My first trip with Bales took me to the scenic country of Namibia. Having arrived in Windhoek it wasn’t long before I was up in the air again for my scenic light aircraft flight to Sossusvlei. This is where I would spend my next 2 nights. The flight was an experience in itself, the 4 seater cesna had just enough space for 2 other passengers, the pilot and myself. The flight took us over the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, however, it is not until you are on the ground face to face with the dunes that you can fully appreciate their size. It is hard to believe that wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok can actually survive out here. That night I slept on the rooftop of my villa, falling asleep with the stars gazing down at me. The following day I ventured into the oldest desert in the world and attempted to climb, and succeeded, the 170 metre tall Dune 45, named so because it is 45 km from Sesriem Canyon.Early in the morning on my last day in Sossusvlei I took a hot air balloon ride which offered a unique experience - soaring silently above the desert before landing for a champagne breakfast.I have travelled all over Africa, and game-viewing has always been the highlight of my trips, but it wasn’t until I visited Namibia that I discovered a different side of Africa with its scenic beauty.