Desert and dunes, Namibia

Carved by the Tsauchab River through sand and gravel, there are a couple of very pleasant walks through the 1km long canyon. From above, it is hardly noticable, and comes as quite a surpise as you get nearer.

Beautiful sunrise and the world's largest sand dunes. Staying in Sesriem Camp Site, we were able to reach the dunes before the crowds in the morning, meaning that there weren't so many people about. It's well worth getting up early to see the sunrise over the dunes.

As a child, when you thought of the desert, I'm sure you pictured mountains of bright red sand. Namibia has the desert of your dreams. The dunes are high, there is no scrub, and you will not be disappointed with the colour of the sand.

Travellers head to the area of Sessreim in the hope of getting up before sunrise, to enter the Namib Naukluft Park, and capturing a wonderful sunrise over the red dunes of the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world. Sessreim is one of four entrances to the Park, and the most popular starting point for visitors wishing to see the dunes. It is about 65 km from Sossusvlei, the holy grail of dune visitors. The last 5 km can only be travelled in a 4x4 vehicle. Once you reach the last part of the paved road there is a car park, and you can continue in special vehicles for the last part of the journey.

We opted to avoid the crowds (well the other 3 people who joined us in the 4x4 vehicle) and headed off to Dead Vlei rather than to Sossusvlei. Nothing could have prepared us for the view that greeted us as we emerged from the path into the Vlei. The hard white pan in the midst of the desert tells the story of centuries of infrequent flooding from a river whose route has long since changed. The ground is baked hard and reflects the sun’s heat very effectively.

It is huge. I have yet to see the photo that gives the true impression of the size. The only break in the white of the ground, the red of the sand and the blue of the sky is a scattering of dead camelthorn trees. They are extremely photogenic, and indeed, this place is a photographer’s dream.

At the far end from the path you follow from the car park, is one huge dune, Big Daddy, which we climbed (read about that in the sports tips!).

The red dunes of Sossusvlei are one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. They are amongst the oldest and highest sand dunes in the world.

The best time of day to see them is sunrise when the colours are strongest, which is only possible if you have camped at Sesriem or stayed at one of the Kulala Lodges. See the website below for details of accommodation.

Around Sossusvlei, which is rightly a popular place to visit, it is often the case that day trips are scheduled to start very early, so that visitors can get into the park and get up a sand dune to see the sun coming up.
However, it is just as spectacular, with better light and fewer people in the late afternoon.

If you get the chance, go dune walking. A good idea is to set out early in the morning and you can see the mist rising off the sand.

Make sure that you take heaps of water though as its very thirsty work.

These are reputed to be the world's largest sand dunes and are definitely worth a visit.

Geologists say that this desert covering most of the 50,000sq km Namib Naukluft Park, could be the oldest in the world and their curves and crests are a photographers dream

Dune 45 is one of the most accessible of the dunes and is a relatively easy walk to the top where there are wonderful views of the surrounding areas.

Sometimes people use the word, "breathtaking" a little too liberally, not so in Sossusvlei. There were 15 of us travelling together and I think we all gaped in awe as we first caught sight of these amazing orange dunes against the blue, blue sky.

It is a photographer's dream destination, you can also hike up the dunes for a panoramic view. Just safeguard your cameras from the blowing sand.