We’re for Namibians: Simson Uri-Khob
Simson Uri-Khob leads community-driven rhino conservation through Save the Rhino Trust, protecting Namibia’s desert-adapted black rhinos and empowering local communities.
Redi for Takeoff: Journey to Northern Namibia
By Namafu Amutse
Something about travelling North always feels like stepping into a rhythm of Namibia that feels less rushed. Where time is merely a construct and community is put first. This time around, my adventure started with Redi: my small, red travel buddy.
Upon arrival, I had no expectations apart from predicting the embrace of the scorching hot sun. The sun in the north demands to be felt and her presence, although appreciated, can be slightly unbearable at times. Lucky for me, Redi was always kind enough to provide shade.
Though I travelled to a place that mostly felt familiar, as an owambo woman who grew up ‘muushimba’, which translates to ‘in the city’, this visit revealed that there was much about my culture I had no knowledge about. The ‘aahh’s’ and ‘ohhh’s’ escaped me more often than I thought they would and I felt a deep sense of urge to record and capture as much as I could. To listen attentively and to ask questions as soon as curiosity arises.
I had the pleasure of experiencing Ongula Homestead Lodge. The staff, the service and the stay felt like a breath of fresh air.
“Travel often promises cultural experiences, but this felt far more personal than that”
One of my firsts on this journey was getting to ride on a donkey cart. A significantly grounding moment that had me thinking about those who came before us. It’s one of those experiences I grew up seeing around me from time to time, but never actually tried myself.
Travel often promises cultural experiences, but this felt far more personal than that. I watched as women pounded Mahangu in a rhythm so synchronised it felt unreal. They also pounded Marula nuts gently into oil with such ease and sat together weaving baskets that would later carry their labour. I also watched intensely as clay pots were being shaped by hand in a dark room underground.
I found myself learning how to play Owela for the first time, and what looked like the most complicated game eventually started making sense and quickly turned into a lesson about strategy and concentration.
No journey up north would be complete without traditional food, and when I tell you it was divine! Each bite felt like home and took me right back to my mother‘s kitchen.
As I zipped up my luggage for the journey back home, I was reminded that every trip leaves a quiet imprint and somewhere between the departure and the arrival, the journey unfolds and becomes an unforgettable experience. It is also safe to say that my suitcase felt heavier, filled with souvenirs and stories.
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