Sossusvlei


Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round.

The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light. The characteristic red dunes of the Namib Desert have developed over many millions of years. The red sand that forms the dunes was deposited into the Atlantic Ocean from the Orange River. The Benguela current then carried this sand northwards, to be deposited back onto the land by the ocean’s surf. From here the wind carried the red sand inland to form the dunes over time.

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Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River from flowing any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the river seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year.


Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, one can find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive. These include insects, reptiles, birds, mammals and many desert adapted plants, flowers and fruits, like Namibia’s national plant, the welwitschia.
There are a number of attractions around Sossusvlei for visitors to explore, including
• the spectacularly carved-by-water Sesriem Canyon
• Dune 45, the most photgraphed dune on earth, situated 45 km past Sesriem on the road to Sossusvlei
• Hiddenvlei, perfect if you are looking for solitude in the desert
• the magnificently tall Big Daddy dune
• Deadvlei, a paradise for photographers, as it is punctuated by blackened, dead acacia trees, in vivid contrast to the shiny white of the salty floor of the pan and the intense orange of the dunes.

Accommodation around Sossusvlei ranges from camping, through self-catering and mid-range lodges, to the ultimate in luxury lodges. This allows visitors to the area to find accommodation that meets their needs. No matter where you stay, the vastness of the desert allows for ample space and privacy.
As a consequence of its fascinating and surrealistic landscapes, Sossusvlei is one of the most photographed places in Sub-Saharan Africa. The area has been the setting of a number of commercials, music videos, and movies, especially of the fantasy genre.

To see this incredible natural wonder for yourself, visit us at http://www.naturetravelnamibia.com.  We have numerous guided and self-drive options for you to choose from, and many of our Namibia tours include this famous area.

Independence Day

Today is Namibia’s Independence Day, and the country celebrates 29 years of independence since 21 March 1990. This day signifies the fact that the Namibia has blossomed into a resource-rich, opportunity-filled, talented, passionate nation filled with vibrant people. It has also become a fantastic tourist destination, and we here at Nature Travel Namibia is very proud that we have played our small part in that.

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Tourism in Namibia is a major industry, contributing N$7.2 billion ($500 million) to the country’s gross domestic product. Annually, over one million travelers visit Namibia. The country is among the prime destinations in Africa and is known for ecotourism which features Namibia’s extensive wildlife. Other travel highlights include the capital city of Windhoek, the twin coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the vast Namib desert (it is the driest country in Africa south of the Sahara), the awesome Fish River Canyon and many many more.

Several things make Namibia a unique and fascinating place to visit:

•  The incredible landscapes, sometimes overwhelmingly vast and huge

•  It is surely the best country in Africa for a road trip!

•  The Sossusvlei dunes – a must see on any traveler’s list

•  Etosha National Park – one of the great wildlife reserves on earth

•  The Skeleton Coast with its bizarre mix of beach and desert

•  The famous desert adapted populations of African Elephant and Black Rhinoceros.

•  The bizarre Welwitschia plant which can live for more than 1000 years

Also, it’s the second least densely populated country on the planet, with only two people per square kilometre! So if you want to see all of the above amazing things and yet still feel like you have the place to yourself to just “switch off”, Namibia is the perfect destination for you.

Nature Travel Namibia is part of the Nature Travel group of companies, and we specialise in safaris in Namibia and surrounding areas. With years of safari experience, our team created guided and self-drive safaris that will tick all the boxes on your list, featuring wonderful wildlife, nature and tourist attractions.

Visit www.naturetravelnamibia.com for all the information or send an email to us at  info@naturetravelnamibia.com and an expert will be in touch.