Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei Highlights

Sossusvlei means 'the gathering place of water' and in good years seasonal rains succeed in reaching the vleis. Sossusvlei has the highest sand dunes in the world, perhaps Namibia's most outstanding feature, approximately 1000 feet in height; a 300km by 150km dune expanse stretching from the Khoichab River in the south to the Kuiseb River in the north. Perfectly shaped, blown into razor sharp ridges and peaks by the wind.

"Big Daddy", one of the world's tallest dunes, can be climbed for incredible views of Dead Vlei below and the entire area for miles. Aside from the spectacular scenery and geological fascinations at Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, the area is ideal for observing some of the dune life for which the Namib is so well known. Geologists believe that this magnificent desert, that covers most of the Namib Naukluft National Park, is the oldest desert in the world. The older the dune the brighter the colour from slow iron oxidisation and a zillion tiny fragments of garnets. These dunes refract spectacular colours with the changing light and turn from burnt orange through reds to deepest mauve.

Sossusvlei and the Namib Naukluft Park is very popular with photographers. The colours, shapes and contrast of the dunes against the clear blue sky are constantly changing from sunrise to sunset. The desert also makes an interesting contrast to a safari and is often combined with Etosha Pan for a safari.

Game Viewing in Sossusvlei

Wildlife found in the reserve includes gemsbok, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox and spotted hyena. The more rocky areas are inhabited by kudu, klipspringer, baboon and leopard, while the dunes harbour a rich and diverse micro- fauna. Over a hundred species of birds have been recorded. Animals, insects and plants have adapted to live in this harsh and arid region and get most of their water from sea mist that rolls up to 62miles (100km) inland. All creatures make use of this life-giving moisture. Snakes are common in the Namib, but few of the 20 species are ever seen.

The impressive black and taupe, spiralled-horned oryx can be found. The Oryx and Springbok are able to survive for long periods without water. Spotted hyenas inhabit the Namib Naukluft Park but are rarely seen, while black-backed jackals are more visible. Jackals eat almost anything including rats and mice, birds, insects, reptiles, fruits and berries and therefore survive well in almost any terrain. The Sandwich Lagoon is an important wetland of remarkable beauty, which attracts in the region of 200,000 birds to the lagoon and mudflats. Flamingos constitute the largest percentage of water birds here and breed during the rainy season. The lagoon also supports several endangered Red Data species such as Chestnut-banded plover, white pelican and black-necked grebe.