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Day 0. Outside Terminal 1 Dubai International Airport on a Thursday afternoon to start my journey to Namibia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f419d/O/01.jpg After checking in I headed through immigration and then onto security where my Phantom quadcopter drone was pulled aside after the X-ray. After a quick swab for explosives I was quickly on my way though. Looking across to the very empty Terminal 1 while taking the train to Concourse D. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3987b/O/02.jpg After Jordan had invited me to join him for a few days in Namibia, I started looking at the best way to get there from Dubai. Qatar Airways fly to Windhoek but as it is only every second day it didn't match up and it was also quite expensive at $1237 return. I found a cheap flight on Ethiopian Airlines to Johannesburg (JNB) for $400 however, and then bought an onward return ticket to Windhoek (WDH) for $273. Hence my flights for the trip were: Day 0: Flying Ethiopian Airlines (ET) from Dubai to Johannesbourg via Addis Ababa (DXB-ADD-JNB). Day 1: Flying South African Airways (SA) from Johannesbourg to Windhoek (JNB-WDH). Day 5: Flying Air Namibia (SW) from Windhoek to Johnannesburg (WDH-JNB). Flying Ethiopian Airlines (ET) from Johannesbourg to Dubai via Addis Ababa (JNB-ADD-DXB). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5711a/O/03.gif |
Up until recently, New Zealand was one of the few Western countries where South Africans could travel without a visa. After a spate of problems with other African nationals using forged South African passports to enter New Zealand however, this privilege was unfortunately revoked. In a tit-for-tat response the South African government revoked visa on arrival for New Zealanders. Hence for my trip to Johannesburg I had to travel on my UK passport. Grabbing something to eat in the Marhaba lounge. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a6f82/O/04.jpg The ET A350 waiting at the gate. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...166a7/O/05.jpg Luckily I had the row to myself for the flight to Addis Ababa. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5eae8/O/06.jpg A Flynas A320 just behind us as we wait our ok from the tower. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e3a92/O/07.jpg A queue beginning to form as we waited for clearance to come. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f7baf/O/08.jpg |
We finally took off just after 6:15pm. Looking down on the Queen Elizabeth 2 at Port Rashid. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...173ab/O/09.jpg The Dubai skyline. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...98d2e/O/10.jpg And the Burj Khalifa. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e926e/O/11.jpg Flying high above Oman as we head out towards the Arabian Sea. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...0fcf8/O/12.jpg Watching The Founder, a film starring Michael Keaton as businessman Ray Kroc, who built McDonald's into the fastfood chain it is today. Very interesting movie and definitely recommended. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...88f50/O/13.jpg |
Simple but tasty dinner of beef and rice. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...88aa4/O/14.jpg Flying over the Gulf of Aden towards Ethiopia as we avoid Yemeni airspace. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...146da/O/15.jpg Above the capital just before we land at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...0c7b6/O/16.jpg And a slighty chaotic arrival at the terminal to transfer to my onward flight to Johannesburg. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6688d/O/17.jpg It was the evening rush hour and the terminal was super busy. After finding a seat and watching a movie on my iPad I joined the very long queue for security. They were calling people to come forward who had flights that were departing soon, so luckily I didn't have to wait too long. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...4b985/O/18.jpg And back out onto the tarmac, ready to board the ET 737 for the 5.5 hour flight to South Africa. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2019a/O/19.jpg Chicken and rice served soon after take-off. I then put on my eye shades and ear plugs to take a few winks. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...236aa/O/20.jpg |
Day 1. We arrived in Johannesburg ahead of time just before 4am. Luckily there was almost no queue for immigration and I was quickly through to pick up my bag from the luggage belt. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9dd8f/O/21.jpg After checking in for my South African Airways flight to Windhoek, I made my way back airside. An EK 777 getting ready for it's 9:25am return to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...28168/O/22.jpg Cuppaccino for a much needed dose of caffeine at Mugg & Bean. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6a2ab/O/23.jpg Followed by a very tasty Croque Madame sandwich for breakfast. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c7754/O/24.jpg I met up with Jordan at the gate for our flight to Windhoek. He had flown in from London on a British Airways A380. About to board the SAA A320 after a short bus ride to the remote gate. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3aaae/O/25.jpg |
A BAe 146 on the taxi way as we take-off just after 9:30am. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...be22e/O/26.jpg Above Pretoria as we start the journey north-east to Namibia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...eab9a/O/27.jpg Chicken and mashed potatoes with pasta salad. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a87b3/O/28.jpg And some more coffee to help shake off the jet lag. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...29010/O/29.jpg Looking down on the border of Botswana and Namibia. It was interesting to see it so clearly demarcated. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c87a4/O/30.jpg After landing at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport, we made the short walk from the plane to arrivals. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d8e6c/O/31.jpg |
