Tok Tokkie Trails
The prospect of walking through the desert for three days at the Tok Tokkie Trails and sleeping under the stars delighted us. It was obvious to us that we wanted to book the trip.
Unfortunately, there was no offer in the days that fit perfectly with our route, but that did not scare us. We drove from the Tiras mountains to Sesriem/Sossus Vlei and then, after a day of rest in Hauchabfontein, back south to the NamibRand Nature Reserve – the place where the trail takes place.
Namib on foot
We were part of a group of six and our guide, Riccardo, introduced us to the desert in such a way that the hikes – with one exception – were mostly entertaining and did not stress us despite the physical exertion.
The other participants came from Austria and France. With both couples, we got along very well and this harmony in the group, brought us three great days.
Due to rain for two times in 2018 (20 mm in total) everything was green and the grasses were still lush and tall. We were amazed how little rainfall is needed to enliven the desert in such a way. In general: there is a lot of activity in the desert.
During the hikes we enjoyed the incredible vastness – again with fantastic colors. In the mountains we were fascinated by the fine gradations in the brown and red tones. The landscape looked like a painting.
After a total of about 2.5 hours of hiking on the first afternoon, we reached the first camp.
Sleeping under the firmament
Camp beds in the dunes with bedrolls – equipped with feather beds – were our sleeping places. There was also a bucket shower, a bar and a dining table. This is also part of the experience at the Tok Tokkie Trails.
Cold gin and tonic was waiting for us and taking a shower in the middle of the desert with a view for miles is just great. Stanley, a Nama man was responsible for our well-being in the camp and Melody prepared a wonderful 3-course meal for us.
The wind was blowing while we were talking about the experiences of the day. There was much laughter, and we fell asleep happy and tired.
At 5:45 a.m. the night was over and at 7:00 a.m. the first stage of the second day already started.
It is imperative to take advantage of the coolness of the morning. The second day offered a completely different landscape. This stage was dominated by brown tones in all imaginable nuances and rocky landscape.
Schafberg and the Milky Way
At the Schafberg we took a rest and an extended break until 4:30 p.m. to escape the midday heat. Guido climbed the mountain with the two Austrians and enjoyed a fantastic view.
The remaining energy was decent to arrive safely at the second camp after another 2 hours of hiking. On the way we encountered a chameleon twice.
In the middle of the night the sky opened up – the moon had set – and the Milky Way appeared in all its glory. In addition, we could observe various shooting stars and send wishes into the universe – yeah, what an experience to see that from your bed.
Our way back to the farmhouse
The last day led us back to the farmhouse where we started.
The experience was sensational. Our group was very balanced and everyone was very calm and relaxed with others. The Tok Tokkie Trails in NamibRand Nature Reserve is a recommendation without any doubt. We are thrilled and satisfied that we made the decision to head back south to do the trail.
