Desert Dreaming in Sossusvlei
I have just spent a few phenomenal days at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Although I have been to the desert a good few times before this was a first stay – and it was all I had hoped and more. Staff service and romantic accommodation aside (all excellent), it was the space, serenity and detail in the desert that was so inspiring. Spending time with resident astronomer Terry was great as we had close up views of Jupiter and its moons amongst others. My camera was on fire most of the time as there are just so many opportunities and angles to explore. Thanks to the team there for an amazing stay. (Alastair)
The Namib Rand Reserve is a photographer’s paradise – colour, texture, space, contrasts and more…
Two incredible women posing beneath the impressive Sociable Weaver nest – purposefully offbeat to get them all in!
If there is one wildlife reason that stands alone for visiting Sossusvlei and the Namib Rand, it is the Gemsbok What a magnificent antelope!
I have always maintained that every lodge needs some wildlife in camp to make it come alive – these Sociable Weavers came in from their giant nests everyday ‘to entertain us’!
It requires a little sweat, but the views from the dune tops and the freedom to get down how you please are both worth it!
One doesn’t normally associate dragonflies with deserts – I found this huge Orange Emperor dominating a rock pool at a remote waterfall on the edge of the desert.
Within 2 days of the rains, the insects emerged – none smarter than this busy pink-winged hawk moth which fed and pollinated the dainty white flowers in front of the bar!
I snapped this shot from behind the lodge one morning when the air was clear after rain the previous day.
It is hard to put into words the silent, weightless feeling of rising in a hot air balloon in the desert dawn. Namib Sky were fantastic every step of the way.
One of the distinctive sounds of the desert is the croaking of Korhaans – we were treated to these two males as well as a female not far from the lodge one afternoon.
The morning shadows created a surreal scene wth Gemsbok and Ostrich below.
