We checked out of Okinjima and began our journey south, heading back toward Windhoek—the same city where this unforgettable adventure had started just 14 days ago. Though two weeks had passed, it felt like a lifetime of experiences had been packed into our days on the road. From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the stormy savannahs of Etosha, Namibia had given us more than just a vacation—it had given us perspective, thrill, peace, and wonder.

The drive back to Windhoek was around 6 hours, mostly on smooth, paved roads—a welcome change after so many days of rattling over gravel tracks and sand. The tarred road gave us time to reflect in comfort, with familiar playlists humming through the speakers and the landscape slowly shifting from the wild openness of the north to the more developed outskirts of the capital city.

But of course, no road trip is complete without a bit of drama. About halfway through our drive, we were flagged down by a pair of local traffic cops for allegedly “speeding.” Now, the radar gun didn’t exactly make an appearance, but their insistence on a fine did. Apparently, we were due to pay an unreasonably large amount in cash, right there on the spot.

Thankfully, growing up in Karachi prepares you for moments like this—where negotiation is both a skill and a survival tactic. A few calm words, some gentle persuasion, a lot of respectful back-and-forth, and just a touch of humor later, we were waved off with a smile and a very small dent in the wallet. Crisis averted and no flights were missed due to this negotiation delay.

The rest of the journey passed without incident. We passed small towns, roadside stalls selling wooden animal carvings, and locals going about their day, reminders of the everyday rhythm of life in this vast country. The road was dotted with long stretches of quiet, where herds of cows crossed at their own pace and the occasional warthog darted into the bush. We shared stories, moments of silence, and even a few final drone shots from lay-bys that offered sweeping views.

As the city skyline of Windhoek came into view, there was a mix of relief and nostalgia. Relief at having completed such an ambitious road trip safely and smoothly, and nostalgia for the wild places we were leaving behind. Namibia had found a special place in all of our hearts, and while the trip was ending, the stories and the connection we had made with the land would stay with us forever.

And with that, we were off to Cape Town, South Africa to begin our return journey … but a part of me was still somewhere on a gravel road, chasing the horizon in Namibia.

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