to be aware of the risks linked to the enormous poverty you find.
Having said that, I'm still full of crazy memories, in one of the most absurd places I've ever seen!
