In the summer of 2023, my partner and I made the decision to embark on a two-week roof tent camping adventure through Namibia. We’d heard countless stories about this vast country’s breathtaking landscapes and the incredible wildlife that inhabits it. As outdoor lovers with a deep passion for animals, Namibia seemed like the ideal place for an unforgettable getaway. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was that this trip would not only become one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life, but also inspire me to become a wildlife and nature photographer in my free time.
Allow me to take you on this incredible journey and share some of the unforgettable moments we experienced along the way.
After a 10-hour flight from Frankfurt, we safely landed in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Having pre-arranged our roof tent camper, we were now waiting to be picked up by a representative from the rental agency. A few minutes later, a friendly man named Rian arrived and drove us to the office in Windhoek. On the way, we spotted our first African wildlife—baboons foraging along the road. Little did we know, we would have a much closer encounter with these creatures later on in our trip.
At the office, we were given a thorough introduction to our new vehicle – a Toyota Hilux 4×4 pickup truck, equipped with a cozy two-person roof tent and all the essentials needed for life on the road.
Feeling excited, we left the office after a coffee with Rian and his team, eager to begin the journey we had been anticipating since we first started planning.
Our first stop was a supermarket in Windhoek to stock up on food and water for the coming days. In Namibia, traveling long distances means limited access to gas stations or grocery stores, so being well-prepared is essential.
With our supplies in tow, we headed out of Windhoek towards our first campsite at Namibgrens. During the drive, we got our first taste of Namibia’s stunningly diverse landscapes.
After a long and tiring day, we finally arrived at Namibgrens, set up camp, and began preparing dinner as the sun started to set. We had heard that African sunsets were among the most spectacular, and our first one certainly lived up to the hype. Watching the sun dip below the horizon over the vast bushland and hills on the horizon, we felt the true essence of Africa and knew we were about to embark on an extraordinary adventure.