And stamped into Namibia, my 30th country in Africa visited. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...ff62e/O/32.jpg After meeting up with Rianda who had flown in 2 hours earlier on a SAA flight from Cape Town, we went to sort out our ride for the next few days. I somehow had managed to leave my car license back in Dubai, but luckily Rianda had brought hers though. Our Toyota Hilux 4x4 for the next four days. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c4791/O/33.jpg The plan for the next four days was to drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund via Okahandja where we would spend our first night in Namibia. After some sightseeing in Swakopmund we would head southeast to Sesriem and stay two nights at the Desert Camp. After checking out the sights of Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park we would head northeast back to Windhoek for a one night stay before flying out the next morning from Hosea Kutako International Airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...1d0ee/O/34.jpg After sorting out our Toyota Hilux we made the 46 kilometre drive into Windhoek with Rianda at the wheel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...995a9/O/35.jpg Once in Windhoek we headed to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to pick up park permits for the trip. It was a relatively simple process we were on our way after only 10 minutes. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2bf65/O/36.jpg Topping up the tank with diesel and buying a few snacks at a local service station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...892c3/O/37.jpg |
We were then on our way again. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...72a4b/O/38.jpg Passing through Okahandja and taking the B2 to Swakopmund. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3858f/O/39.jpg The road was sealed all the way and with little traffic we made good time. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...31592/O/40.jpg About 40 kilometres before Swakopmund we headed off the B2 to check out the moon-like landscape in Dorob National Park. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a4da9/O/41.jpg I took the opportunity to launch my Phantom to get a birds-eye view. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...309a5/O/42.jpg A panoramic view of the surreal landscape below. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...837c0/O/43.jpg |
We then continued our drive through the 'lunar' landscape. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9b7cd/O/44.jpg It was quite unreal how dry and desolate the terrain was. Even in the desert in Dubai there is some vegetation and some sign of life so the complete barreness was quite unreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d025b/O/45.jpg A lone road sign as we took a quick detour left before heading on to Swakopmund. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d362f/O/46.jpg Looking across the arid landscape with the Rössing Mountains in the distance. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...15a09/O/47.jpg And a perfect backdrop for a selfie! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e9bc7/O/48.jpg We then headed into Swakopmund and checked into the Swakopmund Plaza Hotel. $102 for the night including breakfast. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e8852/O/49.jpg |
Just after 6pm we headed out to look for some where for dinner. At Swakopmund Jetty. At the end was Jetty 1905 Restaurant so we decided to check it out. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...89948/O/50.jpg Work on building a wooden jetty commenced in 1905, and followed up with a steel jetty in 1914. After the First World War it became a pedestrian walkway and was then declared structurally unsound in 1999 and was closed to the public for seven years. In 2006 it was renovated with the seafood restaurant added soon after. We didn't have a reservation but luckily they managed to find room for us. The busy kitchen on display as we made our way to our table. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3e923/O/51.jpg For the starter we each had the trio of oysters, with one baked garlic oyster, one tempura oyster and one grilled oyster each for $N85 ($6.50). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f26a5/O/52.jpg Rianda's seafood skewers for her main with mussels, prawn, calamari, litchis and onion served on grilled line fish ($N130 or $10). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...71893/O/53.jpg |
Jordan opted for the Jetty 1905 mussel pot, tossed in creamy white wine sauce and served with toasted bread fingers ($N115 or $8.80). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6d1c9/O/54.jpg And I enjoyed the delicious black pepper and toasted sesame crusted tuna medallions served with potato mash, pickled ginger and sweet soy sauce ($N220 or $16.90). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...93f37/O/55.jpg Overall a very tasty dining experience in a very unique location! We then walked back along the jetty and back to the hotel for some rest after a great first day in Namibia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...644ce/O/56.jpg |
Day 2. With the two hour time difference from Dubai I got up at 5:30am and went for a run along the beachfront. I noticed a familiar shape in the darkness and caught up with Rianda and we jogged back together to the hotel. After a quick shower I walked down to the beach to take my Phantom out for a fly. Looking down at the jetty stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean with the restaurant at the end where we had eaten the night before. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8bbe9/O/57.jpg Jordan had been up since 3:30am with jetlag and also was out for a stroll. He took over the controls for a few minutes for a bit of a fly around. The sun rising in the early morning above Swakopmund. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...950b2/O/58.jpg Looking south down the coast with the sand dunes in the distance. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...cf370/O/59.jpg Some of the beachfront houses. There were quite a few curious seagulls circling but luckily I managed to evade them and bring the Phantom safely back down to earth. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a4b99/O/60.jpg |
Back at the hotel we had breakfast just after 7:30am. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...60165/O/61.jpg And a seriously tasty omelette stuffed with delicious bacon. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d93a3/O/62.jpg We then headed for a bit of a walkabout around Swakopmund. Outside the Höhenzollern Building just down from our hotel. Built in 1906 during the German colonial era. On top is a statue of Atlas, bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...54958/O/63.jpg A portrait of Che Guevara painted on a wall. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8bc02/O/64.jpg Outside the old German barracks. It is now home to the Swakopmund Youth Hostel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...bd751/O/65.jpg |
