NAMPACKED

I last graced wonderful Namibia during my military service in the early 80s and that stay was confined to the northern towns of Oshakati and Ondangwa. Besides firing numerous 12.7mm Browning anti-aircraft rounds at no-one in particular, from the vantage point of the water tower I was confined to, there was little opportunity to take in the varied landscape that is the beating heart of this incredible country. So, when the offer came in from Marko Paape, manager of AFC (Accessory Fitment Centre) and supplier of Ironman 4x4 products for the Namibian dealer network, to join a 4x4 trip in the Erongo region, I jumped at the chance.

After a quick flight from Cape Town to Windhoek, I spent the night at the luxurious Arebbusch Travel Lodge before setting off the following morning on what would turn out to be an adventure filled with lots of laughs, some amazing sights and beautifully-arid surrounds – a photojournalist’s dream.

The day kicked off with a quick introduction from event organiser Marko Paape and a briefing from trip guide Johan ‘Muis’ von Wielligh, before all the participants and dealers piled into their vehicles. I would be driving with Deon Anderson of Ironman 4x4 South Africa, in the comfort of his fully-kitted Nissan Navara 2.3-litre double cab. With aircons turned up, we all headed to the natural wonder of the Spitzkoppe for our first overnight stay.

DAY 1 – SPITZKOPPE

It’s approximately 280km from Windhoek to Spitzkoppe, most of which is spent on tarred B2 roadway which passes through Wilhelmstal, Karibib and Usakos before the dust road turnoff at the Uiba-Oas Crystal Markets. Once here, it is a short 40km