Exploring Africa on motorbike: Nice lodges and camping in the mountains

A couple from Switzerland I met at Sossusvlei desert (73-year old Richard and his wife) told me about a nice lodge and camping site in the mountains.They couldn't remember the name, they've just showed me its location briefly on their map. First day I started driving very late and I didn't find the place. I stopped at Namib Namkluft lodge as it was dark already. I ordered beer and greek salad. Owner Hans was very kind to me and offered me a cottage, actually a huge tent in the shape of cottage. I enjoyed cozy interior, soft bed and warm shower. Colorful views of orange rocks and yellowgrass fields in the morning did not surprise me anymore. I had a delicious breakfast and I also connected to wifi internet in the restaurant to update my blog. I chatted to Hans who is originally from Frankfurt, Germany but came to Namibia some 30 years ago when he was 29. I really appreciate his hospitability and I warmly recommend his Namib Naukluft Lodge when you come to Namibia. Especially if you want to stay comfortable and as close to the Namib desert as it gets. Sesriem is just 40 kms away and they organize guided tours with jeep to the desert and back. They are famous for that. Check their page,

In the early afternoon I started driving my motorbike in direction of Naukluft mountains. After some uncertainty I finally found the way to Spreetshoogte pass direction. The road is called D1261 and is normally hard to find. But I asked Robert at Adonis lodge in the valley and he showed me the way. I drove for more than one hour and I must say it is very interesting gravel road. You can see some nice landscapes and also animals. I saw some huge kudus crossing the road just in front of me. In more than an hour I met just two cars. I passed through Rebooth pass and turned left to D1275. Soon after that I found my fellow mountain camp. Happy. It is called Namibgrens Guest Farm, how could I not know.

I am staying here at Namibgrens for the second day, enjoying camping, mountain hiking and swiming pool. Swimming pool is naturally set between big rocks and water temperature is just perfect. The colour of the sky is blue and the sun is not too hot as we are 1800m high above sea level. There are twelve camping sites, every each of them equiped with outdoor showers with warm water and restrooms.

Yesterday evening we were braiing together with Ross (57) and Argie, both from Walvis bay. They were the only two other guests in the camp as it was during the week. Nice chaps, I think we will meet again. After braai, at the night, in my tent, I was watching bright stars and slowly faded listening to interesting sounds of animals. In the morning I've also heard many animals, not just birds. I recorded some sounds on my Yamaha WS24 audio recorder to detect sound sources later.

Today I checked the Villas close to camping sites. So surprised. What a comfort. Huge spacious bedrooms with shower and bath next to bed. And all set between huge rocks. And what a spacious living room with a bar and big view. So cool. A must see and try. The houses are modern and luxury version of Flintstones' houses.

Later today I went hiking and enjoyed pathways among amazing rocks and hills. I wanted to reach peak and view point from where I would have view over Namib desert. But after three hours of walking I found a shack with local people and lots of goats. There was a man, woman and six kids hanging around the house. I spreaded some sweets to the kids, they looked happy. They were Nama people.

Later I was almost lost in the mountains and ranger Derrick found me with his landcruiser. We drove back, together with a goat in the back of his landy. It's after dinner now and I have to go to sleep, baboons are waiting to sing me lulaby song. Goodnighty.