Crossing the street in the main Central Business District. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...cd876/O/66.jpg German Bistro. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d9499/O/67.jpg Lekker (yummy in Afrikaans) Ice Cream. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...577fb/O/68.jpg Taking a left on Bismarck Street to Woermann Haus. After visiting former French, English, Portugese and Italian parts of Africa, it was interesting to visit a place with German influence. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...57238/O/69.jpg Built in 1894, Woermann Haus consists of the main house, a courtyard and a tower. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c709f/O/70.jpg The view from the top of the tower. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3809a/O/71.jpg The building now houses a library and art gallery. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8b181/O/72.jpg We then stopped off at Cafe Anton at Hotel Schweizerhaus. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...328e5/O/73.jpg Marvelling at all the sugary goodness on display. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...eb835/O/74.jpg Jordan opted for a piece of the tasty apple strudel and iced coffee. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...0a3a3/O/75.jpg While me and Rianda shared a caffè latte and a meringue and a petit four. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...4de19/O/76.jpg We then carried on our stroll through town. Swakopmund Lighthouse, built in 1902. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...85123/O/77.jpg Palm trees by the beach at Swakopmund Mole (sea wall). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b09f0/O/78.jpg After stopping by the local supermarket to stock on some snacks and water, we checked out of the hotel and then headed to a service station to fill up with diesel before starting the drive to Sesriem. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...fa116/O/79.jpg Crossing the bridge over the Swakop River as we head south out of town. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...517eb/O/80.jpg After passing by Walvis Bay, we stopped at Dune 7, a large sand dune just out of town. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...550e4/O/81.jpg I half-heartedly climbed up a few metres but with the midday sun it was far too hot to muster the energy to climb further up. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...990da/O/82.jpg At 383 metres tall it is the tallest dune in the Namib Desert. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...89051/O/83.jpg Railway tracks between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...86cb8/O/84.jpg We then headed inland for our first major stretch of unsealed road. It was well graded and in good condition so we still managed a decent pace. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f1dfe/O/85.jpg Stopping at Vogelfederberg to stretch our legs. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...28435/O/86.jpg Mount Vogelfederberg is 527 metres tall. I briefly considered sending my Phantom up for a better look but it was far too windy. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e8668/O/87.jpg Continuing our drive east on the C14. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5c6e3/O/88.jpg After an hour of very dry and desolate terrain, we came across a few tree's. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...84f0e/O/89.jpg More tree's along the path of a dry riverbed. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...abc98/O/90.jpg An otherworldly looking Quiver tree, indigenous to parts of Southern Namibia and the Northern Cape of South Africa. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e0bda/O/91.jpg The terrain getting more rugged as we head further east. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5734d/O/92.jpg Stopping in the Kuiseb Canyon. It was amazing to see how much the landscape varied over such a short distance. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3aed8/O/93.jpg After Kuiseb Canyon the road turned south towards Solitaire. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f3363/O/94.jpg Stopping at the Tropic of Capricorn just after 3pm. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...30a18/O/95.jpg Two male ostriches by the road. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b5bb7/O/96.jpg Heading further south on the gravel road C14. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b0675/O/97.jpg We reached the small settlement of Solitaire just before 5pm. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b81d4/O/98.jpg Fueling up. It was the first real sign of civilisation since the 235 kilometres from Walvis Bay. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b644e/O/99.jpg Outside Moose McGregors Desert Bakery. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...fdfa/O/100.jpg Their apple pie had been recommended by other friends who had passed through Solitaire, and also reputed to be the best in Namibia! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...0f0a/O/101.jpg A photo of the late Moose McGregor, a Scot who had moved to Solitaire and opened the bakery more than 20 years ago. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a0ae/O/102.jpg The crumb topped apple pie was definitely worth the long drive! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...bcad/O/103.jpg We then pushed on for the final drive south. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9489/O/104.jpg We covered the 83 kilometres to Sesriem in about 45 minutes. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...49a7/O/105.jpg We arrived at the Desert Camp, our lodging for the next two nights, just after 5:30pm. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...bda5/O/106.jpg The Desert Camp consisted of 20 self-catering units with adobe-style walls and canvas sides and roof. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5adc/O/107.jpg The main bedroom. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8074/O/108.jpg And the bathroom. We opted for the dinner and breakfast half-board option, and at $161 per night it was very reasonable. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b068/O/109.jpg Dinner was at the nearby Sossusvlei Lodge, 4 kilometres up the road near the entrance of the park. We got there just after 6pm and were the first to be seated for dinner. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f5c6/O/110.jpg The outdoor braai/barbeque. