Desert and dunes, Namibia

Enjoy a quad bike ride through the sand dunes led by a guide.
Rides are around 1 hour but longer rides are available.
A guide will lead the way and pace things to suit the level of rider experience.
Great for kids or other rev heads.
These rides do not damage any sensitive areas of sand dunes.

One of the most stunning landscapes in Africa. Check out some of the highest dunes in the world and marvel at the sight as they meet the sea. A unique place worth getting up early to appreciate as the sun comes up.
Some terrific photo opportunities.
The last four kilometres or so need 4 x 4 but there are operators who will take you there at different times of the day. Many lodges in the area also run their own day trips.

The famous highest dunes in the world aren't they stunning? Colours change throughout day best times being sunrise or set as it brings out the strongest contrasts. What's odd about them they do NOT move anymore.

Great orange sand dunes near Sossusvlei.
The red-orange color contrasting with the blue sky and the perfect shapes of these huge sand dunes.
It is possible and relatively easy to climb to the top of the highest dune (300m high, 1 to 1.5 hour max of a tiring hike, preferably in the early morning). The sand is incredibly thin, slipping almost like water. Then rushing downhill is great fun!

Quad-biking in the dunes... Yeah, well, I might have died out there... but it was an incredible experience - to ride in the dunes, with the sun setting and the pink glow all over. (If you squint, you can just about spot the bike on the dune...)

The sand dunes at Sossusvlei are the highest and most spectacular in the Namib. The highest dunes are over 300 metres high!! Note the truck in the picture to get an idea of the size.
Climbing to the top of some of the dunes is tough. The views form the top are more than enough payoff. Coming down first running, then sliding, then tumbling is a complete blast!

Climb the highest Sand Dune, but do not under estimate the climb it is hard labour, but once you reached the top you will be rewarded with a splendid view. Climbing these dunes is as difficult as life itself, it is hard to reach the top.

The Namib and the Sossusvlei:

The Sossusvlei is the end of a river that is never leaving the Namib again. It's a plane area surrounded by the highest dunes of the world. 'Big Papa' is more than 300 m high!
Do not try to climb up if you are not in the best shape! It's much harder than you would believe.

If you stay in the Sossusvlei Karos Lodge you have to drive some 30 min til you reach the 2x4 parking. Don't go further unless you have a 4x4 car.
But doesn't matter the way to the Sossusvlei is worth to walk.
You will see the dunes grow bigger and bigger and finally reach the Sossusvlei which normally is absolutely dry.
When I was there in February 1997 I had the great advantage to see a lake in the Sossusvlei. It was the first time after 25 years!
It had rained a lot the months and weeks before. The water flew down the Sesriem Canyon (pics see travelogue) and found the end of it's way in the middle of the dunes.