I was recently in Windhoek, Namibia, to attend an Africa Partner Network meeting of the Television for the Environment of which I am a partner. At the end of our meeting, we took a trip out into the Namib Desert, passing through a number of towns, including Usakos, on our way to the town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic Ocean coast. We then drove down into the Namib Desert and spent a night at the Gobabeb Desert Research Centre. The following day, we passed through Walvis Bay and back into Windhoek. A pictorial journey below.
View from the tour bus window
At a curio market on our way west. Don’t look too much at the elephant and its missing tusks.
A precious stones sellerA settlement on the roadside. Namibia has a very small population, and these settlements are few and far between.
Usakos town
With the other TVE partners at a stopoverThe drive down to Swakopmund town
The cosy town of Swakopmund
An artist in Swakopmund draws a quick portrait, which he then tries to sell to usOn the coast in Swakopmund with the Atlantic Ocean behind me.Swakopmund Town. It was very quiet, but it apparently fills up over the Christmas holidays.Swakopmund TownDriving out of Swakopmund town towards Walvis Bay.The road to Walvis Bay runs along the coast and behind coastal lodges.There were a number of adventure sports facilities in Walvis Bay. I saw a good number of people on quad bikes going up the dunes.One can spot several fishing trawlers in the Atlantic Ocean. Apparently, Namibians prefer their meat to fish.The road in the Namib Desert leads to the research centre. There was literally nothing for miles.
In the Namib Desert
The main entrance to the Gabobeb Desert Research Centre.Our first task for the day was to climb a dune.Views from atop the dunes
On top of a sand dune in the Namib Desert.
A spectacular sunset over the dunes.Our accommodation for the night.Entertainment area at the centre where we had a few drinks and danced to a few songs.The next morning was cold and foggy.Morning walk in the desert.A greenhouse at the research centre. They need it, they are miles away from the green grocers.
Lunch in Walvis Bay
On our way back to Windhoek, we had lunch in Walvis Bay town.Driving through Walvis Bay town on our way back to Windhoek.
