Day 16: Sesriem Campsite – Sesriem Canyon – Deadvlei – Sossusvlei

Early in the morning, we're woken up by the cars of those heading to the dunes for sunrise. We take it easy and turn over in bed again.

Instead, we spend about two hours hiking in Sesriem Canyon this morning. All that's left from the heavy rain is a few puddles, but we'd seen pictures of the canyon being impassable for a time.

By the way: Many Namibians make fun of the tourists who, during the recent flooding, rushed off the roads and apparently tried to cross waterways. "You'd rather get out your chairs and a beer and enjoy the spectacle. And if it takes longer, you'd fry a sausage." There's only limited understanding that patience is lessened with fixed bookings. After all, you're in Africa and take it as it comes.

Lunch break at camp. We have to get used to the sudden warmth again. And also to the fact that the internet works poorly and the Wi-Fi is almost non-existent.

At around 3:30 p.m., we set off into the dunes, about 60 km toward Deadvlei.

It's incredibly beautiful. The light is clear, the dunes glow warmly, the rain has left a light green fluff. We make plenty of photo stops, but the magic is still only partially captured.

We actually wanted to take a shuttle from the parking lot in front of Deadvlei, but we're too late, or rather, there aren't enough people. So we deflate the tyres and head out through the deep sand. That doesn't scare Wolle at all anymore.

This brittle depression with its dead trees is also a great sight to see. Very photogenic, which delights the designer's heart. Almost 900 years old, a World Heritage Site.

And then a group of people (in this case, Asians) go wild with their selfies and, of course, have to climb the trees – so annoying, so ignorant, so self-centered.

Finally, we take a little detour to the actual Sossusvlei dune and "Big Mama." And then it's back – it's time.

We see some oryx and a few white-tailed wildebeest on the way. Oh yes, by the way, a hyena crossed our path in the distance in the canyon. Much furrier than the one we saw last year in South Africa.

We arrive at camp with the last faint hint of sunset and hungrily stuff ourselves with a few cheese sandwiches and yesterday's leftovers. Then we quickly shower off the sunscreen and the heat, and the day is over.

It's one of those days when you realize again what beauty this earth has to offer.