The earliest start of the trip – 3am, we loaded the bus and departed for Spitzkoppe. We arrived before sunrise, and since the gate was easy to open, we just drove in. Spitzkoppe has many fascinating rock formations and even some arches. We stayed until 10am (it was getting really hot!), then departed. On the way out, Daniella payed the entry fee – were the rangers ever surprised to see a bus drive out of the park (but they were glad we didn’t wake them at 5am)!
We continued on to the Erongo Wilderness Lodge, with a stop on the way for lunch. The lodge is situated in the mountains, with tented chalets on stilts on the sides of the rock formations. Most tents had an excellent view, but I had a mediocre view as I was near the bottom. Most participants were tired, but I trudged on and joined the sundowner hike to the top of a nearby outcrop. It was a very stunning spot to enjoy a beer and watch the sunset.
Dinner was in the lodge, with some wildlife visible outside, near the watering hole. Marsel conducted an image critique session after dinner. Chris and I setup the cameras on his balcony to attempt another shot at the star trails. The moon got in the way – too bad we didn’t have another night at Erongo to try again.
