The top destination in the Southern Region is Sossusvlei with its monumental dunes, up to 325 m when measured from
the base. These star-shaped dunes are a sought-after topic for artists and photographers. Formed by strong multi-directional winds, they are at their highest and most spectacular
where the west-flowing Tsauchab River empties itself into the vlei. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from apricot to orange, red and maroon, contrast vividly with the dazzling
white surfaces of the large deflationary clay pans at their bases. When it has rained sufficiently in the interior for the Tsauchab River to come down and fill the main pan, flamingos
and other aquatic birds are drawn to the area.
Lodges in the surroundings for visitors interested in visiting Sossusvlei include the Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, which offers early
morning drives to the vlei, and the Namib-Naukluft Lodge, from where day excursions to Sossusvlei in four- wheel-drive vehicles can be undertaken. A bird's-eye view of the vlei and
its surroundings can be enjoyed from the dizzying heights of a hot-air balloon. A 20- minute drive away from the entrance to Sossusvlei is a new facility, The Desert Homestead and
Horse Trails, which offers 16 rock chalets with sweeping views of the Nubib Mountains.
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) manages a wide variety of campsites in the Namib-Naukluft
Park. One of the most popular of these is at Naukluft, the mountain sanctuary originally created for Hartmann's mountain zebra and subsequently amalgamated with the Namib Desert Park
to form the Namib-Naukluft Park. This campsite in its idyllic and secluded mountain setting is not open for day visitors and bookings for overnight visits must be made well in
advance. Campsites in the Namib section of the park are at Kuiseb Bridge, Mirabib, Homeb, Kriess-se-Rus, Vogelfederberg, Bloedkoppie, Tinkas and Ganab. Please note that these
facilities are basic and visitors making use of them must be completely self-sufficient in terms of fuel, water and food |
