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NAMIBIA MAGIC

A land of wonders and boundless beauty

By Jean-Luc Grossmann

Photography : Jean-Luc Grossmann / Words : Chris Gindre

Original version in French.

I am also on Instagram – The Wonders and Cultures of our World : @jlgrossmann

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Inotela – RAS

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Namibia, a land of wonders and boundless beauty. The largest dunes in the world unfurl their red blanket across the landscape, creating a stunning spectacle. In the south, the Fish River Canyon rivals its geological counterpart in Colorado with its breathtaking expanse. The mysterious regions of Damaraland, Kaokoland, and the mythical Skeleton Coast are not only home to ancient cave paintings that date back thousands of years but also to the world's only desert elephants and the last remaining black rhinos living in the wild. This diverse country captivates with its unique blend of nature, history, and wildlife.

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Namibia, one of the last true refuges on this planet, spans an impressive 825,418 km², stretching from the iconic Kalahari Desert to the shimmering South Atlantic. With a population of nearly two million, it boasts the lowest population density in Africa. Formerly known as South West Africa, Namibia gained independence in 1990. Today, thanks to its political stability, remarkable potential, and modern infrastructure, the tourism sector has been able to flourish and evolve continually, inviting visitors to explore its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

An ageless country that defies categorization, Namibia feels almost surreal in its natural beauty. With its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, it truly deserves the title "Jewel of Africa."

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If one word could encapsulate Namibia, it would be "diversity." The country boasts a stunning variety of landscapes, from towering dunes and striking red granite formations like Spitzkoppe – rising over 700 meters – to vast canyons, expansive savannahs, arid sand deserts, majestic mountains, and the meandering Kunene River in the north and Orange River in the south. The west coast is particularly unique, where dunes gracefully slope down to meet the Atlantic Ocean.

Culturally, Namibia is equally diverse, home to twelve ethnic groups, including the Ovambos, the Hereros (famous for the Himba), and the legendary Bushmen.

The animal diversity is astounding as well, with over 120 mammal species, 340 bird species, and 110 reptile species residing in Etosha National Park alone. Additionally, the plant life is remarkable, with the Welwitschia mirabilis being perhaps the most famous, featuring specimens that are thousands of years old. Namibia is truly a tapestry of nature, culture, and wildlife, each thread contributing to its rich and vibrant identity.

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ETOSHA, THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Like the early explorers who first ventured into this area around 1850, I journey with my tour group from waterhole to waterhole through Africa's expansive 22,300 km² Etosha National Park. Established as a game reserve in 1907, Etosha is a remarkable sanctuary where oryx, springboks, and zebras gather at the edge of the salt desert to quench their thirst in the brackish water.

To the east lies the vast 5,000 km² salt pan, a remnant of a shallow lake that existed here ten million years ago, once nourished by the Kunene River. Over time, geological shifts and climate changes rerouted the river, leading to the lake's gradual desiccation. Occasionally, the 45 rivers – Ekuma, Oshigambo, and Ovambo – flow into this depression, transforming it into a temporary lagoon where large colonies of pelicans and storks frolic.

This breathtaking landscape tells a story of natural evolution, where every visit unveils the beauty and resilience of life in this unique ecosystem.

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“At the Salvadora waterhole, we encounter a species that has almost attained legendary status. Tall and slender, both regal and delicate, a cheetah gracefully weaves its way through the tall grass.”

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The elongated, diurnal cat moves gracefully in its spotted coat toward a group of peacefully grazing antelopes. Suddenly, it freezes for a moment, then, with the power of its 40 kg frame, it pounces on its desired breakfast as if launched from a cannon. The acceleration of a cheetah is comparable to that of a Formula 1 car over a distance of 50 meters. However, despite its incredible speed, this noble predator misses its target in eight out of ten attempts.

As the day begins to wane, we are surprised to find a group of majestic lions lounging in the golden light at Okondeka. Their flowing manes catch the sun, and they exude an awareness of their power as they rest on the grass directly in front of our four-wheel drive vehicle. An impressive male, likely weighing over 250 kg, leads two younger males and two stunning females. In this serene moment, there is no hint of the tremendous violence that these big cats will unleash against the herd of wildebeest gathering on the horizon. When night falls, they will harness their collective strength to hunt.

We leave the scene, filled with awe, yet we fail to express our gratitude to nature for this unexpected gift.

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AERIAL PERSPECTIVES OF NAMIBIAS’ STUNNING LANDSCAPE

A brilliant flame pierces the darkness of the night, illuminating the scene as a few men work diligently on a colorful fabric that gradually takes form, while the sky transitions to a stunning crimson. The pilot heats the air within the envelope, causing it to swell and rise. As the wicker basket lifts off the ground, passengers gather around the roaring burner, feeling the warmth of the fire. It's a delicate moment; the wind must remain gentle and steady. With the canvas now fully shaped into a balloon, the journey is ready to begin.

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An intoxicating spectacle unfolds as the hot air balloon dances with the air currents, stirred by the muted, shimmering glow of dawn. Suddenly, everything comes alive: the vast expanse of the desert, the chasm beneath us that had slipped from memory during our gentle ascent, and the immense balloon that seems dwarfed by the grandeur of nature. With a bit of luck, you might catch sight of a solitary leopard stealthily navigating the basalt rocks or a cheetah scouting for a rocky perch. From this vantage point, the desert reveals its breathtaking colors in a new dimension, evoking a sense of its infinite scale.

As the sun finally claims its throne in the sky, the rising heat signals the end of our journey, guiding us gently back to earth. During the soft landing, the balloon carves a smooth path in the wind-sculpted sand. We reflect on the dreamlike images etched in our minds as the balloon lies neatly folded on the ground.

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“As the sun rises behind the Naukluft Mountains, the teardrop-shaped Montgolfiere ascends gracefully into the sky. We are enveloped in an extraordinary sense of lightness and freedom.”

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A huge shout-out to my dear friend Chris for his unconditional support during our trips to Namibia and for making the journey to the mythical Skeleton Coast a reality! 🙏🏼

Publication in the magazine 30°.

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© 2026 Jean-Luc Grossmann

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