A Hike on the Red Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei

After the drinks arrived we started discussing Namibia with our server. She shared her experiences and told us a key point, make sure you run down the sand dunes.

preparing to run down....

Miles away both physically and mentally we sipped cocktails at the Grand in Camps Bay, Cape Town. In just a few days we’d put on hiking boots and prepare to climb the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei.

Once there, I found myself atop some of the most surreal landscape on the planet. At times I wondered if I landed on Mars and was not in Sossusvlei (on earth).

In words, I am challenged to truly describe the moment and the adventure. All I can say is that when people ask me about places, I often say, “Go to Sossusvlei.”

Sunrise at the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei

We woke before sunrise to make sure the bus would arrive at the park entrance when it opened. Apparently this is standard practice in order to capture a perfect image of a split sand dune.

After a few minutes the bus stopped and we exited for the first time. Right before us,  the perfect split they had described. A perfect 10.

the sun side and shade side.

seeing these shadows reminded me of how magical the sunrise was..

Climbing the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei

Afterwards we hiked two sand dunes.

Hiking the Famous Sand Dune 45

I braved the high winds and sinking sands to climb up the famous sand dune #45. I also snapped a few images.

rush hour on the popular 45

hiking sand dune number 45. the most famous

a Different Sand Dune in Sossusvlei

Afterwards, we all boarded the bus and headed deeper into the park to hike another dune. Once again, I took out my camera.

Adventure Travel Mindset Tip

Do you remember the Microsoft Windows 95 screen image of a sand dune?

Days later when I made my way back to Cape Town, I checked into the Westin and stopped in the top floor lounge to catch a sunset, enjoy a glass of Chenin Blanc and write in my journal. I ordered the wine and then decided to check my email.

I smiled.

The sand dune. Sand Dune #45.

I remembered it on the screen from my first job. Much has changed since then, and I looked at the screen so differently that day. I hiked it. I did it. It was just what I wanted to do every time I had stared at my computer screen.

Shortly after my email, I grabbed my pen and my white wine and wrote in my journal. I wrote pages and pages that night including these few words “…it is better in real life, much better. Yes, much better. I love being truly alive…” So go on your next adventure and hike your sand dune.

Stay adventurous, Craig

 This post is part of the Namibia November, the Autumn of Adventure and the Adventure Travel Mindset series.