Sossusvlei Dunes in Namibia, Africa
Dune 45 and Dry Clay Pans at Dead Vlei and Narra Vlei in the Namib
Jun 26, 2009
Tourists to Namibia flock to the western midlands to visit the places where the Namib Desert starts. One of the most written about towns in Namibia is Solitaire, which is famous for the apple tart served by the small restaurant at the filling station. This is also the last fuel station before visitors drive further south towards the Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei.
Nara Vlei and Dead Vlei at Sossusvlei
According to Willie and Sandra Olivier, African Adventurer's Guide to Namibia, Struik Publishers, 2003, the Tsauchab River flowed into the Atlantic Ocean thousands of years ago, but encroaching dunes of the Namib Desert swamped its course and the river now ends at Sossusvlei. Part of the Tsauchab River's course remained open and ends in twin pans. During heavy rains, which happens seldom in Namibia, water spills over into the northern arm of Sossusvlei namely Nara Vlei. These pans can hold water after good rains for up to 15 months.
Nara Vlei, named after the large amount of naras (a melon-like plant endemic to Namibia) which grows on the perimeter of the pan, is not as spectacular as Dead Vlei. It is still worth a visit for the bird life present and Gemsbok and Ostrich are often seen roaming the dunes.
Dead Vlei was cut off from the flow of the Tsauchab River approximately 500 years ago and provides the visitor with the most spectacular scenery to photograph. Situated a 30-minute walk away from the main Sossusvlei pan, Dead Vlei unfolds unexpectedly as the visitor crests a small dune. The white clay pan contrasts sharply with the dead trees silhouetted against the red dunes and provides excellent photo opportunities.
The dunes with their sinuous crests, called star dunes, are one of the main attractions of Sossusvlei. These dunes form due to low energy, multi-directional winds blowing over the area. North of the Tsauchab River in the Sossusvlei area, the dunes may reach heights of 325 meters, while free standing dunes south of the river may be as high as 220 meters.
How to Get to Sossusvlei
From Windhoek travelers have a choice to drive either West towards Swakopmund or South towards Mariental. From Swakopmund visitors proceed to Walvisbaai and from there on the C14 South to Solitaire. After Solitaire, visitors must take the C19 to Sossusvlei and Sesriem. At Mariental, motorists turn onto the C19 and stay on it until they reach Sossusvlei.
Tips When Visiting Sossusvlei
- Namibia is prohibitively hot during the summer months, but even during winter, tourists should try to be at the gate to Sossusvlei even before they open. From the entrance gate, it is another 70 kilometers to Sossusvlei via tarred road. The best time for photography of the dunes is in the early morning just as the sun crests the dunes.
- The last 5 kilometers to Sossusvlei can only be navigated via 4-wheel drive motor vehicle. At the parking area for sedans, several shuttles are available to take tourists to Sossusvlei at a tariff. If it is still early in the day, this last 5 kilometers can provide a pleasant stroll through thick sand.
- Nubib Adventures conduct guided walks in the dunes at Sossusvlei and these walks last about 3 hours. This is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the Namib Desert and the creatures that inhabit it.
- Guests staying at the Sesriem campsite may enter through the gate earlier and has the best opportunity to view the sunrise over the dunes. Several private lodges also provide accommodation close to the gate and cater for a variety of tastes and budgets.
- A shop at the entrance gate provides basic food and curios and fuel is usually available close to the reception office. Sometimes a small kiosk operates which sells freshly baked bread and chips to tourists.
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