My last full day at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. A quiet morning as the new guests assigned to my vehicle are going to Deadvlei, so I get to sleep in, enjoy the only breakfast I’ve actually had AT the lodge, and make the most of my beautiful room and stunning view. Sitting on the deck, the outstanding feature of the Namib desert is….silence. Other than the buzzing of the occasional fly, the only sound comes from these two oryx bulls battling for dominance at the waterhole.
The midday heat causes a constant procession of oryx that walk down the game trails for a drink, and head off in different directions.
The oryx that considers the lodge area his territory has assigned himself to Room 8 of the lodge and is busy sheltering from the sun, and is so relaxed that it sits down, leaning against the outside wall of the room.
It is warm and sunny on the evening game drive, and this jackal is making the most of it.
Off in the distance, a pair of ears are visible. Aardwolf! Finally, we’ve found the smallest, termite-eating member of the hyena family in daylight. He’s not interested in visitors though, and takes off as soon as we get too close for his liking.
The final sundowner for this trip is clear – some ‘alpen glow’ on the mountains and some early stars.
A very nice end to my final day at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Tomorrow, it’s back to Windhoek and then on to Johannesburg.
