Namibia's Namib-Naukluft Trail of 120km is the toughest trek in Southern Africa. It consists of a circular route in the Namib-Naukluft National Park (which itself is only readily accessible on foot or by horseback). The Park covers a vast area of desert and mountains in the south west of Namibia.

The name Naukluft derives from the narrow kloof or gorges on the eastern side of the mountains. This rugged terrain hides deep ravines, plunging gorges and crystal clear rock pools and a variety of wildlife totally at odds with the desolate surrounding desert. Animals such as Kudu, rare mountain zebra, leopard, and rhino are not uncommon encounters on the trek.

The trek must only be undertaken by fit (medical certification attesting fitness must be provided) and experienced trekkers, who are used to being totally unsupported and can deal with the extremes of temperatures by day and by night. Only one group of trekkers is allowed into the park at any one time and this creates the opportunity for wildlife encounters and a true sense of isolation in the wilderness.

Lee's second visit to the Park in 2014 saw him successfully lead a small team through the rigours of this eight day trek.

He is an International Mountain Leader who completed the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge in 2011 and has led teams in many wild and mountainous regions of the world. He continues to explore the wild places of the world, but calls North Hampshire home.

Leopard paw-print in the sand

Climbing out of a ravine

Rusted Old Car at Solitaire Lodge

Welcome to Solitaire - population 92

Quiver tree