The words ‘May you live in interesting times’ came true for all of us in 2020 whether we wanted it to or not. Covid-19 arrived with a vengeance, generating a worldwide flurry of fear. I realised with a dire feeling of angst that if an Earth cataclysm could wipe out the dinosaurs in one fell swoop, an infectious virus could easily eradicate us earthlings.

Touches of grace are always welcome in life, as is the refreshing breath Gondwana’s Desert Grace lodge imparts with its rose-quartz and pink-gin flourishes in surroundings as stark as the Namib Desert. This is my graceful nest for the night and the springboard from which I head south in the morning en route to Klein-Aus Vista.

Canyon Roadhouse must be one of the very best reminders of the importance of humour and being light-hearted. Isn’t it true that we often get so caught up in things that we forget to lighten up – and just enjoy life? Today, Canyon Roadhouse reminds me of the incredible lightness of being.

Seeing the desert green is an experience not to be missed. The earth smiles. There is a distinct feeling of celebration and regeneration in the air. Hope bounces off the ground like a colourful beachball thrown up in the air by laughing children. Or, at least, that’s how it feels.

What better time to be in Namibia than right now in the green season amidst the wonders and miracles of good rainfall after long years of drought when the earth breathes a deep sigh of relief, thirstily laps up the water and celebrates.

Damara Mopane lodge, twenty kilometres east of Khorixas and a smooth and easy drive from Etosha Safari Camp, is out-of-the-ordinary extraordinary. Besides being an attractive lodge set in a mopane woodland, each spacious chalet has, wait for it, and this definitely deserves a drumroll . . . its very own food garden!

Today I let go of worry, cellphones, deadlines, social media and the rush of our daily lives and thoroughly immerse myself in the journey. I have a whole day to enjoy it and to travel down the infamous Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund. What more can anyone ask for?

At every moment in this incredible adventure of life we have a choice. We are never stuck. In the upheaval of Covid-19 we have the choice to tune in to the fear and negativity that abounds on the planet at this time or to tune in to the immense natural beauty surrounding us. I choose the latter. Green-tripping through Namibia reminds me how very good it is to be alive.

There are some bucket-list experiences in life - and if you are a hiker yet enjoy some creature comforts along the way - Gondwana’s Fish River Canyon trails may just top your list.