I thought I had seen it all. With Instagram showcasing every imaginable corner of the world, it’s easy to feel like there’s nothing left to discover. Yet, when we rolled up to Dune 7 in Namibia, I knew I was in for something truly special. The grandeur of the landscape, the people I met, and the sheer scale of the experience made it clear that this trip was unlike anything I had ever encountered. The saying, “there’s always something new to discover,” had never felt truer.

A Warm Welcome

It was April, and I had just arrived in Namibia, crossing the South African border on an overnight bus. As I unpacked my bag, I struck up a conversation with a man traveling with his son. Originally from South Africa but currently in Namibia on business, he had a deep affection for the country. When I mentioned my ambitious plan to travel through the deserts all the way North and across the equator to Egypt, his eyes widened with amusement and curiosity. “Is that even possible?” he asked with a hearty laugh.

“I think so,” I replied, sharing that I’d seen it online. His enthusiasm was infectious, and he offered to buy me lunch. Although I initially declined, i was starving and so we heading to a local Nando’s. The meal was delicious, and when it came time to pay, he insisted on covering the bill. Not only that, but he also sent his son to get me a SIM card with credit so I could stay connected.

Before parting ways, he gave me his number, assuring me that Namibia is small and that he knew everyone. “If anyone gives you any trouble, call me. You’re like a son to me now,” he said. He also mentioned that if I made it to Walvis Bay, I should reach out.

A Local Tour
A few days later, I found myself in Walvis Bay and sent him a message to see if he was available to show me around. We met at a KFC (a curious but welcome chicken connection) and he arrived in a sleek black Jeep. What followed was a city tour from a local’s perspective. We visited old friends and shared stories from his past. It felt like I was with a family member, and he introduced me to everyone as his “son from London,” which made me feel incredibly welcome.

In the afternoon, he suggested we check out the sand dunes, specifically Dune 7, which he claimed was the biggest in the world. I was skeptical but intrigued.

Conquering Dune 7
Walvis Bay’s weather is as unpredictable as it is captivating, with its coastal and desert climate creating swift changes. Initially, Dune 7 didn’t look as imposing from a distance, but as we approached, its scale became more impressive. The dune rises 380 meters high, and climbing it was far more challenging than I had anticipated. Each step felt like a battle as my feet sank into the shifting sand.

My friend’s son was too exhausted to continue, so his dad carried him up the dune. Despite my own struggles, the view from the top was worth every effort. The expansive desert stretched out below, with the sand absorbing every sound, creating a profound sense of peace and tranquility.

Reflections on the Journey
Watching others climb the dune and help each other, I was struck by the parallel to my own journey. Just like each grain of sand contributes to the dune, the small acts of kindness and support I received from people along the way had a cumulative impact on my adventure. Standing atop Dune 7, I felt a deep sense of clarity. The vastness of the landscape reminded me of how small we are in the grand scheme of things, and how our individual actions, though seemingly insignificant, can make a substantial difference.

Namibia had initially been just a waypoint on my journey, but it ended up being a place of profound experiences and unforgettable moments. The open landscape, the incredible people, and the sheer beauty of the sand dunes made it clear that sometimes, the most remarkable adventures are the ones that surprise you.

that evening on the drive back to my hostel i lookedout the window and was again inspired by Namibia’s landscapes. they are utterly mesmerising-rugged, vast, and stunningly beautiful. I attempted to learn a few words in Oshivambo from the bus driver and became fascinated by the unique click sounds in the local languages. The clicks were a refreshing change from the harsh tones I associated with cockney London slang

Sand dunes are simply SINGLE grains of sand blown together. Some dunes are big, others are huge, this one is dubbed by the Namibian government as the highest in the world and it’s #Massive.
It’s all very impressive, well that’s until a single gain ends up in your eye. Then that #eyesight, becomes an #eyesore