VI
EN
Nguyen Huu Trang (30 years old) is a freelancer currently living and working in Da Nang. She follows a lifestyle of working half a month and traveling the other half. She has a passion for travel and frequently writes travel diaries to share her experiences. Some of the countries Huu Trang has visited include: Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Russia, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, China, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
The trip to Namibia lasted from September 23rd to October 4th, 2022, and followed the route: Vietnam – Windhoek (transit in Doha) – Kalahari – Keetmanshoop (Quiver Tree) – Luderitz – Sosusvlei – Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe – Windhoek – Vietnam.
Huu Trang conquered Namibia, Africa, in 12 days.
Huu Trang said: "I flew to Qatar from Saigon for 35 million VND/round-trip ticket, and the total cost of the trip was around 150 million VND. Every experience in Africa was worthwhile, so I'm the type of person who 'makes the most,' overcoming my chronic laziness to enjoy every moment here."
Namibia is a country in southern Africa. A pristine land of towering sand dunes and vast deserts, Namibia receives less rainfall than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa. The Namibian desert is one of the oldest deserts on the planet, with some of the world's tallest sand dunes, reaching over 300 meters in height.
Despite its arid and harsh climate, this African country attracts many tourists because of its majestic and wild nature and rich flora and fauna.
Sosusvlei is home to the world's tallest sand dunes, stretching across a bedrock landscape, where clusters of dead, blackened trees stand as if naturally mummified. These trees, known as Acacia, lived there 900 years ago.
“To explore Africa, you have many options: a reputable tour, or you can explore on your own, which involves many risks, the most terrifying being a sudden flat tire on the road when you don't know where you're going or who to rely on. Alternatively, you can buy a tour from Vietnam, purchase a package tour once you arrive in Namibia, or go on a road trip on your own if you're brave enough,” Huu Trang shared.
As the country with the second lowest population density in the world, you won't see a soul along the way, whether the journey lasts 4 or 8 hours, and you'll only encounter a few people at hotels or rest stops.
Sunset at Rock Arch - Spitzkoppen
"It's understandable because most of the area is desert, the rainy season is very short, so almost everything is barren. The dream of standing in the rain in Namibia and singing Trung Quân's song 'Rainy Day' is so simple, yet it's impossible to fulfill," Hữu Trang laughed.
Each destination in Namibia offers unique characteristics and a special experience, making you feel like you're on a "mini-Mars" planet on Earth—a surreal place.
The first destination on Huu Trang's journey was the Kalahari, one of the places she regrets most because she only stayed one night. The gravel and sand roads, the burnt grass and bare bushes, the deer running through the forest and then turning their heads in bewilderment—it was truly captivating.
Namibia has a diverse and rich flora and fauna.
In Namibia, witnessing different sunrises and sunsets each day is a truly amazing experience, whether it's a sunrise stretching across the rolling sand dunes of Sosusvlei or a sunset at Skeleton Beach, where the desert meets the vast ocean.
A sunrise in Deadvlei with trees that have been dead for 900 years, or a sunset spent with a leopard, watching the sun set. A sunset stroll through the Quiver forest made me feel like I was drifting on some truly alien planet, or an evening lying on a rocky outcrop in Spitzkoppe, gazing at the Milky Way.
With Luderitz, you get to step into a ghost town in Kolmanskop, the ruins of a once-glamorous diamond town left behind by the Germans, or simply spend an afternoon gazing out at Port Robert while sipping a glass of Windhoek beer. Just a glass of Windhoek or a glass of wine is enough to numb you, immersing you in a romantic setting, naturally transforming you into a lover of simple things.
The town of Kolmanskop in southern Namibia is also known as the "ghost village".
Huu Trang at Walvis Bay
For the first time in your life, experience the feeling of being surrounded by nature, being close to seals, watching dolphins swimming happily, seeing flocks of seagulls, playing with flamingos… you will have countless wonderful experiences at Walvis Bay.
As someone who loves challenges and unique experiences, facing difficulties is something very attractive and exciting for Huu Trang.
As the country with the second lowest population density in the world, you won't see a soul on the streets.
Sharing with Travellive, Huu Trang said she felt breathless due to the heat and dryness in Namibia, feeling like her body wasn't functioning normally, but she still tried to adapt. Things seemed impossible, like being unable to browse Facebook or contact loved ones for 48 consecutive hours because there was no 3G or Wi-Fi signal, but she ultimately overcame it – a kind of self-conquest that was completely impossible to achieve back home.
Huu Trang has so many memories that even four days after returning home, she still can't live normally. Because in Namibia, she lived a new life, with new people, and it was like a new planet; the feeling is indescribable and difficult to express in words.
The path here is mostly sand and walking is not easy, but once you get through it, you can take some really cool photos.
"For Vietnamese tourists, exploring Namibia is a memorable experience and not too difficult. With sufficient finances, time spent researching itineraries and planning carefully, or simply finding a company that offers all-inclusive tours in Namibia, plus a little English proficiency, you can absolutely make your trip happen," Huu Trang added.
In Namibia, everything is limited—restaurants, hotels, shops, tourist attractions—and everything is spaced far apart, so be prepared for constant travel and long journeys. Traveling in Africa is completely different from traveling in Europe or Asia, so be prepared for a tough adventure.
Each destination in Namibia offers unique characteristics and a special experience, making you feel like you're on a "mini-Mars" on Earth—a surreal place.
"Everything has its price. If you want things that others can't have, you have to endure things that others can't endure. For me, every moment in Namibia was precious, and I will definitely return in 5 years, as a promise I made to Namibia and because there are so many interesting things in Namibia that I haven't yet experienced," Huu Trang said.
