Swakopmund: Where the desert meets the Atlantic

Day 6

Yesterday morning we were able to sleep a little longer as we didn't leave for Walvis Bay and Swakopmund until 8:30 am. As a result, we were able to enjoy breakfast with a beautiful sunrise and for the first time we didn't have to pack up our tents in the dark. Afterwards, we left the great campsite and I had the honor of sitting in the front of the cab again, as the others will have several more opportunities to do so. I am the only one in our group for whom the tour ends in Swakopmund. For most of them, the tour continues to Vic Falls or even further to Tanzania. So once again, I had the chance to enjoy breathtaking panoramas. After 180km on mostly very poor road conditions, we arrived in Walvis Bay around 1:00 pm. There we had our lunch break directly on the Atlantic Ocean with a view of numerous flamingos before continuing 30km to Swakopmund. There we first went to a travel agency where we could book activities for the following day. Most of them chose a combo tour of quad bike riding and sandboarding or a skydiving. I only booked a 2-hour quad bike ride, but I would still be together with the others. Afterwards, we went to our accommodation where I had a double room all to myself and a soft, warm bed waiting for me. Until dinner time, we had some free time, during which I took a stroll through the city and to the sea. In the evening, we went to an Italian restaurant together, but my choice of pizza wasn't the best 😉 Gargano, I'm glad I'm coming soon 😄

Day 7

Yesterday morning I went for an early run because I wanted to see the sunrise. However, I forgot that Swakopmund is often covered in a thick layer of fog, especially in winter. So, I didn't see anything at all 😉 but it was still a nice run. After breakfast, I packed my things and moved to my hostel. It is located a bit further outside of the city but very close to the sea. From there, I walked back into town, visited a few shops, and strolled through the craft market where you can buy numerous souvenirs. At 2:30 pm, we were picked up for our quad bike tour, which lasted 3 hours in total. It was really fun, but for me personally, the view and the landscape were much more captivating. All around you, there is nothing but sand and dunes, and in the distance, you can see how the desert meets the raging Atlantic Ocean. Nature couldn't be more contrasting.

Afterwards, instead of taking the shuttle back to the accommodation, I decided to walk and made a detour to the sea to enjoy the sunset, which was displayed in all its colorful glory. Then I walked back to the old accommodation, where the others were staying for another night. Our guide Jacque had prepared a buffet for us to celebrate our sweet grandma's 80th birthday, followed by cake. Marcelle was moved to tears and expressed her gratitude in her sweet, broken English-French, wishing us to continue traveling the world even at her age. She has truly been a great role model for all of us. After saying goodbye to everyone, I took a taxi to my hostel at 9:30 pm and fell into bed, tired.

Today, I will be picked up by my shuttle at 3 pm, which will take me back to Windhoek. A beautiful last trip through South Africa and Namibia comes to an end. I am still overwhelmed by the diversity and landscapes. I am looking forward to meeting the other volunteers and our last 11 days together before most of us return on the 24th.

See you soon, your Johanna 😘

P.S. Did I tell you how cold it was sometimes? 😳 I'm so glad I didn't do the tour any later. The mornings and evenings were only bearable with thick socks, thick pants, and two sweaters, and the nights in the tent were freezing. The weather forecast for Windhoek says that it will be only 5-7 degrees at night and 23 degrees during the day. I think I will have to buy something thicker to wear for the remaining weeks.