I made it to my second African country!
We made it to Namibia! When Explore Africa Tour began planning this year’s experience and let the secret out that this it would be a two-country adventure, and Namibia would be the second stop, I was elated! While I had not heard much about the African country, I did know that it boasted of the world’s oldest desert, the Namib and I was ready to trek through it! Namibia is known for its massive sand dunes, one which we were set to conquer.
Yes, Namibia is home to the world’s highest dune in the world, Dune 6. Oh boy, it is majestic and it is massive. Located in Walvis Bay, the dune is the seventh dune past the Tsauchab River standing at 1,256 foot high. You can’t miss it and yes, you can climb it!
Disclaimer: If you’re not into extreme sports, pull up a chair and take a seat on the sidelines, because this one is NOT for you!
I love safe adventure, easy adventure, which doesn’t make sense but *shrugs*. I am not jumping out of a plane, swimming with sharks or climbing a mountain, that’s not my life but I did make it to the top of the world’s highest dune, and for that, I need an award!
First things first. If you are going to climb Dune 7, here are a few tips to get you to the top as fast and painless as possible.
- It’s harder than it looks. Just when you think you’re almost at the top, there’s just a little more to climb.
- Pace yourself. The journey isn’t for the swift, but for those who can endure. You will get tired fast, so take your time.
- Drop the weight. I decided it was a good idea to wear a jacket, a purse, take a camera and camera phone up a dune. Don’t be like me! Go as free as you possibly can.
- Ditch the shoes. Halfway up the dune, some locals advised us that it would be a good idea to take our sneakers off, leave your socks on! Best advise ever!
- Enjoy it! It was a bit taxing and tiring but it was an unbelievable adventure and the views from the top were indescribable.
Before climbing Dune 7, I had read estimates that it would’ve taken 45 minutes to 1 hour to the summit, we did it in 15-20 mins! While that may seem like a short time, the locals did it twice, before we even got up once! Despite our slight embarrassment at being lapped, being parched and out of breath, it was a beautiful introduction to the Namib.
Sitting at the top, 1,256 ft high and taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding town and ocean was a dream. It’s moments like this, you cherish and never forget. Oh the joys of travel.
Now, getting down, it’s 100x easier than going up. If it took 20 mins for us to get up, it took maybe 1-2 minutes to get down, and don’t worry, you won’t tumble over.
