Sossusvlei is one of the biggest attractions in Namibia; the Namib Desert’s most unique and spectacular site. In the Namib Naukluft Park; the Dead Vlei is a clay pan surrounded by the remarkable towering red Sossusvlei dunes.
Getting to Sossusvlei is best by light aircraft, organized tour, or self-drive. The road from Windhoek and Swakopmund are mostly gravel and known for their accidents… We would definitely recommend a 4×4 or at least a 2×4. This is because it is very easy to lose control on the loose gravel and bends.
Namib Naukluft Park
Namib Naukluft Park is one of the country’s major tourist destinations. The vast wilderness of almost 50 000 km; contains key features such as Sossusvlei, Sesriem, the Welwitschia Trail, Sandwich Harbour, the Naukluft Mountains, and the Kuiseb Canyon. It is a combination of rocky Naukluft Mountains, wide-open plains, and towering red dunes. This provides the most amazing beauty and makes this region one of Africa’s most photographed destinations. Renowned for its desert-adapted flora and fauna and is said to be one of the oldest deserts in the world.
This is probably the second most visited attraction with Etosha National Park being the main reason for people to visit.
Namib Naukluft Park nature drive at Le Mirage Resort and Spa
Namib Desert and Sossusvlei
The Namib Desert is also one of the driest and most pristine regions on earth. The harsh environmental conditions have led to the evolution of numerous plant and animal species; that are specially adapted to survive in the desert. In some parts of the Namib Desert, the regular fog flowing in from the Atlantic Ocean condenses to sustain plants; such as multicolored lichens, and provide sufficient drinking water for some animal life. Vegetation in the Namib Desert consists mainly of plants that can survive extended arid periods as seeds; in order to flourish after rainfall.
The dunes of Sossusvlei have a reputation for being among the highest in the world. Rising skywards around a shallow depression (the ‘vlei’), the dunes tower to heights of up to 200 meters (660 feet). The valley itself is lined with huge camelthorn trees; which provide refuge to many small creatures. Although it rarely occurs, in years of extreme rainfall, the Sossusvlei depression may fill up with water; creating a magical kaleidoscope of color as the surrounding dunes and gnarled trees reflect on the surface of the pool.
Nearby; is the spectacular Dead Vlei; a salt-encrusted dry lake; with its pure white clay floor and dead camelthorn tree trunks.
This area is incredible for stargazing due to its remoteness; in fact; all of Namibia is fantastic. With no cities or lights, the skies above are spectacular.
On very rare occasions following heavy rainfall; the pan fills with water and the surrounding extreme desolation; making it an unusual and spectacular sight. Mostly, the pan remains dry and cracked by the baking sun.
Sossusvlei Hot Air Balloon – Wolwedans
Sesriem Canyon
At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, a 30m deep canyon carved by the Tsauchab River. The dunes are about 60km’s from the gate at Sesriem which takes about an hour to drive.
This fascinating geographical formation is the result of millions of years of water carving its way across the topography. At three kilometers long; the views from the top of Sesriem Canyon are breathtaking; while walks through the gorge reveal distinct geographical layers that have formed over eons.
