Sand, Sweat And Sea- Walvis Bay, Namibia
Dune 7 is the highest dune in the coastal region of Namibia.
April 4, 2014
Walvis Bay, Namibia
Though I had been to Africa several times, I didn't really know much about Namibia. The images it brings to my mind are of the perfect whiskey and ochre colored desert that was a backdrop to most of Angelina Jolie's pictures. In my imagination, it conjured up images of dead animals, dead from thirst and lack of vegetation in the massive barren waste.
Before we arrived in Namibia, I emailed Edward of ATS, our contact and guide for Namibia. I asked him how long it would take for an average person to hike up Dune 7.
He replied, “ 45 minutes.” Dune 7 is the highest dune in the coastal dune belt and is situated 10 km outside the town of Walvis Bay. It is has a very steep slip-face consisting of soft powder like sand and approximately 130 meters high with black tip edge.
When we got there, I thought I was looking at a mirage. The local municipality has planted palm trees and erected toilets and barbecue sites. Believe it or not, fresh water is also available and making it the only man made oasis in the dune belt. When we arrived at Dune 7, the sun was just starting to heat up and I shrieked with delight in anticipation of the adventure to come.
Our group attacked the dune in a few minutes. Only a few with leg problems hung back.
”Let me take a picture of you, Carol!” I asked as she was on her hands and knees and struggling to make some progress up the steep dune. She crouched her way forward with belly flattened against the sand. Several times, she sprang upright and looked back and forth before moving her feet. Her hold gave-way a dozen times, but she never gave up. A few meters to her right was Jeannie, who took to the dune right away. When she threw her arm above her shoulders, she tumbled downward and rolled hog style. Meanwhile, I had to concentrate on each step, while watching the people in our group. With difficulty, I wriggled from beneath the weight on my feet as I tried to stand erect and gaze up. I had a gnawing fear that if I rested, I would turn around and just give up climbing to the top. But I was determined not to give my husband the satisfaction of hearing the three most difficult words to utter in our relationship, ”You were right, I should not go up!”
Lesser and greater flamingos flock in large numbers to pools along the Namib Desert coast, particularly around Walvis Bay.
It was like an endurance test, and it felt like I was doing a “step master” at high altitude. Every step I took filled my shoes with the red sand and my feet became heavier and heavier. I had to summon all my energy and it tested my patience to the limit. Though there were a group of us scattered in various areas on the dune, it was still easy to gain a sense of solitude while climbing. Most of the time, the only sound I could hear was my own gasp for air. Once I reached the top, it was a very rewarding experience. It was infinite, vast, and harsh; and yet everywhere I looked, the scenery was breath taking!
On the one side loomed the mighty sand dunes of the Namibia, and on the other, the Atlantic Ocean. It was staggering to see the dunes stretching along the entire coastline with hues so warm, and with colors seemingly changing all the time. It was just amazing!Apart from hiking, Dune 7 is also perfect for sand boarding. Boarders getup on a quad bike to shuttle them to the top of the dune. They repeat, again and again. You can't go wrong with this. No experience required. You'll be riding the slopes so quick almost like slipping on a banana peel.
From Dune 7, we went to Moonscape (which is very similar to the moon landscape, and was used by NASA for astronaut training), and then the Namibia dessert oasis of Goanikontes. Following that, we went to Welwitschia trail to see the dinosaur Welwitschia plants that are over 1,000 years-old.
Overall, our drive to the Namibia dessert took several hours, allowing us to see striking natural wonders, and gorgeous dessert views. Apart from the majestic red Namibia desert, there is also wildlife in Namibia. The lagoon is a cage free aviary, full of life! It was truly a bird paradise. The flamingos were enchanting and we saw them in great flocks picking for crabs near the beach.
On our return, our guides took the coastal road between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay which is 30 kilometers long and is one of the most beautiful routes in Namibia. In the zone of heaviest fog near the coast, especially in the south, low succulent bushes grow sporadically. Along the border, we saw four (4) ostriches.
Back on the ship, we couldn't stop talking about our short Namibian dessert adventure. Like kids, we recalled how we crouched, slipped,rolled and slipped up and down the dunes and threw our cares to the sand and the wind!
Namibia is visually striking and for me it was love at first sight. It is definitely a must to come back and explore more!!!