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5846/O/111.jpg An amazing and bewildering selection of meat was on offer. As well as boerewors, beef, pork, chicken, and lamb they had Wildebeest, Zebra, Ostrich, Blesbok, Eland, Oryx, Kudu, Hartebeest and Impala! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...391b/O/112.jpg My Ostrich and Zebra steaks on the grill. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b26b/O/113.jpg The tasty selection of cold meats and salads. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f7e1/O/114.jpg A great feast at the end of a long day. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d742/O/115.jpg Despite the big dinner I couldn't resist a bit of overindulgence by eyeing up a few of the desserts. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...7477/O/116.jpg And they tasted as good as they looked! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...4140/O/117.jpg We then headed back to the Desert Camp to get some rest for another busy day tomorrow. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Other/ACAF/.../0/O/Part2.png |
Day 3. After getting up at 5am for a quick shower, we headed back to Sossusvlei Lodge at 5:30am for breakfast. Despite the early hour the lodge was busy with other guests also fuelling up for a day in the park. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f75b/O/118.jpg Jordan chatted to some other Americans who were also visiting Namibia. One of them asked him if it was his first trip to Africa and got a bit of a surprise when he said he had actually visited all of them! We went to join the queue of vehicles at about 6:15am, ready to enter the park when the main gates opened at 6:30am. One of the Park Rangers went down the line taking everyones details so that they could pay for their entrance when they left the park, rather than hold up everyone when they entered. He checked our permit we had gotten back in Windhoek and said we were good to go. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f87b/O/119.jpg Right on 6:30am they opened the gates and we followed the big queue of vehicles into the park. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...276a/O/120.jpg Three hot air balloons in the distance. We had looked at taking a dawn balloon ride over Sossusvlei, at $N5950 ($461) per person. After seeing both Sossusvlei balloon and helicopter video's online though, we opted for a 90 minute helicopter flight later in the day instead. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a8d5/O/121.jpg Continuing our drive to Sossuvlei. The drive from the park entrance at Sesriem to Sossusvlei was 67 kilometres. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5fa7/O/122.jpg A couple making a lone ascent of one of the massive sand dunes. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...4bed/O/123.jpg The beautiful warm early morning light bathing the rugged lansdcape in the distance. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...bd44/O/124.jpg Our first stop in the park, at Dune 45, named after its location 45 kilometres from the main gate. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...107b/O/125.jpg Joining other visitors for the trek up the 170 metre tall dune. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...fcf0/O/126.jpg The morning sun now well above the horizon. Dune 45 is a star dune due to the multidirectional wind. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d5b7/O/127.jpg Jordan trekking up the crest of the dune. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2820/O/128.jpg A great place for another selfie! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9e70/O/129.jpg A Namib darkling beetle that also some how managed to make it to the top of the dune. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...48e9/O/130.jpg Rianda and Jordan contemplating how to descend without getting their shoes full of sand. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...38cb/O/131.jpg After emptying all the sand out of our shoes back at the carpark, we headed off again to the Sossusvlei. The final 3-4 kilometres were driving through soft sand. After engaging low gear and locking the diffs on the Hilux, Jordan showed off his expert 4WDing skills on the bumpy and soft sand. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6808/O/132.jpg After parking the Hilux, we started the ~1.5 kilometre trek to Deadvlei (bottom-left). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d0b9/O/133.jpg The interesting shapes on the parched ground as we made our way to Deadvlei. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2646/O/134.jpg The contrast between the clear blue sky, red sand and white clay pan made for a very surreal and beautiful landscape. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...4c5d/O/135.jpg Deadvlei is a white clay pan that was originally formed when the Tsauchab river flooded, creating temporary shallow pools which allowed camel thorn trees to grow. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...0587/O/136.jpg A line of people trekking along the top of the dunes... http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2f92/O/137.jpg ...and on to the top of Big Daddy (top right), the highest dune in the Sossusvlei area at about 325 meters. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5023/O/138.jpg During a period of drought ~600-700 years ago the dunes encroached on the pan and blocked the river from the area. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...fa32/O/139.jpg The camel thorn trees hence died with the skeletons remaining after drying out in the desert sun and wind. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9ca1/O/140.jpg I had watched a recent National Geographic series called 'Tales by Light' which followed photographers around the world. In one of the episodes, Australian photographer Stephen Dupont used a DJI Inspire quadcopter to take aerial photographs of Deadvlei, capturing the skeletal trees along side the water channel patterns that looked eerily similar to a tree. I couldn't resist trying to capture something similar with my DJI Phantom. The aerial perspective looking straight down produced some slightly unusual but beautiful shots. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6589/O/141.jpg The skeletal remains of the trees were oddly hypnotic and also very photogenic. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c1e6/O/142.jpg Looking down at Jordan on the white clay pan taking some photographs of the surreal landscape too. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f93a/O/143.jpg The trees juxtaposed with the water channel on the clay pan made for very sublime and alluring composition. