This guest post was written by Vernon Swanepoel
Sossusvlei is an area situated within the Namib Sand Sea, the largest area of dunes in the southern part of Africa. Sossusvlei is situated in Namibia, one of Africa's least populated countries, within the Namib Desert.
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| Sand dune at Sossusvlei |
The Namib Sand Sea is some 34,000 square kilometers, a truly massive area covered by a variety of dune types. So what makes this one spot so amazing? Read any travel guide to Namibia, and the reason you would be left to assume is that the dunes are 'the highest in the world'.
While there can be some discussion about if they are indeed the highest, I don't think that is what matters. What matters is the spectacle you experience when you visit Sossusvlei. The dunes have this amazing color, and the colors really change dramatically throughout the day, and even throughout the year. At times they appear to be really red, other times more orange.
But size is also important, and the size is so dramatic because of the huge valley leading into the dune field. Sossusvlei itself is really just a pan, or series of pans, at the end of a dry river bed. But there is a 60 kilometer long valley leading up to these dunes with rows of towering dunes on both sides.
With no reference for size, it can be hard to really get a sense for how big they are, but it certainly makes an impression.
So, if you were to go to Sossusvlei here are some simple tips for making the most of the experience:
- Ready yourself for an early morning. Early mornings have the longest good light.
- Be careful with fluids - drink enough and take plenty of water with you. The humidity often sits around 10% in the dry months, especially on windy days.
- The dunes don't offer much chance to get away from the sun - dress well to protect yourself.
- You may take more pictures than you think you will, take cameras and batteries.
- Be careful with your camera and any equipment. Dune sand can do some damage.
- Be careful not to get stuck. If you don't know much about sand driving, rather let the experts take you in to Sossuvlei. The last 5 kilometers are just a series of tracks.
- Spend a couple of days if you can. While the trip in and out of Sossusvlei is amazing and spectacular, the area itself is well worth enjoying.
- If you can, you may want to think about doing a scenic flight. It is so amazing to see the dunes from the air.
- You can also do ballooning, though it costs a great deal of money.
- You can also do ballooning, though it costs a great deal of money.
Sossusvlei has become one of Namibia's most popular spots, and for good reason. It is an amazing place.
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