Day 5 - !Xaus Lodge

It is early morning, and I meet some of the others who have elected to go on the early morning Dune Walk.  We enjoy a quick cup of coffee before heading out over the grass and shrub covered dunes. We have a guide who gives us a quick rundown on what the rules are befoe we leave,  and another guide who will be bringing up the rear and keeping an eye out (with binoculaurs) for lions and other predators.

What are the rules?

- Follow my footsteps, as there are 3 types of snakes out there, and they are all dangerous. If you step on one of them you could have serious problems.

- If we come across a lion, or if a lion approaches us, DO NOT RUN.  Get behind the guide and let him deal with the predators.

- Be careful of the grasses, bushes and trees. They just about all have thorns, prickles or some other type of protection to ensure they survive.

- There are also scorpions about.  They become a problem when it is windy, as it becomes cooler on the ground then, and that is when they become active.

Once we had covered the rules we headed out over the dunes, which didn't seem like dunes due to the grasses and bushes all over them.

It didn't take long for our guide to start making stops and pointing out all kind of interesting things about the plant life, animals and also about how the indigenous people survived this tough climate.

We did not see any animals during our trip, but it was quite rewarding nonetheless as I learned a lot and have a new appreciation for how tough this land and these people are.

Once back at the lodge we joined the rest of our group for breakfast. At mid-morning there was an option to join a tour of the local Tribespeople which Bob and I declined as it seemed like it had a "set-up" feel to it. Instead, we relaxed, played with our cameras taking some photos, and enjoyed, the day of rest.

Later in the day there was a Sunset Drive which we joined. It was interesting to go over the dunes and see some of the desert creatures, although our glimpses were somewhat fleeting.  We came to a small hill and stopped there to unload a cooler and table, which the guides set up to serve drinks where we could watch the sun go down.  The sun goes down very fast here, and afterwards, we high-tailed it back to the lodge for supper, which was served in the regular spot.

After supper, everyone retired to their huts. Bob and I had wanted to photograph the Milky Way and this would be an excellent place, as the generators go off at 10 PM and the moon, according to Mike, goes down about 4 AM.

We got up at 4 to go out and shoot the stars.... It was very dark outside and a bit eerie. Bob and I got some excellent shots and before you knew it the sun was coming up and it was time to go for breeakfast

After breakfast, which was at 6:30, we had our gear loaded up onto the safari vehicles and headed out in the 2 vehicles over the 95 dunes.  The second vehicle had to turn back, as Tim and Mike had been left because there were 2 older women who were on it and the driver was just counting spaces. lol