Namib Naukluft Hiking Trail: A Walk Through the Mountains in Desert Country (The Prelude)

Join me on a visual journey through one of the most challenging hiking trails in southern Africa, in the breathtaking country of Namibia, over the next few editions of Alpine Dispatches.

The view on Day 1 of the hike, after ascending the initial section into the mountain range from the valley below.

Namibia is known more for its sandy deserts and vast open landscapes rather than its mountains.

Yes, mountains.

On the edge of the desert.

You see, we were there to take on what is regarded as one of the most testing hiking trails in Africa:

The Namib Naukluft Trail.

It is a self supported, 8 day hike (120km), with basic shelters at designated points along the route.

Sleeping arrangements inside one of the shelters.

This is a few years ago already (we completed the hike in 2015). But going through the images recently had me remembering what a fun adventure it was, with a great group of friends, and acquaintances who became friends along the way.

Sadly, I never got around to sharing the pictures from that trip.

Thus, in the next few additions of Alpine Dispatches, I would like to take you along on that particular journey (some highlights below).

Top L-R: Navigation the old fashion way, by paper map; Gemsbok grazing; Some sections of the hike get a bit technical // Middle L-R: Natural obstacle navigation; Blister treatment en route; Passing cactus fields // Bottom L-R: Some parts of the trail reach 2000m above sea level; Hiking along a river bed; Taking a break after a long climb.

The hike is 8 days long (only 7 if you have friends like mine, but more on that later).

We’ll cover 2 days at a time, starting next week.

For this week’s addition, I wanted to present the journey to you (see gallery above).

A prelude, if you will, of what to expect as we meander through the Naukluft Mountains in Namibia.

I look forward to having you along for the hike!

The Naukluft Hiking Trail passes through dry, arid regions too, so carrying plenty of water is essential.

Have you done any hiking trails that you look back on fondly?

Simply hit reply and let me know / comment below.

PS - shameless plug 👉🏽 I have a new side hustle up and running, so if you like outdoor inspired casual clothing, check it out here!

—

Until next time ✌🏽.

Cornelius

---

Last week’s blog / newsletter:

---

Enjoy this newsletter?

Forward it to a friend 👉🏽 sharing is caring 😊.

Join the Crew?

If you’d like to keep sharing the visual stoke together, sign up for Alpine Dispatches.

Looking for more / to connect?

You can find me on Vero (photography), Instagram (photography, life, family) and Twitter (photography, discussions, thoughts), as well as my website (portfolio, trying to be an adult 🤷🏼‍♂️).

Ways to support my work:

• Subscribing (for free 🤠, or paid 😍) and joining the discussion.

• Kitting yourself out in Seasonal Vagabond merch, here.

• Investing in a fine art print of the Swiss Alps here.

• Grabbing a set of b/w backgrounds for your phone here.

• Contributing to a goal of mine here.

• Or simply just buying me a virtual coffee here.