Namib Naukluft National Park
The Namib is the oldest desert in the world and stretches beyond the Namib Naukluft park itself to the whole of western Namibia. It is also home to some of the highest dunes in the world reaching a height of 383m.
What to Expect from the Namib Naukluft National Park?
If you are on holiday in Namibia, whether it be a self drive through this magnificent country or a guided tour, you can not miss visiting the Namib Naukluft National Park. It is probably the most wonderful sight in Namibia. That, in itself, is a bold statement given this country oozes with stunning scenery.
Seisriem
Stretching 2,000km along the Atlantic coastlines of Namibia, Angola and South Africa, the Namib is not only the oldest but one of the driest deserts in the world. This endless desert landscape formed over 5 million years ago.
The star-shaped dunes around Sossusvlei are considered to be some of the most permanent and stable of these types of dunes in the world. Despite the fact that they are actually continuously changing.
Sossusvlei and Sesriem are the main attractions of the park. Sesriem is the gateway to Sossusvlei. the little town close to the park gates at the junction of C27 and D826. Here you will find your lodges, petrol station and grocery supplies.
Furthermore, you’ll find the NWR Office (Namibia Wildlife Resorts) just outside the park gates in Sesriem. This is the company that owns and manages all Namibian national park offices and the lodges/campsites/resorts. You can only purchase your park tickets from this office.
Sossusvlei
From Sesriem, you’ll need to drive approximately 60 km further to reach the iconic dunes and salt clay pans. Additionally, when you reach Dune 45, the sand becomes extremely soft and you’ll need a 4WD to drive further to Deadvlei and Big Daddy. Don’t worry, however, 4WD transfers are available too if you’d rather leave the drive to the professionals.
The age of these spectacular dunes can be seen in their colour: the more intense the red, the more oxidised the iron in the sand and the older the dune.
The name Sossusvlei is a mixture of local Nama dialect (sossus) and Afrikaans (vlei), the literal translation of Sossusvlei is ‘Dead-End Marsh’.
The hike up the dunes is without doubt tough in many places therefore be sure to choose the cooler part of the day. The views from the top are totally magnificent and well worth the effort. Just remember to carry lots of water and wear your sun hats and sun cream.
Popular Attractions in Sossusvlei and Sesriem
- Dune 45 – located 45km inside park and very popular to climb
- Big Daddy -towering over Deadvlei, it is the highest dune in the park.
- Big Mama – smaller version of its neighbouring Big Daddy
- Deadvlei – clay pan with gnarled dead trees. This is for me a definite ‘must see’. The tree skeletons, dead marsh and dunes come together to make for a totally unique and mesmerising landscape.
- Hidden Vlei – A small, uncrowded dead marsh with a camel thorn tree skeleton.
- Dune 40 – located 40km inside the park gate
- Sesriem Canyon – a popular hiking trail 4.5 km from the main gate
In summary, please include the Namib Naukluft National Park to your Namibian itinerary. If you are short on time, make sure you include Dune 45, Big Daddy and Deadvlei for the most wonderful experience!