The cool air and golden light of dawn envelopes the landscape as we drive to Sesriem, gateway to Sossusvlei and those famous majestic orange sand dunes. The hour’s road trip was a precursor to the adventure which lay ahead. Deep sandy valleys opened up and the sight of colourful hot-air balloons floating through the soft pastels of the early morning added to the hue. Animals rouse and our first sightings are of these elegant desert antelope, the gemsbok (Oryx gazella). A family group pad down a dune while one lone animal waits ahead for the last to catch up and we witness their gentle greeting. A touching of noses, deep eye contact – they slip into step and side by side they carry on. To capture this fleeting moment adds to the memorable events of the day.
For more information on the oryx, a superbly desert adapted antelope species, i’ve added a link here.
Nature on the Edge 
Beautiful photograph.
Alison
These moments are to be treasured 🙂
Gemsbok are both elegant and majestic animals.
True and there’s something about those black markings which give them the edge in sartorial design.
They are very graceful and elegant – and I love the colouring and patterns. How many wonderful moments you get – thank you for sharing in photos and words, letting us travel with you.
Thanks for your interest and virtual support A – C 🙂 This land reveals such unexpected beauty.
I enjoy every bit.
😊
Magnificent species! It is a wonder that they can live in those conditions. Your tale of one waiting for the last is touching and demonstrates the consciousness of ‘other’ that many humans deny, but those who observe nature know exists.
They are truly amazing in their ability to survive periods without water and how their physiology is adapted to deal with the heat. Thanks for your comments in recognition of animal sentience. Appreciate that.
A wonderful moment indeed Liz – beautifully portrayed.
So many wonders here! What a country of photographic opportunity. Have you visited, Tina?
I love the softness and pastel shades of your photos thus far. The oryx was one of the first animals I saw in Namibia and it was so unexpected. The reason for my trip was purely to see the landscapes of southern Africa, I had no expectations whatsoever about the wildlife, so every encounter was special. How lucky you are to witness this wonderful moment.
These adventures can be so beguiling :). You never know what the land will reveal nor which animals. Marvelous just to take it all ‘in the moment’.
Beautiful captures, Liz. I never heard of desert antelopes. 🙂