Travel in Africa can be an emotional journey, and that’s why we have to share this epic tale with you! Mike Cook headed overland with us on our 19-day South West Safari and here’s his account of the sunrise from Dune 45 in the Namib Desert. Its name comes from the fact that it’s at the 45th kilometer of the road that connects the Sesriem gate and Sosussvlei, and it stands at over 170m.
We set our alarms for three in the morning and turned in early; I fell asleep longing for the morning and the charge up the great dune. Suddenly, it’s three am. We struggle into our gear, pile into the vehicle and head off into the pitch dark of the African night.
We park the vehicle and see the spine of the dune snaking up into the night sky. With the adrenalin pumping we get to the base of the dune and start climbing. But wait, this is going to take a little longer than anticipated. We have to climb on the ridge of the dune, which is only a foot wide, and the sand is continually giving way. Soon some have to stop, their chests heaving and their legs aching.
We look to the east and see the first signs of the sunrise and we still have a way to go. We help each other along and reach the top as the sky starts to lighten. Nobody talks; we are in awe of our surroundings. The sun rises; the desert is revealing itself; minute-by-minute the dunes are changing. Still nobody says a word; this is awesome.
The sun rises, the sky changes to shades of gold and red; the mighty desert is revealed in all its glory; oh, it’s good to be alive.
Written & Images by: Mike Cook