Start: White Sands Lodge and Camping
Destination: Meteorite Rest Camp
Region: Otjozondjupa
Distance: 485 km
Duration: 5 hours
Route profile: Gravel / paved roads
Overnight stay: Meteorite Rest Camp
Our Rating: 8/10
Fauna: Birds, zebras, giraffes
Shopping: -
Food: Muesli, bread, peanut butter, burger at Hungry Lion, banana, snacks, homemade pizza

Once again, we wake up with the first rays of sunlight. We have a leisurely breakfast, pack up, and leave the campsite. Unfortunately, our journey through Namibia is slowly coming to an end. The day after tomorrow, we’ll already be boarding a plane in Windhoek to fly home. So, on our drive back south, we savor every impression, soaking everything in once more. Along the way, we’re stopped at the ‘Animal Disease Check’ and have to show our now almost-empty fridge. We’re allowed to continue. The drive goes smoothly and passes relatively quickly, even though we’re on the road for over five hours. When we arrive in Grootfontein, we stock up on dinner supplies at Pick’n’Pay and satisfy our hunger at the Hungry Lion fast-food chain in Otjivanda Mall with burgers and fries.

Near Grootfontein lies the Hoba Meteorite. We don’t want to miss this opportunity to see the world’s largest intact meteorite, so we head over. We’re the only tourists there, and we’re surprised by the high entrance fees—250 N$ (about 15 USD) per person. Oh well, we’re already here and still have some cash left. We sign the visitor log, which requires recording both nationality and visit duration at the end of the visit. Hardly anyone seems to have stayed longer than five minutes, so our expectations aren’t very high.

From the entrance, it’s only a two-minute walk to the meteorite. Made mostly of iron, it weighs an astonishing 60 tons. You’re allowed to touch it, climb on it, and, of course, take photos. Yes, it’s large and impressive, and it’s our first time touching something “extraterrestrial.” However, after a few minutes, our visit is also over, as there isn’t much else to see or do. We record our short visit in the log and head back to the camper. And that’s how you spend 30 USD in five minutes.

From the Hoba Meteorite, it’s only a five-minute drive to our last campsite: the Meteorite Rest Camp. It’s a farm with a large grassy field. The farm’s owner family greets us warmly and shows great interest in our journey. In addition to a pool, there’s a small shop with many handmade, beautiful items. We can choose any spot on the large field for our camper. The pool is tempting, so I jump in for a quick swim. Ice cold! But the refreshment feels great, and the warm shower afterward is even better (Beware of snakes!).

While preparing our dinner (pizza!), we witness an impressive spectacle. Thousands of birds form a formation, fly gracefully through the air, and repeatedly land in the treetops before taking off again for another formation flight. Fascinating! Dusk sets in, bathing the entire surroundings in a soft, red light—perfect! The birds gradually fall silent, and we, too, head to bed.

Oh Namibia, how beautiful you are!