ADVENTURES THROUGH NAMIBIA: EXPLORING THE WILD HEART OF AFRICA
WITH CHANDLER BORRIES
Embarking on a 2,000 km journey through Namibia from Cape Town, our expedition started with a spirited hike along the dramatic Chapman's Peak, a trail famed for its breathtaking vistas. This was the start of an adventure I wouldn’t forget.
GEAR FOR THE ROAD: LOWEPRO ESSENTIALS
I traveled with the Lowepro and the Gitzo Traveler tripod. For the gear I shot with, I used a Sony a7RIII, Sony 24-70 mm f2.8 G-master and a Sony 100-400mm f4.5 G-master. As I wanted to travel light on this expedition, I was able to fit everything in the Photosport including two pairs of shoes, jackets and clothing for the diverse landscapes and temperatures.
As our journey unfolded out of Cape Town, the rugged beauty of the terrain unfolded before us. From the rolling plains to the towering peaks, each turn of the road revealed a new chapter in the region's stunning landscapes. After an eight hour drive, we made it to our first stop, the Orange River. The Orange River runs through most of the country and is the border line between South Africa and Namibia. Without phone reception and only 4x4 tracks for three days, we witnessed diverse landscapes like dramatic mountains to arid deserts. We had a few hiccups with our 1989 Landcruiser, named Lena, but that is all part of the adventure!
From the Orange River, we set our sights for Vioosldrif, which is the South African border town. After a quick chat with immigration officers, we got stamped and made our way into Namibia. As we entered on the Namibian side, we arrived in the small town of Noordhoewer for a quick re-fuel and headed to Fish River Canyon. I was initially unaware, but Namibia was once a German colonized country which happened in 1884and they finally became independent in 1990! There’s so many things to learn that traveling can teach you.
We continued towards Fish River Canyon, a geological marvel that sent us further into the heart of Namibia. Along the way, the landscape changed from 30 degree manageable heat to 50 degree arid desert heat. Despite the temperature from the harsh desert climate and without air conditioning, 1989 Lena made it with only a few overheating issues! Most of Namibian roads are grated dirt, so we could only drive 100 kmh tops, so it wasn’t the fastest trip.
At Fish River Canyon, we immersed ourselves in the striking landscape, dedicating two days to exploring its rugged terrain and encountering the diverse wildlife. From ostriches to even zebras, we were surprised by the presence of these animals in such an arid setting.
THE NAMIB DESERT: DUNES AND BEYOND
Continuing our journey towards the Namib Desert, we witnessed towering dunes and vast expanses of sand that stretched as far as the eye could see. We visited the famous Dune 45 and Sossusvlei with the dead trees, which added a different dimension to the dry landscape.
Our road trip through the Namibia desert was a testament to the enduring allure of exploration. As I returned home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the beauty and wonder of this remarkable country. With each photograph, I hope to share a glimpse of Namibia's magnificence and inspire others to embark on their own journey of discovery and adventure.
Chandler Borries is an explorer, passionate photographer, and dedicated ambassador for Lowepro. Passionate about adventure and equipped with Lowepro gear, Chandler captures the beauty of landscapes worldwide, inspiring others to explore. His latest road trip showcases the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Namibia and beyond.
