As someone who has travelled extensively across Namibia, I often feel like I have seen it all. But this country never ceases to amaze me. Every journey reveals something new, something magical that leaves me in awe. My recent trip to Waterberg Plateau Park was no exception – it felt like stepping into another world.

The experience began as soon as I turned off the B1 highway onto the C22. The sight of the Waterberg Plateau looming in the distance was truly magnificent, its silhouette standing proudly against the horizon. I had visited Waterberg on a day trip last year, but it is one of those places that never loses its grandeur. No matter how many times you visit, the sheer majesty of the plateau feels like a fresh revelation. From a distance, its presence is commanding, but it is not until you get closer that you truly appreciate its scale.

As you approach, the landscape begins to transform. Compared to the surrounding areas, the vegetation becomes remarkably dense. It feels like stepping into a forest (a word I rarely use to describe Namibia’s landscape). The lush greenery envelops you, making it feel like you have entered a hidden realm. By the time you reach the Waterberg Resort, the towering precipice of the plateau dominates the scene. The mountain face, with its rust- coloured rocks streaked with chartreuse and grey-mint lichen, is a striking feature. The textures and colours look almost too perfect, as if they had been carefully sculpted by hand.

The game drive was an adventure of its own. Unlike Etosha, where the animals often appear indifferent to human presence, Waterberg’s dense vegetation adds an air of mystery. Spotting wildlife feels like a game of hide-and-seek. Through the thick bush, I managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of a herd of gemsbok. It was like playing “I spy” with nature, challenging myself to spot movement amidst the greenery