| Introduction | Windhoek | Okonjima | Okaukejo 1 | Onguma | Okaukejo 2 | Mowani |
| Swakopmund | Hoodia | Namtib | Fish River | Springbok | Babylon’s Toren | Going Home |
Saturday 21st October
(The link above takes you to all the photos I took on the 21st October. There are a lot!)
The drive to Hoodia Desert Lodge was one of the best. From sea level at Walvis Bay it rises steadily to the Kuiseb Pass where the scenery gets very rocky. As we drove south things get sandy with spectacular mountains poking above the sand. And then you arrive at Hoodia.
After the climb to Kuiseb the road undulates along not changing height much but eventually the rocks are covered with red sand and horizons widen. Panoramas are the only way to show the vastness of the landscape.
Eventually we arrived at Solitaire where we filled up with diesel and had a rather superior apple tart. Solitaire is much better than one might expect for a filling station in the desert! And here we turned off the C14 and onto the C19.
There was then a long drive to Hoodia. The scenery made it a pleasant experience.
Shortly after passing the road to tomorrows sand dunes we turned left to Hoodia. After checking in and being shown our lodge we looked out the back to see our view.
The Sundowner at Mowani had been good so we booked the Hoodia equivalent. We were driven a mile or two to a small hill where each couple found a couple of chairs, and a table laden with nibbles and drinks of your choice. Gin, both pink and plain, were popular choices.
It was a lovely place with good views westward. The driver (Daniel) took several photos.
After an hour or two we were driven back to the Lodge for a very nice meal.
Sunday 22nd October
(The link above takes you to all the photos I took on the 22nd October. There are a lot!)
It is a short drive from Hoodia to the National Park and we entered shortly after the gates opened. We were travelling in the usual Landcruiser driven by Daniel, our very knowledgeable guide. Our first stop was too look at the desert and for Daniel to tell us all we needed to know about the Namib. He illustrated the presence of life in the desert by unearthing a dancing white lady spider (Leucorchestris arenicola). It is a trapdoor spider which lurks just below the surface waiting for some prey to pass by.
We joined the crowds who had visited Deadvlei and walked back to the truck where Daniel gave us damp cloths out of the ice box which were very welcome.
We then drove a considerable distance to have lunch. It took Daniel some time to set it up – it was much more luxurious than we expected – I was expecting a sandwich in the back of the truck!
We had another stop at Sesriem canyon but it was disappointing after the glories of the desert. Then back to Hoodia rest, check out the swimming pool, have dinner and have a drink.
The next day we went to Namtib Desert Lodge.