Crossing the Uncrossable: Booking.com Celebrates a World Record Breaking Trip across Namib Desert
On 23rd May, the three ambitious teammates of Latitude 35 embarked on adventure to set a Guinness World Record by becoming the first people in modern history to cross the vast Namib Desert in southern Africa on foot and completely unassisted. For this trio of world class athletes, the venture marks their eleventh combined world record. As a proud sponsor of this endeavor, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to say, hosted the team at the Ai Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge before the team set off. After a good night’s sleep at the African inspired chalets surrounded by ancient rock formations, the team started the ultimate challenging journey, hiking, jogging and running for seven days straight through the desert.
After trekking 220 km across the oldest desert in the world, braving lion, elephant and black rhino territories and enduring extreme heat during the day and dropping temperatures at night, teammate Jason Caldwell made history as he set a World Record for completing the longest desert trek across Namibia. After securing the world record, he was welcomed by the stunning Okahirongo Elephant Lodge near the border of Angola. The secluded lodge features spacious chalets, decorated with earth and terracotta tones, creating a desert-style atmosphere. Each chalet has bathroom with bath, indoor and open-air shower. Here, the team had the well-deserved opportunity to relax in the gazebo’s lounging furniture and savor delicious local and Italian inspired dishes, as well as quality wines.
Feeling inspired to go out into the world and possibly set your own world record? Here are another four great stays that either played a part in or are associated with the journey to breaking a world record.
Highest BASE jump from a building
Fred Fugen and Vince Reffet, both from France, performed the highest BASE jump from a building on 21 April 2014 and got a well-deserved place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The jump took place off the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai, the world’s tallest building with a total height of 828 meters.
Where to stay: Holding the world record of tallest hotel in the world, the 4-star Gevora Hotel is located on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, so it has great views of the soaring Dubai skyline. Featuring 528 rooms, 5 restaurants, a gym, a business center and a rooftop full-size swimming pool, this 75-storey hotel has everything to suit the needs of the modern traveler, whether for business or leisure.
Fastest and first solo crossing of Antarctica
The world’s coldest, most fascinating and most remote continent, Antarctica, is accessible only by boat, and travelers have to cross the challenging Drake Passage before admiring the stunning scenery and encounter with penguins, whales and seals. The Norwegian polar explorer, Børge Ousland, was the first and fastest person to cross Antarctica solo, without any assistance.
Where to stay: Since there are no hotels or permanent human residents in Antarctica, to get there you must travel to Ushuaia, Argentina (the world’s southernmost city) and from there sail through the Drake Passage. Situated in Ushuaia, Terra Incognita offers self-catering bungalows with breathtaking views of the Canal Beagle. Enjoy all the comforts this property offers before taking a boat to explore the end of the world.
Longest Driven Journey
Emil and Liliana Schmid from Switzerland started their driving adventure on 18 October 1984 and are still travelling today! More than 30 years later, it’s no surprise that they comfortably hold the Guinness World Record for the longest driven journey. The couple has traveled over 741,065 km in more than 180 countries driving the same 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser as their transportation and home.
Where to stay: Since Emil and Liliana started their journey in Montreal in 1984, follow their footsteps and start your own road trip from the metropolitan City of Saints. If you’re looking for a comfortable home away from home, stay at Appartement Metro Du College. This relaxing accommodation offers a cozy seating area, fully furnished kitchen, calming outdoor space and free parking.
First person to complete The Three Poles Challenge on foot
Erling Kagge from Norway became the first person to complete the Three Poles Challenge on foot, reaching the North Pole, the South Pole and the peak of Mount Everest on 8 May 1994. The fastest time to complete the Three Poles Challenge was achieved by Adrian Hayes and it is 1 year 217 days
Where to stay: Located in Longyearbyen, Norway the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen is the northernmost full-service hotel in the world. Whether you are dining in the hotel restaurant or outdoors, you can admire the impressive panoramic fjord views while enjoying your meal. After an exciting glacier excursion, guests can unwind in the on-site sauna or in the open-air hot tubs on the common terrace.