The choice of the Le Mirage Desert Lodge for our next stop being virtually next door to the Namib Sky Ballooning setup, was a no-brainer, especially as we had to be at the ballooning establishment by 5 am. A stunning Moroccan style building in the middle of the desert, the lodge provides 5-star accommodation including a wonderful set menu dinner.

The ballooning experience was simply incredible, with breathtaking views over the Sossusvlei desert. It turned out that our pilot Ellie was the same pilot that flew us on a balloon trip over the Masai Mara many years ago. We recognised each other and exchanged memories of spotting leopards in the clearings below as we flew over.