Sossusvlei

The immense, rich-ochre sand dunes at Sossusvlei are one of the most astonishing sights in the world. Their curving slopes rise to a remarkable 300m (100m higher than their nearest rivals in Arabia) and they just beg to be climbed barefoot.

Geologists say that this supreme desert covering most of the Namib-Naukluft Park could be the oldest in the world. The older the dune, the brighter the colour from slow iron oxidisation and a zillion minute fragments of garnet.

Visiting Sossusvlei takes some perseverance; it's 300km from the nearest highway, but well worth the effort. Permits are necessary to enter the park, which is open from sunup to sundown and your vehicle is registered in and out.

Visitors exiting the park after sunset is not tolerated by the park officials, probably because they would have to come and search for you if you did not appear. Being lost in the Namib desert is no joke, so stick to the tracks and never go walking aimlessly.

Surrounding Area

About a kilometre away from Sossusvlei is the Dead Vlei, a salt encrusted dry lake that's worth the stroll. Not far from the entry gate to the park you will see Dune 45, a much-photographed and often climbed dune. Discard your shoes, feel the sand between your toes and descend by heading down the steepest part, allowing the deep sliding sand to slow your pace.

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