Sossusvlei

The Namib Naukluft National Park covers nearly five million hectares of the Namib desert. This park stretches from Luderitz northwards along the coast to Swakopmund, a fantastic mix of towering dunes, vast gravel plains and canyons all with dramatic mountain backdrops.

The world renowned Sossusvlei is a remarkable area in the heart of the Namib, a huge clay pan enclosed by massive dunes, including some of the highest in the world at over 1000ft.
The incredible red and pink tones of the dunes burst into life in the early morning and evening when the sun is low. Shadows are cast on the dunes and the colours are just spectacular. It really is one of the most beautiful sights. South of the dunes is the private Namid Rand Nature Reserve which has spectacular lunar landscapes and you will learn about the desert adapted animals and plants.

Did you know?

• You can also see the dunes from above in a low flying plane or a hot air balloon!
• Walking up the dunes is an arduous task and Big Daddy, the highest one, is quite a challenge but well worth it for the achievement and the amazing views and great fun running down them.
• A particularly spectacular trip is a low level flight from Sossusvlei up the Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund. You fly over old diamond mines, ship wrecks and huge seal colonies, stopping in Swakopmund for a delicious seafood lunch on the beach and a boat trip to see the seals and dolphins (and occasionally whales).
• The Namib Rand Nature Reserve is the biggest private reserve in southern Africa.
• You can do a horse safari and sleep out under the stars in the Namid Rand reserve.
• The sand dunes in the Namib are dynamic and change shape with the wind.
• Look out for the TokTokkie beetles which scuttle around the sands.
• The red dunes are due to high concentration of iron oxide.
• The stargazing in the desert is out of this world!