Namibia, Africa

by Debbi
(Washington DC)

This was not an extended vacation, but a short (9-day) African Naturist safari.

We - my parents, my boyfriend and I - were drawn to an advertisement during November 2000, wherein readers were invited to join a Naturist safari in Africa. In all honesty, we had no idea of where or what Namibia is. A look at the world map indicated Namibia as a country in the southwestern corner of the African continent.Our first step, contact the operator via their e-mail supplied, and state our "preliminary" interest and request for more information. A month later, we landed in Windhoek, Namibia, to say good-bye to 2000 and welcome 2001 - under African skies! That was the start of a vacation that can only be described as a TRUE Naturist experience!

The greater part of the safari was spent camping, hiking and going on Game viewing drives from a base camp. All the meals were prepared over an open campfire and were truly excellent - just too much! Camping accommodation - although basic - was very clean, comfortable and fully serviced. It was hard to believe that we were out in the wilderness! Our host was professional, helpful, kind and considerate, and very knowledgeable. We have all become close friends, then and now.

After a few days of very welcome, relaxing camping, we reached for our clothes and traveled towards the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. We climbed them, and some members of our party even opted for a pre-dawn hot-air balloon flight over the Namib Desert, ending in a full champagne breakfast - in the middle of nowhere - it was wonderful! The resort we stayed at was a desert Lodge where dinner was served, al fresco on a terrace, with kerosene lamps lit after sunset. We watched desert wildlife quenching their thirst at a floodlit waterhole, while we were dining. The food, unbelievable! Especially considering where we were.

The scenic views we encountered during the entire safari were absolutely breathtaking, and so different to what we are used to. The safari also included Natural sites of great geological interest. Due to our flight schedule, we had to return to Windhoek a day before our departure, which was great, an opportunity for experiencing the sights & sounds of the City. Windhoek is the only city in Namibia, and we found it to be one of the cleanest cities ever encountered - as was the country in general. Our accommodation in Windhoek, for one night, was in true luxury, VERY clean, cozy and with a wonderful, convivial atmosphere. Meals, and food in general, were beyond any compare. Were it not for the fact that I will be working over the holidays this year, I would certainly have returned for this year's Naturist's New Year safari.

A very long report, I realize, but difficult to meaningfully condense.

Debbi