Sossusvlei Namibia is a definite highlight and a must see destination for anyone visiting this country. Sesriem is home to several very expensive lodges and camps as well as Namib-Naukluft N.P.’s headquarters. Entrance to the park is N80 and N10 per vehicle, but the way things are going it wouldn’t be surprising if prices continue to increase. Sossusvlei Namibia, only next to Etosha, is the most popular destination among visitors and NWR is taking advantage. There is little option for eating, except for what your choice of lodging provides.

SIGHTS 

Elim Dune

Approximately 4 km north of Sesriem sits the picturesque Elim Dune. It’s a nice trek to the top where fantastic views of the sand dunes are available.  The best time to visit is at dusk when the brilliant colors of the surrounding sand are most evident.

Sesriem Canyon

Only 4 km south of Sesriem entrance gates, the canyon (1 km long and 30 m deep) was carved out by the Tsauchab River. It was an essential water collecting place for the early settlers who tied six lengths of rope together to pitch down the canyon for easy retrieval. Each length of rope, known as riems, was the beginning of its present name, Sesriem.

Take a short trek upstream and discover beautiful wading pools waiting for you to cool yourself down and escape the day’s unrelenting heat.

Sossusvlei Namibia

Sossusvlei Namibia is one of the country’s top destinations. The monumental red sand and the magnificent display of different shades, colors, and depressions, fading and deepening throughout the day make Sossusvlei a place for photographers and romantics alike.

The Tsauchab River, long ago, emptied itself into the sea but gradually overtime became blocked by mountainous dunes of windblown sand, forming the marvelous end vlei as we know today.

Beginning in Sesriem, the road to Sossusvlei is lined by exotic, brightly colored dunes. Each hour of the day is unique and as the day carries on, new colors are constantly presenting themselves. The dunes display vibrant colors of orange, maroon, and pink, and the Tsaris Mountains show blue and deep purples, in addition to the yellows and tans of the dancing grasses. It is easy to feel enlightened while visiting Sossusvlei Namibia. It is also home to ostrich, springbok, and oryx who roam the area like some prehistoric creatures living on another planet.

Although rare, it takes an unearthly amount of rain to fill the Tsauchab River and penetrate the dune area, bringing water into the vlei. During these rare times, the vlei takes on a life of its own, much different than in the absence of water when life is given to new vegetation and aquatic birds, including flamingos discovering a new haven.

The dunes surrounding the vlei are some 1,120 ft (350 m) high when measuring from the base up; having a reputation as some of the highest in the world. Essentially, they are nothing more than huge piles of sand that have formed at the end of other longitudinal dune ridges bordering the erosional trough of the Tsauchab River. Sossusvlei lies at an altitude of 1,824 ft (570 m) above sea level. Some of the dune crests stand tall at 3,072 ft (960 m) above sea level.

Sossusvlei Namibia dunes are often referred to as star dunes because…

of their crescent shape. Best seen from the air, the multiple merging crests meeting at the highest point are the result of multi-directional winds shifting the sand back and forth. When strong winds blow at the vlei, blankets of sand form off the crest into the air. This is commonly termed the ‘smoking dunes.’

Pay particular attention to the ancient camel-thorn trees that line the dry Tsauchab River all the way to the vlei. The tarred road, accessible by 2WD vehicles, finishes about 4 km away from Sossusvlei at a parking and picnic area. From the parking area, the road disappears into deep, thick sand. The remaining distance can only be completed by a 4WD vehicle or on foot. There are shuttles to and from Sossusvlei Namibia and the parking area. The shuttle service is a bit pricey, N150 p/p both ways, for not much of a service. Walking is difficult and strenuous, and can take nearly an hour. It is, however, well worth the effort as it gives you the chance to freely explore the area, catch sight of roaming animals, and get a good idea of the scale and sheer size of the Sossusvlei Namibia surroundings.