The next day was another early morning, waking up at 5am. Our agency had given us the option of doing a hot air balloon ride this morning. I am not a heights person. Usually, anything that involves flying/heights (helicopter rides, skydiving, etc etc), I opt out of, but Yana was really excited to do it, so we went for it.
We arrived in pitch black, and they drove us out to the launch pad. Lots of people running around, working on 4 baskets with giant propane canisters and various cables. I eyed them nervously… I hope they know what they are doing. Eventually, they tip the baskets on their sides and start inflating the balloons. These things were massive and took ages to slowly fill with air. Finally, they were ready. We climbed aboard and were given instructions on what we need to do for landing, including the “sports” landing in which case the basket tips over and we need to cling for dear life. Wonderful.
And then… we’re off. Not gonna lie, the first 20 minutes were horrible. I was pretty terrified, and instantly regretting my decision. humans aren’t meant to be in the air. WTF was I doing up here. I should have sat this one out. But, after the first 20 minutes, I got more comfortable and was ok with it. The scenery was insane. The views from the top of the giant dune the day before now seemed like nothing compared to the insane panoramas from high in the air. The ride wasn’t what I expected. I thought hot air balloon rides involved just going up real high and sitting there looking down. But we actually travelled sideways, going deeper and deeper into the desert, seeing different things as we went along, and they would raise and lower the balloon from time to time.
The guy flying our balloon was fascinating. He had arrived in Namibia 30 years ago and there had been literally zero tourism here. When he had suggested opening up a lodge, people thought he was crazy. Tourists? In the middle of nowhere Namibia? Impossible. But he stuck to it. Initially his lodge received 2 or 3 guests a week. And then, over the years it took off. He watched this desolate end of the world place blossom into a popular adventure destination, and eventually he started his ballooning company.
After an hour of flying, we landed safely on the ground with no need for a sports landing. They had set up a bunch of tables with a big buffet lunch and champagne. It felt so surreal to be out there, nothing but desert as far as the eye could see, and here we are drinking champagne and dining. Magical. After some time, a couple jackals came running by, curious about the activity around. They circled nearby before running off, disappearing into the nothingness.
In the end, super glad I had decided to go for it. The balloon adventure was amazing. We then got in our trusty ride, and drove to our next destination, 5 hours away. The Namibian roads are “interesting”. Mostly unpaved. You’re driving on gravel. sometimes fairly smooth, and other times bumpy as hell. I’m constantly looking out for and trying to stick w/ tire tracks left behind by other vehicles, ever alert, ever vigilant. We drive through more breathtaking scenery. Every few hours it changes to something new. Such a beautiful country. Namibia is one of the most sparely inhabited countries in the world. In an area the size of California, Oregon, and Washington combined, there are only 3 million people. During our 5 hour drive, we passed through *one* “town”. And by town, I mean a tiny rest stop w/ just a few buildings. Other than that, it was just nothingness. So crazy. Even in the most remote places back home, like deep in Nevada etc, you’ll pass small towns at least every 30 minutes. But here, it’s just empty.
Eventually, we arrived to the coast. Massive dunes again, this time covered in eerie fog right up against the ocean. We checked in, went out to dinner, and then got to spend the night in an actual bed for the first time in days. Yay!
