Moonscape

After enjoying Swakopmund’s coastal charm, we sought more of Namibia’s wilderness. A 30-minute drive east on the B2 led us to the Moon Landscape, a surreal, eroded valley in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Formed over 460 million years ago when ancient rivers carved through soft sediments, this rugged, crater-like expanse of hills and canyons felt like another planet. Its barren beauty, a magnet for filmmakers, was timeless and otherworldly. 

We parked at Viewpoint 4 for a breathtaking panorama: rolling dunes in the distance, the stark Rössing Mountains looming behind, and endless furrows etched by wind and water. 

A short 12km detour north on a gravel track brought us to Goanikontes Oasis, a lush haven established in 1848. This historic farm, once a vegetable supplier for Swakopmund, sits like a mirage along the Swakop River amid the lunar terrain. Palm trees shade a natural swimming pool, and the restaurant serves homemade dishes like oxtail and eisbein, paired with cold draught beer—a welcome treat after dusty roads. We sat under acacias, spotting an array of birds & chickens, an eclectic assortment of decor makes this a must place to visit.

On our drive back to Tiger Reef Campsite, we stopped at the Swakopmund Country Club for a cold beverage before returning for a cosy campfire at Tiger Reef in a chilly evening.

How cute! Looks like this chick has slipped into a crochet doolie !