Welcome! Today, I’m going to take you on an exciting adventure deep into the sand dunes of Namibia’s Tok Tokkie Trail. This unique journey will reveal some incredible secrets hidden within the vast desert landscape.
As we embark on this expedition, get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the red sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. These towering natural wonders create a mesmerizing sight that will leave you in awe. They are the result of millions of years of wind and sand shaping and reshaping the landscape, creating a natural masterpiece.
Once we start hiking through the dunes, we’ll discover a hidden world of fascinating creatures and plants. Keep an eye out for the elusive tok tokkie beetle, known for its distinctive tapping sound. It’s an intriguing species that has adapted to survive in these harsh conditions.
As we delve deeper into the desert, we might stumble upon the mysterious track of a sidewinder snake. This peculiar reptile moves in a unique sidewinding motion, leaving behind its unmistakable trail in the sand. It’s a thrilling encounter that will make you appreciate the wonders of nature.
Now, let’s talk about the night sky. Imagine gazing up at a sky untainted by light pollution, where the stars shine with unparalleled brilliance. The desert nights on the Tok Tokkie Trail offer a celestial spectacle like no other. You’ll witness constellations come to life, as if they were telling ancient stories only the desert knows.
During this incredible journey, you’ll not only witness the awe-inspiring beauty of nature but also gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life in the desert. The desert ecosystem has found astonishing ways to survive and thrive, showing us the resilience and adaptability of life itself.
So, if you’re ready for an adventure like no other, come join me on Namibia’s Tok Tokkie Trail. Get ready to unlock the secrets hidden within the sand, and experience the magic of the desert in a way that words simply can’t capture. It’ll be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
The Tok Tokkie Trail is one of the most amazing and inexpensive walking safari adventures in Namibia. It’s just you, vast sandy landscapes, expansive skies, and breathtaking sunsets.
Richardo Tjiho draws my attention to what appears to be lizard footprints. It’s a twisty, curving trail that ends at a clump of grass. Fortunately, my exceptional desert guide is more knowledgeable.
“This is the trail left by the horned adder,” Richardo explains. We need to be cautious with our steps.
Imagine walking through a special part of the Namib Desert with just a few companions. As I take my first steps, I notice something extraordinary beneath a shrub. It’s an adder, an incredibly beautiful snake that perfectly blends in with the orange sand and white grass. Surprisingly, it’s smaller than I expected, with sharp slits for eyes.
The Tok Tokkie Trail is a unique experience in the stunning NamibRand Nature Reserve – one of the largest private reserves in Southern Africa, spanning 215,000 hectares. This reserve was created by transforming 17 former livestock farms into a single, uninterrupted natural habitat. Along the trail, you’ll encounter the remarkable diversity of this desert landscape, from vibrant red dunes to rugged black mountains.
When I see the adder slithering across the sand, it’s just one of the amazing things I discover on this trail. I also learn about toktokkie beetles, these little bugs that have these white waxy shells that protect them from the scorching sun. And then I hear the translucent barking geckos making echoes into the sunset, and I see these delicate webs in the ground that belong to dancing spiders. It’s incredible how the desert is anything but deserted.
But it’s not just about marveling at nature. This trail also has a strong environmental focus, which really hits home the idea of “leave no trace” and being a responsible ecotourist. We start off by visiting the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET), which is this non-profit organization that’s sponsored by generous donors. Their mission is to teach the people of Namibia about the importance of taking care of the environment.
So here’s the deal: I went to this awesome school camp that taught me how to take care of nature and use its resources wisely. It’s called NamibRand, and let me tell you, they take conservation seriously.
First off, they’re all about saving water. They’ve got these clever basins that don’t even have taps. Instead, you have to use cups to fill them up from a big tank. That water is then used for brushing teeth and washing hands. It’s a simple yet effective way of being mindful of our water usage.
But that’s not all. They’ve also got this killer lighting policy that helps them maintain their International Dark Sky Reserve status. See, all the lights in the reserve have covers that make sure they shine downwards. This way, they don’t create unnecessary light pollution. And trust me, the night skies here are out of this world, so it’s definitely worth preserving them.
