Some years ago, traveling on our favorite and most scenic Namibian route, the R707, we discovered the vast Ranch
Koiimasis which is situated in the heart of the Tiras Mountain Conservancy. In
June 2018 we returned to the farm to find it covered in grass after the good
rain they had in the area. What a beautiful sight to watch the tall blond grass
swaying gently in the breeze. To my great delight this changed the aspect of
the scenery completely and gave an extra dimension to the magnificent vistas.
The next few days saw us exploring
this varied landscape from sunrise to sunset. The vast Desert plains, the
Quiver tree forest and fascinating rock formations to the warm sunsets and clear
night skies were a delight on their own. Add to this a heard of Oryx, Klipspringers,
Ostriches, many birds, rodents and galloping horses and we thought we were in
heaven savoring and photographing every aspect of these magnificent
surroundings, enjoying the space and wonderful feeling of freedom.
This is a photographer’s dream
and I made the most of it. Up for sunrises from the top of rocky slopes I caught
the intense pinks and blues of the earth shadow and watched the formidable
boulders slowly taking a warm red and orange glow in the rising sun. These
convoluted rock formations, the tortured shapes of some tree trunks and the
huge euphorbias were perfect subjects to plan mirror montage pictures. I could immediately
anticipate the monster faces emerging from the graphic design they form and was
not disappointed with the results.
Looking back at my collection of photographs
I feel I have captured a strong feeling of what being in the Namib Desert represents
for me and I urge you to visit this hidden treasure where you will receive a
warm welcome.
