The Namib Desert is between
80 and 250 kilometres wide and stretches along Namibia’s coastline
from the Orange River in the south to just north of the Kunene River.
It’s the oldest desert on earth and home to some truly bizarre
life forms - animals, insects and plants that have adapted to this
inhospitable region by surviving on the life-giving moisture from
the sea mists that roll for 100 km inland.
Much of the Namib Desert is situated within the 50 000 sq km Namib-Naukluft
Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa. In the Nama
language, Namib means vast. The Namib is most famous for its towering
rust red sand dunes blown into razor sharp ridges and peaks by the
wind. The 300 metre dunes at Sossusvlei, in the heart of the desert,
are the tallest in the world. They are more than 100 metres higher than their
nearest rivals in Arabia. Sossusvlei is surely one of the most spectacular
sights in Africa.
The best time to visit is at sunrise, when the play of light and shadow
gives the desert landscape tints and textures. Colours are strong
and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities.
Climb one of the dunes for awesome views of the sea of dunes and
experience a sense of complete timelessness and solitude.
You will need to stay at Sesriem campsite or lodge the night before – the closest accommodation to Sossusvlei and the only place
from where you are allowed to drive out for sunrise in the dunes.
It’s a stunning desert spot under a huge night time sky. The campsite facilities are good, with a small shop, pool and a
thatched bar. Sossusvlei is some 60km or one hour from Sesriem. To
cover the last 4km to Sossusvlei, you’ll need to jump on a 4x4
vehicle or walk. Walking is best as there is no better way to experience
the silence of the vast and eerie dunes.
For an aerial perspective, take a scenic flight from Swakopmund or
a hot air balloon from Sesriem for the best view you will ever get
of an endless rippling desert.
Very little rain falls on the Namib Desert only 60mm a year. On the
rare occasions when it rains the desert responds amazingly quickly,
producing a miracle of sprouting grasses.
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