Route we took while in Namibia
I found out I had another work trip to Zambia that was going to fall on my anniversary. I told my husband who was thrilled about using miles to come meet me in Southern Africa. I have been bringing him home South Africa wine for a couple of years now and he wanted to check it out for himself. We decided to take a 1.5 weeks off from work. We also compromised and he got to choose what we did in South Africa and I got to choose what we did in Namibia. We also agreed that animals would not be the major focus of the trip.
Namibia. I knew a few things about it before I arrived. I knew there was a lot of desert, they have some of the tallest dunes in the world, and the capital was Windhoek. Other than that I was out but I had heard amazing things about the country so I thought why not.
All I can say is that Namibia - congratulations you knocked my socks off. You not only lived up to the hype but you surpassed in my opinion. We decided to go with a tour group. We didn't have any buffer time so we didn't want to send any time getting lost. We were picked up and taken around Windhoek. Not that exciting but in a few hours we were headed south towards some of the world's tallest dunes.
Pass heading southward from Windhoek
We were also joined by a single traveler from Japan. We lovingly named him our Japanese Bedouin. He bought a traditional Bedouin outfit while in Dubai and proceeded to where it in the dessert. He was also had the most intense self game I think I have ever seen.
We woke up before dawn to be in the park as the sun was coming up over the dunes. When the alarm went off, we both looked at each other and thought this better be worth it. The first early morning light is when the dunes have the pinkish tints to them. We both knew it was worth it and it was only 7 something in the morning.
Sunrise in Namib Naukluft Park
Rosy pink hues on the dunes
Making our way up Dune 45. I think those shoes still have sand in them.
Having a guide at this point was great. Not only could we just focus on the scenery but he knew all the best places to stop for photos and when to do so. We did your traditional activities hiked up Dune 45 and then ran down it.
View from the top of the dune
Tenebrionid beetle making its way across the dunes
We walked out to "death valley" or Sossusvlei which means where the water ends. It was quite incredible to have the world's largest dune "big daddy" in the background with trees that have been dead for over 300 years. I've seen photos but always wondered if I would have the chance to go. It was a highlight for me. Completely different scenery than I have ever seen before and probably will ever see again.
Sossusvlei - where the water ends
Other highlights included walking down to Sesriem Canyon and watching the sunset on a lookout near our hotel.
Sesriem Canyon
One of the other things I loved about this area was the diverse plant life. It's not the first thing you think of when you go to the desert but there were so many different types of plants and cactuses in the area. I won't bore you death with all the plant photos I took but here are a couple to tie you over.
Sunset or "sundowner" drive
Tips for traveling to this area:
- First off it is easy to rent a car and drive here. The roads are wide open with very few cars. The roads are also well marked. You really don't need to take a tour. If you do drive into Sossusvlei, know how to drive on sand and that it is much harder to drive on it when it has been warmed by the sun. We saw a couple of cars that were having trouble. Pay the extra rand and take the shuttle provided.
- If you want to take a tour so you do not have to worry about driving, don't want to drive, or just want to be able to enjoy the scenery, I recommend Nam Nau Lodge. We stayed here and they also took care of picking us up in Windhoek and dropping us off in Walvis Bay. The guides were incredible knowledgable.
Below was the tented camp we stayed in.
- I went in the winter time and it was quite nice. Granted I'm from the Pacific Northwest so there winter was pretty much as warm as it usually gets in the summer for us. During the day the temps were 22/73 during the day and 1/34 at night. Bring layers and definitely something warm for nights. I had a down jacket and I was quite happy I brought it along. Also for clothes bring things you don't mind getting sand in.
- Bring chapstick and lotion. It seemed that no matter how much we put on, our skin was always dry. Also bring sunscreen. Even though it is winter, there is brilliant sun everyday.