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...66da/O/144.jpg An amazing and unique experience, definitely worth the long flight, drive and trek! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3174/O/145.jpg We then walked back to the carpark to the 4WD to begin the drive back. It was about 11:30am and getting quite warm with midday approaching. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...39ff/O/146.jpg At a monument by the main road commemorating the Namib Sand Sea which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9b5d/O/147.jpg During the drive out of the park we got a bit of a scare when the 'check engine oil' light briefly came on. We went to the service station back in Sesriem to check the oil but the dipstick showed plenty of oil though. After the substantial breakfast earlier in the day we just grabbed a few snacks at the service station to tide us over until dinner. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5b5b/O/148.jpg An Oryx enjoying some shade by one of the chalets back at the Desert Camp. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...909c/O/149.jpg I took the Phantom up for a fly in the afternoon. Looking west at the Desert Camp. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e068/O/150.jpg And out to our 'backyard' to the east. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...621d/O/151.jpg A mountain range after flying ~3 kilometres to the south. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...92e8/O/152.jpg After exhausting the batteries on the Phantom, we went to join Jordan by the pool. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...7d47/O/153.jpg The water was a bit chilly but very refreshing! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3503/O/154.jpg A great place to relax after the adventurous morning and before our afternoon helicopter flight. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8097/O/155.jpg At about 3:15pm we hopped in the Hilux again and headed back to Sossusvlei Lodge to meet up for our flight briefing. After signing a waiver, weighing ourselves (for weight distribution on the helicopter) and paying $N4950 ($380) each, we met up with our pilot Harmand. On the short drive out to the helipad we got buzzed by a Cessna 210N taking off! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b905/O/156.jpg Harmand giving us a quick safety briefing on the four seat Robinson R44. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5912/O/157.jpg After buckling ourselves in and putting on our headsets, we were off just after 4pm for our 90 minute flight across the Namib Sand Sea. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...da6c/O/158.jpg Fast and low. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8bef/O/159.jpg Looking across to the Sossus Oasis Campsite in Sesriem. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...cc15/O/160.jpg And to our left as we enter the park is the Sossus Dune Lodge. As well as the park campsite, the lodge is the only place to stay within the park. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...45bc/O/161.jpg It was great to look across the unique landscape from the doorless Robinson R44. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f5b3/O/162.jpg The dry riverbed of the Tsauchab. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...022d/O/163.jpg The main road to Sossusvlei which we drove on in the early morning. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e5cb/O/164.jpg Flying over the red dunes. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a320/O/165.jpg The high iron content of the sand results in the deep red rusty colour. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...317d/O/166.jpg The sand is ~5 million years old. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...bb4c/O/167.jpg Despite the lack of rain, some plants survive on water in the humidity brought by the morning fogs that enter the desert from the Atlantic Ocean. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b894/O/168.jpg The unique pattern and shapes in the dunes were very photogenic. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2410/O/169.jpg The red sand that forms the dunes was originally deposited into the Atlantic Ocean from the Orange River millions of years ago. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...fe4f/O/170.jpg The Benguela current then carried this sand north, to be deposited back onto land by the ocean’s surf. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a350/O/171.jpg Rianda enjoying the view from the back. The temperature was about 28°C so not too uncomfortable with the wind blowing with the doors off. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...7e5f/O/172.jpg After being carried back onto land from the ocean, the wind carried the red sand inland to slowly form the Sossusvlei dunes over time. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2a45/O/173.jpg The scale of the dunes was quite impressive, with many being over 200 metres tall. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...695a/O/174.jpg Looking across to Dune 45 where we trekked up in the early morning. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...055e/O/175.jpg A car on the main tarmac road returning to Sesriem. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d437/O/176.jpg Looking across to one of the vlei's that flood when there is sufficient rain. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2603/O/177.jpg Deadvlei to our right as we continue our flight towards the coast. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...4b2a/O/178.jpg And the White Mountains to our left. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...95d2/O/179.jpg As we continued the sandy landscape became less mountainous and more like typical desert. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b845/O/180.jpg We spotted some vehicle tracks below and were amazed that someone could drive out all this way in such a desolate environment! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...fe78/O/181.jpg About 40 minutes after leaving Sesriem we finally approached the Atlantic Ocean. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...1c06/O/182.jpg The air temperature immediately droped by ~10°C as we flew over the water. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e2ae/O/183.jpg Such amazing and breath-taking beauty with the Namib Sand Sea meeting the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...7b96/O/184.jpg We descended and flew south along the coast. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e658/O/185.jpg A massive seal colony soon came into view. