The Sossusvlei dunes found in the Namib Desert are said to be the highest dunes in the world. The Sossusvlei dunes are one of the most spectacular sights found in Namibia. The best time to observe them is at sunset and sunrise where the ever changing colours create an almost surreal backdrop creating the perfect photographic opportunities. The midday heat is too overbearing and intense and is best spent in the shade.
In the central Namib Desert lies a clay pan within the Namib-Naukluft National Park called the Sossusvlei. “Vlei” in Afrikaans means a shallow depression filled with water. Sossusvlei is a mud pan created by a river that flows through the Namib every 5 to 10 years. Even in very wet years it does not reach the Atlantic Ocean but drains away between the dunes of Sossusvlei. Sossus means "place of no return". Only after a heavy rainfall, which is a rare event in this area, does the vlei fill with water. As the clay layers hardly allow any water infiltration, a turquoise lake will remain for quite some time. These infrequent floods of the Tsauchab River, water the vegetation such as the camel thorn tree which slowly soaks up the water into the underlying clay.
The Sossusvlei is definitely an excellent reason to visit the vast space, endless horizons, dramatic desert scapes and jagged mountain heights of Namibia. There are many different types of accommodation available close to the Sossusvlei to allow you to view its natural beauty at exactly all the perfect times of the day. There is a variety of fun and exciting ways to get around. For the adventurous there is the quad biking trail, open 4x4 vehicles, and hot air ballooning all accompanied with expert rangers and naturalists or simply drive around the Namib-Naukluft National Park viewing the pristine game. There are extraordinary safari lodges known for luxury and quality service with that private accommodation right at the foot of the mountain overlooking the spectacular Namib Desert. |
