Stillness and the call of the North

There’s something remarkable that happens when two women load up a vehicle, leave the everyday behind, and set their sights on Namibia’s north. No tight schedule. No unnecessary rush. Just an open road, a reliable vehicle, and a landscape waiting to be discovered.

Their route? A carefully curated Northern escape featuring Palmwag Lodge & Camp and Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp, both part of Gondwana’s trusted Adventure Collection. Their mode of travel? A fully equipped Namibia2Go Toyota Hilux 4x4 – ideal for the freedom and flexibility a self-drive holiday offer.

But this trip wasn’t just about getting from A to B, it was about what unfolded along the way.  

Into Namibia’s rhythm 

With their essentials packed and the Hilux ready, the journey began. Early excitement gave away to calm as the kilometres passed, the scenery growing more dramatic and the silence more meaningful.

Namibia has a unique way of slowing things down, encouraging travellers to unplug, reflect, and reconnect.

And that’s exactly what they did.

Photo credits: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Palmwag: Pause, reset, and take it all in 

Arriving at Palmwag Camping2Go, they found a comfortable base surrounded by Damaraland’s rugged beauty. Their tent came with everything they needed: beds, a kitchenette, solar lighting, and the kind of space that encourages stillness.

Evenings were spent under open skies at the nearby lodge’s restaurant – a peaceful setting where meals are delicious and the sounds of nature accompany every bite.

It was the kind of place where time slowed down. Where the journey inward began. 

 Photo credits: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Northward bound: From desert to river 

Recharged, they continued toward Epupa Falls, where the desert-adapted landscapes give way to river scenery and dramatic waterfalls. It’s a drive that feels like a story unfolding – with red rocks, waving OvaHimba children, and towering baobabs long the way.

By the time they reached Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp, the roar of the Kunene River had become their welcome. 

Omarunga: A riverside retreat 

Their first night was spent in the rooftop tent of their Hilux, set up just meters from the river beneath tall palms. The sound of the falls made for a powerful lullaby.

They later moved into one of the lodge’s tented rooms – simple, shaded, and peaceful. From morning birdsong to evenings under starlight, this was a place to breathe deeply and feel grounded in nature.

They watched OvaHimba women pass by with grace. They dipped their toes in the river and took in the waterfall’s energy. They felt the pace of life slow, and their appreciation for Namibia deepen. 

 Photo credits: Gondwana Collection Namibia

The takeaway: More than a holiday 

The trip wasn’t only about visiting destinations. It was about the moments in between, the silence of the desert, the sound of the river, and the way travel can bring us back to ourselves.

Palmwag encouraged them to slow down. Omarunga reminded them of nature’s power.

This is what self-drive travel in Namibia offers: freedom, connection, and unforgettable landscapes. 

 Photo credits: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Let us help you get there 

If you’re dreaming of a similar journey, whether solo, as a pair, or with your family –   Gondwana Travel Centre team is here to help you plan it all. From vehicle bookings with Namibia2Go, to overnight stays at Palmwag or Omarunga, we’ll make sure your journey is seamless from start to finish.

Because somewhere between the gravel roads and the riverside views, Namibia is waiting – and so is your next adventure.