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9835/O/186.jpg It was quite a sight (and smell) to behold with with literally thousands of the seals on the beach and in the water! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f405/O/187.jpg It was amazing to see such abundance of life too after flying over the desolate and almost lifeless desert. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...11cc/O/188.jpg Harmand then flew back for another pass by the seals. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6b07/O/189.jpg After swimming with Brown fur seals in Cape Town last year it was great to see them again while visiting another part of Africa. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6d8b/O/190.jpg We spotted a jackal on the beach too and was quite surprised to see it all the way out here. Harmand said that they love to feed on the baby seals. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...decc/O/191.jpg We then flew back along the coast again but at much lower altitude. The seals obliged by putting on a show by jumping into the surf as we whizzed over them. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...aaf1/O/192.jpg Getting abit of sea spray from the breaking waves as we head back up the coast again. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b3df/O/193.jpg And heading back inland to begin the journey back to Sesriem. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d611/O/194.jpg We could just make out the tracks of antelope and jackals on the dunes by the ocean's edge. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b96a/O/195.jpg The temperature noticeably warmed back up again as we skimmed the desert dunes as we headed back east. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a6a5/O/196.jpg The sun starting to get close to the horizon at the end of the day. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9e40/O/197.jpg The low sun created some long shadows over the dry but beautiful landscape below. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...1b7a/O/198.jpg Looking down on the sand dunes. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9423/O/199.jpg With the peaks of the dunes getting higher again the further we flew inland. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...af6c/O/200.jpg Deadvlei again with the shadow of the surrounding dunes now covering almost half of the white clay pan. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...d4da/O/201.jpg Looking down at the otherworldly landscape. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5226/O/202.jpg Dusk now well under way with long shadows almost completely covering the dunes. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...769b/O/203.jpg The older, deep red dunes now returning below us. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...bea4/O/204.jpg Sesriem now in sight as we got closer to the end of the flight. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9ac6/O/205.jpg Sossus Oasis Campsite again with the sun about to dip below the horizon. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...cdc9/O/206.jpg Banking right as Harmand brings the R44 in for landing. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e0bd/O/207.jpg And about to touch down at the end of an amazing flight! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...ce02/O/208.jpg We thanked Harmand profusely for the breathtaking experience, definitely a highlight of the trip and of all my travels! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...0699/O/209.jpg He then drove us back to Sossusvlei Lodge where we said farewell. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...9b17/O/210.jpg It was close to 6pm so we chilled out at the Lodge bar and enjoyed a drink before dinner. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...0ec8/O/211.jpg After the light lunch and busy day we were looking forward to another fantastic feed. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...02ca/O/212.jpg And were certainly not dispappointed with another amazing smorgasbord of exotic meats and tasty sides. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c605/O/213.jpg Managing to find some room to overindulge in some sweet desserts. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e478/O/214.jpg And back to the Desert Camp at the end of an exciting and eventful day 3 in Namibia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...a34e/O/215.jpg |
Day 4. The glow of the sun below the horizon from the front door of our chalet just after 6am on the morning of day 4. We then checked out of the Desert Camp at 6:30am and headed off in the Hilux to Sossusvlei lodge to have some breakfast. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3423/O/216.jpg Eggs being cooked on the outdoor braai. We were just after the morning rush for guests heading off to the park so the restaurant was not too busy. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c3e7/O/217.jpg And enjoying the beautiful view with boerewors and eggs for breakfast. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...229e/O/218.jpg After another fantastic and very filling meal we headed off in the 4WD again. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...7a10/O/219.jpg Turning left to Solitaire. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...2ffb/O/220.jpg Topping off the diesel in the Toyota again at the Solitaire Service Station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...b69a/O/221.jpg Rianda picked up a few souvenir Solitaire t-shirts to take home. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...accd/O/222.jpg Luckily more rain for the first four months of 2017 than all of 2016! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8fb3/O/223.jpg We had arranged a 9am visit to the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre. After a bit of confusion on the meeting point, we finally found the right place and after paying $N465 ($36) each, Kelsey from Michigan took us for the short drive to the Cheetah enclosure. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...ca3e/O/224.jpg They had rescued a mother who then had six cubs. Luckily they were all lazing under a tree, so it didn't take too long to find them. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...aed2/O/225.jpg One of the ever curious female cubs immediately got up to check us out. Kelsey said that Namibia has the highest population of Cheetah's in the world with a population ~7,000. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c741/O/226.jpg Kelsey said that a litter of 6 cubs is quite large, and if they had been born in the wild only a few of them would have survived. She said that they are also preyed on by lions, which I found quite surprising. