When first planning this trip, Chris and I looked at various maps of the countries we wanted to visit, trying to find those places that would determine our route. Looking at the topographical map of Namibia, we immediately spotted the Brandberg and the neighbouring Messum Crater. We were fascinated by them and immediately decided that these areas were going to be on our 
top To Do list.
The Messum Crater and the valleys leading up to and out of it turned out to be fantastic. The rock formations alone were worth coming here. We drove through a valley where the wind had carved each protrusion into a different fish or sea creature. You could see everything from seahorses and snappers to moray eels, flounders and parrot fish. There was even a dragon; into whose gaping mouth a previous passer-by had stuffed a whole melon. Quite an unexpected sight when you’re just driving around the corner minding your own business… The crater itself is the epitome of desolation. Searing heat, vast flat landscape surrounded by mountains with the horizon playing tricks with you. There’s no need to drive to the Sahara to experience a Fata Morgana, just visit the Messum Crater.
We left the Crater via the Messum River Bed and camped under a very beautiful Kameeldooring Acacia in a scenic river bend. Made a campfire and sat and watched the desert night sky.
