Seventh and final stop: Ghanzi

After another night in Maun, we traveled 320km to our final stop in Ghanzi on Wednesday morning. Ghanzi is located in the Kalahari Desert, near the border with Namibia. Our guide had mentally prepared us for the heat and informed us that there would be no pool. When we arrived at our campsite in the midday heat, we quickly realized what he meant. The heat is completely different here. Much drier and the warmth seems to come not only from the sun above but also from the ground. To our delight, we did have a pool, which seemed to be newly built and not yet finished. Despite the lack of chlorine and the half-full pool, we did not hesitate to go swimming.

In the afternoon, we went on a bushwalk with the San people. According to our guide, they are an ethnic group that is gradually dying out and will likely no longer exist in 10-15 years. Although such encounters are always somewhat questionable and perhaps staged in a way, it was very beautiful for me from a photographic perspective. Ten San people joined us on the walk and primarily showed us which plants they use as medicine. Unfortunately, we learned less about their way of life and hunting and gathering. In the evening, we could have booked a traditional dance, but unfortunately, too few of us wanted to participate and we needed at least six people. I found that very disappointing. So our last evening ended quietly and uneventfully. Before Jeannie and I went into the tent, we enjoyed the starry sky once again. I have rarely seen so many stars in my life. We would have loved to sleep under this sky without a tent, but our respect for scorpions, giant beetles, and other animals was too great.

Yesterday morning at 7 o'clock, we started our return journey, 600km to Windhoek. The drive was quite entertaining as I read a lot and took occasional naps. We arrived back in Katutura at 5 p.m. and were warmly welcomed. It almost felt like coming home. Although I love camping, a comfortable bed and clean clothes are also nice.

All in all, the trip was really great. We saw so many diverse things that we need time to process it all. Seven different places in 12 days are almost a bit too much for my taste. It's hard to remember everything we saw. However, I definitely don't want to miss this trip and will remember it for years to come.

I think I've already told you that trip planning is not easy for me, which is why I'm going on another trip next weekend, but this one will only be 3 days and 2 nights. I had actually considered canceling the trip because it's too much in such a short time. But if I don't do the trip now, I won't be able to do it later.

Today, the first month is already over, and a lot has happened. Time flew by, but I have to admit that I already miss a lot of things. Of course, you, my family and friends are at the top of the list. Shortly after that are salsa dancing, Cologne, and sports. But I know that they will all be waiting for me and won't go anywhere.

Sending you my heartfelt love ❤️