Sunrise in Namibia

Sunrise. Alone. Blissfully and utterly alone.

I’m in one of the most famous landmarks in Namibia: Spitkoppe

In the Christmas holidays.

And yet, for this incredibly magical moment, I am alone.

4WD, 4x4, adventure, Africa, Jolope2021, Namibia, road tripCharlotte Fowles27 March 2023poem, creative writing

I was afraid - of something I never used to be

The question is, why? Why now, and what had changed?

4WD, 4x4, travel, Africa, adventure, Penelope, Jolope2021, ZimbabweCharlotte Fowles21 December 2021white water rafting, Zambezi, fear

Lion in camp...

“Lion! Lion!” I heard John shout, and the next thing I knew, I heard footsteps running and the car door beneath me slam shut…

4WD, 4x4, Africa, adventure, travel, Penelope, wildlife, Botswana, Jolope2021Charlotte Fowles13 December 2021Okavango Delta, camping, lion, Moremi, Chobe, Khwai

"I can't poo on a mouse!"

It was 5:30am and the little face looked up at me, imploringly, as I stood over it with the spade…

4WD, 4x4, travel, Africa, adventure, Penelope, Jolope2021, wildlife, BotswanaCharlotte Fowles27 November 2021Okavango Delta, mokoro, wild camping

Check yer nuts!

“I think we might have a problem” John said, as I came back from the ablutions block.

I hoped he was joking and was going to say “…because we’re out of biscuits!” or something similar, because he’d just completed the essential vehicle check that morning.

4WD, 4x4, travel, Africa, adventure, Penelope, Jolope2021, wildlife, BotswanaCharlotte Fowles17 November 2021mechanical failure, mishap, change of plan, kindness, help

Please don't move...

We both sat there – frozen to the spot – staring at it, willing it not to move as it stared back at us. Only 25 metres away and we were most definitely in the danger zone.

How to plan your self-drive 4x4 adventure Part 1: the basics

Where do you start to plan a 4x4 trip like this? If you’re a total novice and want to know more, here are the very first starting points for anyone considering anything similar. First in the series of ‘how to’ for 4x4/4WD adventure for beginners.