Spirit of the Wind

A stunning and evocative photographic journey capturing the wild horses that call the Namib Desert home.

This is the story of Miona Janeke, who, armed with only a camera and a tent, embarked on a journey across the vast Namib Desert in search of the elusive wild horses that roam near Garub. Following the herd from before sunrise until after dark, she immersed herself in their world, studying and photographing these free-spirited creatures.The Namib Desert is a vast, arid expanse of constantly shifting gravel plains and dunes, covering more than 31,000 square miles along the western coast of Namibia, extending into Angola and South Africa. Relentless winds sweep across the landscape, while thick fog frequently blankets the towering coastal dunes. Despite supporting a diverse array of flora and fauna, it remains a harsh environment for both man and beast. In the midst of this seemingly inhospitable region, near Garub, live the elusive wild horses that have captivated people for nearly a century. Into this wilderness ventured a young girl, armed with little more than a camera, a tent, and a burning desire to follow the call of the wild. As weeks turned into months, Miona Janeke trailed the herd from before sunrise until after dark, learning, understanding, photographing, and becoming one with the free-spirited horses. This book is the culmination of an intrepid pilgrimage to uncover the essence of the mysterious feral horse herds. The exquisite photographs within reveal a deep, almost spiritual connection between subject and photographer, standing as a testament to her rare talent and indomitable spirit.