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c334/O/227.jpg Two of the cubs trying to get a better view of us up the tree. Kelsey said that their paws are similar to a dogs rather than a cat, so they are not natural tree climbers like leopards. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...338c/O/228.jpg After a very interesting hour with these beautiful animals, we hit the road again to begin the drive back to Windhoek, heading north out of Solitaire before turning east on to the D1275. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...673a/O/229.jpg A steep section of the road that had been paved with bricks to help with traction. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...cafb/O/230.jpg With the clear blue sky the view seemed to be endless. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6072/O/231.jpg A panoramic view from above as we continued on http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...de04/O/232.jpg Heading left to Rehoboth. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8a76/O/233.jpg Looking across farmland where cattle were being raised. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...22b7/O/234.jpg Looking down. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...6895/O/235.jpg And on to the C26 for the final 36 kilometres to Windhoek. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5cdc/O/236.jpg We finally rolled into Windhoek and made it to the Hilltop Guesthouse just before 3pm. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e45b/O/237.jpg Our room for $112 for the one night stay. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e12e/O/238.jpg Welcome drink. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...16f9/O/239.jpg The view from the guesthouse to Windhoek below. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...f0d4/O/240.jpg After a bit of a rest, a run and a shower in the afternoon, we headed down the hill to Joe's Beer House for dinner. My guide book said that Joe's was a 'legendary Windhoek institution' and it definitely didn't disappoint! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...190d/O/241.jpg The menu was quite a treat with lots of interesting meals including zebra tenderloin, ostrich skewers, peppered springbok steak, oryx sirloin, crocodile hotplate and marinated kudu steak! Myself and Rianda settled on the fresh oysters to share for the starter. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...3a54/O/242.jpg For the main myself and Jordan each had the Bushman Sosatie, which consisted of a selection of loin cuts of crocodile, zebra, kudu, oryx and springbok, served with mango-chili sauce and mieliepap croquettes. Baie lekker! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...32c0/O/243.jpg For dessert Jordan had the Malva pudding while myself and Rianda shared a Amarula Don Pedro. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...979b/O/244.jpg A really great last meal to end our trip Namibia. When then managed to walk back up the hill to the guesthouse to catch a few winks before our early morning departure tomorrow. Day 5. I crawled out of bed at 2:30am and had a quick shower and packed a few last things. We had booked the taxi to Windhoek Airport for 3am to make sure I made my 6am flight back to Johannesburg. Rianda's flight back to Cape Town wasn't until 8:20am but she decided to catch a ride with me to avoid the hassle of organising a second taxi. After saying farewell to Jordan and thanking him for the awesome trip, we went outside to wait for the taxi at 2:50am. The taxi driver was already waiting so we headed off for the 46 kilometre drive to Hosea Kutako International Airport. 45 minutes later we arrived at the airport gates. Unfortunately passengers weren't allowed in yet so we had to wait in the taxi for a bit. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...01d6/O/245.jpg Finally at 4am they opened the gates and we were finally allowed in. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...e678/O/246.jpg After checking in and saying farewell to Rianda, I went through security and immigration and waited for the Air Namibia flight to Johannesburg to board. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...086e/O/247.jpg Walking across the tarmac to the SW A319. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5cfa/O/248.jpg Tasty sausage and eggs served for breakfast. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8ea8/O/249.jpg And a very welcome cup of black coffee. The flight was only ~25% full with plenty of spare seats. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...5478/O/250.jpg Back at Johannesburg's O. R. Tambo International Airport after arriving on time just before 9am. I couldn't check in for my 2:10pm flight to Addis Ababa until 11am so I caught up on some Netflix while I waited. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...886a/O/251.jpg A big juicy burger airside at Mugg & Bean for lunch. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...8f20/O/252.jpg Our ET 777 pulling up to the gate for the flight to Addis Ababa. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...0cfb/O/253.jpg And about to board the plane for the final flight back home after an amazing trip to Namibia! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...4b45/O/254.jpg |
Ah, this is going to be another great one!
I foolishly booked an ET CGK-CPT for later this year. Not sure if I'll survive it. :) |
Can you please stop constantly raising the photographic bar on FT, DanielW... :D
This has to be one of your most spectacular TR's in terms of pics yet. Unbelievable. And of course you had me at Currywurst... :cool: |
These Namibia trip reports on FT are really something spectacular I really am moving it to the top of my travel bucket list.
To see the night sky that interrupted is something I've waited a lifetime to see. Thanks DanielW! Do you think it is possible for someone without 4X4 experience to navigate the same roads you traveled? |
Originally Posted by DanielW
(Post 28618786)
Followed by a very tasty Croque Madame sandwich for breakfast.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/NMBA...c7754/O/24.jpg |
Great report as always! Glad the both of you could join me in Namibia. Your photos from the helicopter are amazing!
Good to compare / contrast our trip reports. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ya-uganda.html |
What can I say, fantastic photography as usual DanielW! Really makes me want to return to Namibia and see more of the country.
