Travel
Sossusvlei is an area situated within the Namib Sand Sea, the largest area of dunes in the southern part of Africa. Sossusvlei is situated in Namibia, one of Africa's least populated countries, within the Namib Desert.
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We recently spent three nights at the Gondwana Collection's Namib Desert Lodge. This is a larger resort, with 65 rooms. It's within a day trip of the popular desert dunes at Sossusvlei, and that's the main attraction for most people. But,...
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From Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia Return 30 Aug - 8 Sept & 12 - 21 Sept 2009 (Both 10 days) Normal price R12990 pp Book NOW & pay only R10990 pp net price! Included in tour price: 9 Nights' accommodation on the train, bedding &...
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Travel
Sossusvlei. Namibia's Dune Wonderland
Sossusvlei is an area situated within the Namib Sand Sea, the largest area of dunes in the southern part of Africa. Sossusvlei is situated in Namibia, one of Africa's least populated countries, within the Namib Desert.
The Namib Sand Sea is some 34,000 square kilometers, a truly massive area covered by a variety of dune types. So what makes this one spot so amazing? Read any travel guide to Namibia, and the reason you would be left to assume is that the dunes are 'the highest in the world'.
While there can be some discussion about if they are indeed the highest, I don't think that is what matters. What matters is the spectacle you experience when you visit Sossusvlei. The dunes have this amazing color, and the colors really change dramatically throughout the day, and even throughout the year. At times they appear to be really red, other times more orange.
But size is also important, and the size is so dramatic because of the huge valley leading into the dune field. Sossusvlei itself is really just a pan, or series of pans, at the end of a dry river bed. But there is a 60 kilometer long valley leading up to these dunes with rows of towering dunes on both sides.
With no reference for size, it can be hard to really get a sense for how big they are, but it certainly makes an impression.
So, if you were to go to Sossusvlei here are some simple tips for making the most of the experience:
- Ready yourself for an early morning. Early mornings have the longest good light.
- Be careful with fluids - drink enough and take plenty of water with you. The humidity often sits around 10% in the dry months, especially on windy days.
- The dunes don't offer much chance to get away from the sun - dress well to protect yourself.
- You may take more pictures than you think you will, take cameras and batteries.
- Be careful with your camera and any equipment. Dune sand can do some damage.
- Be careful not to get stuck. If you don't know much about sand driving, rather let the experts take you in to Sossuvlei. The last 5 kilometers are just a series of tracks.
- Spend a couple of days if you can. While the trip in and out of Sossusvlei is amazing and spectacular, the area itself is well worth enjoying.
- If you can, you may want to think about doing a scenic flight. It is so amazing to see the dunes from the air.
- You can also do ballooning, though it costs a great deal of money.
- You can also do ballooning, though it costs a great deal of money.
Sossusvlei has become one of Namibia's most popular spots, and for good reason. It is an amazing place.
About the Author: Vernon Swanepoel has been working for over a decade in the travel industry back in Namibia and that gave him an intimate knowledge of the country that he is eager to share with anyone who wants to listen.
- Namib Desert Lodge
We recently spent three nights at the Gondwana Collection's Namib Desert Lodge. This is a larger resort, with 65 rooms. It's within a day trip of the popular desert dunes at Sossusvlei, and that's the main attraction for most people. But,...
- The Dune Star
We're currently staying at The Namib Desert Lodge. The lodge is located on the edge of a series of petrified sand dunes. Yes, sand that has sat and compressed for so long that it has turned to rock. The scenery here is so spectacular that Gondwana...
- 4 Wheel Drive Required At Fish River Canyon!
We have this nice Nissan 4x4 from Namibia Car Rental. And we've had to put it in 4 wheel drive mode twice since we've been here. Once was on a sand road at Sossusvlei, and the only other time was when we almost got stuck in our campsite at Waterburg...
- Travel To Namibia By Up-market Train
From Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia Return 30 Aug - 8 Sept & 12 - 21 Sept 2009 (Both 10 days) Normal price R12990 pp Book NOW & pay only R10990 pp net price! Included in tour price: 9 Nights' accommodation on the train, bedding &...
- Deadvlei. The 900 Years Old Tree Graveyard Of Namibia
Deadvlei, Namibia One doesn't see very often 900 years old dead trees still standing. Let alone in the middle of the dessert. That's why Deavlei is such a special and alien place and Flickr user gregw66 did a great job at photographing the white...