Adventuring through the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

In case you have never visited Namib before, take your chance and start a breathtaking adventure. The extraordinary views of the dead plants in combination with the salty ground and orange dunes are the reason for many tourists to come here every year. Join the brave ones and visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei - the magnificent natural attractions of the Namib desert.

© Sara Nicole Rossetto

What is special about Sossusvlei and Deadvlei?

The title “Sossusvlei” refers to a zone with a salty dry lake bed and the nearby sandy dunes in the South of the Namib Desert. As you fly across this natural wonder, you can observe dunes with different shades of orange - proof of a respectable age and a result of the oxidation process. The main reason why people come here is to hide in the height of local dunes, which usually exceeds 600 ft, as a rule, while some sandy record holders rise to 1066 ft. The latter ones have grouped on a sandstone terrace near the smaller neighbor of Sossusvlei - Deadvlei. The title stands for “dead valley” and refers to a clay pan that formed after the flood caused by the Tsauchab River. The temporary small water pools appeared, and the camel thorn trees started to grow, only to die later because of merciless drought.

When to start an adventure?

Generally speaking, it is almost always sunny in Sossusvlei, with the sun heating the air to 40°C during hot seasons. To not torment yourself with the nasty heat, follow the experienced travelers' advice and visit the desert in late spring or early autumn. If you wish to avoid peak seasons - do not approach Sossusvlei and Deadvlei during school holidays in South Africa.

© Gondwana Collection

How to reach Sossusvlei and Deadvlei?

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei belong to the Namib-Naukluft National Park area, which you should enter to get to your destination (paid admission). You may do it by joining an organized tour or booking a car rental and driving to the park yourself. The road from Windhoek may take up to 4 hours because the capital of Namibia is around 187 miles away from Sesriem gate - the Namib-Naukluft National Park’s entrance. After passing the gate, you will drive another 36 miles more to get to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

Remember that the most convenient vehicle for you is the one with high clearance and 4-wheel drive - so an SUV may suit you.

Must-see attractions

Sossusvlei red sand sea and the remains of exited life are already breathtaking enough for photo shoots, but are there any prominent attractions nearby? Yes, there are!

© Markus Frank-Schulz

Sesriem Canyon

As you approach the Sesriem gate after picking up the cheapest car rental in Windhoek and driving for 4 hours, the first attraction welcomes you - the Sesriem Canyon. It is small, but its obscure shape displays the impact of the Tsauchab River, which has been laboring for millions of years to form what we can observe today. The canyon is narrow, reaching 6.5 feet in width in some places, but it is enough already to amaze your traveling spirit.

Elim Dune

Elim Dune rises not too far from Sesriem Canyon and reaches 328 ft in height, which is perfect if you have never climbed a dune. Compared to awaiting Dune 45 and Big Daddy Dune, this one would seem like a walk in a park later. Elim Dune is perfect for photographing in the morning when there are few people around.

© Markus Frank-Schulz

Dune 45

When people advise you to rent a car in Windhoek with a high clearance - it is better to listen if you do not want to suffer through the gravel roads on your way to Dune 45. This sandy wonder is 557 ft tall and will be an amazing dune to climb since it is relatively beginner-friendly. Usually, it takes 40-60 minutes to reach the top of the dune, so do not be afraid to try!

Big Daddy Dune

You have waited for it for so long, and here it is - the true sandy giant of Sossusvlei that reaches 1066 ft in height. Big Daddy Dune captivates tourists with its grace and views of the Deadvlei, which you can observed from the top. After you leave the car at the parking lot, you can start your adventure to the highest point of Bigg Daddy, but be aware that it is not easy. It takes up to 1 hour to climb, plus you will struggle by slipping back in the sand.

Desert adventure activities in Namibia

Why do people like visiting Sossusvlei despite the fierce heat and gravel roads? The answer is simple - it is a remote area where you can enjoy fascinating activities, including the ones below.

© Markus Frank-Schulz

Climbing the dunes

Trekking the dunes of Sossusvlei is a must for everyone who visits Namib. Imagine the pleasing feeling of conquering the peaks of old and high sandy waves like Dune 45 and Big Daddy Dune. It is up to one hour of active time-spending in a tiring heat - what can be more extreme than that?

Photoshooting

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are perfect for extraordinary photos of natural wonders since these areas have collected four things in one place:

• White salt on the ground;
• Dead remains of life (camel thorn trees);
• The dunes of all orange hues in the background;
• Surviving plant species (salsola, nara).

Use your chance to take photos in the world of contrasts, which will give you the best shots if you are patient enough, especially during golden hours.

Author: Elizabeth Smith