Have you ever seen the rain?

It’s muggy as you crawl into your tent on the banks of the Orange River. It had been a long day, and you fall asleep quickly, only to be awakened an hour or so later by a rumble. At first, you’re confused, but then realise it’s the wind coming from the east. You emerge sleepily from the tent and make sure the tent pegs are secure – just in time, as moments later, a storm blows through the camp. Very soon, fat raindrops strum against the tent, while it seems as if someone is taking pictures outside while lightning bolts flash one after the other. Deafening thunder follows, and you fold your pillow over your head in an attempt to muffle the sounds from above.

Tonight is your final night of a week-long trip through the south of Namibia, and every day brought the rain. Usually, when describing this country to someone, the words “rain showers”, “thunderstorms”, and “floods” don’t come to mind first. Namibia is, after all, known as a desert country, although it usually does rain in late summer. And, when the weather conditions are perfect, you get proper rain.