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

As I reflect on the last few weeks of sharing our hike through the Namib Naukluft, I thought I'd share some insights and a few things learned along the way.

Reflecting on the previous 7 days of the Namib Naukluft Hike on the Kapokvlakte Plateau.

I found myself mentally reliving much of the 8 Day Namib Naukluft Hiking Trail this week as I reflected on what it meant for me at the time of doing it (August 2015).

And of course sharing it with you over the past few weeks.

I hope it was a fun journey to follow, perhaps even a bit inspiring!

Have you thought about doing something like it?

Take my word for it: it’s well worth it.

You just have to start.

You grow so much as person over the period of a multi day hike.

The process of the planning, traveling to and doing it, you will never be the same person again. The people, landscapes, experiences and learning changes you.

Every. Single. Time.

It truly is a beautiful thing.

Hiking also teaches you things about yourself, about life, and about nature.

Some highlights from the hike.

Some of the things I have found hiking has taught me:

• You have to do it yourself, no one is going to do it for you.

• There is no instant gratification, the only way to get to where you want go is by putting one foot in front of the other - and it that takes time.

• Planning is good (but be adaptable).

• Fitness (some level of) is a great help in enjoying the hike.

• People are different, with different opinions / thoughts / strengths / weaknesses (and that’s a good thing).

• Learning from said people is an underrated skill.

• Accepting help is ok.

• Be open to different ways of doing things (there is more than way to accomplish something).

• Being completely self-sufficient in the wilderness is an amazing feeling.

Scenery along the Namib Nauluft Trail.

And specifically what the Namib Naukluft Hike has taught me:

• There is more than one way to make good coffee on a hike (even if you have to chew the last bit)

• Carrying enough water is highly underrated.

• Namibia is not only a flat desert country.

• People are awesome (but only those who like hiking - kidding!).

• “The Routine” is actually a thing (see Day 1).

And that, as they say in the classics, is that!

I hope you enjoyed the journey with me (and all of us)!

Do you have any thoughts on the journey / experiences to share?

Simply hit reply and let me know / comment below.

PS - This is the 9th (and last) installment of my weekly visual story covering the 8 Day Namib Naukluft Hiking Trail (1 day / week), you can read the previous posts here if you’ve missed them.

PPS - shameless plug once again 👉🏽 I have a new side hustle up and running, so if you like outdoor inspired casual clothing, check it out here (use code READER10 for a 10% discount).

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Until next time ✌🏽.

Cornelius

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