Africa

Sossusvlei & Namib-Naukluft

The vast open spaces of the Namib-Naukluft National Park are filled with a dramatic sea of sand covering thousands of square kilometres. The towering sand dunes are neighboured by vast gravel plains, towering mountain ranges and deep sculptured canyons, all of which contribute to make this one of the most visually spectacular regions in Africa.

The dunes of Sossusvlei, reputed to be the highest in the world, are actually dynamic, meaning that the wind constantly shifts and sculpts them into an ever-changing pattern of crests and shadows.

As the sun rises, so the quartz sand reflects its rich textures and bright hues of deep orange and red and this barren land comes to life with a large variety of wildlife ranging from the gemsbok to the sidewinder adder, the blind golden mole, dune lizards and a host of other fascinating creatures. The temperatures soar during the day, but to climb up these gigantic dunes in the early morning and stare into this spectacular wilderness is guaranteed to stir the soul.

By contrast the Naukluft Mountains which jut out into the desert are home to streams, waterfalls and lush vegetation, making this superb hiking country.

To the south of Sossusvlei lies the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, one of Africa's largest private sanctuaries. The terrain is varied, consisting of huge red sand dunes, sand and gravel plains, grassy valleys and jagged mountains, home to springbok, gemsbok and other desert-adapted creatures.

Our preferred camps and lodges include:

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp
Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge
Kulala Desert Lodge, Kulala Wilderness Camp & Little Kulala
Zebra River Lodge
Bullsport Guest Farm
Wolwedans Dune Camp, Dunes Lodge & Boulders Camp