walvis bay - full moon magic in the namib desert
The water around our ship is alive and bubbling - am I seeing this right?
Thousands of cape fur seals surround our ship playing in the waves. These water pups leap about having the time of their lives all while guiding us into Walvis Bay.
Here, hills of golden sand create a beautiful horizon that changes based on the whims of the wind. From shore to sky, sand generously covers everything. While gazing over this otherworldly scene, a large pink stick with wings flies across my view. A flamingo! With extended necks and legs, they look like a cartoon come to life.
Last night, a mysterious envelope was left in our room - an invitation to another adventure.
We have the privilege of dining under a full moon in the Namib desert. A once-in-a-lifetime moment crafted for us select world travelers. We ready ourselves for this magical night under a sky full of stars.
Sturdy busses collect us for our journey and we venture out as the sun descends, painting the sky in pastels. The further we go, the more it appears we have landed on another planet.
Our convoy turns into the desert, only tracks from previous vehicles mark the fact that this is a road. We bounce wildly with the landscape and take in this unbelievable scene with wide eyes.
When she is ready, the moon begins to peek at us from behind the dunes, she is breathtaking!
One more turn and our driver expertly descends a rocky road into Swakopmund Moon Valley. We are welcomed to the night in this stunning desert in the most beautiful way.
A sea of candles spread out before us, the sounds of joyful singing accompanied by the bala, and smells of warm sand mix with smoldering fire. Champagne is served and we stand in the middle of what looks like a constellation in the sand. Both of us are at a loss for words.
I believe this is called awe.
Beautiful chairs garnished with pillows and blankets circle cozy fires to help ward off the evening chill—pockets for guests to gather. A wooden portal stands in the sea of candles, ready for any soul brave enough to walk across the threshold. An aleph perhaps?
Escaping the crowds we walk into the dark corners so we can hear the desert speak and boy does it ever! Click, squeak, whir, thrum - all create a beautiful soundscape. Away from the lights of the feast the sky now looks like a moth-eaten blanket across the sky.
Our gracious hosts grant our request to be served in a quiet space away from all the chatter and light. Seated fireside on couches heaving with pillows, we dine in silence.
Now satisfied and with wine in hand we climb up the side of a dune and perch as the moon continues to climb. From here we watch fire dancers play and listen to a stunning Namibian choir. The acoustics here are phenomenal!
As the candles on the desert floor slowly extinguish, the stars shine brighter. We wait and are the last guests to leave soaking in as much of this moment as possible.
What a night - magic is real!
Thank you to all who made this magic possible!
