Most Inspirational Moment
Only the one most inspiring moment? I can't choose. Climbing the red sand dunes of the oldest desert on the planet, seeing the Namib sand gecko and desert-adapted giraffes and elephants that only live in Namibia, seeing cheetahs up close, walking up to white rhinos, spotting two black rhinos face off at sunset, coming face to face with a family of warthogs outside the lodge, seeing remarkably old and well preserved cave paintings, driving long the coast where the desert meets the ocean, and petting Mila the meerkat of the Brandberg White Lady Lodge. Everyday brought something new and amazing, and sometimes unexpected like the honey badger we never expected to spot.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Shane was great. He had a great plan to ensure we always had cold water to access on the bus and we could always access it even during the night if needed. He was great at spotting wildlife and also at sensing excitement in the bus and stopping even for the 100th springbok or giraffe. He modified the itinerary slightly by switching activities between days so we got to do everything planned but with shorter drives. And some evenings he answered the same question 10 times.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack layers. Mornings and evenings were chilly in some places, and days got hot. The temperature changed fast at sunrise and sunset. We got our pant legs quite wet during the white rhino tracking and it was chilly but so worth it. Bring a good camera (seriously, everywhere in Namibia is amazing for photography) with protective gear against wind and sand and a cleaning kit. I used my camera cleaning kit almost daily and others on the tour used my cleaning kit too. Talk with the group leader about your plans. During our day off in Swakopmund, I had read about optional excursions and was debating between the Living Desert tour and the Sandwich Harbor tour. I couldn't make my mind and Shane managed to arrange for me to do both, warning me it would be an exhausting day. I did the Living Desert tour at 8:30 am, got back in town, changed cars, and got back from the Sandwich Harbor tour just 30 min before our planned dinner time. It was exhausting but I regret nothing! I saw and learned so much and am so grateful I was able to do both excursions. And during a meal, ask for a Malawi Shandy. It might become your favorite drink on a hot day.