Located 65km into the Namib Naukluft National Park the dry mud pan is one of the world’s best locations to watch the sunrise. Many photographers pilgrimage to this place for the rich colour and simplicity of the landscape. The ledges of the tall dunes draw flowing lines between the dark shade, rusty sand and blue sky.
Many of the images associated with Sossusvlei are actually taken at Deadvlei. Skeletons of camel thorn tree stand in parched pale ground with towering dunes in the background. The trees grew during a time when the Tsauchab River filled the pans in the area. Today the trees are dead but the air is too dry for them to decompose. Blackened by the sun over an estimated 900 years the trees of Deadvlei are a situated close to Sossusvlei and definitely worth the detour.
Dune 45 is located 45 kilometres from Sesriem on the way to Sossusvlei. The dune stands up to 170m tall, but a relatively gentle gradient allows visitor to ascend the dune. Dune 45 is a great spot to watch the sun rise before you continue to Sossusvlei.
Located 4km from the settlement of Seriem the homonymous canyon holds the only permanent water source in the area. Carved by the Tsauchab River the canyon is about 30m deep, which according to Afrikaans speaking trekkers equalled six belt lengths – the literal translation of ‘Sesriem’. Using half a dozen of belts the early pioneers hauled their water from the canyon in buckets.
Situated at the junction of the C14 and the C24 Solitaire is a much frequented stopover for visitors to Sossusvlei, the Naukluft Mountains and Walvis Bay. The laid-back settlement of Solitaire provides petrol, tire repair, a post office and a supermarket; all of which can be scarce in this pristine but desolate area.
The rugged mountains to the east of the Namib Desert provide a stark contrast to the flowing red dunes. Among the semi-arid vegetation of the Naukluft Mountains you will find streams and waterfalls as well as a variety of wildlife including mountain zebra, Oryx, springbok, baboons and dassies. The park offers a 4-day hiking trail which can be extended to 8 days and 120km for serious hikers. The 4-day hiking trail covers the easier part of the Naukluft Hiking Trail from the main campsite to the Tsams Ost Shelter covering 58km. The full trail is for experienced hikers only, but the untouched wilderness and awe-inspiring view make this hike one of the most rewarding in the country.
The majority of the Namib Naukluft Park is covered in a sea of red sand. With the horizon covered in towering dunes and overpowering silence everywhere the Namib Desert offers a very basic and calming getaway for photographers and 4×4 enthusiasts.