Namibia is known for its striking scenery, a rich mix of ancient and modern cultures, abundant desert-adapted wildlife, and these distinctive graphic road signs.
Blown Away
“The long and windy road…” and at 26,600 km (16,530 miles) the road don’t get much longer for motorcyclin’ photo-journalist Jean-Baptiste Dodane, whose 666-day two-wheeled adventure took him from Zurich south to Cape Town on all types of roads… some of them winding, others windy, and a few that lay claim to be both.
There’s plenty of open space in Namibia, a strikingly beautiful nation in south-western Africa approximately 1.5 times the size of France. Open space means wind, as is often the case… and thanks to the plethora of wind warning signs posted on Namibian roadsides, you’re now very aware of that fact. (images at top and above via jbdodane)
Me Crossing
Zebras, crossing roads in my desert? It’s more likely than you think! Indeed, these iconic black & white striped equids can be found in a number of varied habitats including open plains (Plains Zebra, Equus quagga) and rugged mountains (Mountain Zebra, Equus zebra and Equus hartmannae). So, should you stop when a zebra wants to cross the road? Neigh.. er, make that yea! (image via Ragnhild&Neil Crawford)
Trunk Driving
Wow, the elephants sure are fast in Namibia! Yep, them pachyderms pack a lotta power and… er, never mind, it’s just a speed limit sign for humans, not heffalumps. With that said, any road sign warning of elephants can hardly considered to be “just” a road sign. You’d have to be a real Dumbo not to take it seriously. (image via Patrik M. Loeff)
Antelope Freeway, 1/8 Mile
“Pardon me boy, kudu tell me when the next train arrives?” Rather soon, judging by the sign – it indicates a “railroad crossing on the C12 gravel road between Grünau and Seeheim,” according to the photographer. As for the choo-choo charging kudu on the other sign, it had better hope it can jump higher than a train… which it probably can, actually, since trains can’t jump. (image via Paul Keller)
Multitusking
Wild hogs running hog wild on the highways and byways? Since we’re in Namibia it must be a day ending in “y”. Common Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) tend to prefer dirt roads to paved ones (especially when it rains) but it’s still a good idea to watch for them and, dare we say, try not to be a road hog. (image via Patrik M. Loeff)
Driving into the wild blew yonder? Check out Dust In The Wind: 10 Gritty Dust Warning Signs!
