Category: Naukluft Hike

It was with a feeling of accomplishment and a touch of sadness that we left the Park the day after our hike ended. The sharing and companionship during the many days of the hike was a very special experience, and now it was over. At least we still had the day and evening together. We… Continue reading Naukluft to Swakopmund (6th Aug 2017)

A beautiful, crisp morning greeted us on this, our last day on the trail. The wind had died down during the night but it was still very cold. Seeing herds of plains animals was so rewarding. It gave us reason to pause and observe while giving our feet a break. It was tough walking on… Continue reading Naukluft Hike: Day 8 (5th Aug 2017) – Kapokvlakte Shelter to Naukluft campsite (16km)

I used to get the most appalling blisters because of the way my little toe folded in under my foot. That in turn caused me to tilt my foot, which in then caused a blister to form on the opposite side of my foot.  While in DisChem Roger spotted a silicone toe protector which one… Continue reading Naukluft Hike: Day 7 (4th Aug 2017) – Tufa Shelter to Kapokvlakte Shelter (14km)

The morning was crisp, with clear blue skies and not a breath of wind. Time to tackle that 200m uphill to Die Valle dry waterfall, aptly called Groot Hartseer, while we still had some shade from the mountains. The fresh remains of a Mountain Zebra, not far from the shelter, bore evidence of the previous… Continue reading Naukluft Hike: Day 6 (3rd Aug 2017) – Die Valle to Tufa Shelter (16km)

The day started with a steep ascent up the mountain. It is called Broekskeur Pass for good reason. The terrain was difficult; very steep with lose rock and shale, saw us scrambling, huffing and puffing, taking short breaks to catch our breath. But the spectacular views from the top made the effort worthwhile. Once we… Continue reading Naukluft Hike: Day 5 (2nd Aug 2017) – Tsams-Ost to Die Valle (17km)

Having coffee while watching the sun rise, listening to the silence and breathing the unspoilt, fresh air was one of my early morning pleasures. The Jo’burg morning traffic noise and polluted air a distant memory. The day started with a fairly easy walk until we got to Zebrakloof. We were beginning to feel fitter and… Continue reading Naukluft Hike: Day 4 (1st Aug 2017) – Adlerhorst to Tsams-Ost (17km)

We all felt refreshed after a good night’s rest. On the second day we got our timing right and were all ready to walk at 7am since then. It was a beautiful morning and everyone was feeling upbeat. The trail backtracked to Bergpos windmill, which means we spent a significant time bolder hopping up the… Continue reading Naukluft Hike: Day 3 (31st July 2017) – Ubusis Shelter to Adlerhorst Shelter (12km)

We were up early’ish, and were on the trail by 7:30am. It was far too late though. We would have to start by 7am in order to manage each day’s distance and challenges. The pain in my toe was excruciating but with my boots on it felt more secure and was at least cushioned from… Continue reading Naukluft Hike: Day 2 (30th July 2017) – Putte Shelter to Ubusis Shelter (18km)

Roger, Eugene and Marlene were at the Park Official’s office at 7am the next morning. And, much to their surprise (or not?) there was an open, cold bottle of Tafel Lager standing on his desk. While they went to the car to fetch papers and wallets the bottle miraculously disappeared! The office procedure took a… Continue reading Naukluft Hike: Day 1 (29/07/2017) – Naukluft campsite to Putte Shelter (14km)

Eugene and Marlene wanted to go to Sesriem as they were too late to join us the previous day, so we agreed to meet for lunch at Bullsport Lodge near the entrance to the park. Roger and I lingered around the campsite before taking a leisurely drive along the D854. At some point we passed a… Continue reading Namib-Naukluft Park – The Rendezvous