Maybe in addition to or instead of ballooning, consider a scenic flight of the general area, which you could do out of Swakop? I haven't done the flight but others seem to have liked it. I think you can find a flight that does Sossusvlei and then comes along the coast, which I hear is pretty awesome---this way you get to see both the Sossusvlei and dramatic coastal dunes from the air.

Andy Biggs once mentioned a shot he took doing a coastal flight. I've put a link to the shot below. Of course, can't say you'd see those kinds of conditions, but who knows?

http://www.andybiggs.com/photo.php?id=41&gallery=colorsofafrica

Any way, just a thought.

I have taken the balloon ride over the dunes twice - in 2007 and most recently in July 2011. I would highly recommend it. The view of the dunes and mountains is spectacular. Be certain to book the ride for the first day of your visit, so that if the weather is poor and the flight is cancelled, you can go the following day. Robin

PS. For those with a fear of heights - I have a dreadful fear of heights (I get dizzy standing on a chair, and a chairlift is a nightmare for me), but was quite comfortable [after the first 5 minutes ] in the balloon as long as I did not look straight down - those with acrophobia should not assume that this activity is beyond them.

Thanks for your responses. Would love to see the coast but not sure if we can make that happen as we are at Kulala and then Windhoek. Maybe the pilot will make a big circle for us on the way in or out !

I'll be interested to read what you think of Kulala (if you are staying at Kulala Desert Lodge, as opposed to Little Kulala). Sadly, Wilderness recently closed Kulala Wilderness Camp, which we loved. They have expanded Kulala Desert Lodge to accommodate those who would have stayed at the Wilderness Camp. They have added several tents, and I fear it may have damaged the intimate atmosphere of the lodge. We had been booked to stay at the Wilderness Camp this June, but our reservation was later transferred to Kulala Desert Lodge by Wilderness, with the explanation of the closure of the camp. We opted to move our reservation to Sossus Dune Lodge instead. I worried we might be at the Desert Lodge during the construction of the new tents. I'll look forward to reading your trip report. Robin

Hi Robin -
We are staying at Little Kulala. Really excited about it. When in June are you going?

We re there from the 14th to the 16th.

We will be at Chiawa then. Thanks for your helpful comments! Have a wonderful trip.

Keri

Chiawa? Are you also going to Old Mondoro, Chiawa's bush camp?

We will see what happens - if we can arrange it w/out paying extra when we are there.

Right! Sorry - we had that discussion! If you do end up at Old Mondoro, please say "hi" to Levy, Sebastian and Morat for us - fabulous guides! Thx! Robin