On the edge of the Namib-Naukluft are the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, a dune sea slowly marching towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Considered to be the highest dunes in the world, the sand dunes of Sossusvlei are an iconic sight, and an absolute must for anyone visiting Namibia. We highly recommend a visit at either sunrise or sunset; the colours are beautiful and constantly change as the dawn arrives, and photography is at its best. For those wishing to be active, try climbing a dune along its edges - hard work, but the views at the end are spectacular, and you can then "dune-run" all the way to the bottom!
Between the dunes are "vleis", shallow pans which will fill with water during the rainy season but are generally dry, with cracked earth. Dead Vlei is the most famous; with its ghost-like trees standing like statues, never changing, their gnarled branches reaching into the sky. Visiting Dead Vlei is almost a spiritual experience; the vlei is quiet and a whisper carries for many metres. Towering above Dead Vlei like a bright orange sentinel is Big Daddy - one of the largest dunes in Sossusvlei and just begging to be climbed up!
Make time for an early morning visit to the dunes, and then return at sunset as the sun casts long shadows and turns them an incredible rich orange colour - and don't forget your camera!
