The Huab River is the northern section. The Brandberg Mountains are my eastern reference point. And the Ugab River area my southwestern (Namibia) coordinates for my fairy tale circuit.

This has been for off-road, partially heavy off-road, and adventure Zimba and my playground. The golden triangle over the past few months. Most trax I didn’t know existed were quickly estimated early mornings. ‘Riverbeds are tricky but can be faster. Definitely more fun to drive. Most times.’ ‘But the track over the pass or high plateau is usually easier. Apart from the corrugations’. I planned corrugations off the track as much as I could. It’s just not much fun driving. ‘But we will be crossing the plateau with awesome view towards the mountains. That again, crosses previous thoughts out. ‘Where could I see elephants? Or giraffes. Or wouldn’t it be just outstanding to see an endangered black rhino? Tracking footsteps.’ I must get there before it gets too windy.

But that seldom happened. All three cameras and a drone shuffled through my hands in no particular order, targeting the breathtaking beauty of emptiness full of life. A contrast couldn’t be more controversial.

The Namib Desert kept surprising me in considerable ways. How evolution and formats our current resolution. Without much human influence.

However, the biggest surprises where manmade. A built oasis, elephant proved, to keep human and animal lifes afloat. Twice I found them totally unexpected. But refreshingly none the less. An oasis I welcomed gratefully. And no doubt, anyone else passing by. I did not see that coming.

Neither did I expect an adult desert elephant standing on his hind-legs 20 meters away from me.

I think we had a good connection as he freely feasted around us. It’s that look you get, when they say’ you’re okay! But don’t be stupid!’ Eye to eye. One of those moments that stick to your brain. Reading an elephant’s body language is rather easy as they are very similar to ours. Only calmer.

Laundry was another factor to incorporate on my travels. Not till after three days and a check on water consumption. Although, I always have plenty with me. The washing machine was never ending and energy efficient. THE only thing corrugations are good for. Once arrived at camp, you just find the next best suited camelthorn tree and hang your washing in the wind. Until they blow loose into the dirt. Or dig further into this dagger maze. Respect to those. But it’s usually the small spikes that get you. Crocs are not spike proved. They don’t come out easy. It is still better than walking barefoot, which I don’t say very often.

The three big factors in the Namibian Desert. Wind, sun and little or no water. In no particularly order.

Both more enjoyable with shelter. This was at times an undertaking. Often enough I ended up sitting inside of Zimba to get away from either. Or both. If I couldn’t find a cave.

But the places, the unofficial campspots, weren’t only shelter from wind and weather. Many campspots I actually found by common sense and previous campers fire-rings. Spotless and natural otherwise.

These campgrounds are always photogenic as the cave or gorge creates an outstanding landscape.

A landscape 180 degree panorama photo demonstrates beauty with ease. All around, there is always the 360 view. A motion lapse movie looks spectacular over those rocks by the rising sun. What if an elephant comes by?

How about these cuties? All four cameras in action. That’s how it usually goes. Evenings if it isn’t too windy. Or I got used to the strong blasts.

I found shelter for an open fire just as well, smoke often blowing into my face. Sitting under the stars, wondering how my friends are. Are they happy? Are they healthy?

But pretty much every morning. Every calm morning, we had mist coming through. Thick fog.

Covered mountain with a cloak of dense white clouds like unearthy emotions.

A thunderstorm just before dawn, direction north-east. Some part inland is getting drenched.

But often enough clear skies. And the sound of silence.