TOP ATTRACTION NAMIBIA

GETTING NOSTALGIC IN THE OLDEST DESERT IN THE WORLD What makes Sossusvlei so magical? Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan located in the Namib Desert of Namibia, Africa. It is situated in the southern part of the country, within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, and is known for its towering red sand dunes and unique desert landscapes. The area is home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world, with the tallest dune, "Big Daddy", reaching a height of over 300 meters. Visitors can climb the dunes for panoramic views of the surrounding desert and to see the contrasting colours of the dunes against the blue sky. Sossusvlei is also known for its ephemeral salt and clay pans, which are formed when the Tsauchab River floods and leaves behind salt and clay deposits. These pans are characterized by their white, cracked surfaces and are home to a variety of desert-adapted plants and animals. The most famous pan in Sossusvlei is Deadvlei, a white pan surrounded by dark, dead camel thorn trees, which are estimated to be over 900 years old. The area is also home to a variety of desert-adapted animals, including the oryx, springbok, and ostrich, as well as smaller animals such as the meerkat and the chameleon. Sossusvlei is also known for its unique geology and geomorphology, which include the red sand dunes, the ephemeral pans, the gravel plains and the rocky outcrops. The area is also a great spot for stargazing and for photography, as the clear night skies and the contrasting colours of the dunes and pans make for stunning photographs. Sossusvlei is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, and it is considered one of the most iconic landscapes of Namibia. The area is accessible by road, and there are several campsites and lodges in the surrounding area for visitors to stay in. Visitors can also take hot air balloon rides over the dunes, or scenic flights to see the area from above. Sossusvlei is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Namibia, and visitors are sure to be mesmerized by the natural beauty and unique landscapes of the area. With its towering red sand dunes, unique desert landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. LET ME GIVE YOU INSIDE INFO! Here is where the reader adventure will trigger you. We recommend you staying at one of the campsites at Sossusvlei to explore the dunes at early morning magic and to explore the Sesriem Canyon (right time of the year you might be able to swim in the Canyon) and Deadvlei (Do this one early morning!) Challenge yourself at Big Daddy and have lunch under a tree at the picnic spot (we had a jackal visiting us here) The gates open and close at sunrise and sunset. Make use of those times to capture the magic on your lens. We were fortunate on our last trip the dunes at the picnic area still had water!! The kids had a blast in the ancient mud. Besides the kids having fun, the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. Another place not to be missed is Tsauchab River Camp about 70km from the Sesriem Canyons via D845 and D854. We spend 3 nights here. FYI on your way from Sossusvlei to Tsauchab on C23 you will find Le Mirage Resort and spa. This place is well worth a stop for a drink and admiring the beauty of the Namib desert. Why stop at Tsauchab River camp? They have private camping sites on the banks of the Tsauchab River and surrounded by the Naukluft and Tsaris Mountains. On the banks of the river you will find giant wild fig trees and sparkling clear water. This is the main source of water when in flood to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei. This natural phenomenon ends in a dry lake at the foot of the world’s highest dunes. The hiking trails are so pretty you will forget you are hiking and natural swimming pools to cool off. When travelling in a group, they have a campsite that is on the river where all these fig trees hug the river, you can sit with a drink in shade and have this river cuddling your curves. The lodge itself is unique with antiques and Art made from all sorts of materials. This is one of a kind campsites! 7km from Tsauchab River camp is Neuras | wine-tasting - vinyards and natural fountains. The gravel roads here is not always well maintained, so driving from Sossusvlei to Walvisbay, make sure you have a spare tyre and enough daylight for driving. These roads can become very busy with tourists. We recommend 4x4 vehicle for visiting these areas, makes the driving experience more comfortable. Distances are long and the drive times sometimes even longer. Watch out for animals roaming free. Fill up your tank when you can. Always keep your lights on. Do not rely on cell phone reception. www.chasinggravel.com We are on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and Tiktok and collaborated with About Africa Co.