Day 3: Orange River, South Africa to Fish River Canyon, Namibia with Nomad Tours

Quiver Tree growing in the desert.

The morning started with part of the group going off to canoe the Orange River.  I was happy to just relax with the others and catch up on writing.  It’s bloody hot at 9 a.m.  I learn that the gigantic bug that I saw last night was, in fact, a giant cockroach.  Awesome.

I helped Mxolisi prepare lunch, practicing his name the whole time.  I still can’t get that clicking sound down.  We made cabbage salad and potato salad with eggs.  I noticed how careful he was to not waste one speck of cabbage.  Conservation in all things is key.

I am already so impressed with our guides.  They are both so knowledgeable, no matter what the category.  Politics, nature, history, culture, they seem to always have an in-depth answer.  Whenever I get the chance to sit or work with them I take it so I can learn as much as possible.  And sometimes I just can’t take any more German and they provide me a brief reprieve – speaking English with me.

Entering Namibia and the Fish River Canyon

After lunch, we loaded up and made our way to border control.  We left South Africa and entered Namibia without a hitch.  Goodbye South Africa.  Hope to see you again someday. You are amazing.

Fish River Canyon in Namibia, Africa

On the way, we began to see Quiver Trees, relatives of the aloe family that stand starkly alone in vast expanses of desert.

After a long drive we arrived at a campsite at Fish River Canyon where we set up our tents.  Then Morrison brought us directly to a hiking trail around the canyon.  Jaw dropping.

Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.  It was created a million years ago during four major periods of rain.  We stayed until the sun went down.  What a sight.  The photos below can not do it justice.

Disclaimer: Nomad Tours offered me a discount in exchange for documentation of the experience.  I have complete freedom to share my thoughts truthfully.  All opinions are my own.

Photos of South Africa and Fish River Canyon: