On the road again - new trip through Namibia
Day 1: 17 December
Having planned to do a northern trip through Namibia, but being a bit overwhelmed by the long distances to be covered and finding the right time to do it, I was very excited when I heard, from a tour operator, that a tour group from Europe wanted to do a similar trip. There was a bus and a tour guide and still a space available, which I quickly booked.
The foreign tourists arrived on Monday (16 Dec 2013) and did a tour through our lovely capital city. The day was concluded with dinner at a local restaurant.
Early on Tuesday morning, 7:00, we packed the bus and left for the South of Namibia. Yes, not straight away to the North, but taking a detour southwards and then towards the coast, before exploring the North; to see the best of what Namibia has to offer.
The first part of the journey was tarred road and shortly after Rehoboth (89km South of Windhoek) we went on to gravel road. (as for namibian gravel roads: any powerplate machine fades in comparison)
We reached the Namib Naukluft Park at lunch time, after several pitstops to refuel (ourselves and the car:-)
Shortly after entering we stopped at 'dune 45' and had the opportunity to climb up. Going up higher, the wind became stronger and I felt slightly sandblasted. But the view from the top is stunning.
Important things to remember: wear sunscreen, a hat, take water, protect camera equipment with a dustproof bag.
The scenery is stunning, ochre dunes, caramel flat sand plateaus, dark silhouettes of dead trees, an Oryx lying in the shade of a tree with still some greenery, the wind blowing over our heads, and on the other side mountain ridges in various geological layers.
Leaving the dune we drove to the dead vlei and heard the fascinating history of this nature phenomenon. Amazingly fish are in hibernation in this dry 'dead' riverbed, and can survive there for up to 6(!) years, until the next rainy season. We had to go by 4x4 to the vlei.
The dead vlei is surrounded by dunes and its white sand and black tree stumps are in contrast to the red dunes
surrounding it.
On the way were Springbok and Oryx, hiding from the scorching sun, under some trees (which sprout green leaves, from some underground water)
Important to remember: high up closed shoes with socks, as the dune sand easily runs into the shoes and is burning hot.
Very satisfied with the ample photo opportunities we started our return journey. From the Jeep we moved back into the bus and travelled to our accommodation for the night: ,A little Sossus lodge'.
Little stone bungalows with view onto a watering hole welcomed us. After the opportunity to freshen up, (wonderful hot shower) we discussed the day over a delicious dinner of a homegrown mixed salad, prunes wrapped in bacon, very tender beef fillet, with crisp baked potatoes, and malva pudding in vanilla sauce.
The night was very warm, but the beds very cosy. The many impressions of the day carried me into dreamland.
Early on Tuesday morning, 7:00, we packed the bus and left for the South of Namibia. Yes, not straight away to the North, but taking a detour southwards and then towards the coast, before exploring the North; to see the best of what Namibia has to offer.
The first part of the journey was tarred road and shortly after Rehoboth (89km South of Windhoek) we went on to gravel road. (as for namibian gravel roads: any powerplate machine fades in comparison)
We reached the Namib Naukluft Park at lunch time, after several pitstops to refuel (ourselves and the car:-)
 |
| View from top of dune 45 |
Important things to remember: wear sunscreen, a hat, take water, protect camera equipment with a dustproof bag.
The scenery is stunning, ochre dunes, caramel flat sand plateaus, dark silhouettes of dead trees, an Oryx lying in the shade of a tree with still some greenery, the wind blowing over our heads, and on the other side mountain ridges in various geological layers.
Leaving the dune we drove to the dead vlei and heard the fascinating history of this nature phenomenon. Amazingly fish are in hibernation in this dry 'dead' riverbed, and can survive there for up to 6(!) years, until the next rainy season. We had to go by 4x4 to the vlei.
 |
| Deadvlei surrounded by dunes |
surrounding it.
On the way were Springbok and Oryx, hiding from the scorching sun, under some trees (which sprout green leaves, from some underground water)
Important to remember: high up closed shoes with socks, as the dune sand easily runs into the shoes and is burning hot.
 |
| A little lizard accepted our offer of water from a bottle cap, who knows where he'll get his next drink. |
Very satisfied with the ample photo opportunities we started our return journey. From the Jeep we moved back into the bus and travelled to our accommodation for the night: ,A little Sossus lodge'.
Little stone bungalows with view onto a watering hole welcomed us. After the opportunity to freshen up, (wonderful hot shower) we discussed the day over a delicious dinner of a homegrown mixed salad, prunes wrapped in bacon, very tender beef fillet, with crisp baked potatoes, and malva pudding in vanilla sauce.
The night was very warm, but the beds very cosy. The many impressions of the day carried me into dreamland.
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