Dune Climbing in the Namib Desert

Hungry and almost in the middle of the night (6:00 AM), we board the bus towards the Namib Desert, equipped with breakfast packs.

Shaken well by the local gravel roads, we arrive as the 22nd vehicle at the still-closed gates of the desert. After a 15-minute wait, we are allowed inside.

To continue our journey, we need to switch to a sand vehicle. In a wild ride, we head towards the dunes Big Mamma and Big Daddy - probably the largest dune on Earth.

In a goose-step along the ridge of Big Daddy, we are presented with the view of Dead Vlei, a dry endorheic sink of a desert river, with trees over 1000 years old.

Dalì seems to have drawn his inspiration here.

We are exceptionally impressed by this imposing backdrop.

The time-of-day-based color change of the dunes - caused by the high iron content of the sand - is also indescribably beautiful to behold.

Also astonishing are the green trees in the desert.

Our next stop is the Sesriem Canyon, which was formed by the Tsauchab River many, many years ago, reaching depths of 30 meters.

Before we head back, we take a look at a weaver bird's nest. In weaver birds, the males build the nests. If the females don't like it, a new one must be constructed. Long live the matriarchy.

Exhausted and filled with new impressions, we arrive at the lodge - shaken well again.

A wonderful day!