Those who explore France on back roads know the red and white milestones on the side of the road. You can also see them in French Polynesia and French Guyana, where the Ariane rockets are being launched – two destinations that we know from experience.

There are no milestones in Namibia. And rarely a board that shows the driver how far it is to the next place. However, what you often come across are carts pulled by three donkeys and driven by a black man. The whole family and some of the relatives sit on it. We are always happy about these encounters on the mostly lonely gravel roads that we drive over.

However, we are also happy about the termite mounds, that stand on the edge of the road. Once they are deep red, once light and once dark brown. Or ocher. Or white. Depending on the color of the earth, with which it is built by busy termites. If you want to know more about this fascinating animal, read here.

PS. The term termite mound is an understatement. It should actually be called the termite tower. This one stood along the road from Opuwo to Sesfontein.