Sigi and Molly, our neighbours, know the surrounding area of Swakopmund like their backyard. No wonder, since they have lived in this area for ten years. Among other things, they also know the valley through which the Khan runs – at least when it has rained heavily. Like the Swakop, the Khan is a dry river that only flows after heavy rains. He didn’t do that when we planned our two-day trip.

We had already packed our car the day before departure. The most important things on a trip like this are, in this order: beer, wine, wood and meat for the braai. But the ingredients for breakfast are not forgotten either. For us that means muesli, yoghurt, juice and milk for an Ovaltine, while Sigi and Molli prefer sausage, eggs, cheese and bread.

We followed the two in their Toyota. After half an hour of driving on tar, we turned onto a sand road. Half an hour later we were standing in a side valley of the Khan under a gnarled camel thorn tree that bore leaves despite the drought. Later in the afternoon the sky began to become covered with clouds. It looked like rain, but it didn’t fall. A little later two beautiful rainbows appeared – that’s how we named this place! Except for a few drops, it stayed dry. That was good for our two companions, who sleep outside on pad rolls (swags).

We spent two nights at this beautiful place, sat around the campfire in the evening and looked at the starry sky. During the day we gossiped and played – Brigitta had even packed the boule balls.

 PS: If you want to know more about padrolls, read here.