Namibia, a southern African nation is known all over the world for its high quality diamonds and the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei. In fact, the Sossusvlei is one of the chief reasons why Namibia travel has become so highly popular. The Sossusvlei is basically a shallow depression which cradles the waters of the Tsauchab River and is surrounded by sand dunes that are a part of the mighty deserts of Namibia. The dunes and the clay pan together complete the Sossusvlei and with their red hued and tinted sands, they…
Category: Sossusvlei
The Sossusvlei is perhaps the highest sand dunes in the world. Situated in Namibia, these dunes are as high as 300 meters. The Sossusvlei cover a great expanse of almost 500 square kilometres of the mighty Namib Desert, which is considered to be one of the oldest deserts by many geologists. Literally meaning ‘the gathering place of water’, the Sossusvlei is actually a clay pan which holds rain water to form a lake. This pan retains water for a long time due to the high clay content and this attracts a large crowd from people all over since it is a rare sight.
Specifically speaking, Sossusvlei is only a circular shaped depression filled with water in the heart of the Namib Desert. Also known as the ‘Vlei’ the Afrikaans word for pan, it is the place where the dunes come together, causing the Tsauchab River to stop its course. Most often, the river does not flow this far because it is dry. But a surprise bout of rainfall could turn this dead Vlei into a spectacular lake flanked by ruddy and sparkling dunes. But now, the gigantic dunes are also considered to be a part of the Sossusvlei and the dunes as well as the Vlei come under the area of the Sossusvlei.
The dunes surrounding the pan have an impressive history of formation. It has been said that the residue or sand from the Orange River were carried all the way to the western coast of Africa and deposited into the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The strong currents of the ocean moved this material towards the north and replaced them back on to the land. By this constant re-deposition, dunes began forming on the coast and were shifted further inland by winds. The sand deposited on the windward side makes the dune flat, while the leeward side is considerably steeper. However, the patterns on the dune vary according to the direction and speed of the wind and these dunes have taken a million years to be developed. The Sossusvlei today is ever changing and evolving.
The Sossusvlei may be known for its vast expanse of giant dunes, but what makes them even more impressive is their colour composition. The presence of iron oxides in the sand coupled with innumerable particles of garnet gives the dune its brilliant hue. The shades vary according to the age of the dunes, and the older the dune the brighter the sand’s colour. These varying shades of red are the highlight of the Sossusvlei and they define the stark beauty of the Namib Desert. The dunes do not look the same at different times during the day, as the sun plays on the colour of sand. The Sossusvlei is a hub for several die hard photographers who have captured and immortalised the timeless beauty of the dunes and the Vlei.
The Sossusvlei is a formidable, enormous and stunning region of deposited sand causing the particles to form dunes for thousands of centuries. The dunes that surround the clay pan and the pan itself are the pride of the Namib Desert and are a major tourist attraction.
