Let’s get this show on the road
Phil Clisby recounts a recent(ish) self-drive trip around Namibia, accompanied by his soon-to-be-wife and two-year-old son. In part one, he journeys from Windhoek to Sossusvlei via Erongo and Swakopmund
It’s hot. And I’m sweating profusely, despite the air con. A complete contrast to the freezing December weather we left behind in the UK; our winter coats thrown into the depths of the boot of our 4WD, to be left unseen for the next two weeks.
We drive out of Windhoek, heading for the wilderness of Erongo. After a couple of hours easy travelling on smooth tarmac we turn off the highway on to gravel, for our first experience of off-roading. We soon get the hang of it, skipping across the surface at a good lick, so as not to feel every bump and divot.
After 10km of dust flying in our wake – having belatedly remembered to close all the windows first – we reach the entrance to Erongo Wilderness Lodge. A sign informs us that the lodge is 800m up a very steep hill.
We take a deep breath, engage 4WD, slam our trusty steed into first gear and make our way up the slope at a speed that resembles that of a 180-year-old tortoise; the vehicle rocking as if we are on a boat, as we crawl up the somewhat uneven track.
Read the full blog to discover the best way to catch rock hyrax, why you should be careful where your dog has a wee and the benefits of an indecent proposal |