The trail isn’t difficult, but it can be a bit challenging and requires some level of fitness. When I start walking, I can feel the heat right away, even though the trail doesn’t begin until 2:00 in the afternoon. The sun is scorching and the sand on the dunes is hot and loose, which makes it a bit harder to walk on.
Richardo leads us to our first camp, and the walk there is relatively short, taking less than two hours. But even in that short time, we find ourselves panting and puffing in the hot afternoon air. When I say “we,” I mean everyone except Richardo. He’s used to leading these trails and handling up to eight guests at a time, even during the busiest times of the year. He rarely takes a break.
I can see our camp from a distance. The structures blend in with the desert surroundings. I’m excited to find cold beers and refreshing drinks waiting for us at the ‘Ostrich Bar’. They even have G&Ts, which I can’t wait to try!
After enjoying our drinks, we are taken to our desert suites. The suites have unique features like a basin with a clever tap system – a tin with holes that spray water evenly and with just the right amount of pressure. For sleeping, there is a stretcher and a canvas bedroll, and metal benches are used as luggage racks. The setup also includes solar lights and a small stool, which is meant for placing our shoes on to keep them safe from any desert creatures that come out at night.
Wow, dinner tonight is absolutely amazing! I’m blown away by the culinary skills that exist out here in the desert. We’re treated to a surprising three-course meal that leaves me in awe. We kick off with a delicious vegetable stack that’s bursting with flavors. And then, we move on to the main course, an oryx roulade accompanied by cinnamon squash that’s simply divine. It’s like a symphony of tastes dancing on my palate.
The pièce de résistance is the dessert – a caramel-crunch tart that’s out of this world. The combination of the creamy caramel and the crunchy texture is just heavenly. Each plate is introduced to us by our talented Nama chef, Belinda Burtze. She not only describes the dishes in English but also in her mother tongue, allowing us to appreciate the desert’s rich culture and culinary traditions.
With our bellies full and our taste buds delighted, we shift our attention to the sky. The vastness of the desert night sky is overwhelming. It feels like I’m surrounded by a sea of twinkling diamonds. Sleeping outside on a stretcher with the heavens as my ceiling is an experience like no other. It’s the perfect way to end this extraordinary day, feeling at one with nature and the universe.
When I wake up on the second day, I’m greeted by a vibrant sky and a cup of coffee delivered right to my bedside. Thankfully, there are some clouds in the sky, making for a pleasantly cool morning. The winds during the night have swept everything clean, allowing the early light to reveal the tracks left behind by creatures who ventured out at dawn. It’s during this time that we spot the tracks of the horned adder.
The sighting fills us with excitement and our adrenaline peaks. We begin our ascent up Horseshoe Mountain, taking breaks along the way to admire the breathtaking views. What strikes me the most about this trail is how it lets me experience the diverse landscapes of the Namib. From this vantage point, I can easily make out the gorgeous purple hills of the Wolwedans Dune Lodge. To the right, I see the gentle slopes of the red dunes that lead to Sossusvlei, steadily rising in prominence.
As I stand here, taking in the breathtaking landscape of the Namib, I can’t help but notice the peculiar sight of scattered stones and those enigmatic ‘fairy circles’ that dot the vast plains. It’s intriguing to ponder why nothing grows in the center of these patches of grass.
Scientists have put forth various hypotheses to explain these mysterious circles. Some suggest that gas bubbles trapped beneath the surface disrupt the growth of vegetation, while others point to the underground activities of termites as the culprits. Richardo, a local, shares an interesting insight with us. He tells us that the soil from the center of these circles has been excavated and used elsewhere for planting, resulting in successful growth. However, it seems that any attempts to grow plants within the circles themselves have been futile.
While researchers continue their studies and investigations, I find solace in the fact that there is still an air of mystery surrounding these fairy circles. Some secrets are meant to remain hidden, forever belonging to the enchanting sands of Namibia.