Where To Stay in Sossusvlei
Budget and luxury hotels, lodges, camps, bed and breakfast establishments, make up Sossusvlei accommodations. Most of them are located near the Sossusvlei and the Sesriem which are the highlights of the Namib Desert. In order to make travel arrangements it is imperative to know exactly what one’s needs and expectations are so that it will be easier to pick one’s accommodation. The region offers a wide range of tourist activities and this aspect too plays an important role in a tourist’s choice of accommodation. There is a healthy balance of…
Sossusvlei Lodge
The Sossusvlei is a sight to behold in any season. The landscape is lush green when there are rains and a kaleidoscope of colours in dry seasons. The sand dunes offer optical illusions with their varied hues of red, orange, pink, mauve and many more. To witness this beauty as well as the Sesriem, the Sossusvlei Lodge is the best place to stay. The Sossusvlei Lodge is located at Sesriem in the region of Southern Namibia in the midst of the Namib Desert. It is built in adobe bricks and…
Camping in Sossusvlei
Camping is one of the traditional ways to experience a desert of Sossusvlei. A gathering of people staying together and sharing a common space in the evenings makes the experience more genuine. Camps are quite common in the Sossusvlei region and they are equipped with the best facilities to make your desert safari more real. Sossusvlei camps have all amenities making the guests stay even more comfortable. Betesda Rest Camp: It is one of the typical Sossusvlei camps with good quality accommodation. People of all age groups including children can…
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
The Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a wonderful retreat for tired minds and souls. Surrounded by the mystic beauty of the Namib Desert, the lodge lets you enjoy its splendour from its lavish and artistic suites. The Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a property nestled in the desert itself, and is flanked by a lush oasis on one side and the formidable dunes on the other. To its south is the NamibRand Natural Reserve, 26 km from the Sesriem. At the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge nature’s elements come alive which is just the…
Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp
The African continent is synonymous with wild terrain, vegetation and fauna and Southern Namibia is known for its great wilderness. The region of Sossusvlei is the chief area teeming with rugged landscapes, rough plants and rare wild animals. To walk amongst nature’s cruelest elements is not a child’s play, so Sossusvlei’s wilderness camps are just the thing for discerning visitors. These camps are nothing but a set of rustic looking huts complete with traditional furniture and modern facilities. The most famous Sossusvlei wilderness camp is the Kulala Wilderness Camp. It…
Sossusvlei Desert Camp
The desert region has its own mysterious charm. Miles and miles of sand and hefty dunes that stretch on into the horizon can be quite intimidating to the newcomers. The Sossusvlei in Southern Namibia is known for its gigantic sand dunes and the ancient river beds. To make this journey as a real as you want it, the Sossusvlei Desert Camp receives visitors to this region and helps them experience the Namib Desert in the best possible way. Desert Camp is Sossusvlei’s most unique camp. With its location in the…
Sesriem Campsite of Sossusvlei
The Sossusvlei is one of the most important landmarks of the deserts of Namibia and is also home to the Sesriem. The best way to enjoy the Sossusvlei is by roughing it out under the sky and the sand around you. Swanky hotels and lodges might give tourists luxury and comfort, but there is nothing like pitching tents at the doorsteps of the Sossusvlei. The Sesriem Campsite is a stone’s throw away from the sand dunes and the Sesriem Canyon. Nature lovers can make the optimum use of the breathtaking…
Sossusvlei Dune Lodge
The Sossusvlei Dune Lodge is the best way to experience the might of the African continent. The first and only lodge to be built in the Namib-Naukluft Park, the Sossusvlei Dune Lodge was opened in the year 2007. Keeping in mind the region it is located in, the lodge was constructed with utmost care. Only environment friendly materials were used to maintain the ecological balance of the park and in order to preserve the fragile flora and fauna thriving in the Namib-Naukluft Park. The accommodation facilities of the lodge are…
Desert Homestead Sossusvlei
The Desert Homestead Sossusvlei is a luxury accommodation of 20 country chalets. It is located more than thirty kilometres southeast of the Sesriem Canyon. It is actually a grassy valley nestled between the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft mountains. The villas are built in a traditional manner, providing a rural African ambience to its guests. Privacy of the guests is of utmost importance, so the chalets are all built a little away from each other. Each chalet is decorated in pale fabrics and the furniture is all in dark wood and…
Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge
The Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge is luxury at its best. It’s not just the luxury of the suites, but also of the amount of space and time you have for yourself. The Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge is a dream come true for those wish for tranquil surroundings and unique activities to recharge their batteries. Guests staying at the Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge can not only lie idle all day, but can also indulge in a myriad of fun activities and excursions offered by the region. The number of the things tourists can do…
The Best Hotels to Stay in Sossusvlei
The Sossusvlei is strategically located in the centre of several towns and hamlets. All the roads in Namibia invariably lead to the Sossusvlei as it is the prime tourist attraction of the region. Therefore Sossusvlei hotels are placed all around the area so that the dunes can be easily accessible from any direction. Most of the accommodation in the region is lodges and cabins, but there are a few guest houses and boutique hotels providing facilities with international standards. All the hotels make it a point to offer tourist activities…