Two German geologists, Henno Martin and Hermann Korn, were sent to the former South West Africa by their professor Dr. Hans Cloos in 1953, to do research about the Naukluft. Both geologists were individualists and were at high risk in 1933 Germany due to the takeover of the nazi regime. Professor Cloos recognized this danger in time and continually sent them on research missions to avoid them returning to Germany.

One of their research areas was the Naukluft, to which they devoted several expeditions. Besides carrying out their research mission they also dealt with the task of finding water in arid South-West, and many farmers owe them boreholes with abundant water. The German Reich focused the youth in the country, like in Germany, and South-West was meant to become again a German colony "Südwest-Afrika". Both geologists were however not interested in politics. After the outbreak of the Second World War they both decided to live and survive like bushmen in the Namib Desert. The book describes these 2½ years in the desert, the fight for survival, their discussions and thoughts under the African starry sky about the futile war in Europe. Much of it, like our concerns for water resources and nature conservation is still relevant today for future generations.
After 2 years Hermann Korn fell ill and their adventure ended. The mandate government of that time was aware of their apolitical attitude. It was never intended to intern them.

After a short court case as a result of their vehicles not being licensed and one firearm not registered, the mandate government of the time employed them as geologists with water affairs.

Hermann Korn was the first person to think of searching for water by aeroplane in the huge territory South-West. His early death in the year 1946 prevented him from fulfilling his plan.

Henno Martin became a world-renowned lecturer of geology in Capetown (South Africa),, Sao Paulo (Brazil), and in Göttingen (Germany). If you are familiar with his book "The Sheltering Desert", do not miss visiting the scenes of their adventures. This book will lead to deep thinking, especially if you have personally experienced the solitude, the endless expanse and the infinite silence and have spent some time at the edge or in the Namib.

Klaus & Barbara Ahlert of the farm Niedersachsen would be glad to pass on such experiences.

The mentioned book may be ordered directly from the mail order house Namibiana Book Depot in Zetel (Germany).