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SOME TRACKS
OF THE LAST YEARS
We welcome you to our journey's tracks at Gravel & Salt, where we, Frederik and Tatjana, share the stories of our adventures. Together, we've driven through diverse places, steering our Defender through unique cultures and landscapes. These tracks aren't just roads; they're memories etched into our journey. Join us as we unfold the personal stories behind each trail, where our Defender isn't just a car – it's a witness to the moments that make us who we are.
COUNTRY
NAMIBIA
OCT-NOV 2024
19
2024.DEC
MUDUMU NATIONAL PARK
A hidden gem in Namibia’s far northeast, Mudumu National Park offered us a completely different side of the country. Tucked away in the lush Zambezi Region, this remote park is home to elephants, hippos, and countless bird species, all thriving in the riverine forests and wetlands. It felt like a quiet, green contrast to the arid deserts we had seen before. We spent the night at a peaceful riverside campsite, undisturbed and surrounded by nature. It was the perfect final stop before we crossed the border and said goodbye – for now – to Namibia.
18
2024.NOV
JU'HOANSI SAN
Tucked away in the heart of Namibia, the Ju/'Hoansi Living Museum gave us one of the most meaningful experiences of our journey. More than just a visit, it felt like a step into another time – guided by the San community, we learned about their traditions, survival skills, and deep connection to the land. From making fire without matches to trying our hand at traditional hunting techniques, every moment was hands-on and full of insight. As the sun set over the red sand, we left with a deeper understanding of a culture that has lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. A truly humbling stop before we continued north.
17
2024.NOV
PALMWAG CONCESSION
Stretching across the rugged landscapes of northwestern Namibia, the Palmwag Concession felt like a wild, untamed frontier. Known as one of the last strongholds for desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, this vast area is managed by the local community and blends conservation with sustainable tourism. Driving through the rocky valleys and dry riverbeds, we were struck by the silence – and the feeling that anything could appear around the next bend. We camped under a wide, starlit sky, with only the sounds of the night around us. It was a reminder of how nature and people can thrive together when given the space.
16
2024.NOV
UGAB RIVER
Winding its way through Namibia’s rugged Damaraland, the Ugab River felt like a place of quiet drama. Dry for most of the year, this wide riverbed is flanked by towering cliffs, dusty plains, and the occasional oasis of green. We followed its course along gravel tracks, eyes scanning the horizon – this is desert-adapted elephant territory, after all. And to our surprise, we did spot one lone elephant, still roaming the area, unbothered and majestic in the afternoon light. It was a special encounter that added a layer of magic to our drive. Our wild campsite for the night was tucked against a sandstone bluff, with golden hour light painting the rocks around us. The Ugab felt raw and untouched – a place where nature writes its own rules.
15
2024.NOV
DOROB NATIONAL PARK
Stretching between the Atlantic coast and the inland desert, Dorob National Park is where Namibia’s contrasts truly come to life. We drove for hours through wide, open gravel plains, with the ocean mist slowly giving way to rocky outcrops and ancient desert landscapes. The road led us deep into the park, all the way to the awe-inspiring Messum Crater – a vast, otherworldly basin that feels like stepping onto another planet. Along the way, we passed lichen fields, strange rock formations, and signs of life that somehow thrive in this harsh environment. We set up camp near a dry riverbed, with sand under our feet and the wind whispering through the silence. It was a quiet, humbling stop – a reminder of how vast and raw Namibia truly is.
14
2024.NOV
SPITZKOPPE
Rising out of the desert like a giant island of stone, Spitzkoppe is one of those places that feels almost mythical. Its red granite peaks catch the light at sunrise and sunset, glowing in warm tones that shift with every hour. As we arrived, the landscape opened up into a dreamlike scene of towering boulders, rock arches, and ancient San rock art hidden in quiet corners. We found a campsite tucked right between the rocks – no fences, no noise, between the mountains. Climbing to a lookout point in the late afternoon, we watched the shadows stretch across the desert floor while the sky turned soft and pastel.
13
2024.NOV
NAMIB NAUKLUFT
Vast, silent, and endlessly shifting, Namib-Naukluft National Park felt like the heart of Namibia’s desert soul. Driving through this surreal landscape, we were surrounded by endless gravel plains, wind-sculpted mountains, and towering dunes that faded into the horizon. It's a place where time stretches out and the silence wraps around you like a blanket. We camped deep inside the park, far from any roads or lights, with the night sky spilling stars above our rooftop tent. The air was crisp, the stillness complete.
12
2024.NOV
SOSSUSVLEI
There are places in the world that feel like they’ve been frozen in time, and Sossusvlei is one of them. Known for its iconic, towering red dunes, this surreal landscape is like no other. We woke up early to catch the first light of dawn as it painted the dunes in shades of orange and gold. The quiet was almost tangible as we made our way to Deadvlei, the eerie, otherworldly clay pan surrounded by giant dunes and ancient, bleached trees standing like silent sentinels. Walking through this desolate landscape, it felt like stepping into another world – one where time stands still. The beauty and isolation of Sossusvlei, and especially Deadvlei, left us speechless, a powerful reminder of the desert's timeless allure.