Contents
Thinking about your journey to the Namib
Getting to your destination
I recently went on the incredible Tok Tokkie Trail, located in Namibia, which is about 110km south of Sesriem near the Sossuvlei dunes. It’s a bit of a journey to get there, but trust me, it’s well worth it. The trail is approximately 500km or a six-hour drive from Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia.
If you’re coming from Johannesburg, like I did, the easiest route is to drive via Upington, which took me two days. On the first day, I took the N14 route through Ventersdorp, Vryburg, and Kuruman. This leg of the trip took about eight hours, so make sure you have some snacks and good tunes ready for the ride.
Once you arrive in Upington, take the N10 route towards the Ariamsvlei border post. Once you cross the border into Namibia, continue on the B3 road to Grunau. It’s important to note that at the border, you’ll need to pay a road-usage fee of R260. Make sure to hold onto the receipt, as you may be asked to present it at any roadblocks along the way.
Embarking on the Tok Tokkie Trail
Hey there! Have you ever wanted to experience the great outdoors in a unique way? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you – the incredible Tok Tokkie Trail. It’s a three-day, two-night adventure that will leave you feeling exhilarated!
Now, let me tell you a bit about what you can expect on this one-of-a-kind journey. First off, picture this – you’ll be sleeping under the stars on comfy stretcher beds, wrapped up in cozy bedrolls. Don’t worry, if the weather isn’t on your side, tents will be provided. And when nature calls, you’ll have a long-drop toilet, hand basin, and even a bucket shower at your disposal. Talk about roughing it in style!
Now, I know exploring can make you work up a thirst, but fear not! There will be plenty of drinking water available at the lunch spot and overnight camps. Plus, you won’t go hungry either. All your meals are included in the rate, so you can indulge in delicious food throughout the trail.
When it comes to luggage, you don’t need to worry about carrying it all with you. Your main bags will be conveniently transported by a backup vehicle to the overnight camps. That way, you can focus on exploring and taking in the amazing surroundings without any extra weight on your shoulders.
Now, let’s talk about the cost. The SADC rate for this incredible adventure is R3490 per person, and each group can have a maximum of eight people. Trust me, it’s worth every penny!
But wait, there’s more! Here’s what’s included in the rate:
– All meals
– The expert guidance of a knowledgeable guide and backup crew
– A transfer to the starting point
And here’s a little bonus – at the overnight camps, you’ll have access to tea, coffee, juice, beer, wine, and soft drinks. It’s all part of the package!
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, the Tok Tokkie Trail is calling your name. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Head over to toktokkietrails.com to book your spot now!
The Best Time to Go
Hey there! If you’re thinking about going on the trail, let me give you the scoop on the best time to go. Trails are open from February 15th to November 30th. According to Richardo, a local expert, June and July are the prime months to take on the trail. Just be aware that August can get pretty windy, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
What You Need to Know
Listen up, because I’m about to share some important info with you. The Namib desert may be a desert, but it’s actually quite cool. Thank those coastal breezes for keeping the temperatures down. However, despite the cooler temps, it’s still a good idea to pack some warm clothes for the evenings and mornings. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a small daypack with a hip belt for the walk. It will make your life so much easier, I promise. And of course, you’ll want to bring a camera to capture those amazing sights, as well as ample sun protection and water. If you’re into hiking, consider bringing a bladder or a lightweight hydration pack too. And here’s a pro tip: before you lock in your dates, check what phase the moon will be at. New moon is the way to go if you want to experience the trail at its absolute best. The stars and dark skies are simply breathtaking.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay in NamibRand, I recommend checking out the NamibRand Family Hideout. They have a self-catering farmhouse that can accommodate up to 10 people, as well as two campsites that can sleep eight people each. The farmhouse starts at R1000 for four people, and if you need bedding, it’s an additional R100 per person. The campsites cost R150 per person. Keep in mind that there is a park fee of R90 per person per night, and you’ll need to book a minimum two-night stay.
Another option is the Sesriem Campsite, which is located inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It’s a basic campsite, but it’s very affordable at R220 per person. One of the perks of staying here is that you’ll have early access to the Sossusvlei dunes, which is a popular tourist attraction.
