Namibia - the country that captures your heart!
I completely agree with the country's logo to promote Namibia as a tourist destination.
I can define my trip to Namibia as one or probably even the most spectacular and incredible travel experiences I have ever had.
Namibia is located in Southern Africa bordering the Atlantic ocean to the west, Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south.
The country has risen in the recent years to be one of the trendiest and most attractive travel destinations in Africa that has everything to offer - from breathtaking scenery to colourful, friendly culture and spectacular wildlife adventures.
In addition, the country is considered amongst the safest countries in Africa where tourists are well taken care of. There are no requirements for any compulsory vaccinations in order to enter the country. So, pack up your luggage and let's embark on this incredible adventure.
Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world, after Mongolia offering vast spaces of peacefulness and solitude. Driving across the bumpy roads of Namib desert you may not see any other vehicles and people for several hours. There is just you and the endless desert. The feeling is simply overwhelming.
The Namib Desert is considered the oldest desert in the world formed about 55-80 million years ago. It stretches for more than 2,000km along the Atlantic coasts of Angola, Namibia and northwest South Africa.
I spent two weeks in Namibia in the first half of June 2024. This is the winter, dry season which means that the weather is quite peculiar with temperatures ranging from zero degrees Celsius at night and morning to up to 28-30 degrees Celsius at certain moments during the day.
You may sunbath at 2pm and then put on a warm jacket in the evening feeling cold.
Best way is to dress in layers.
Nevertheless, you will enjoy crystal clear sky with lots of sunshine and most of all you will escape from the unbearable heat during the summer months ( October - March ).
The sky at night in the desert is magical with millions of stars shining brightly.
Sossusvlei is one of the most remarkable places in Namibia.
It is a salt and white clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This park is the largest conservation area in Africa, covering almost 50,000 sq. km.
Here you will see a vast dune sea with some of the tallest and most spectacular dunes in the world, tinted in soft pastel colours in the early morning hours to deep orange ochre tones later in the day as the sunlight plays on the dunes creating a symphony of ever-changing colour.
Sossusvlei offers quite a few amazing spots you must see.
Dune 45, named for being 45 km away from Sesriem Gate ( which is the entry point into the Naukluft park ) is the most famous and photographed dune in the area. It is 170 meters high and climb is well worth the effort as from the top you will be spoilt with the incredible panoramic view of Dune Valley.
The climb takes anywhere from 40 minutes to one hour to reach the top, for most people.
The sand here is 5 million years old and is red in colour due to its iron oxide content. As the lighting changes with the time of day, so does the appearance of the dunes. Probably the best light to capture is in the morning hours.
The tallest dune in Sossusvlei area is the Big Daddy Dune - 325 meters located next to Deadvlei and facing another very high dune known as "Big Mama".
Climbers are rewarded with a spectacular view from the top and can walk down into the Deadvlei.
However, the highest dune in Namib Desert is Dune 7 - 383 meters.
At the heart of Sossusvlei, next to Big Daddy Dune, lies the iconic Deadvlei, a surreal clay pan characterized by dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor and clear blue sky.
The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded and the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow.
However, the climate changed and the sand dunes encroached on the pan, blocking the river from reaching the area. As a result, the trees died as there was no longer enough water to survive.
The trees are estimated to be approximately 900 years old, however they have not decomposed due to the dry climate.
This incredible landscape is a paradise for photographers.
Sesriem Canyon
Access to the Sossusvlei area of the Namib-Naukluft National Park is from the Sesriem gate, which is located in the surroundings of the eponymous canyon. From Sesriem, a 60 km tarmac road leads to Sossusvlei proper.
The canyon is up to 30 meters at its deepest and about 3 kilometers long. It was carved out of sedimentary rock by the Tsachaub River in a process that started over 2 million years ago.
Solitaire
Solitaire is a small settlement in the Khomas Region of central Namibia near the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It currently features the only gasoline station, bakery, cafe, and the only general dealer between the dunes at Sossusvlei and the coast at Walvis Bay, as well as on the road to the capital Windhoek.
It has a small bar famous for its apple pie, said to be the best in Namibia.
Here you can also see the famous car graveyard, among which there are some rare vintage models.
Other places you may see in Sossusvlei area include:
The Hidden Vlei ( as the name suggests, these dunes are the least visited due to their remote location );
Elim dune which is just 5km from Sesriem gate;
Big Mama Dune which faces Big Daddy Dune but offers less challenging climb.
I also highly recommend to get on a scenic flight over Sossusvlei and Namib desert.
This is absolutely mind blowing experience flying over the dune formations reaching the Atlantic ocean and admiring otherworldly landscapes.
There is also an option for hot air balloon flight.
In conclusion, Sossusvlei is more than just a destination; it is an experience that will linger in your heart long after you have left its shifting sands behind.
Enjoy the video:
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