Namibia - Full of Life
I was exhilarated the first time in Namib, joining a helicopter above the large areas of desert and fascinated by that smooth, monochrome scenery in front of me.
I witnessed giant sand dunes growing from the ground and observed the magnificent reproduction by its shadows, like colossal monuments from ancient times, shaped by nature itself. Never in my life had I witnessed such distinct contrast between light and shadow so clearly as I did in the Namibian Desert.
Sunrise above Sossusvlei as seen from a Helicopter (Namib-Naukluft National Park)
When my feet hit the ground I was confined between the dunes as they covered my sight, witnessing a dramatic colour transformation as light repositioned. The dunes shifted in the most dramatic tones as the day passed by. Going from this soft yellow pastel to deep red. Even though this landscape was in every way consistent, the transformation was in constant movement. It was versatile and full of impressions. It never got dull, not even once.
Sun rising over the never-ending horizons of Swakopmund, Namibia
It was such an incredible sight to see and experience wildlife in these environments. Wild animals, trees and other subjects really popped from the soothing backgrounds, creating this abstract scenery. Felt a great fascination seeing that living creatures and vegetation has found a way to grow in this harsh landscape.
I spent some time in Sossusvlei, visiting Hiddenvlei and Deadvlei, as well as the southern parts of Namibia the world's oldest desert. There is something thrilling about the constant adrenaline rush you feel when spending time in these landscapes. You travel along isolated, long rough roads and you can never escape the feeling of wilderness. If something happens, you are on your own in these unforgiving yet so magnificent landscapes.
Sunset above the more remote parts of Namib-Naukluft National Park.
The magnificent trees of Deadvlei.
After my first sunset flight, I realised I might be lucky in terms of weather conditions. I immediately booked a second helicopter flight hoping for a cloud inversion for sunrise. That morning an intense layer of mist was spread over the sand dunes. It was as if the dunes just woke up from their sleep, just like myself, taking a breath with their eyes open and rising towards the sky. Like mountains through the thick fog that was sheltering the ground beneath us. It was all calm and quiet. When you thought that the world could not become more intriguing, I was once again disproved.
Helicopter flight for sunrise and a spectacular cloud inversion brewing above the deserts of Sossusvlei.
Contrasts of light & shadow above desert ridge-lines of Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Aligned with the desert stretches the coast of Namibia. This is where the sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean and where ships and other large animals end their life journey. The Skeleton coast is a rough area due to weather conditions of heavy wind and strong currents. It was quite intimidating to see the shipwrecks flushed up on the beach, alone, next to the isolated desert. But the beauty of the place is striking, smooth shapes of the immense sand dunes next to the ocean, with dramatic waves swirling up on the beach and the glowing sand in contrast with the piercing ocean.
Until this day, I´m not fully sure all impressions sunk in.
Love, T
