101 Reasons to visit Namibia: Rest in Peace, Hans and Herbie

It is a typical hot summer’s day with not a cloud in sight. We left the cool sea breeze 
behind the moment we turned onto the dusty two spoor track. The open landscape 
quickly gave way to ravines as we drove up the Ugab River. It is 8 o’clock and 30⁰ C. 
Under a fairly large tree just around the corner we decided to make breakfast. But this is no ordinary spot. Not too far from Rhino Camp and the old Brandberg-Wes mine, this 
spot was regularly visited by the workers of the mine according to the legend. Hidden 
among the intriguing shapes of the ravines is a small plaque reading: In memory of Hans & Herby, 16 October 1971, RIP.

Finding memoiral plagues is fairly common as the living try to remember those who 
once walked the earth. But when finding one in a place that seems to know no time or 
even the existence of man, one cannot help but to be intrigued. This little spot in the 
Ugab River is well-known today as Hans and Herby.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

In the north-central parts of Namibia, lies the visually dramatic area called Damaraland, 
characterized by rugged rocks, prehistoric watercourses and granite koppies. The name 
derives from the local people inhabiting the region. Damaraland is known for its 
picturesque Brandberg mountain, which is Namibia’s highest mountain at 2 573m. This 
is a well-known tourist destination, but for me the charm of Damaraland lies off the 
beaten track, between what is known in German as the “Falt Bergen.”

Photo credits: Janke Murray 

While exploring Damaraland it feels like you are the last ones left on earth, the 
openness allows one to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The geology of this 
area is absolutely breathtaking.

This is what makes Namibia, different from any other country. Between the cracks in the 
rocks, Namibia gives you slight evidence of the past and leaves the discoverer with 
curiosity. The Hans and Herby ravine is only one of these mysterious places. Some say 
the two died in a plane crash nearby; however, between the archives of Namibia a little 
light is shed on the topic. It seems that Hans and Herby with some of their co-workers at 
the Brandberg-Wes mine, were on their way when their vehicle crashed into a rock. The 
driver was pulled out of the vehicle and had critical head injuries while Herbett Abbot 
and Hans Peter Schmiedgen were trapped inside the vehicle. The passengers of the 
second vehicle traveling with them tried their best to save Hans and Herby, but there 
was no hope. Their rescue attempt was too late to save the young men. At only 20 and 
28 years of age, they found their resting place in the cracks of the captivating mountains 
of the Ugab River.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Namibia is not only rich in landscape and wildlife, but the stories of those who have 
walked in her deserts are what makes this a destination like no other. When you least 
expect it, the rocks of the desert might whisper tales that have long been kept hidden in 
the Falt Bergen.

Author: Janke Murray