11
2024.OCT
NAMIB DESERT
The Namib Desert is a place where time moves differently. With its endless stretches of red dunes, rugged mountain ranges, and the vast, unbroken horizon, it’s a landscape that humbles you with its sheer size and silence. Driving through the heart of this ancient desert, we found ourselves surrounded by nothing but sand and sky, the stillness broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind. We spent our nights camped beneath a blanket of stars, the air cool and crisp, and the world around us feeling both vast and intimate at the same time.
10
2024.OCT
KARAS
The Karas Region in southern Namibia feels like a hidden treasure, a place where the desert meets dramatic mountain landscapes. As we journeyed through this remote part of the country, the wide-open spaces and quiet roads offered a sense of peaceful solitude. The region’s raw beauty is both humbling and inspiring, with towering cliffs and rolling plains that seem to stretch endlessly.
09
2024.OCT
FISHRIVER CANYON
A highlight of our visit of the Karas region was the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon – standing at the edge of this massive natural wonder, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of the earth’s ancient history. The Karas region is a place for reflection, adventure, and discovery, where nature’s power is on full display in every sweeping vista.
08
2024.OCT
AI / AIS
Ai-Ais Richtersveld is a place where the earth’s most extreme landscapes come to life. Straddling the border between Namibia and South Africa, this unique corner of the world feels like a land untouched by time. The Ai-Ais side of the Richtersveld is known for its rugged desert terrain, jagged mountains, and sweeping valleys that seem to stretch endlessly. As we drove through the area, the landscape felt like a series of ever-changing, dramatic scenes, from towering cliffs to vast stretches of barren land.
COUNTRY
SOUTH AFRICA
OCT 2024
07
2024.OCT
RICHTERSVELD WHS
Once a conservancy, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Namakwa region stands as one of the only two deserts in the world with such rich biodiversity. We were captivated by the vast, sweeping views as we drove a portion of the Namakwa 4x4 Eco Trail. This week-long adventure winds through both the Richtersveld and Namakwa routes, offering the chance to camp at a new site each night. With no one else in sight, we enjoyed the solitude at our chosen campsite before continuing our journey towards Namibia.
06
2024.OCT
CEDERBERG WILDERNESS AREA
The Cederberg, a rugged gem just outside Cape Town, captivated us with its diverse landscapes and towering mountains. This region offers endless opportunities for adventure, from hiking to rock climbing, each activity revealing a new side of its natural beauty. We journeyed through the Cederberg, camping at various sites along the way, and were mesmerized by the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that painted the sky. While exploring, we found that distances between spots were long, so careful planning is essential for making the most of this unforgettable destination.
COUNTRY
EUROPE
2019-2023
05
2020/2023
PORTUGAL
In Portugal, where the Atlantic waves kiss the shores, we found a haven for our seaside cravings. Our love for the ocean led Tatjana to dive into the world of surfing. The Portuguese cuisine, especially the captivating fish bread stew, became our gastronomic obsession, turning each meal into a delightful celebration. Beyond the coastal charm, Portugal unfolded fantastic off-road tracks, revealing hidden gems.
04
2019/2020/2022
CORSICA
Corsica, a Mediterranean gem, stole our hearts with its unique blend of lifestyle, fashion, architecture, and food. The island's ambiance is one of a kind, shaping an experience like no other. Indulging in French cuisine with a Sardinian touch, we discovered flavors that danced on our palates, making each meal a journey of culinary delight. Corsica also unveiled breathtaking camping spots.
03
2021
SARDINIA
Sardinia, a haven of azure waters and hidden camping gems, captivated us with its untouched beauty. Venturing to the island shortly after lockdown, we embraced the tranquility and rediscovered the joys of exploration. Sardinia's rich culture and harmonious work-life balance left a lasting impression, providing a glimpse into a life well-lived. A culinary highlight of our travels, the flavors of Sardinia's cuisine linger as a delectable memory on our journey.
02
2021
CROATIA
Croatia, a canvas of wild nature, enchanted us with its diverse landscapes. Exploring mesmerizing lakes and weaving through Slovenia on our travels, we uncovered the beauty of the Balkans. While the culinary scene may be less captivating, the warmth of the open-hearted people and the stunning natural wonders make Croatia an unforgettable chapter in our journey.
COUNTRY
NORTH AFRICA
2018
01
2018
SAHARA DESERT
The Sahara Desert, a vast expanse of golden dunes, captured Fred's heart with its mystique. His solo journey into this arid wonderland unraveled the beauty of off-road tracks near Europe, offering a taste of adventure right at our doorstep. Beyond the shifting sands, the Sahara's rich cultural tapestry and the warmth of its people left an indelible mark on his soul. Travelling from Europe to the Sahara proved a thrilling challenge, a testament to the allure of this magnificent desert.
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