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Published: January 4th 2011
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Hi everyone!
Coming to the end of our time in Namibia now. We will be crossing the Orange River this afternoon and entering South Africa. Have absolutely loved it. I don't think I have been anywhere with more striking landscapes and huge open spaces. The wilderness just goes on forever - we travelled for a whole day through the Namib desert to a place called Solitaire and when we finally got there it was nothing more than a few outhouses. Apt name though…On the plus side there was a larger than life German baker there who made the best apple pie ever! Apparently Ewan MacGregor stopped here for some home baking whilst filming the "Long Way Down" series.
We left Swakupmond a few days ago now. Had a really good time there - and yes, the quad biking was absolutely awesome!! Flying down these massive sand dunes at lightning speed is definitely the most fun thing we have done to date. Even beats the sand boarding!
The next stop was the massive sand dunes of Sossusvlei - the largest dunes on the planet! After a stunning drive through the Namibian outback (worth a look at the photos!) and
a bush camp that night, we were up a 5am the following morning to climb Dune 45 - one of the only accessible peaks in this vast wilderness. The climb to the top was a mission. We could barely see a few feet in front of us as fog descend on the entire valley. When we finally got to the top we could see absolutely nothing. We had no sense of how high we were or what we supposed to be looking at. After sitting it out for an hour or so the mist finally cleared and we finally got to see that it really was worth all the effort. Huge sandy ranges and massive plains slowly came into view, stunning! The best fun was reserved for coming back down the dune though - getting to run full speed down the side of this 200m slope decking it all the way! After dusting ourselves (and our cameras) down, we then had breakfast at the foot of the dunes and a looooong days drive. Had a good blether that night with a local farmer - telling us all about his favourite hobby of hunting the very animals we had come to
Fish River Canyon
Too close to the edge?! Jamesy was getting some serious ants in his pants! see!
The next stop was Fish River Canyon the following day - the second biggest canyon in the world behind the Grand Canyon. Again (and I know I am repeating myself!) absolutely mind blowing views. Although not the most relaxing experience with Bear peering over the edge of these huge cliffs just to get the perfect shot! Slowly learning I have a severe case of vertigo on this trip...
Anyway will leave it there for now. Will no doubt be on again soon to tell you all about the delights of South Africa!
Have a smashing Christmas,
James and Claire x
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