I regret not going to that restaurant in Windhoek. A guide in CPT mentioned it to me and I just totally forgot the one night I was there. That helicopter tour looks absolutely stunning as well. I'm a little surprised they didn't fly over any of those ship wrecks, maybe those are further south towards Luderitz.
Originally Posted by tennislover9
(Post 28619189)
These Namibia trip reports on FT are really something spectacular I really am moving it to the top of my travel bucket list.
To see the night sky that interrupted is something I've waited a lifetime to see. Thanks DanielW! Do you think it is possible for someone without 4X4 experience to navigate the same roads you traveled? |
Awesome!
All pretty great. Makes me want to take this trip!
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Fantastic trip report DanielW
Namibia has recently climbed to nb 2 on my list of places to visit in 2017 (after Bhutan). |
Permit Question
I have been to Namibia a dozen or so times. I have asked the MET and park rangers, multiple times, for a drone permit. How were you able to obtain this? Drone flying is prohibited in all parks (some rangers actually claim all public lands). In Naukluf National Park (Deadvlei location) this is specifically prohibited on the park permit. How did you get the permit? Just by walking in the MET office (I tried that, too)?
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What a fantastic trip report, per usual! It is such a pleasure to 'experience' places that I never could visit.
The picture of the night sky blew me away! Thanks, DanielW |
Wow, these are amazing photos. Looking to go to Namibia myself soon, so this just is an icing on top of the cake.
Would it be fair to say that cost at Namibia is about the same as cost for South Africa trip? I know it's not to the level of Botswana safari ($$$$)... The other concern is - what are the options if you dont feel comfortable driving on the soft sand area? Like, I would like to self-drive during trip to Namibia, but I also understand to get to certain areas in the park, you need to go through these non-paved, soft sand "road". This is the section I am not comfortable / experienced doing. Would there be an option to hire another driver (from the lodge/camp perhaps?), once there, to do this portion of drive? |
That drone is certainly enhancing those stunning photographs, great addition. Just what I needed after reading the TR about diarrhea :D ^
|
Originally Posted by gnomey
(Post 28619687)
Wow, these are amazing photos. Looking to go to Namibia myself soon, so this just is an icing on top of the cake.
Would it be fair to say that cost at Namibia is about the same as cost for South Africa trip? I know it's not to the level of Botswana safari ($$$$)... The other concern is - what are the options if you dont feel comfortable driving on the soft sand area? Like, I would like to self-drive during trip to Namibia, but I also understand to get to certain areas in the park, you need to go through these non-paved, soft sand "road". This is the section I am not comfortable / experienced doing. Would there be an option to hire another driver (from the lodge/camp perhaps?), once there, to do this portion of drive? |
Originally Posted by hauteboy
(Post 28619979)
The only part that was soft sand was the last ~4kms to Deadvlei. There is a parking lot at the end of the paved road and they run 4WD/tractor shuttles. The sand was OK to drive on, basically just keep going and don't stop. The tractors can tow you out if you do get stuck
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Originally Posted by mike&co
(Post 28619690)
That drone is certainly enhancing those stunning photographs, great addition. Just what I needed after reading the TR about diarrhea :D ^
|
Thanks for another great report. Great photos as always.
Question, on your helicopter ride, did you switch out your lens? Or you left it on the whole trip? Thanks |
Daniel, another amazing TR. the adorable oryx and cheetah cubs were wonderful, but wow,wow,wow - the shots of the sand dunes/ vistas were just awesome!
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Originally Posted by gnomey
(Post 28620019)
Haha, where is this diarrhea TR?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...hell-back.html |
Originally Posted by mike&co
(Post 28620306)
Vomiting and diarrhea are my biggest nightmares during travel, and 1000x worse when happening in the metal tube |
Amazing pictures as always, Daniel. I love the images of the desert bleending into the sea. Thanks for sharing!
T |
Stunning photos of a stunning place. Thank you for sharing ^^
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I was hooked by Namibia ever since reading ChiefNWA's report. and this one is as great report as that. Bravo, DanielW.
Deadvlei looks nothing but stunning! And your stargazing photo is lovely. |
Thanks for posting yet another spectacular trip report. It brought back great memories from my trip there last November.
I also stayed at the Hilltop Guest House, and ate at Joe's Beer House (although that was my first day/night in the country). Joe's was absolutely packed, and I ended up at a table with a couple from The Netherlands, and a woman from South Africa, and it was a lot of fun. Definitely a memorable dining experience. It looked like you were seated inside (I was outside)? The precipitation sign at Solitaire is quite the conversation piece. I remember when I was there last November, there was talk about it being the driest year in over a decade (they still hadn't gotten even 45mm at that point). Must have had a wet December to get into the 60s. Thanks so much for sharing. I need to get back down to that amazing part of the world again some time. |
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