In the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. The dunes are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light.
Sossusvlei translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. But, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season, the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year.
There are several attractions around Sossusvlei for visitors to explore, including Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei. The interesting landscape makes this area one of the most photographed in the world.
In several areas surrounding Sossuvlei look out for the petrified dunes. These are approximately 1 billion years old and have solidified into rock.
Sossusvlei
15km along the paved road from Dune 45 there is a general parking area for those wanting to visit Hiddenvlei, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Visitors must travel a further 5km along a sandy 4×4 track in order to reach Sossusvlei. Should you not have a 4×4, or should you not feel comfortable navigating through the soft sand, there are shuttles that run from the car park to Sossusvlei.
Exploring the area is done on foot and is self-guided, unless you have hired a private tour guide. Always remember to take enough drinking water with you, as it gets very hot in the area.
Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon is approximately 4.5km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Tsauchab River has shaped the Canyon over millions of years and is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round.
The early Afrikaans explorers in the region named the canyon after the fact that they had to use six (“ses”) leather straps (“riem”) tied together to create a rope long enough to lower buckets into the canyon below, fetch water.
The canyon is narrow at places, but worth exploring due to the stunning rock formations.
Dune 45
Dune 45, named for its proximity to Sesrium Gate. It is 45km from the gate, along a paved road and can be reached using a 2×4 vehicle. Its fascinating shape and accessibility makes it the most photographed dune in the world.
The dunes of the Namib Desert created by sand carried by the wind from the coast of Namibia. The sand here is 5 million years old and is red in colour due to its iron oxide conten. As the lighting changes with the time of day, so does the appearance of the dunes’ characteristic colour, allowing for interesting photographs. The wind in the Sossusvlei area blows from all directions, so the dunes here are known as “star dunes”. This is because the winds cause the sand to form a star shape with many arms.
Visitors may climb Dune 45, so visit early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the vlei from the top of the Dune. The Dune is 85 meters high and the climb is worthwhile as from the top you will be spoilt with the incredible panoramic view of Dune Valley. In the morning and evening light, the floor of the pan has been described as a “moonscape” and is a sight to behold.
Hiddenvlei
Hiddenvlei is a 2km walk from the end of the 2×4 track and the route, marked with wooden polls. This vlei is the least visited of all the vleis letting those who make the journey enjoy some solitude in the beautiful desert surroundings.
During your walk to Hiddenvlei, look at the sand to examine the tracks of the animals that occupy the area. You should be able to distinguish the tracks of Gemsbok and Springbok. But, on closer inspection you can see the tracks of the smaller animals that generally live underneath the sand, for example the little Namib Gecko.
Big Daddy
Big Daddy is the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area. This magnificent dune between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei at 325 meters dwarfs the other dunes. Trek to the top of Big Daddy where you can look down onto Deadvlei.
At 325 meters, Big Daddy may be the highest dune in the Sossusvlei area, but it is not the highest in the Namib Desert. This honour is given to Dune 7 at 388m. Dune 7 earned its name by being the 7th dune along the Tsauchab River.
Deadvlei
Close to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is a clay pan characterized by dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor. The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded and the plenty of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow. But, the climate changed and the sand dunes encroached on the pan, blocking the river from reaching the area. The trees are approximately 900 years old, yet they have not decomposed due to the dry climate.
Deadvlei is a paradise for photographers as the contrast between the pitch-black trees and bleached-white pans, and the rusty-red dunes and deep blue sky make for incredible images.
Courtesy: Sossusvlei.org
