Most Inspirational Moment
Yeah - I can't decide - Climbing to the top of the Waterburg plateau was fun and challenging, resulting in a fantastic view; the sand dune climb was a terrific experience (we saw a dancing white lady spider!); the hike back to Deadvlei (no other tourists here!!); the phenomenal waterhole experience at Etosha, and interactions with the Damara, Himba and Herero were all so good. We also did an extra 2 hour dunes flight out of Swakopmund (arrangements made by the tour guide), and the Living Deserts Tour in Swakopmund - both well worth it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We benefitted from 2 group leaders: Sven and Shane. Both were very knowledgeable, capable and enthusiastic. They helped several of us out a couple of times - I left my credit card at a shop - no problem - let's go get it; one person's bank card got sucked into an ATM - she got help cancelling the card and getting to a bank, and one night we were investigated by a curious elephant that resulted in some minor tent damage - new tent the next day! They were very patient with lots of bathroom requests, the need to stop and photograph each and every elephant, and our desire to stop at roadside stands to shop. VERY very good - both of them. Our camp assistant was Ruben (not sure of the spelling), and he did a LOT more than assist. He set up and broke down the campsite, prepared our meals, did the dishes, and was very interesting to talk with about current Herero lifestyle. A VERY nice and hard working man.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A couple of things: Rand was accepted freely everywhere with the possible exception of the Living Deserts Tour in Swakopmund (although I'm sure you can check that out ahead of time). And since Rand can be converted back to Euros and USD, it might be worth getting more Rand than Namibian dollars. ATM's work for some and not for others, so do your homework ahead of time and make sure the ATM system in Namibia meshes with your bank at home (it didn't for us, but we had done our homework). Biltong!! Yes - we wanted to bring some back to the US, but you may get asked to go to the Agriculture desk at US customs. Our group had mixed results - some were allowed to bring it in, others had to surrender it. Electricity: You need a specific Namibia/South Africa plug configuration which kits do not contain, even if they say Africa. Again we had done our homework and the entire group borrowed our adapter throughout the trip. Do plan on the add-on activities in Swakopmund. We did the 2 hour flight over the dunes which was well worth it. Not only do you gain an appreciation of the vastness of the dunes, you also see lots of other things like shipwrecks, abandoned mining camps, the salt works, seals and flamingoes. We also did the Living Deserts Tour. This was led by Chris who was masterfully multilingual, entertaining as well as passionately environmentally aware. Everyone enjoyed themselves, saw some small creatures and really learned respect for a very fragile ecosystem. Well suited for youth and adults with no difficult walking.
