The Big Trip-Paris, Africa, London: Sossousvlei

Well, it has been a couple of days since you heard from me. Thursday, we rode from Windhoek to Sossousvlei. Our driver was Shantelle. Along with her was a sick lizard that she was nursing back to health. Along the way she demonstrated her ability to do animal and bird calls. At one point she had this group. She had this one bird going crazy looking for her. She also spotted a cobra snake sitting by the side of the road. The pictures came out great. Along the way we came down some of the windiest and cliff edge dirt roads that I have ever seen. We also stopped in Solitaire. Solitaire is a very small town where everyone seems to stop. They do have a great bakery.

We arrived at the Namib Desert Lodge about 5:00 PM. Our rooms were the very last 2 on the property. We could have used a shuttle bus. Like most of the places we have seen, the staff here is very nice and accommodating. My room overlooks a beautiful field and the mountains. Being at the end it is very quiet. Since our tour was leaving at 6 AM, I was in bed by 10 PM.

5 AM. How invigorating!!!! Off to Sossousvlei!!! We were hoping to see it at sunrise but, sunrise was at 6:30AM. The park opened at 6:30AM and we are afraid of friends. Our first stop was at Dune #45. There were droves of people climbing it. I went up about ½ way. The was too much for my foot. I headed down to the base. Our next stop was at the walkway to Dead Vrei. It was a difficult walk only due to my feet. It was called Dead Vlei because there were some dead trees. Of course they had been dead for about 600 years. We then walked back to the car and had our breakfast.

After breakfast, we went to Sossousvlei. I had hoped to see sand dunes in all kinds of hues but, that was not the case. I am not sure if we missed it by getting in the park so late but they were all the same burnt orange color. The base was filled with water which created a bit of a reflection. It had a canyon quality and was very pretty just the same. Driving back to the lodge, we were treated to the sight of the dunes changing color. There were purple and rose colored dunes that were painted by the sun. It was really beautiful. I had been feeling that this was not worth the trip but, in the end, it was.

Since we did not get back until 2:00 PM, I had lunch at the pool. It was very quiet and very relaxing. I needed time to get ready for the “Sundowner” excursion. What a trip! It was about 35 people and were were put in seats in the back of 4 pick-ups. Fran and I were with a group of young Italians. The tour began by going through a marked trail in the back of the lodge. Then we began scaling the sides of the cliffs. Although it was gradual, it seemed like we were going straight up. We were treated to some spectacular views as we kept moving further up in the mountains. When we reached our final destination, we were parked on the very edge of a cliff. Everyone got out, gin and tonics were served and we stood and waited for the sunset. It was magnificent. As the sun made its final descent, the guide asked for silence so that we could listen to nature. The wind was the most prevalent sound but it was very moving. To end the evening, down we went like we were shot out of a cannon. OMG!

This morning, I got up and hiked out the cliffs. It was really quite beautiful. You could see (by the droppings) that springbok had been here. There were birds flying everywhere. It was still cool so that it was really pleasant. Now I am just waiting to check out and head to Windhoek where I will have internet again (and I can post this).

Just to catch up, we had the same driver going back. She is really funny. We had a flat tire on one of the gravel road (they are all gravel!). She changed it in less than 10 minutes and would not let me help.

I am back in the capital and everything is closed. Good thing the hotel is pretty good. Next report will be from London.