Namibia

Joshua Tree Park — Sunrise Among Alien Trees

We drove south to Joshua Tree Park, and I have to say — seeing the Joshua trees at sunrise was something special. The way the soft light hit the twisted, spiky trees made the landscape feel almost enchanted. It’s a peaceful, otherworldly stop worth the long drive.

The Road to Luderitz — A Journey Through Color

From Joshua Tree to Lüderitz, the drive itself felt like part of the adventure. The road seemed to melt into the landscape — mountains shifting from deep reds to purples, contrasted against the pale desert sand. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to stop every five minutes for photos.

Oh, and get ready for gravel roads — they’re the real deal here. By this point, you’ll probably feel like a pro at navigating the bumpy, dusty tracks.

Lüderitz & Kolmanskop — Ghost Town Vibes

We spent a night in Lüderitz, a coastal town that feels like it’s stuck in time. It’s a great spot to restock your groceries, fuel up, and check out a few cozy cafés and restaurants.

The real reason to stop here, though, is Kolmanskop, the famous ghost town. Built by German settlers during the diamond rush, it was once a thriving, luxurious mining town — until the diamonds ran out. Now, it’s abandoned and slowly being reclaimed by the desert. Sand pours through windows and doorways, filling old mansions, hospitals, and ballrooms. It’s hauntingly beautiful, and the eerie, sand-filled buildings make you feel like you’re exploring a lost world.

🏚️ Creepy Cool: The hospital is especially spooky, and the contrast between the fancy European-style architecture and the encroaching dunes is surreal.

📸 Tour Tip: You can only visit Kolmanskop with a guided tour — check the schedule in advance to pick a time that works for you.

Tsauchab River Camp — Hidden Oasis

On the way to Walvis Bay, we broke up the long drive with a night at Tsauchab River Camp — a quirky, off-the-grid campsite literally in the middle of nowhere. The campsite is set in an old riverbed, with a swimming pool that was a lifesaver after hours on the road. After a long, dusty day, cooling off in the pool was pure bliss.

This spot felt like a little desert oasis — rustic, peaceful, and totally worth the stop.

I NEED TO ADD SOLITAIRE

Walvis Bay — Sand Dunes Meet the Ocean

Walvis Bay is one of the biggest cities on Namibia’s coast, known for its port, vibrant local life, and as the gateway to Sandwich Harbour — a place that completely stole my heart.

We stayed in an amazing apartment here (highly recommend!), and from the moment we arrived, the vibe felt different — a mix of industrial port town and laid-back beach escape.

🚙 Sandwich Harbour Adventure: We booked a tour with an incredible company (our guide was actually the guide trainer!). He handled the dunes like a pro, speeding over the sand mountains with ease. The views were breathtaking — the ocean crashing into towering dunes, creating an epic landscape where you feel tiny against the vastness. It’s hands-down one of the best experiences I’ve had in all my travels.

Swakopmund — Coastal Charm & Civilization

After Walvis Bay, we drove to Swakopmund — a lively coastal town that feels like a European beach retreat. It’s the perfect spot to recharge before heading into Namibia’s more rugged landscapes.

🛒 Stock Up: This is your last chance for big grocery stores and supplies. We hit SPAR and a fantastic local butcher to load up on everything we’d need for the next half of the trip.

☕ Cafés & Restaurants: Swakopmund is packed with great spots for brunch, coffee, and dinner. A few favorites: Village Café (quirky and colorful), Slowtown Coffee Roasters (great brew), and The Tug (seafood with ocean views).

Spitzkoppe — Namibia's 'Matterhorn' of the Desert

Spitzkoppe is a stunning, granite mountain range often called the 'Matterhorn of Namibia' because of its dramatic, jagged peaks rising from the flat desert floor. The mountains are believed to be over 120 million years old, and they hold deep cultural significance for the San people (Bushmen), who left behind ancient rock art scattered around the area.

The campsite here is truly special. It’s so vast and spread out that if you visit outside peak season, you might feel like you have the whole place to yourself. We parked near some beautiful rock formations that were perfect for climbing — watching the sunset from up there was unreal. The sky lit up in shades of orange and purple, blending with the rugged mountain skyline.

⛺ Camping Tip: Facilities are basic — just WCs and communal showers — but the raw beauty of the location more than makes up for it.

🌄 Rock Art & Culture: We spent a morning with a local guide who showed us ancient rock paintings depicting animals and hunting scenes. He explained the traditions of the San people and how they lived harmoniously with the land. It was fascinating to hear stories passed down through generations, standing right where they once gathered.

🧗 Hiking & Climbing: If you want to hike to the peaks, you’ll need a guide for safety. There’s a gate separating the camping area from the hiking trails, so arrange a guide in advance if you’re keen to explore the higher parts of the mountains.

After a sunset BBQ (thanks to the meat we stocked up on in Swakopmund!), we fell asleep under a sky packed with stars — truly one of the most peaceful nights of the trip.